Diesel generators are an important component in the worlds of industrial military and residential power. Without diesel generators, many organizations would not be able to produce power in emergencies or certain outdoor activities that require an immediate power source.

Diesel generators work with a combination of diesel engines and electric generators, which are also known as alternators. Together, these parts of the diesel generators produce electric energy for a variety of purposes and a number of different industries across the world. Diesel generators are often used in locations where there is no connection to the power grid, such as remote spots that the military might be doing some sort of special project. Business and civic services such as hospitals also use diesel generators as an emergency source of power the grid fails, such as during storms that knock down power lines and other natural disasters.

There are many different sizes and types of diesel generators. The smaller ones for personal use range form roughly 1kVA to 10kVA and larger ones for personal and commercial use range from 8kVA to 30kVA. The diesel generators for commercial use are in a different category. There are diesel generators that can power up to 2000kVA for large office complexes, factories, military centers and power stations. These aren't always only used for emergency power, either. They are often used to provide back up power to utility grids that consumers rely on.

Diesel generators are not only found on land; they are also found on the sea. Ships often use them to provide energy for electric systems as well as for propulsion, because they do not need to be close to the propeller and can be placed in such a way to allow more cargo.

There are many different uses for diesel generators. They are selected based on what they will be powering, with hospitals requiring much more power and reliability than a private home. They are important sources of power in the modern age.