What Is an Industrial Generator Set? Everything You Need to Know About Industrial Backup Power Solutions
When the power goes out, businesses can’t afford to sit in the dark. That’s where industrial generator sets — also known as industrial gensets, backup generators, or prime power systems — come in. These machines are the backbone of power resilience, providing uninterrupted electricity to critical facilities across the country.
Whether you’re new to the world of industrial power generation, or simply need a refresher before choosing the right solution for your operation, this guide will break it all down in simple terms.
At American Energy Solutions (AES, Inc.), we supply, support, and service high-performance industrial generator systems for a wide range of industries — including data centers, cannabis cultivation, disaster relief, dairies, aggregate plants, and remote operations.
Let’s dive into what makes an industrial generator set such a vital investment — and how AES can help you select the right power system with confidence.
⚙️ What Is an Industrial Generator Set?
An industrial generator set (genset) is a self-contained power generation system designed to provide backup, emergency, or continuous power to industrial and commercial facilities.
A genset includes:
An engine (usually diesel or natural gas-powered)
An alternator that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy
A fuel system for continuous operation
A control panel to manage performance and automation
Cooling and exhaust systems for safety and efficiency
A frame and base that holds it all together — often skid-mounted or trailer-mounted for mobility
Industrial generators are built for durability and high power output, ranging from 20kW to 4000kW or more, and are used in applications where failure is not an option.
🏭 What Are Industrial Generators Used For?
Businesses and facilities across nearly every sector rely on industrial backup generators to keep operations running during power outages, grid failures, or in areas without utility access.
Industries served by AES include:
🔌 Data Centers: Uptime is critical — even milliseconds of power loss can cause outages.
🌱 Cannabis Industry: Lights, HVAC, and security systems must stay powered to avoid crop loss.
🧱 Aggregate & Mining: Remote job sites need prime power generators to operate 24/7.
🚜 Dairies & Food Production: Temperature-controlled systems rely on constant power.
🆘 Disaster Relief Operations: Fast-deploy generators restore power after hurricanes, wildfires, or storms.
🛠️ Construction & Remote Sites: Portable generators provide continuous power in off-grid areas.
🏢 Commercial Buildings: Emergency power for elevators, lighting, HVAC, and safety systems.
At AES, we help clients select the right genset size, fuel type, and emissions compliance level based on industry-specific power demands.
🔋 Types of Industrial Generator Applications
Industrial gensets are categorized based on how they’re used:
1. Standby Generators (Emergency Backup)
Only run during power outages
Automatically start within seconds of utility loss
Ideal for data centers, medical facilities, and commercial buildings
2. Prime Power Generators
Provide continuous power where utility power isn’t available
Run for extended periods
Common for remote mining sites, oil fields, and temporary installations
3. Mobile Generator Sets
Trailer-mounted or skid-mounted
Designed for rental fleets, construction, or emergency response
AES has an extensive fleet of mobile Caterpillar generator sets from 100kW to 2000kW
⛽ Fuel Types: Diesel vs. Natural Gas Generators
Diesel Generators:
Most common in industrial settings
Known for durability, fuel efficiency, and long engine life
Available in Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 Final emissions compliant models
Great for high-power and remote applications
Natural Gas Generators:
Lower emissions and quieter operation
Often preferred for urban environments or where natural gas supply is available
Easier emissions permitting for some regions
AES stocks diesel, natural gas, and dual-fuel generators from top manufacturers including Caterpillar, Cummins, Generac, and MTU.
📏 How to Size an Industrial Generator Set
Proper sizing is crucial to ensure your generator can handle startup surges, continuous load, and future expansion. Key considerations include:
Total kW demand of your critical equipment
Startup surge (kVA) requirements for motors and compressors
Single-phase vs. three-phase power needs
Fuel type availability and permitting
Load factor and runtime expectations
AES provides a free generator sizing consultation to help you select the right-sized genset for your operation.
🔧 Maintenance & Support: Keeping Your Generator Running Strong
Owning a generator is only half the battle. Maintaining it is what guarantees uptime, compliance, and performance. That’s why we offer:
Preventive maintenance plans
Load bank testing
Fuel polishing services
Remote monitoring systems
24/7 emergency support
AES technicians specialize in servicing Caterpillar, Cummins, MTU, Kohler, Generac, and more — keeping your power system ready at all times.
🔍 Why Buy Your Industrial Generator Set from American Energy Solutions?
At AES, Inc., we’re proud to be a trusted source for:
✅ High-quality used and new industrial generator sets from 20kW to 4000kW
✅ Expert assistance with sizing, compliance, permitting, and installation
✅ Deep inventory of Caterpillar Tier 4 mobile generators, CARB-compliant units, and natural gas solutions
✅ Industry-specific knowledge — we know what works best for your application
✅ Flexible solutions — purchase, rent, or lease with fast delivery nationwide
When you need reliable backup power or prime power solutions, AES delivers unmatched value, service, and peace of mind.
⚡ Get the Right Generator Set — With Confidence
Whether you’re protecting your business from outages, powering a remote site, or preparing for the next emergency, an industrial generator set is your first line of defense.
Let American Energy Solutions help you select the ideal power system, maintain it for long-term reliability, and keep your operations running no matter what.
📞 Contact AES Today for a Free Power Consultation
Ready to power up? Reach out to our expert team at American Energy Solutions to discuss your generator needs, get a quote, or request a site evaluation.
🔗 Visit www.americanenergysolutions.com
📞 Call now to speak to a generator expert
📩 Or email us for immediate assistance
American Energy Solutions — The Industry’s Trusted Source for Industrial Backup and Prime Power Generator Sets.