Diesel

• Advantages:
  • Least flammable fuel source
  • Easily obtained
  • On site fuel delivery available
  • The fuel-efficiency alone is a good reason to use diesel fuel
  • Diesel engines are built to last
  • Diesel generator engines are built to produce their rated output for years on end
  • Diesel generator engines run at 1800 RPM's which is half the RPM's of the leading propane and NG engines
• Disadvantages:
  • With Diesel fuel, you must place anti-algae and anti-sludge conditioners in diesel tanks twice a year (changing up your brands every six months)
  • However, if you have a competent generator maintenance company, they will include this in their Maintenance Agreement

Propane

• Advantages:
  • Long shelf life
  • Clean burning
  • Easily stored in both large tanks or in smaller 5 - 10 gallon cylinders
  • Obtainable during power outages - gas stations may be unable to pump fuel during an area wide outage
  • Home delivery available for larger tanks
• Disadvantages:
  • Pressurized cylinder of flammable gas
  • Fuel system is more complicated (increased possibility of failure)
  • Larger tanks are not aesthetically pleasing (unsightly)
  • Fuel system plumbing results in higher installation cost
  • Somewhat Expensive ($3.30 to $3.50 a gallon)

Natural Gas

• Advantages:
  • Unlimited fuel source - refueling not necessary
  • Clean burning
  • Available during power outages
• Disadvantages:
  • May be unavailable during natural disasters (earthquakes, etc)
  • Lower power output (30% less BTU's per unit than gasoline)
  • Larger tanks are not aesthetically pleasing (unsightly)
  • Fuel system plumbing results in higher installation cost
  • Not available in many areas