Ontario’s greenhouse industry is booming, Especially in the Leamington corridor where year-round vegetable production has made the region a leader in North American agriculture. But powering a modern greenhouse is no small feat. These facilities rely on uninterrupted electricity to manage climate, lighting, irrigation, and automation systems.
Even a short power outage can damage crops, disrupt harvests, and lead to significant financial losses. That’s why more growers are investing in greenhouse standby generators to protect their operations and reduce energy costs.
Why Backup Power Is Critical for Ontario Greenhouses
Greenhouses depend on stable environmental conditions to ensure healthy plant growth. Systems like ventilation, humidity control, lighting, and heating all require electricity. When power is lost, even briefly, it can:
- Interrupt climate regulation
- Spoil harvest-ready produce
- Damage sensitive automation equipment
- Compromise plant development
In high-output areas like Leamington, where greenhouses operate 24/7 across large footprints, a single utility disruption can affect acres of crops. That’s why many growers are installing backup power for greenhouses as part of their long-term energy strategy.
What Size Generator Does a Greenhouse Need?
Choosing the right generator size depends on your facility’s scale and the systems you need to support during an outage. At T&T Power Group, we commonly install generators in the following sizes:
- 600 kW – Ideal for small to mid-sized greenhouses
- 800 kW – Suitable for moderate operations with partial lighting and HVAC
- 1 MW to 2 MW – Required for large facilities with full lighting, CO₂ enrichment, and climate control
Fuel Type Matters: Diesel vs. Natural Gas
Fuel selection is another key factor. Here’s how the two main options compare:
| Fuel Type | Best For | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Diesel | Short runtimes, remote locations | Easy installation, high power density |
| Natural Gas | Long runtimes, urban infrastructure | Lower emissions, cost-effective operation |
Choosing the right fuel type involves more than load calculations. You’ll need to consider:
- Startup surges
- Redundancy requirements
- Noise attenuation
- Electrical integration
That’s why we recommend involving an experienced partner early in the planning process.
Our Go-To Solution for Large Greenhouses: Guascor Engines
For greenhouse operators needing systems of 1 MW or more, we often recommend Guascor engines. Formerly branded under Siemens, Guascor is a global leader in high-performance gas engine technology.
Why Guascor?
- Exceptional fuel efficiency and uptime
- Long operating life and strong ROI
- Low emissions to support sustainability goals
- Reliable performance under continuous or heavy-duty standby use
We’ve installed multiple 2 MW Guascor generator systems across the Leamington corridor. These units have proven their ability to handle sustained loads in automation-heavy environments.
If your operation needs a scalable, robust power solution, Guascor is a name you can trust (and one we proudly support).
How Ontario’s Global Adjustment Program Helps Greenhouses Save
Installing a standby generator isn’t just about protection, it can also help reduce electricity costs through Ontario’s Global Adjustment (GA) program.
What Is the Global Adjustment Program?
The GA is a charge that large energy users pay to help fund Ontario’s electricity system. If your facility qualifies as a Class A consumer (typically with 1 MW+ of peak demand), you can reduce your GA fees by lowering your grid usage during the province’s five annual peak hours.
How Generators Help Lower GA Fees
By switching to your generator during peak times (usually during extreme summer heat) you reduce your peak demand contribution. This can result in:
- $200,000 to $500,000 per year in savings per MW shaved
For many growers, these savings help offset the cost of their generator system.
Do All Greenhouses Qualify for GA Savings?
Not necessarily. If your power demand is low during summer, your contribution to peak hours may be minimal. In that case, your GA charges are already lower, and savings from mitigation will be limited.
Still, even without GA savings, the operational value of backup power remains essential.
Leamington Greenhouses Face Unique Energy Challenges
Greenhouses in the Leamington corridor are growing rapidly, but that growth is putting serious pressure on local electrical infrastructure. Many growers are encountering utility capacity limits, delays in connection approvals, and restrictions that make it difficult to expand their operations.
In these situations, installing a standby generator is not just a precaution. It can be a critical requirement for moving forward with new projects or scaling production.
Generators also offer energy independence during grid outages caused by storms, equipment failures, or planned utility maintenance. They are especially valuable during high-demand periods when load restrictions or brownouts can disrupt operations.
One commercial greenhouse in Leamington faced these exact challenges and turned to cogeneration to solve them. By installing a natural gas-powered system that produces both electricity and heat on-site, they secured a reliable energy supply and reduced their dependence on the grid.
You can read this full story here: 👉 https://www.ttpowergroup.com/blog/power-generation-2/how-a-greenhouse-in-leamington-overcame-the-electricity-shortage-using-cogeneration-11.
Why Work with T&T Power Group?
We’ve partnered with greenhouse operators across Ontario to deliver:
- Generator sizing and energy strategy consultations
- Turnkey installation and electrical integration
- Fuel selection guidance (natural gas vs. diesel)
- Permitting and noise compliance
- 24/7 remote monitoring and on-site service
Our technicians understand the unique challenges greenhouses face. We’ve built our maintenance programs around uptime, reliability, and fast response.
From 600 kW diesel units to 2 MW Guascor-powered systems, we design and deliver backup power tailored to your crop, infrastructure, and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the best generator for a greenhouse in Ontario?
The best generator depends on your facility’s size and energy needs. For small to mid-sized operations, a 600–800 kW unit may suffice. Larger greenhouses often require 1–2 MW systems, especially if they use full lighting and HVAC.
Can I reduce my electricity bill with a generator?
Yes, if your greenhouse qualifies as a Class A consumer under Ontario’s Global Adjustment program. By switching to generator power during peak hours, you can significantly reduce your GA charges.
Do I need a permit to install a generator in Ontario?
Yes. Generator installations typically require electrical permits, noise compliance documentation, and sometimes environmental approvals. T&T Power Group handles all permitting as part of our turnkey service.
Are natural gas generators better than diesel for greenhouses?
Natural gas generators are ideal for longer runtimes and lower emissions. Diesel units are better suited for short-term use and remote locations. We help clients choose the best option based on their infrastructure and goals.
What's the lifespan of a standby generator?
With proper maintenance, industrial standby generators can last 20–30 years. Guascor engines, in particular, offer long operating life and excellent ROI.
Ready to Talk Power Security and Savings?
Whether you’re exploring natural gas generator options for expansion, looking to reduce energy costs through Global Adjustment mitigation, or simply want to protect your crop year-round, we’re ready to help.
Contact us to schedule a site review or learn how your greenhouse could benefit from a properly engineered standby generator system.