Head-to-Head Comparison: Solar-powered vs Gas-powered
In terms of sustainability
One of the best reasons to get a solar backup generator is due to the fact that solar energy is more sustainable compared to fossil fuels. Sunlight can be harnessed every day and is more abundant than the depleting fossil fuel resource. You can depend on a solar-powered generator more than its gas-powered counterpart in the long run because of the greatest source of the former, which is the sun. Some of the components of solar power systems can also be reused, so you can save more on parts compared to gas-powered generators. With regard to sustainability, solar-powered generators get the upper hand.
In terms of cost
Both solar-powered and gas-powered generators are priced competitively in the market. You can find solar generators and gas generators that cost the same. It all depends on a variety of factors. These may involve the brand, the specific components used, the quality of the battery bank, and the durability of the casing. The power output also dictates the pricing of the generators. Something to take note of is the power supply for each of the generators. With solar generators, you have to buy additional solar panels to generate power to store in the batteries. Gas-powered generators, on the other hand, need gas or diesel fuel every time you use them.
In terms of maintenance
When you look at a solar backup generator, you will see that all of its components are inside the casing. On the other hand, gas-powered generators are mostly open without any casing, aside from the electric components, which are enclosed for security purposes. As an owner of solar-powered generators, there is little to no maintenance to be done. You just have to check the control panel to know if you have to do some troubleshooting on some of its functionalities. Gas-powered generators have more components that need to be maintained and checked, especially when used daily. Expertise is often required when you have gas-powered generators in your home or office. In terms of maintenance, solar-powered generators are best recommended for residential and even office users.
Conclusion
The utilization of a solar backup generator and a gas-powered generator will help you power your devices and other pieces of equipment whenever you need such energy sources. It is all up to you to decide which one to pick. Both gas-powered and solar generators require upfront costs, but you will have to spend on fuel for the latter, compared to solar panels for the latter. Maintenance is also quite manageable when you have a solar-powered generator because its components are all inside the casing of the equipment. Gas-powered generators require experts to troubleshoot and examine problems encountered upon daily usage. Lastly, solar generators are also more sustainable than gas-powered generators due to the fact that sunlight harnessing is more environmentally friendly compared to fossil fuel collection. Solar energy is also more plentiful and available compared to the limited fuel resources in the world.