Volvo Penta Generator Sets — FAQ

Question 1

What power range of Volvo Penta generator sets do you supply?

Accepted Answer

We supply Volvo Penta sets from 80 kW to 550 kW, covering 16 models. Tell us the standby kVA, the site voltage and the enclosure type and we will point you at the right frame instead of the nearest catalogue page.

Question 2

Which Volvo Penta power bands are available, and how do they differ?

Accepted Answer

The range is organised into 3 bands: Small Industrial (80-200 kW), Medium Industrial (200-350 kW) and Large Industrial (350-550 kW). Bands are split by duty, not by marketing — a set in the lower band is usually an open-skid standby unit, while the upper bands move to larger displacement engines, turbocharging and heavier frames. Compare frames inside a band before stepping up.

Question 3

What is the smallest and largest Volvo Penta set you build?

Accepted Answer

The smallest frame starts at 80 kW and the largest at 550 kW. The small end is normally a naturally aspirated 1500 rpm unit for standby duty; the top of the range runs a larger displacement engine at the same speed, so the footprint and weight grow with output. Both ends are built to the same test procedure.

Question 4

What voltages and frequencies can a Volvo Penta set be built for?

Accepted Answer

Standard build options are 220V/380V/440V/480V, 3-Phase, 50/60Hz (Reconnectable). The voltage/frequency pair is fixed at order stage because it decides the alternator winding and the engine speed — a 50 Hz set runs at 1500 rpm and a 60 Hz set at 1800 rpm, so the two cannot be converted after build. Non-standard voltages are quoted after we confirm the winding.

Question 5

What enclosure or mounting options are available for Volvo Penta sets?

Accepted Answer

Build options are open/Skid Mounted. Open skid suits a permanent plant room with its own ventilation and exhaust route. A soundproofed canopy is the usual choice where the set sits near people, and a container or trailer build is used when the set has to move between sites. Each option changes the footprint, weight and noise figure, so confirm it before the order is placed.

Question 6

Where are the Volvo Penta engines made, and does that affect lead time?

Accepted Answer

The engine is built by Volvo Penta in its own plant and shipped to us as a complete unit; we build the genset around it — coupling, baseframe, enclosure, control panel and load bank test. Engine lead time therefore drives the schedule, which is why we confirm the engine model in writing before the deposit is taken.

Question 7

Are Volvo Penta generator sets load bank tested before shipment?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every set is load bank tested at the factory before packing, and the test record travels with the shipping documents. Ask for the test sheet for your serial number if you need it for a commissioning file — we keep them on record.

Question 8

What warranty is included with a Volvo Penta generator set?

Accepted Answer

2 years or 2,000 running hours, whichever comes first, with international coverage. Wear items — filters, belts, gaskets — are excluded. Keep the load bank test record and the commissioning log; both are asked for if a claim is ever raised.

Question 9

How long is the lead time for a Volvo Penta set?

Accepted Answer

Around 20-30 days for units up to 1000 kW and 30-45 days above 1000 kW, counted from deposit and drawing approval. Special enclosures, non-standard voltages and marine classification add time. Get the date in writing before you plan site works around it.

Question 10

Can you supply Volvo Penta sets for both 50 Hz and 60 Hz markets?

Accepted Answer

Yes — both are available. The choice is locked at order stage because it sets the alternator winding and the engine speed (1500 rpm at 50 Hz, 1800 rpm at 60 Hz). A set built for one cannot be converted to the other by changing a setting.

Question 11

How do I get a firm price for a Volvo Penta generator set?

Accepted Answer

Send the standby kVA or kW, the site voltage and frequency, the enclosure type and the destination port. We reply within one working day with the exact engine model, alternator, controller and a CIF price — no catalogue guesswork and no placeholder figures.

Question 12

What is the difference between prime and standby rating on a Volvo Penta set?

Accepted Answer

Standby rating is the output the set can carry for the duration of a mains failure, with limited hours per year. Prime rating is the continuous output it can hold indefinitely with a 10% overload for one hour in twelve. Size on the rating that matches how the set will actually run — buying on standby figures for continuous duty is the most common sizing error we see.

