In today’s world, we rely on certain conveniences that have become essentials: heating and cooling to keep our home comfortable, refrigeration to preserve our food, and access to electronics for both work and recreation. That’s why it’s important to have some form of backup power in case of an outage. Homeowners looking into backup power solutions have several options to choose from. Today, we’ll be comparing solar and gas backup power, as well as the benefits of a hybrid solution.
Solar Battery vs. Gas Systems
All backup power solutions come with their own unique advantages and drawbacks. To make it simple, we’ve compared a few key differences between solar and gas backup power in this handy chart:
|
Solar |
Gas (Automatic Standby) |
Noise
|
- Minimal to no noise.
- Batteries and panels are silent.
- The inverters produce minimal noise, typically a low hum or buzzing sound during operation.
|
- Typically noisy.
- Produce sound levels ranging from 50 to 100 decibels.
- Can be exacerbated by factors like worn parts or poor installation.
|
| Cost |
- Higher upfront cost.
- Average cost ranges from $28,500 to $42,500 before incentives, depending on size and components.
- Large systems can cost $65,000 and up.
- Higher ROI.
|
- Lower upfront cost.
- Average cost ranges from $8,000 to $23,000.
- Most homeowners can expect to pay between $10,000 and $13,000 for purchase and installation.
|
| Reliability |
- Reliability will depend on components such as battery storage, inverters, and proper installation.
|
- Highly reliable.
- Activates as soon as an outage is detected.
- If properly maintained and connected to a natural gas line, it can run indefinitely until power is restored.
|
| Fuel |
- No fuel is required, so despite the higher upfront cost, you save money in the long run on fuel costs.
|
- Natural gas or propane.
- Connect to existing fuel supply.
- Average annual fuel cost ranges from $200 to $600, depending on fuel type and usage.
|
| Safety |
- Completely safe, because it doesn’t produce toxic fumes.
- Can be used indoors.
|
- Must be operated outdoors in a well-ventilated area away from windows and doors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Proper installation and maintenance are a must.
|
Hybrid Backup Power Solutions
To capitalize on the advantages of both gas and solar power, consider opting for a hybrid system. Hybrid systems come with great benefits, such as:
- Enhanced reliability: Combining renewable solar power with a gas generator provides a highly reliable power supply, even during low solar production times.
- Reduced energy costs: Solar power doesn’t require fuel, so there are no added fuel costs.
- Lower environmental impact: Solar power is renewable and doesn’t rely on fossil fuels, so by using solar power primarily, you can lower your environmental impact and carbon footprint.
- Energy independence: Minimizing your reliance on the power grid allows you a level of energy independence, especially in off-grid locations.
Whether you’re in the market for a standby gas generator, solar power, or a hybrid system, we’ve got you covered. As a trusted name in electrical contracting work, Monyer Electric is proud to provide top-notch service to residential and commercial customers across Lancaster, Berks, and surrounding counties. Call 610-678-6653 to schedule your evaluation today!
