To find affordable land, large commercial projects–like this Amazon warehouse–are building in less-developed areas, which frequently lack access to infrastructure for natural gas and grid power. This presents a challenge for construction crews with power-hungry equipment.

Traditionally fueled by diesel engines, mobile jobsite generators supply the power crews need to get the job done. As propane’s benefits become more well known, though, a growing number of construction companies are turning to mobile generators powered by this alternative energy source.

For commercial construction projects, propane generators provide the capabilities that construction crews need, while offering operational benefits like better cost and reduced environmental impact.

Propane is a portable energy source

Propane can provide a dependable, resilient energy solution for crews, no matter where a project is located. Because the energy source is portable and independent from the grid, crews never have to worry about bringing in an alternative power source for electrical equipment. They can simply bring a propane unit to the jobsite, fire it up and get straight to work.

One major convenience is a longer runtime thanks to the propane generators’ ability to run off an onboard tank or a larger external tank. For crews with a large propane tank on-site, they can work with their local propane supplier to set up on-site refueling. With this convenient refueling option, propane companies remotely monitor the amount of gas in the tank and automatically supply refills—saving construction companies time and effort.

Propane supports a better bottom line

Statistically, 85% of construction projects overrun their budgets, which is why it’s important for companies to reduce and control costs where they can. One simple and effective way to better their bottom lines is to use a budget-friendly energy source to power equipment day in and day out.

Propane can offer significant energy savings, as well as reduced maintenance and fuel costs. This is especially true as the cost of diesel continues to rise and using and maintaining diesel products is expected to rise even further as the market transitions to the EPA’s tougher Tier 4 emissions standards. Notably, a diesel generator that complies with Tier 4 regulations that limit nitrogen oxide and particulate matter emissions costs about 50% more than a propane unit.

And given that jobsite generators typically run full time, rather than on standby, the cost savings of operating propane over diesel can add up quickly. Additionally, construction companies frequently have access to lower-priced propane because of their large demands for fuel.

Propane offers clean environmental performance

Propane provides a greener, more sustainable alternative to diesel, which is great for projects keeping an eye on their carbon footprint or located in areas with emissions regulations.

Propane is recognized as a clean alternative fuel under the Clean Air Act, helping to maintain healthy air quality for crews working around the energy source all day. Despite Tier 4 regulations, diesel generators can still create a smelly exhaust that leads to unpleasant jobsite conditions, whereas cleaner-burning propane units don’t smell or create soot.

Propane offers versatile jobsite energy

Another perk of propane that makes it particularly well-suited for construction sites is its versatility. For example, mobile propane generators pair well with temporary construction heat and, on large sites, the generators and temporary heaters can run off the same propane supply while the generators provide the electrical power required by the heaters. Propane generators can also supply power for large, corded power tools or recharge batteries for smaller handheld tools. Additionally, propane can power equipment used for material handling, concrete work and transporting crews.