A 30 kVA generator delivers approximately 24 kW of usable power — enough to run a restaurant or filling station with kitchen, pumps and canopy lighting. At 75% load it consumes roughly 5.8 litres of diesel per hour. In South Africa a 30 kVA silent diesel generator typically costs between R88 000 and R125 000 excluding VAT and installation.
Pricing verified August 2026
Compare full specifications for matching models in the catalogue: 30 kVA Single Phase Silent Diesel Generator, 30 kVA Three Phase Silent Diesel Generator, 30 kVA Three Phase Open Frame Diesel Generator, 30 kVA Three Phase Trailer Mounted Diesel Generator, 27 kVA Single Phase Silent Diesel Generator, 25 kVA Single Phase Silent Diesel Generator, 35 kVA Single Phase Silent Diesel Generator and 25 kVA Three Phase Silent Diesel Generator.
Not sure this is the right size? Try our generator sizing calculator, agriculture and irrigation power solutions and retail and shopping centres power solutions.
A 30 kVA set most often falls into these ranges: diesel generators, single phase generators and three phase generators.
Guides that reference 30 kVA sizing: How to Size a Generator for Your Business, Generator vs Inverter vs Solar: Choosing Backup Power and Generator Noise Levels Explained.
What a 30 kVA generator will run
Running cost at 30 kVA
Available 30 kVA generators
Every 30 kVA unit currently in the range, compared side by side.
| Model | Engine | Prime | Standby | Phase | Fuel @75% | Noise | Weight | Price excl. VAT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AGP 30 FAW Silent | FAW DEUTZ 30 | 30 kVA | 33 kVA | Three | 5.8 l/h | 68 dB | 780 kg | R98 500 |
| AGP 30 Perkins Silent | Perkins 1103A-33G | 30 kVA | 33 kVA | Three | 5.6 l/h | 67 dB | 820 kg | R118 500 |
| AGP 30 Cummins Silent | Cummins 4B3.9 | 30 kVA | 33 kVA | Three | 5.7 l/h | 68 dB | 850 kg | R122 000 |
| AGP 30 SDEC Silent | SDEC 4B30 | 30 kVA | 33 kVA | Three | 5.9 l/h | 69 dB | 760 kg | R94 500 |
Is 30 kVA the right size?
Thirty kVA is a workhorse for hospitality and fuel retail. Motor-heavy kitchens and multi-pump forecourts should still be load-surveyed — soft starters free headroom.
30 kVA generator FAQs
Three-phase silent 30 kVA diesels typically sell between R88,000 and R125,000 excl. VAT. FAW and SDEC lead on value; Perkins and Cummins command a premium.
Roughly 5.8 L/h at 75% load, about R136/h at R23.50/L.
About 24 kW — restaurants, filling stations and small commercial boards with mixed lighting, HVAC and process loads.
Almost always three-phase 400 V in commercial supply. Single-phase 30 kVA exists but is uncommon for new installs.
Reinforced pad, canopy clearances, bunded tank options, AMF/ATS, earthing and SANS 10142-1 commissioning with CoC.
Many full-service kitchens yes if diversity is managed; all-electric high-end kitchens with multiple ovens may need 40–60 kVA.