Question 13

Can two Volvo Penta sets be paralleled for extra capacity or redundancy?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with the right controller and switchgear. Two sets can run in parallel for capacity, or in duty/standby so one carries the load and the other picks up if it fails. Paralleling needs matching voltage, frequency and phase sequence, plus a synchronising controller — tell us the target configuration and we will quote the panel with the sets.

Question 14

Does a Volvo Penta set come with an automatic transfer switch?

Accepted Answer

The ATS is quoted separately because its rating depends on the site load, not the set. An ATS senses the mains, starts the set and transfers the load, then reverses the sequence when mains returns. Give us the site's total load and the number of phases and we will size it with the set.

Question 15

What fuel does a Volvo Penta generator set run on?

Accepted Answer

Standard automotive or industrial diesel, to the sulphur grade your market allows. The fuel system is bled and the set is run on load before shipment, so it arrives ready to start. For sites with long idle periods, ask about tank sizing or fuel polishing — stale diesel is the most common no-start cause we deal with.

Question 16

How noisy is a Volvo Penta generator set, and can it be made quieter?

Accepted Answer

Open sets are typically 95-105 dB(A) at 1 m depending on frame size; a soundproofed canopy brings that down to around 65-75 dB(A) at 7 m. The exact figure for each model is listed in the specification table on this page. If the site has a noise limit, tell us the limit and the distance and we will quote the enclosure that meets it rather than the standard canopy.

Question 17

Does a Volvo Penta set need derating at altitude or in high ambient temperature?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Output falls roughly 1% per 100 m above 1000 m, and ambient above 40 °C costs about 2-3% per 5 °C. Ratings on this page assume 1000 m and 40 °C unless stated otherwise. If your site is above either figure, send the conditions and we will quote the next frame up rather than let the set run over its derated capacity.

Question 18

Can a Volvo Penta set be supplied as a silent canopy, container or trailer unit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The same engine and alternator go into any of these builds; what changes is the enclosure, the baseframe, the fuel tank and the access layout. Container builds suit remote sites and temporary power; trailer builds suit rental and events. Confirm the build before the order — retrofitting an enclosure afterwards costs more than specifying it up front.

Question 19

Can a Volvo Penta set run in parallel with the grid or with solar?

Accepted Answer

Grid-parallel and solar-hybrid operation are possible with a suitable controller and protection relay, but they are engineered projects rather than catalogue items. Send the single-line diagram and the local grid code and we will tell you what the set needs — the generator itself is the same, the switchgear and controls are what change.

Question 20

How do I get spare parts for a Volvo Penta set?

Accepted Answer

Consumables — filters, belts, gaskets — are stock items and ship in days. Major components such as injection pumps, turbochargers and control boards are ordered against the engine serial number, so keep the serial plate photograph with your records. Give us the serial and we will quote the exact part rather than an equivalent.

Question 21

What documentation comes with a Volvo Penta generator set?

Accepted Answer

The shipping set includes the operation and maintenance manual, the wiring diagram, the load bank test record and the engine maker's own documentation. CE marking is supported by the manufacturing plant's Declaration of Conformity, supplied with the shipping documents for applicable products. If your project needs a specific certificate pack, tell us before the order so it ships complete.

Question 22

What are the payment terms for a Volvo Penta set?

Accepted Answer

Export orders are 30% deposit with the balance before shipment. We do not offer open account terms or post-shipment letters of credit. The deposit fixes the engine booking, which is why the lead time starts from the day it clears.

Question 23

Where is a Volvo Penta generator set manufactured?

Accepted Answer

The engine is built by Volvo Penta in its own factory. The genset — coupling, baseframe, enclosure, control panel and testing — is assembled at our plant in Dongguan, China, and every unit is load bank tested there before shipment. Origin on the commercial invoice is China.

Volvo Penta Diesel Generators & Genset Sets

POWER RANGES

Small Industrial (7)

Medium Industrial (6)

Large Industrial (5)

VOLVO Small Industrial 80-200kW Range

80-200kW VOLVO Diesel Generator Set

VOLVO Medium Industrial 220-350kW Range

220-350kW VOLVO Diesel Generator Set

VOLVO Large Industrial 400-550kW Range

400-550kW VOLVO Diesel Generator Set

About Volvo Penta Diesel Generators

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