The alternator is half the generator
A diesel generator has two main components: the engine and the alternator. The engine produces mechanical power. The alternator converts it into electricity. If either one fails, the generator fails.
A premium engine paired with a low-quality alternator will deliver unstable voltage, overheat under load, and fail early — often right when you need it most.
The problem in the market
Today's market is flooded with generators that pair strong, well-known engine brands with cheap, unknown alternators to cut costs — and offer lower prices to compete. The engine name sells the unit — but the alternator quietly determines its real-world performance and lifespan.
The result is a generator that looks like a good deal on paper but underperforms or fails early. Buyers don't usually discover this until something goes wrong.
What makes Leroy Somer different
Leroy Somer is a French alternator manufacturer with over 100 years of experience, and one of the most trusted names in industrial power generation worldwide.
- ✓Stable voltage output — precise regulation even under variable loads
- ✓High efficiency — less energy wasted as heat
- ✓Built for harsh climates — designed to handle extreme temperatures
- ✓Long service life — designed for long-term reliability
The control panel matters too
The alternator is not the only component buyers overlook. The control panel is equally critical — it's the brain that manages start/stop, monitors faults, and protects the generator from damage. A generator with a quality alternator but a cheap controller is still a risk.
Read our guide on DSE control panels to understand why the controller deserves the same attention.
What to ask before you buy
When comparing generators, always ask the supplier: "What alternator brand does it use?"
If the answer is a brand you've never heard of, that's a red flag — regardless of how strong the engine is.
Every generator we supply — Kubota, John Deere, and Cummins — comes standard with a Leroy Somer (France) alternator. No exceptions.
