Solar vs Gas Generator: Which is Best for Home Backup Power?

With the benefits of solar technology rising, more people are thinking about adding solar appliances to our homes, among which are solar powered generators. What is a solar generator? Is it better than a traditional gas generator?

In this article, we will discuss the pros and cons of solar vs gas generators for home backup power, and introduce some popular models such as the Anker Solar Generator 767 so that you can make an informed choice about which option fits your needs.

Gas Generator and Its Pros and Cons

A gas generator is a machine that creates electricity by using fuel, like gasoline, natural gas, or propane. It works by burning the fuel in an engine, which creates mechanical power. This power then turns a part of the generator called the alternator, which makes electricity. 

Advantages of Gas Generators

A gas-powered generator was the first choice for many households in emergencies before. What advantages could they offer? Let’s look at them together:

• Lower Initial Cost

Gas electrical generators present a more budget-friendly entry point for backup power solutions, with initial costs significantly lower than solar alternatives. This affordability makes them an attractive option for homeowners seeking emergency power without a major upfront investment.

• Weather Independent

Unlike solar systems, gas generators for houses maintain consistent performance regardless of weather conditions or time of day. This reliability ensures you have power when you need it, whether it's a sunny afternoon or stormy midnight.

• Consistent Power Output

Gas generator systems deliver steady, predictable power without the fluctuations common in renewable energy systems. This consistent output makes them reliable for running sensitive electronics and maintaining stable power for critical appliances.

• Higher Power Capacity

Traditional gas generators for homes typically offer greater wattage capacity compared to similarly priced solar options. This higher output capability means they can simultaneously power multiple large appliances and heavy-duty equipment without strain.

• Quick Refueling

When a gas generator runs low on fuel, it can be refilled immediately to resume operation within minutes. This quick turnaround eliminates the extended waiting periods associated with recharging solar batteries.

Disadvantages of Gas Generators

Despite all the merits it offers, a gas generator for home use comes with its own set of disadvantages:

• Toxic Emissions

Gasoline generators produce dangerous carbon monoxide and other harmful emissions that can be lethal if used in enclosed spaces. These toxic fumes make indoor operation strictly forbidden and require careful placement away from windows, doors, and ventilation systems to ensure safety.

• Frequent Fueling

Gas generators also require frequent refueling and have limited runtime on gas, often in the range of 4-10 hours of moderate use on a single tank. This means that you need to be prepared in advance for outages or other emergencies and have enough fuel on hand to last the duration of the outage. This will also puts you at the mercy of current fuel prices.

• High Maintenance

Gas generators are mechanical, and as such require regular maintenance such as changing oil filters and spark plugs. This can be time-consuming and costly over time if you’re not mechanically minded, with costs estimated as high as $700 per year. 

• Short Lifespan

Another major disadvantage of using a gas generator for indoor use is its short lifespan compared to solar-powered alternatives. Gas engines typically last between 3-5 years before needing replacement parts or an entirely new unit due to wear and tear from running at full capacity during extended periods of use. This can vary depending on conditions, with more humid locations likely to reduce their lifespan further. 

• Noise Pollution

Gas-powered generators produce significant noise during operation, often exceeding 70 decibels at close range. This constant noise can be disruptive to both your household and neighbors, making them less ideal for residential areas or overnight use.

• Limited Flexibility

Gas generators are reliable in a pinch, but the reality is that their utility is limited when it comes to producing DC voltage. Most generator models can only produce AC power, meaning that powering devices directly with DC voltage is not possible. This eliminates the ability to power smaller USB-powered gadgets like cell phones and laptops, which primarily run on DC.

• Environmental Impact

Beyond immediate emissions, gas generators contribute to broader environmental concerns through fossil fuel consumption and carbon dioxide production. Their reliance on non-renewable resources makes them increasingly less aligned with environmental sustainability goals.

Solar Generators and Its Pros and Cons

What is a solar generator?

A solar generator is a portable power system that uses solar energy to generate electricity. It combines a portable power station with portable solar panels, creating an all-in-one energy solution that stays charged with solar energy.

How does a solar generator work?

Using energy from the sun, a solar generator captures sunlight and converts it into direct current (DC) electricity, which is then stored in the portable power station’s battery. From there, the energy can be converted to alternating current (AC) electricity, which can then be used to power nearly anything. It's an extremely efficient and eco-friendly way to reap the benefits of renewable energy.

Advantages of Solar Generators

Solar-powered generators are a great alternative to gas as a backup power source and offer many advantages. Here, we explore these advantages and why solar-powered generators might be the best backup option around.

• Solar Generators Are Safer.

Unlike fuel generators, solar backup generator models can be used safely indoors because they don’t produce harmful emissions. Solar generators simply use solar energy, with no risk of carbon monoxide exposure. For battery safety, Anker generators use LiFePO4 batteries, which are more chemically stable than alternatives and eliminate the risk of fires, explosions, and leaks.

• Solar Generators Offer Unlimited Runtime with Sunlight.

Under the right conditions, a solar home generator can capture sunlight and convert it into an unlimited supply of renewable energy, making it a cost-effective and reliable form of electricity. With typical battery life estimated at ten years plus, in many cases, solar generators can match a gas generator but without the downside.

• Solar Generators Are Easier to Use.

Home solar generators are designed to just plug in and work. This means that they don’t require installation or additional supplies to get up and running. Simply lay out your solar panels in direct sunlight and connect the portable power station for easy, renewable energy. As an all-in-one solution, these systems provide everything you need to stay powered during emergencies.

• Solar Generators Are More Portable.

