Solar vs Generators...Which One Is The Best?

Summary

This video explores solar and gas generators as backup power options, crucial during power outages caused by aging grids or extreme weather. It compares their pros and cons, discusses usage during grid failures, and outlines the ideal backup system. The presenter advocates for a combination of both solar and gas for maximum reliability, highlighting the importance of budgeting power needs and considering local conditions. The video concludes with tips on determining power requirements and selecting the right system.

Takeaways

• 🔋 Backup power is crucial due to aging grids and extreme weather causing power outages.
• 🚀 Internal combustion engine (ICE) generators offer on-demand power and lower upfront costs but require fuel and maintenance.
• ⛽️ Propane generators are preferred for long-term fuel storage and lower maintenance compared to gasoline or diesel.
• 🚫 ICE generators can be noisy, which compromises operational security (OPSC), and produce fumes that can be dangerous if not used properly.
• 🔩 ICE generators have parts that need regular maintenance and may require skills for repair, which can be a challenge post-disaster.
• 🌞 Solar generators provide unlimited power with sunlight, are quiet for better OPSC, and produce no fumes, allowing indoor use.
• 💸 Solar generators have higher upfront costs but are more cost-effective in the long run with reducing battery technology prices.
• 🌥️ Solar power is dependent on sunlight; on cloudy days or at night, charging is limited without an alternative power source.
• 🔌 For safety, never run generators indoors due to carbon monoxide risk; always use heavy-gauge extension cords for outdoor power needs.
• 🔄 The ideal backup power solution combines both solar and gas generators to leverage the strengths of each and ensure continuous power supply.
• 🌐 Consider your location's sunlight availability and personal power needs when choosing between solar, gas, or a hybrid system.

Q & A

What are the main topics covered in the video regarding backup power options?

The video covers the pros and cons of solar and gas generators, how to use them when the grid goes down, what the perfect backup system looks like, and the presenter's final thoughts after working with these systems for years.

What are the advantages of internal combustion engine (ICE) generators?

ICE generators offer on-demand power, have a lower entry upfront cost, and the option for dual or tri-fuel capabilities. They also require less maintenance than gasoline or diesel generators due to less carbon buildup.

What are the downsides of using ICE generators?

The downsides include noise which can compromise operational security, potential fumes and carbon monoxide risks, reliance on fuel sources that may be limited during disasters, and the need for regular maintenance and repair skills.

Why does the presenter prefer propane over gasoline or diesel for generators?

Propane can be stored for years without issues, requires less maintenance due to less carbon buildup, and although slightly less powerful than gasoline, the advantages outweigh the disadvantage.

What are the pros of solar generators mentioned in the video?

Solar generators have an unlimited power source with the sun, no noise for better operational security, no fumes for safe indoor use, no need for an external fuel source, and they require minimal maintenance.

What are the cons of solar generators according to the video?

The cons include higher upfront costs compared to gas generators, dependency on sunlight for charging, and the fact that solar panels rarely produce at 100% of their rated capacity due to various factors like weather and positioning.

How does the presenter suggest using solar generators during a power outage?

The presenter suggests using solar generators indoors safely due to the lack of fumes and noise, and connecting them to solar panels outside for charging when possible.

What is the ideal approach to backup power according to the video?

The ideal approach is to have both solar and gas generators on standby to cover situations where one type may be less effective, such as no sun for solar or fuel scarcity for gas.

How can a combination of solar and gas generators be beneficial?

Having both types of generators allows extending the fuel life of the gas generator by using it to charge the solar generator's batteries, which can quadruple the fuel efficiency.

What is the presenter's recommendation for those living in areas with less sun?

For those in areas with less sun, the presenter recommends considering a combination of both solar and gas generators to ensure backup power reliability.

What additional resources does the presenter suggest for further information?

The presenter suggests watching videos on determining power needs and the annual solar generator review for more insights and to stay updated on advancements in the market.

