Undoubtedly, sudden power outages can be disturbing for your crucial work. A power backup is mandatory to deal with unexpected blackouts. According to my analysis, many of you are confused about whether to choose a generator or solar panels.
A generator is best for a short time usage meanwhile solar panels can be your lifetime partner. Moreover, generators are considered more expensive than solar panels. However, the selection depends upon your specific needs.
In this writing, I’ll walk you through the pros and cons of generators and solar panels that will help you to make your decision easier. Here you go
Table of Contents
What Do You Know About A Generator?
A generator is a backup device used to provide electricity during power outages. Generators work on various supplements including fuels, diesel, natural gas, etc. You always have a choice whether to choose a portable generator or install it permanently in your house.
Indeed, generators are a durable source of power during blackouts. Nevertheless, it also has a few limitations. So, let’s move along and know more about generators.
Components Of A Generator
The generator backup system consists of various components that work together to run your appliances. Let’s take a close look at the components and their specific functions.
- A transfer switch is a device that connects a generator to the power grid of your house. It automatically operates the generator during a power outage.
- A generator contains internal combustion engines that require fuel to run the whole system. The fuel or gas can be varied according to the type of your generator.
- An exhaust system will exclude the spare gases from the generator. The absence of exhaust can cause an accumulation of gases within the generator. It may result in damage to the backup system.
- Finally, a control panel that helps you to monitor the battery and working of the generator.
All of these components work together to provide backup electricity during power blackouts.
Applications Of A Generator
Here are the major applications of a generator.
- Generators are used in various hospitals, manufacturing plants, data centers, and many businesses to provide electricity.
- It is also used at construction sites to run heavy tools, power lights, and various other devices.
- Portable generators are also used in camping to fulfill electricity needs in different regions.
- Generators also play a crucial role in outdoor events and festivals where the power grid is unavailable to light up your decor.
Benefits Of A Generator
Here Are a few advantages of generators:
Reliable
A generator is certainly a reliable source of backup electricity in emergency situations. Sudden power blackouts can ruin your various tasks including house chores and office work. A generator will help you run your appliances to finish your work on time even in power outages.
User-friendly
Generators are also considered as a user-friendly power source. You’ll be amazed to know that there’s no hassle in operating a portable generator. Whenever the light goes out, the generator will be started automatically in only a few seconds.
Weather Independence
Weather independence is an excellent factor that I prefer about generators. No matter whether it’s cloudy or raining outside, the generator will provide you with sufficient energy to light up your house. All you have to do is fill the fuel and that’s it.
Maximum Electricity Production
According to my research, generators produce a large amount of electricity that can run your whole house. I have seen a lot of people who are concerned about their refrigerators or air conditioners working on generators. Don’t worry. A generator can produce enough power to run your refrigerator and other heavy appliances.
Drawbacks Of A Generator
The limitations of generators are given below.
Fuel Dependant
As you know, generators work on fuel or diesel to produce electricity. Whenever your generator goes out of fuel, it will stop producing power. And unfortunately, your appliances will stop working on the generator. So, it is mandatory to inspect fuel regularly.
Maintenance Expenses
Generators have so many moving parts that can face wear and tear after a short time period. If any part of the generator breaks, it’ll stop working appropriately. Hence, the generator comes with a lot of maintenance expenses including fuel costs.
Noise Pollution
Noises are too annoying for me while working. Let me make it clear to you that a generator makes a lot of unwanted noise. This noise can be due to moving parts inside the engine. Moreover, generators also release toxic gasses that are dangerous to your health.
What Do You Know About Solar Panels?
As the name illustrates, the solar system works on solar power. Solar panels gain energy from the sunlight and store it in the battery for later use. Solar panels are designed to convert sunlight to DC electricity.
The solar system also contains an inverter that converts DC to AC electricity to run your appliances. You must know that the equipment including microwave, fridge, tv, etc, only works on alternative current.
Let’s delve in and explore more about solar backup systems.
Components Of Solar System
The components of the solar system may vary according to your solar setup. Here are the basic components of the solar system.
- Solar panels are the initial components of a solar system. It fetches energy from sunlight and converts it into direct current to store in the battery.
- Another component of the solar system is the charge controller. A charge controller helps you to monitor the charging and prevent the battery from overcharging or undercharging.
- The battery is the major component of the solar system that stores DC electricity. It will provide you with a power supply for later use when sunlight is not available.
- An inverter will convert the DC electricity into AC electricity to power your home appliances.
You might be aware that the modern solar system contains a backup generator with them. It helps to provide a power supply more efficiently.
Applications Of Solar System
A few applications of solar panels are given in the following.
- Solar panels are used as a reliable source of electricity to cope up with emergency circumstances.
- Solar panels are best for off-grid locations to provide electricity from natural sources of energy.
