Primary Power Source
Primary Power Source | Generators | Electrical | Delano
Power is at the heart of every thriving community, and in Delano, HEP keeps the lights on with rugged, high-efficiency generators engineered for the Central Valley’s unique demands. From critical backup during outages to continuous duty on construction sites, our units deliver steady voltage, lower emissions, and smart monitoring that lets you track performance from any device. Each system is matched to your load profile and installed by certified technicians who understand the stakes—whether you’re protecting a family home, a medical facility, or an entire agricultural operation.
What sets HEP apart is a commitment to turnkey support long after the first start-up. Preventive maintenance plans, rapid-response service trucks, and a well-stocked local parts inventory mean less downtime and more peace of mind. Discover how a purpose-built power strategy can shield your business from grid instability and position you for growth in Delano’s dynamic economy.
FAQs
How do I determine what size generator I need for my facility in Delano?
Begin by listing every load the generator must support (lighting, HVAC, production lines, computers, pumps, etc.) and recording both the running wattage and the higher starting (in-rush) wattage of motors. Add the running watts together, then add the largest single starting wattage, and apply a 20-25 % safety margin for future expansion. In many Delano commercial sites this results in units between 50 kW and 250 kW, but agricultural operations on the outskirts may require 500 kW or more. Our engineers will perform a free on-site load study with a clamp meter and data logger to capture real-world demand profiles before recommending a unit, ensuring compliance with California Energy Code (Title 24) and the local utility’s interconnection rules.
What fuel options are available for primary power generators and which is best for Delano?
Primary generators typically run on diesel, natural gas, or propane. Diesel offers the highest power density and is easy to store on-site, making it popular for farms and remote facilities north of town where gas lines are unavailable. Natural gas burns cleaner, costs less per kWh, and eliminates refueling stops, which suits urban commercial buildings tied into Southern California Gas Company’s network. Propane is a good middle ground when you want cleaner emissions than diesel but lack a gas main. In Delano’s Central Valley climate, all three perform well; selection usually boils down to fuel availability, run-time requirements, and emissions targets (e.g., meeting the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District’s stationary engine limits). Our consultants will run a life-cycle cost comparison to help you choose.
How often should a primary generator be serviced and what does maintenance involve?
For prime-power applications (running more than 500 hours a year), manufacturers such as Cummins and Caterpillar recommend service every 250 hours or 6 months, whichever comes first. A typical visit includes oil and filter changes, coolant and fuel filter replacement, belt inspection, battery load test, and control panel firmware updates. Annual tasks add a full fluid analysis, valve lash adjustment, alternator insulation test, and a 2-hour load-bank exercise to burn off wet-stacking. Because Delano’s summer dust can clog air filters faster, we inspect filtration monthly during the May–September harvest season. All work is logged to comply with warranty terms and CARB (California Air Resources Board) regulations.
Are permits or inspections required to install a generator in Delano, and who handles them?
Yes. Kern County Building & Safety requires an electrical permit and, for units above 50 HP, an air quality permit from the San Joaquin Valley APCD. If you connect to a gas main, Southern California Gas also reviews the service upgrade. After installation, a county inspector verifies anchorage, conductor sizing, grounding, and automatic transfer switch wiring before issuing final approval. Our team manages the entire process—drawing submittals, load calculations, site plans, and scheduling inspections—so you stay code-compliant without the paperwork headache.
How long can a generator safely run as a primary power source?
Modern industrial generators are engineered for continuous duty (ISO-8528 prime rating) and can run 24/7 provided they receive scheduled maintenance and operate within 80 % of rated load. Fuel supply becomes the real limiter: a 150 kW diesel unit at 75 % load consumes about 9 gal/hr, so a 2,000-gal double-wall tank provides roughly 9 days of autonomy. Natural-gas models can run indefinitely as long as line pressure stays within spec. Remote monitoring of oil pressure, coolant temperature, and exhaust is recommended for any runtime exceeding 500 consecutive hours. We offer cellular and satellite telemetry packages that alert you—and us—if parameters drift outside safe limits.
What is the typical installation timeline and cost range for a commercial generator in Delano?
Lead time depends on size and fuel type. Stock diesel units up to 200 kW can be delivered in 2–3 weeks; larger or natural-gas models often take 10–16 weeks due to custom enclosures and CARB-certified spark-ignited engines. While we wait for the unit, we complete design, trenching, and concrete pad work so installation wraps up within 5 days of arrival. Budget figures (turn-key, including ATS and permits): 50 kW – $45–60 k, 100 kW – $70–90 k, 250 kW – $130–160 k, 500 kW – $220–280 k. Agricultural packages may add extra fuel storage or weatherproof walk-in enclosures. We provide a fixed quote after the site survey so there are no surprises.