Solar vs Generator Calculator
Free comparison tool
Solar vs Generator Cost Calculator
Compare the true cost of solar+battery against a petrol or diesel generator — upfront, monthly, and over 10 years.
Your power need
Energy consumed per day during outages / off-grid hours.
Generator costs
Typical: 0.5–1 L/hr small, 1–2 L/hr medium, 2–4 L/hr large.
Typical: 4–6 years with daily use.
Solar system costs
Complete installed cost (panels+battery+inverter+wiring).
0 for LiFePO4 (lasts 10+ yrs). For lead-acid, enter replacement cost at ~year 4.
Panel cleaning, connection checks. Minimal for solar.
Electricity rate (optional)
Your utility rate. Used to show what the generator electricity actually costs per kWh.
% per year. Typical: 3–8% in most markets.
Generator — 10-year total
$0
Solar — 10-year total
$0
Generator per month$0
Solar per month$0
You save over 10 years$0
Generator cost per kWh$0
Estimates for comparison purposes. Actual costs depend on fuel prices, usage patterns, equipment quality, and local conditions.
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