- You can also use solar panels to reduce the electricity expenses of your businesses. Solar panels work incredibly during day time.
- Solar backup systems are also being used in the campsites and remote villages to fulfill electricity requirements for free.
Pros Of Solar Panels
The benefits of solar panels are given below.
Noise-Free
You’ll be amazed to note that solar backup systems do not produce any annoying noise. This is because there are no moving parts present in the solar system. So now you can do your work peacefully without any noise even in power outages.
Low Maintenance
As I’ve discussed before, solar panels don’t contain any moving devices in them. So, there’s a low to zero chance of any breakage or repair. Therefore, you don’t need to go for high maintenance while having a solar system for backup electricity.
Eco-Friendly
The best thing about the solar system is it doesn’t excrete any toxic gasses like other traditional generators. If you’re worried about the toxins of generators due to fuel usage, don’t worry. Expel your typical generator and grab the new solar system now.
Inexpensive
Many of you must be worried about the budget before owning an electricity backup. Solar Systems work on the natural source from the sun and don’t want any fuel or diesel to work. So, there will be no expenses for fuel every second day to run your household appliances.
Cons Of Solar Panels
Here are a few drawbacks of the solar backup system.
Low Power Production
As you know, solar systems work on direct sunlight and store the power to use it later. During winter or cloudy seasons, the solar system will store low energy that will be unable to power all of your essential devices. You may need to attach a generator in such conditions.
Susceptible To Damage
Various folks go for the roof-mounted solar panels to save the area in their house. You should know that there are more chances of damage to solar panels during stormy weather. You can deal with this drawback by keeping your solar panels in a safe area.
Difference Between A Generator & Solar Panels
Are you still thinking about the major differences between a generator and solar panels? Without further ado, let’s dive in and see the differences.
Noise & Emissions
Generators are noisy and emit a lot of toxic gasses that are produced due to fuel or diesel usage. Meanwhile, solar systems do not emit any harmful gasses as they work on sunlight and are considerably quiet. So, if you want a peaceful and hygienic backup, you should go for the solar system.
Dependability
When I talk about dependability, solar panels are in first position. The solar backup system relies on the intensity of sunlight to store power in the battery. In contrast, the generator works continuously as long as the fuel is provided.
Energy Source
Energy sources also make a difference between a generator and solar panels. As you already know, solar panels need solar energy to recharge and work appropriately. On the other hand, generators require diesel, fuels, or natural gas to provide you with backup electricity.
Price
You might have heard that solar systems are way more expensive than the traditional generators. It’s true but not as much as you consider. Solar systems want an initial investment to work a lifetime without any hectic maintenance.
Meanwhile, generators are cheap at first but as you move along it costs you more expenses in the form of repairs and diesels.
Maintenance
When it comes to maintenance, the solar panels win. Generators demand high maintenance as you have to refuel them after particular hours. You also have to keep an eye on the repairs to avoid heavy damage to the device.
In contrast, solar panels come with little to no maintenance. The absence of any moving parts makes solar systems reliable and hassle-free.
The table gives a quick insight into the difference between a generator and solar panels.
| Parameters | Generators | Solar Panels |
| Power source | Combustion Engines that work on fuel, diesel, or natural gas. | Gain energy from the sun and convert it into DC electricity to store in the battery. |
| Noise & Emission | Too noisy and emit harmful gasses. | Quiet and do not emit any toxic gasses. |
| Power Capacity | Continuous supply of energy as long as fuel is provided. | A limited power supply as long as the charging remains or the sun goes up. |
| Dependability | Depends on the availability of fuels or natural gas. | Depends on the sunlight and battery charging. |
| Maintenance | Demands high maintenance including repairs and refueling. | Do not expect any high maintenance. |
| Price | Less installation price but more ongoing expenses. | More installation costs but fewer ongoing expenses. |
Which Is Better?
When it comes to choosing one between a generator and solar panels, it all depends on your specific needs. If you need a quiet and eco-friendly electricity backup to deal with power blackouts, I’ll suggest you go for a solar backup system.
Although a solar system is expensive to install, it’ll be long-lasting without any hectic maintenance.
On the other hand, if you’re looking for an electricity backup to light up your whole house and run heavy appliances, you should definitely go for a generator. As generators provide you with a bunch of power without any disturbance.
You must know that the generator will make noise and emit harmful gasses that can affect your household.
Related: What Is The Difference Between Solar Inverter And Solar Generators?
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to say that generators and solar panels both have their own benefits and drawbacks. It all relies on your specific needs and preferences. You have gone through the pros and cons of both terms.
I have also explained the basic differences between a generator and solar panels above in the writing. So, skim the article peacefully, make a decision, and go for it. Enjoy with your chosen backup device during electricity blackouts!