With no fuel tank or exhaust system needed, you can easily take these portable solar generators on camping trips or store them away when not in use without worrying about fumes or leaks. They’re also lightweight, meaning you can carry them around without assistance. Anker’s top models also make use of smart tech like wheels and tow handles to improve transportability.

• Solar Generators Have Longer Lifespan.

The simplicity of solar generators also increases their lifespan. Gas generators are likely to require fixes and maintenance work, in the same way as any engine. If you’re not able to do this work yourself, it adds another expense. Mechanical parts are liable to wear over time, whereas solar generators feature a durable, unibody structure that is less likely to break down.

• Solar Generatorsare Versa

Solar generators are great for charging portable devices such as cell phones, tablets, and laptops due to their greater connectivity. This extends to 12V devices like portable fridges with their car outlet adaptors, which are included as standard. You also gain comprehensive access to solar electricity anywhere there is sunlight, meaning you will never be without power when you need it.

• Solar Generators Operate Quieter.

A gas generator can be extremely noisy, at times bordering on dangerously so. By comparison, a whole-home solar generator is virtually silent. Not only will you have the peace of mind of keeping your home powered, but you will maintain a peaceful environment without the loud rumble of a nearby combustion engine.

• Solar Generators Support Expandable Power.

We’ve established that solar generators offer a reliable energy source for home backup power, but they also come with additional storage capabilities. As well as large-capacity batteries capable of outputting up to 2400W of power, ones like the Solar Generator 767 are capable of additional expansion.

The Anker 760 Portable Power Station Expansion Battery gives you the flexibility to make the most of periods of low energy by storing up to 4,096Wh of power for use when needed. This expandable battery simply plugs into the main PowerHouse 767 unit and doubles your total storage capacity, giving you more control over your energy supply.

Potential Disadvantages of Solar Generators 

Solar generators offer clean, simple power, but they do have some drawbacks. As we explore below, these are typically related to the high initial outlay and some of the more unpredictable elements relating to weather conditions.

• High Initial Cost

The upfront investment of purchasing the portable power station and the solar panels are high. But, their long-term utility and zero running costs mean that solar energy may be the more efficient and cost-effective choice.

Data suggests that fixed solar panels may pay for themselves in 6 to 8 years, and the principle is the same for Anker solar generators. The longer they are used, the more value they provide you with.

• Sunlight-Dependent Charging

Because solar panels primarily rely on direct sunlight in order to generate electricity, they can struggle if there isn’t enough sunshine. This means that your generator won’t recharge as quickly as it would with clear skies 

Particularly in winter months, you should ensure that your solar generator’s battery is fully charged in advance of poorer weather conditions, as your battery runs out faster than expected during periods of low light.

• Unpredictable Weather Conditions

Location plays an important role when using a solar generator. Exposure to extreme temperatures (colder than -4°F and hotter than 104°F) can reduce the generator’s efficiency, so it's important that these types of environmental factors are taken into consideration.

To illustrate the pros and cons of solar and gas generators better, we have listed out the major points in the following chart:

Feature	Gas Generators	Solar Generators
Initial Cost	Lower, more budget-friendly	High upfront cost, but cost-effective long-term
Weather Dependence	Works in all weather conditions	Dependent on sunlight, performance decreases in cloudy or winter months
Fuel Source	Gasoline, natural gas, or propane	Solar energy (renewable)
Portability	Less portable, fuel-dependent	Highly portable, no fuel or exhaust required
Noise Level	Noisy, can exceed 70 decibels	Virtually silent
Lifespan	Shorter lifespan (3-5 years) due to engine wear	Longer lifespan (10+ years)
Maintenance Requirements	High, requires regular maintenance (oil changes, spark plugs)	Low maintenance, fewer moving parts
Environmental Impact	Carbon emissions and pollution	Zero emissions, eco-friendly
Toxic Emissions	Produces dangerous emissions (carbon monoxide)	No emissions, safe for indoor use
Durability	Susceptible to wear and tear	Durable, fewer parts to break down
Usage Safety	Risk of fire, explosions, carbon monoxide	Safer for indoor use, no carbon monoxide risk
Overall Cost Over Time	High (due to fuel and maintenance costs)	Low (after initial investment)

Verdict: Solar or Gas Generator, Which One Should You choose?

Based on the comparison above, it is safe to say that solar generator outperforms its gas counterparts in the long run.

Solar generators are a more eco-friendly and cost-effective choice than gas generators. They produce no emissions, require little maintenance, and offer long-term savings. With their quiet operation, portability, and safety for indoor use, they provide a reliable power source for various situations.

While gas generators may be better for high-demand power, solar generators offer a cleaner, sustainable, and hassle-free alternative.

For the most sustainable, versatile, and portable all-in-one system for home backup, we recommend the Anker Solar Generator 767 as a reliable backup source that gives you long-term energy security in your home.

Solar generators by Anker are cleaner, neater, and more modern solutions for modern homes. Anker's Solar Generator 767 is an example of a powerful yet affordable solar generator that can provide clean energy anytime, anywhere. Its portability and long-lasting battery life make this generator the ideal way to power your home into the future.

FAQ

Can you power a house with a solar generator?

Yes, you can power a house with a solar generator, but it depends on the generator's capacity and your home's energy needs. Solar generators are ideal for small homes or backup power for essential appliances. For whole-house power, larger systems with sufficient battery storage and solar panels are required.

Are solar generators worth it?

Solar generators are worth it for those seeking an eco-friendly, low-maintenance, and cost-effective power solution. They provide clean energy, reduce long-term costs, and require minimal upkeep. While the initial investment is higher, their long lifespan, portability, and zero operating costs make them a valuable investment for sustainable energy.