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The article explores the cost and value of owning a solar generator, discussing its benefits and drawbacks. Solar generators offer renewable, clean energy with low maintenance but have limited power supply and high upfront costs. For small appliances or as a portable option, they can be effective, but for whole-house backup power, other solar solutions might be more suitable.

Prices for solar generators vary widely, from $100 to $50,000 depending on capacity, with installation costs ranging from $9,255 to $28,000 in the US. Additional costs such as shipping, permits, and labor should also be considered. Despite the initial investment, solar generators can provide long-term savings and environmental benefits.

Introduction

There are many benefits to owning a solar generator, particularly if you live in an area prone to power cuts and blackouts, or you are simply eco-conscious.

Solar generators can be pricey and there are additional costs involved that you might not be aware of.

In this article, we’ll discuss whether solar generators are worth the money, and just how much a solar generator costs.

We’ll also go over the possible costs of installation and any additional costs that might come with owning a solar generator.  

Are Solar Generators Worth the Money?

If you’re anything like us, the first question you ask yourself before making a big purchase is whether the product is worth the money. Many of us have been burnt by impulse purchases which ended up gathering dust in some dark corner.

To avoid buying things you don’t need; it is a good idea to do some research on the uses of the product you’re interested in.

Solar generators can get quite pricey depending on the model you choose, and you might be wondering if the cost justifies the use. Below we discuss the benefits and drawbacks of buying a solar generator. 

Benefits of Buying a Solar Generator

Solar Generators are Powered by Energy from the Sun

This means that solar generators are a renewable energy source. You won’t have to pay to have your generator charged up. You can also continue getting free energy for as long as the generator functions. 

Clean Energy

In addition to being renewable, the energy generated by a solar generator is clean and has no harmful effects on the environment, unlike fossil fuels. It’s eco-friendly and sustainable.

Low Maintenance

Unlike fossil fuel generators, solar generators are generally low maintenance and cheap to maintain.

Drawbacks of Buying a Solar Generator

Limited Power Supply

Generally, solar generators are limited when it comes to how much energy they can store. They aren’t a good bet if you’re looking to power your entire house using it. 

While solar generators are great at powering small electrical appliances, it struggles with powering larger machines like freezers or fridges. Any appliances that require heat will pull a lot of power like your geyser or stove.

High Upfront Costs

While the operational costs of owning a solar generator are relatively low, the additional costs of installation and labor can be quite high. Solar generators can cost thousands of dollars and are much pricier than their fossil fuel counterparts.

Slow Recharge Rate

A major downside of solar generators is that they can take some time to recharge, especially when compared to fossil fuel generators. Recharging also needs to take place during the day and can take hours.

Is a Solar Generator the Right Choice for You?

The first question you should ask yourself before purchasing a solar generator is what are you going to use it for? And can it effectively meet your needs?

If you’re looking to charge small appliances on an RV or boat, then a solar generator might be a great option for you. Solar generators are portable and are great options for camping or traveling.

However, the usability of a solar generator when it acts as a backup home power supply is quite limited. 

If you’re a homeowner looking to make use of solar power, we would suggest you look into investing in a rooftop or ground-mounted solar system that includes a home battery attachment.

In addition to researching the uses of solar generators, we would advise that you check out review articles that compare different generators, for example, our review on the Titan solar generator vs inergy flex. 

How Much Does a Whole House Solar Generator Cost?

Solar-powered generators are available in a range of sizes and with varying capacities. Depending on which generator you choose to go with, the price could range from just $100 to thousands of dollars.

For low-capacity solar generators, the price fluctuates from around $100 to $500. For $100 you could buy a small solar generator that has around 5 watts and 10-amp hours. These tiny machines usually offer a few outlets, USB ports, and DC sockets.

For $500 you could afford a 15-watt solar generator that can power small electrical devices such as cellphones and laptops. This is a great option if you love camping.

If you have more wiggle-room in your budget, you might consider splurging on larger solar generators. The high-powered solar generators can range between $2,000 to $4,000.

Larger solar generators are great as a backup power source for your house (however, only if you’re planning on powering small household appliances). These machines can have a carrying capacity of 1800 to 3000 watts with a few high-end machines offering 245-amp hours.

The largest, most powerful solar generators are capable of fully powering a household or building. However, with great power comes an even greater price tag. These solar generators can cost between $10,000 to $50,000.

These machines offer at least 3500-watts and a couple thousand amp hours.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Solar Generator?

Now, the amount you’ll have to pay for installation will vary depending on the capacity and size of the generator you choose as well as the brand and company you decide to go with. 

Generally, larger machines will cost more to install than smaller machines.

In the US, the average cost of installation ranges from $9,255 to $28,000.

In addition to the cost of installation, there are other costs that you’ll need to consider as well.

If you’re ordering your solar generator from an online store like Amazon, you’ll probably be required to pay shipping fees. Depending on the area you live in, you might also be required to pay for a local permit, inspection fees, and taxes.

Additional costs could also include the labor costs of installation.

So, when you ask the question of how much does a solar generator cost, the price isn’t just dependent on the machine you choose but also things like labor, installation, and all the other additional costs mentioned.

Fortunately, after the initial costs of purchasing and installing a solar generator, maintaining your machine becomes quite affordable. In addition to saving money on electricity, you’re also contributing toward a greener, cleaner world. 

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