06 Mar Generator sets: the solution for isolated electrification where the grid does not reach

In many rural areas, farms, agricultural holdings, temporary facilities, or even outdoor events, there is often a situation where there is no possibility of connecting to the electrical grid or doing so is prohibitively expensive. 

In these cases, isolated electrification relies on autonomous solutions capable of guaranteeing 24/7 power, and that is where generator sets become a reliable solution to guarantee the power supply.

In this article we want to explain how an isolated installation works, what role the generator plays and how to correctly design an efficient and long-lasting energy solution, just as we do at Soma GenPower with our isolated electrification clients who need energy in places where the grid does not reach.

What is isolated electrification?

First, we need to clarify what we mean by isolated electrification. This term refers to electrical systems that generate and distribute electricity in locations not connected to a public grid. This can be due to geographical remoteness, terrain topography, or a lack of infrastructure.

In these cases, energy must be generated locally using generator sets, solar systems, or hybrid solutions .

Types of solutions with generator sets in isolated electrification

Systems Based Solely on Generator Sets 

Generator sets convert mechanical energy into electrical energy. In some projects, especially temporary ones or those with highly irregular energy consumption, only one generator set is installed as the primary power source. This is the most straightforward solution.

They are common in construction projects, events, one-off pumping operations, or installations where speed and initial cost are prioritized over long-term fuel and noise.

The positive aspect is that installation is simple and the initial investment is lower than, for example, a photovoltaic system. They can be installed and commissioned relatively quickly, providing an almost instantaneous energy solution. These systems are designed for continuous operation, offering a constant energy supply and providing energy independence. They can be sized to meet diverse power demands, from small residential needs to industrial or community requirements.

The downside is that you’re completely dependent on it functioning correctly over time despite wear and tear, and it requires a significant amount of fuel. However, there are generators that run on diesel, gasoline, natural gas, and even biogas, allowing you to choose the most suitable option based on fuel availability and cost in your area.

Hybrid system: solar + batteries + generator

It’s the most robust solution for many isolated homes and farms: the daily energy is supplied by the photovoltaic array, and the generator only comes in as a backup. It’s the most efficient solution in the medium and long term.

In this system:

• Solar panels generate daily energy
• Batteries store electricity
• The generator acts as an automatic backup. It kicks in when the batteries are low, several days pass without solar energy production, and more power is required than the solar energy being generated.

The generator set guarantees power even if the renewable energy source fails, consumption spikes, or emergencies arise. Furthermore, this combination reduces fuel consumption, emissions, and operating costs. And, with a backup generator, it’s possible to reduce the size of the photovoltaic array and battery bank, avoiding oversizing for the worst days of the year. If consumption changes or the installation is expanded in the future, it’s simpler to adjust the renewable energy output and generator schedule than to redesign the entire system from scratch.

Other

Other options exist, such as using photovoltaics alone or isolated wind power systems, but these depend on sunlight, wind conditions, etc., and lack backup power if they don’t generate enough energy. This is useful for locations where constant, high-demand generation and distribution are not required.

Important considerations

To ensure efficient and sustainable operation of generator sets in isolated electrification systems, it is crucial to consider:

• A preventative maintenance program is essential to extend the equipment’s lifespan and ensure its reliability. We recommend reading our article on generator set maintenance.
• Choosing a generator with the right power output for current and future needs is essential to avoid oversizing (inefficiency) or undersizing (insufficient power). At Soma GenPower, we perform professional sizing to prevent overloads, downtime, excessive energy consumption, and other issues. To ensure accurate sizing, we calculate the necessary power by analyzing the client’s daily energy consumption, which equipment will be operating simultaneously, the potential for start-up surges, and the intended use: continuous, partial, or emergency-only. With this data and our extensive experience, we provide the client with the generator they need.
• Choosing models with high fuel efficiency can significantly reduce operating costs, especially in remote locations where fuel transportation is expensive.
• Consider low-emission options or integrate the generator set into a hybrid system with renewables to minimize the carbon footprint.

Conclusion

In short, generator sets are much more than a simple emergency measure; they are the element that marks the boundary between always having energy available or depending on the weather and consumption habits.

Their reliability, flexibility, and ability to operate in the most challenging conditions make them the ideal solution for bringing energy to places where the electrical grid does not reach, driving progress and improving the lives of millions of people around the world.

Combined with a good photovoltaic installation and a well-sized storage system, it becomes the reliable solution to have light, water, air conditioning and production processes running even if there is no electrical grid for kilometers around.

If you’re considering an off-grid electrification solution, don’t hesitate to explore the options offered by generator sets. They are an investment in energy autonomy and reliability.

At Soma GenPower we design isolated electrification solutions tailored to each project, combining power, efficiency and specialized technical support to ensure supply in any environment.

Get in touch with us and we will study your needs and make a customized proposal to solve your isolated electrification problem.