Few things are as frustrating as a power outage—particularly if you’re in the middle of an engaging football game, getting ready for work early in the morning, or writing an article for a client on a tight deadline. Regardless of the circumstances, continuous power is essential for everyday life.
Generators and solar systems alleviate these frustrations by powering your home when the primary grid fails. Although both systems allow you to turn your lights on, they approach power generation in vastly different ways. Determining which is best for you requires some research and understanding.
To simplify this, we’ve outlined the pros and cons of both power generation methods, from their environmental impact to their initial cost. After reading this guide, you should have a pretty good idea which will suit your power needs best.
Generators
Generators are among the most widely used forms of backup power worldwide. They often rely on fossil fuels to run and consist of internal combustion engines that turn these fuels into power for your home. Natural gas generators offer a cleaner alternative for those wanting to avoid fossil fuels.
There are two main types of generators: portable and standby. Portable options are smaller and can be carted to different places, but they provide less power—often not enough to power a full home. Standby options, however, are often wired directly into your home and can’t be easily removed but produce significantly more power.
Generator Advantages
Generators have a distinct advantage in offering immediate, continuous power, provided they remain fueled. Because they use an engine, they can be operated for hours on end with little damage or disruption.
Other advantages differ depending on whether you purchase a portable or standby generator. Portable options provide convenience if you need power on the move, such as when camping, hosting an outdoor event, or just needing temporary power in a remote location.
In contrast, standby versions often start automatically if they detect grid power failure, don’t require setup each time they are used, and can power more items. Whether you’re catching up on work, streaming your favorite show, or enjoying a bit of online entertainment using an easy and trusted way of paying, having consistent power ensures you’re never left in the dark—literally or figuratively.
Generator Disadvantages
Despite their convenience and reliability, generators possess several disadvantages. The primary one is their reliance on fossil fuels. If you forget to refuel or are in an area without access to additional fuel, your generator will be useless once it runs dry.
Wear and tear is another considerable downside. Like a car with an internal combustion engine, generators require regular maintenance and servicing to keep them working optimally. And if a generator has stood idle for some time, it may need an oil change before being fired up again.
Generator Cost
The final consideration of a generator is its cost. If you choose a standby version, you may need to pay extensive upfront costs to purchase the unit and have it safely wired into your home. Regular maintenance and the cost of fuel are also continuous costs that need to be considered.
Generators also carry a greater environmental price. Because they produce CO2 emissions by burning fossil fuels, the frequency with which a generator is used and its impact on the environment must be considered.
Solar
In contrast to generators, solar systems rely on the sun’s power to provide clean energy via an inverter. Solar panels, often located on the roof, harvest this energy and feed it to an inverter. This inverter then converts the power from direct current (DC) to alternating current (AC), which everyday appliances can use.
Similarly to generators, however, solar systems come in various configurations that need to be considered based on your power needs. Therefore, you’ll need to decide how many panels and what size of inverter you’ll need. Your power requirements will also determine whether or not you should consider a battery for your system.
Solar Advantages
Solar systems commonly offer more significant long-term advantages than generators. Chief among these is their minimal environmental impact. Because they require no fossil fuels and harvest clean energy directly from the sun, they have zero output or emissions—making them significantly more popular.
In addition to their environmental appeal, homes outfitted with solar systems experience increased value and faster selling times. This is because they are commonly seen as self-sufficient—even if they rely on grid power only as a backup.
The final advantage of solar energy systems is that they require incredibly low maintenance. Aside from the occasional cleaning of the solar panels, these systems require minimal attention or maintenance before any preventative measures or replacements are needed. It’s not uncommon for them to operate without any hiccups for five years or more.
Solar Disadvantages
Although the appeal of clean energy is strong, solar has a unique disadvantage: it relies on the sun to produce power. This means that little to no power can be produced in very cloudy or rainy weather, although some power generation is possible in overcast conditions.
Solar systems, from the panels to the inverters, also have a set lifespan irrespective of how they are cared for or maintained. Generally, inverters need to be replaced every 10 to 15 years, panels every 25 to 30 years, and batteries (if installed) every 5 to 15 years. Replacing these parts carries significant costs, and their production harms the environment—which may negate the main reason some people purchase them in the first place.
Solar Cost
The initial costs of solar power for a system capable of running an entire household can be extensive—particularly if units larger than 5kW are required. Should battery storage also be needed, this cost can inflate even further.
Despite this, due to the lack of running costs and maintenance, solar energy can work out more cost-effectively than a generator in the long run. This is only true when replacement parts are not considered. Should these be considered, solar and generator costs work out evenly and ultimately depend on personal preference.
Solar, Generator, and Consistency
The final comparison between solar and generator power concerns their ability to provide consistent, uninterrupted power. Both have a unique edge in this regard.
Solar power is more reliable when a power outage hits initially. Because homes with solar power operate through inverters and run from the solar power produced, when the grid fails, no switchover is required. The solar will continue providing power. If batteries are available as backup, this will continue even after the sun goes down. A lack of batteries, however, will result in an outage in low-light conditions.
In contrast, generators may cause a slight delay in the return of power after the grid fails. However, unlike solar, they are not reliant on batteries or the sun and can provide uninterrupted power for as long as they are fueled. As such, they are often seen as the more reliable option for consistency compared to battery-less solar.
