Generator vs. Solar Panels

Generator vs. Solar Panels, it is a question that we are often asked, “Which is better, generators or solar panels?” Ultimately, it boils down to your goals.

  1. Are you trying to save money on electricity?
  2. Or are you trying to prepare for an emergency?
Determining the answer to this will help you select the option that best suites your needs. Let’s dive a little deeper into each option.

Generators

There are a lot of generator manufacturers out there. For the best results, you want to select a reputable manufacturer. Using reputable brands that stand behind their products is where you should start. At All Electric, we only use top-of-the-line manufacturers like Cummins and Generac. 

You need to think about how you want to run your generator. Do you want to use gasoline or do you want to run off of gas from your home? We offer both of the options at All Electric.

You can opt for automatic transfer switches or bypass switches with an interlock. Full standby generators are connected to your home gas and automatically kick in when the power goes out and vice versa when the power is restored.

Additionally, you want to think about how long you might need a supplemental power source. Do you need it for a few hours? A day? Or might you need it for a week? How about longer?

This last question is often the decision maker, especially here in Colorado where our winters can be unforgiving. Generators have the ability to run for numerous hours consecutively, and even days or weeks if needed.

 

Generators vs. Solar Panels

Solar Panels

Finding a good manufacturer is key with solar panels just as it is a generator. However, many may not realize that in order to “store” power, you have to have batteries. Depending on the size of your house, generally a lot of them. You see solar panels take the sun’s rays and provide power. However, if you do not have batteries to store the power, you solar panels become useless at night or on a cloudy day.

However, one perk is that you can save money on the day-to-day electricity bill. Who wouldn’t love that?!

Since Covid hit batteries for storing solar power were one of the markets hardest hit with supply shortages. These batteries tend to be expensive and often times 2 or more are needed to keep a home with supplemental power for a day or more.

That last line can be a bit of a deal breaker for someone in Colorado looking to supply supplemental power for several days or weeks. Without the sun, that isn’t possible unless you could afford to buy numerous batteries.

Many times homeowners fail to consider the added load the weight of solar panels puts on their roof. If not properly investigated prior to installation, this can result in overloading the home’s roof capacity and creating structural issues. These issues can prove to be very costly.

The last consideration is the lack of aesthetic appeal of solar panels. They are very large and some might argue, unsightly.

 

generators vs solar

Who Wins The Debate

In our professional experience and opinion, generators are a better choice for residents in Colorado looking for a dependable and possibly long-term supplemental power solution.

While the appeal of saving money on electricity is attractive, solar’s inability to function for several days without sunshine prove to make this option limiting for the harsh conditions of Colorado’s winters.

If you would like to explore the option of getting a generator, contact us. We are happy to evaluate your home and needs and provide our recommendations. We will gladly provide you with a no-obligation quote. Contact us today!