Power equipment is a significant cost for WA industrial projects. The wrong choice can easily lead to cost overruns, downtime, or underutilised assets, while the right choice means efficient projects and reliable budgeting. The stakes are high, and tight schedules or harsh conditions make them even higher.
Our experts at Silverstone help project managers and procurement teams evaluate whether to rent vs buy power equipment for their projects. We bring extensive on-ground experience and knowledge of the latest equipment to recommend the right solution.
The Rent vs Buy Decision and Why It Matters
The choice between renting and owning power equipment shapes financial stability, operational flexibility, and compliance. Each path influences how a project performs, from budgets to delivery timelines.
Buying requires a significant upfront investment that directs capital away from other priorities. Renting spreads costs into predictable operational expenses, giving project teams more room to allocate funds to labour, materials, or site development.
Project duration plays a critical role. Short-term works often align with rental flexibility, while continuous operations usually benefit from ownership. Ownership brings responsibilities for servicing, safety compliance, and spare parts. Rental agreements typically include these services, easing the pressure on internal teams.
Benefits of Power Rental
Renting suits projects facing uncertainty, seasonality, or rapid mobilisation. Key advantages include:
- Lower upfront costs: Renting removes the burden of a major capital outlay, helping projects preserve liquidity and reduce financial risk.
- Flexibility to scale: As demand changes, rental fleets can be expanded, downsized, or swapped for different capacities.
- Rapid deployment for urgent needs: When shutdowns or emergency projects arise, rental providers deliver equipment fast without long procurement lead times.
- Maintenance and support: Most rental agreements include servicing and 24/7 technical support, reducing downtime risks.
Benefits of Buying Power Equipment
For companies with consistent, long-term demand, ownership often makes more sense.
- Long-term cost savings for continuous use: If equipment runs daily over many years, ownership usually works out cheaper than ongoing rental fees.
- Full customisation and control: Owned assets can be tailored to your exact specifications and integrated into long-term project planning.
- Asset ownership and depreciation value: Power systems become assets on the balance sheet, with depreciation benefits and residual resale value.
- No dependency on availability: Ownership removes reliance on the rental market, where high demand can lead to shortages or delays.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Factor | Renting | Buying |
| Upfront investment | Minimal | High capital outlay |
| Ongoing operational costs | Predictable monthly fees | Fuel, servicing, and spare parts |
| Maintenance responsibilities | Handled by the rental provider | Owner responsibility |
| Downtime risk | Lower, due to the included support | Higher if in-house support is limited |
| Flexibility and scalability | High—easy to upsize/return | Limited once purchased |
At Silverstone, we help you evaluate the best approach for your project. Our team provides cost-benefit assessments tailored to your needs, factoring in duration, fuel, maintenance, and downtime risks. We use real WA market data to help you see the true costs before making a decision.
WA Industry Insights and Factors to Consider for Your Project
In Western Australia, mining and infrastructure projects continue to drive demand for reliable power. The state has more than 130 major mining projects, with around A$48 billion worth of work either committed or under construction in 2025. This mix of long-term expansions and short shutdowns shapes how companies approach equipment use.
We often recommend rentals for temporary mining operations like shutdowns or peak-period capacity expansion. This helps to manage throughput while avoiding assets gathering dust in quieter periods. For ongoing operations, however, ownership is usually a better choice as consistent use offsets the upfront cost.
It’s a similar story in other industries, too. For example, construction companies often seek equipment hire solutions for temporary site power, utilities typically hire power systems during grid maintenance, and contractors in Perth might look for power rental when they can’t access a steady supply.
Read more: Diesel vs. Hybrid Power Systems: Which Is Right for Your Project?
How Silverstone Helps You Decide in Four Steps
Silverstone has decades of experience delivering power solutions for WA mining projects. Our team helps clients in the resources sector choose between renting and buying with a clear, step-by-step approach.
Step 1: Needs Assessment
We analyse your project scope, duration, and budget to identify whether renting or owning is the smarter fit.
Step 2: Cost Modelling
Our specialists provide financial models based on real WA mining industry data, comparing long-term ownership with options for equipment hire in Perth.
Step 3: Flexible Rental Support
We offer rapid mobilisation, flexible terms, and 24/7 maintenance that reduce the operational burden of short-term rentals.
Step 4: End-to-End Ownership Solutions
For permanent systems, we design, install, and maintain equipment across its full lifecycle to maximise asset value.
Turning Power Choices into Project Wins
The decision to rent vs buy power equipment can shape project success. Renting offers flexibility and reduced risk, while buying delivers control and cost savings, with assets that retain resale value. The best option depends on your project’s timeline, budget, and operational needs.
Silverstone supports clients in the WA mining and resources sector with both rental and permanent power solutions. For tailored cost analysis and expert guidance, contact our head office on 08 6365 5416 or email info@sstone.com.au. We’ll ensure your project runs on time, on budget, and with reliable power from start to finish.