What are The Pros and Cons of a Solar Generator?

A solar generator can have valuable benefits that can be useful in just about every emergency scenario and living situation. Before purchasing a solar generator, it is important to understand the pros and cons of this helpful device.

Pros

Some positive benefits of a solar generator include:

• Some solar generators can automatically turn on providing essential automatic backup power to your home during power outages.
• Solar generators use a renewable energy source, reducing your carbon footprint.  
• Metal and rugged plastic materials make durable solar generators that can last for 30 years or more.  
• Solar generators are generally extremely quiet to run, making them perfect for indoor or outdoor use.  
• Generators can be used in all weather conditions, provided the battery is fully charged.
• Depending on your location, some solar generators may qualify for a solar tax credit or incentive.

Cons

Like any appliance or power source, solar generators can also come with some limitations. Understanding a solar generator’s abilities and downsides can help you decide on your solar generator investment. Some downsides to a generator include:

• Solar generators can be costly compared to traditional fossil fuel generators, such as gas generators.
• Batteries within solar generators typically can take a long time to charge and only charge when the sun is fully shining. The average time to charge a generator in full sun is about nine hours.  
• Although powerful, solar generators have a limited power supply. They will not be able to power an entire home, but can run small appliances or charge mobile devices.  See What Can You Run On a Solar Generator?

However, it is important to note that some downsides aren’t really as bad as they might seem. Although solar generators have a higher upfront cost compared to traditional gasoline generators, the overall price to operate the machine is much lower over its lifetime. Homeowners can save money on costly refueling expenses because a solar generator uses the sun’s rays to power the device.

While long charging times can be problematic for some solar powered generators, many solar generators can also be charged from a traditional power source like the larger power grid. Intermittent power may be enough to fully charge a solar generator’s battery, providing continuous power even in an emergency.