Are Solar Generators Worth It?
The energy coming from the sun won’t be running out in the foreseeable future. With the sun’s rays shining down on us constantly, it only makes sense why more and more homeowners are investing in solar generators.
But is a solar generator worth it? This is a question a growing number of people are beginning to ask these days.
To give you an idea, we’ve prepared a guide that will help you make a more informed decision in case you decide on buying a solar generator for your home. Let’s begin by talking about the initial cost.
Setting Up a Solar Generator: What the Process Involves
If you believe that using a solar generator can benefit your home, you can get help from a professional solar installer. These service providers will assist you in determining the following:
- The appropriate size generator for your home
- The size of your system based on your electricity needs
- The available sunlight in your area
- The tilt and orientation of your solar generator
- The efficiency of the system
Does My Home Require a Solar Generator?
You don’t need to install a solar generator in your home. However, having one at the ready is beneficial.
Having a solar generator at home can allow you to have a backup power source in case of emergency power outages. Since it uses solar power, it does not require fuel, meaning you can just turn it on and have power instantly.
How Much Do Solar Generators Cost?
There are various types of solar generators sold today. Each model is available in different shapes, sizes, and capabilities. Based on which model you choose, the price of such a piece of equipment can range from just a few hundred dollars to thousands.
Normally, solar generators that have a lower capacity than most models can have a price ranging from as little as $100 to as much as $500. Small solar generators can produce approximately 5 watts as well as 10-amp hours of power. Although they may be miniature in size, they often come with a few outlets that are compatible with many devices.
As for solar generators that are priced at around $500, you can get a device that has a 15-watt output, which can power up laptops and mobile phones.
On the other hand, higher-end solar generators can cost about $2,000 to $4,000 in price. These big solar generators provide sufficient backup power for the house in case of an emergency. You can also use them to save on electricity bills.
How Much Will Solar Generators Save Me?
How much a solar generator will save you will of course depend on the model and what you need it for. However, one expense you will always save on is the cost of fuel, since solar generators use the power of the sun instead of gas.
As of December 2021, natural gas prices are at about $13.13 per thousand cubic feet, or about 1.3 cents per cubic foot. While this might not sound like much at first, this cost adds up over time. A generator that uses 200 cubic feet of gas per hour will cost $2.60 per hour.
If your power went out for a full day, you’d have to pay $62.40 for it. Even if the power just went out one day every year for ten years, that would be $624. Solar generators can save you hundreds.
Other Benefits of Solar Generators
Besides reducing long-term costs, solar generators can provide homes with the following benefits:
Solar Generators Are Environmentally-Friendly
Compared to the traditional methods of producing energy, a solar generator is environmentally-friendly as it doesn’t generate harmful greenhouse gases. When you choose to go solar, you can help make the world a safer and cleaner place to live.
Avoid Worrying About Gas Shortages
Gas shortages, like bad weather, can strike at any moment. If you need power but you’re facing a gas shortage, you won’t be able to power a standard generator. However, with a solar generator, you will always have power when you need it – no gas required.
Upfront Installation Cost Can Be Reduced
Although the cost to purchase and install a solar generator is normally costly, there are government subsidies that make them more affordable than ever. Contacting a reputable solar power installation company that can guide you through this process.
Improve Home Value
Real estate properties that have solar power systems in place will be worth more once they are sold. Buying a solar generator right now can be a significant investment that will only benefit you in the long run.
Minimal Maintenance Necessary
Solar generators require minimal maintenance and aftercare once you have them installed. Cleaning can be done just once or twice a year.
Are Solar Generators Worth The Money?
The short answer is yes, solar generators are worth it.
There’s no telling when your home will lose electricity. You might be enjoying a great movie with friends one night and the next thing you know, you’re in the dark waiting for hours on end for power to be restored. Or worse, you could be working on an important, time-sensitive project and not have the power you need to get it done.
This is especially the case if you live in a remote area or an area prone to blackouts. Overall, having the assurance of power whenever you need it is extremely valuable.
What You Can’t Do With a Solar Generator
Despite the benefits that come with having a solar generator at home, this unit simply can’t fulfill the same role as a full off-grid solar panel system. This is because solar generators:
- Are smaller and offer a lower energy capacity compared to full solar panel systems
- Are mainly designed for outdoor camping, boondocking, and temporary power outages
- Take more time to fully charge due to the compact size of their panels
Typically, solar generators are designed to power a few appliances when you need it rather than powering your entire home over the long-term. If you need this function, you will benefit more from a full off-grid system. While it is more costly (many cost over $30,000) you will have the benefit of being disconnected from the city power grid – you will always have power, even if the rest of your area does not.
Conclusion
There’s no doubt that solar generators are beneficial to homeowners today especially given that they can help you save on electricity bills in the years to come. Although you might have to spend more upfront for purchase and installation, you’ll benefit from the cost savings later on.
As long as you keep your solar panels maintained and in good use, you can expect your solar generators to last for many years.
So, to answer the question, “Are solar generators worth it?” For us, the answer is yes. We believe harnessing the sun’s power is definitely worth the initial investment as it provides numerous advantages.
Homeowners should consider installing solar power systems in their properties to take advantage of these benefits.