Outlines

00:00

🔋 Backup Power Options: Solar vs. Gas Generators

This video explores the comparison between solar and gas generators as backup power solutions. With an unreliable power grid due to aging infrastructure and extreme weather, having a backup power source is essential. The video discusses the pros and cons of both systems, usage during grid failures, the ideal backup system configuration, and the presenter's personal insights after years of experience with these systems. The focus is on understanding the options available for when the power grid goes down.

05:02

🚀 Pros and Cons of ICE Generators and Solar Generators

The first paragraph delves into the advantages and disadvantages of internal combustion engine (ICE) generators and solar generators. ICE generators offer on-demand power and have a lower initial cost but can be noisy and produce fumes, which can be dangerous if not managed properly. They also require regular maintenance and are limited by the available fuel. On the other hand, solar generators provide an unlimited power source as long as there is sunlight, are quiet, fume-free, and require minimal maintenance. However, they are typically more expensive upfront and their power generation is dependent on weather conditions and the efficiency of the solar panels.

10:02

🌤️ Solar Generators: Maintenance, Portability, and Charging

This section highlights the low maintenance requirements of solar generators, which mainly involve periodic charging and discharging to keep the battery healthy. The ease of transportation for solar panels and the ability to use them indoors without the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning are also discussed. The video addresses the cons of solar generators, such as higher upfront costs and the reliance on sunlight for charging. It also touches on the importance of using heavy-gauge extension cords for outdoor power needs and the benefits of a transfer switch for connecting backup power systems to the home's electrical panel.

🔌 The Perfect Backup Power System: Combining Solar and Gas

The final paragraph suggests that the perfect backup power system may involve using both solar and gas generators. This combination provides the benefits of solar power when the sun is shining and the reliability of gas generators when sunlight is not available. The video mentions a smart system by EcoFlow that allows for seamless integration between solar and gas generators, automating the process of charging and powering devices. The presenter emphasizes the importance of budgeting power needs and understanding the limitations and capabilities of each system. The video concludes with recommendations for further resources on determining power needs and an annual review of solar generator options.

Keywords

💡Backup Power

Backup power refers to an auxiliary power source that is used when the primary power source, such as the main electrical grid, fails. In the context of the video, backup power is crucial during grid outages caused by aging infrastructure or extreme weather events. The video discusses solar and gas generators as options for backup power, highlighting their importance in ensuring a continuous supply of electricity for essential needs.

💡Internal Combustion Engine Generators (ICE)

Internal Combustion Engine Generators, or ICE generators, are a type of generator that uses an engine to convert fuel into mechanical energy, which is then converted into electrical energy. They are commonly used as backup power sources. The video mentions that ICE generators offer on-demand power and have a lower upfront cost compared to solar generators, but they require fuel and maintenance.

💡Dual Fuel or Tri Fuel Generators

Dual Fuel or Tri Fuel Generators are versatile generators that can run on multiple types of fuel, such as propane, gasoline, or diesel. The video script highlights the presenter's preference for these generators due to their flexibility, which is beneficial in situations where one fuel type might be scarce. This feature allows users to adapt to different circumstances without being limited to a single fuel source.

💡Operational Security (OPSEC)

Operational Security (OPSEC) is a term used to describe the measures taken to protect critical information or resources from falling into the wrong hands. In the video, OPSEC is mentioned in the context of using generators, as the noise and fumes they produce can inadvertently reveal to others that you have a power source, potentially drawing unwanted attention in a disaster scenario.

💡Carbon Monoxide

Carbon Monoxide is a colorless, odorless, and tasteless gas that can be deadly if inhaled in large quantities. It is a byproduct of incomplete combustion, which can occur in generators. The video warns about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning, especially when generators are used improperly indoors or in poorly ventilated areas, which can lead to tragic outcomes during power outages.

💡Solar Generators

Solar Generators are devices that store energy collected from solar panels. They are an eco-friendly and renewable source of backup power. The video discusses the advantages of solar generators, such as their silent operation, lack of fumes, and the unlimited power source as long as sunlight is available. They are also more portable and require less maintenance compared to ICE generators.

💡Battery Technology

Battery Technology refers to the systems and components used to store electrical energy. In the context of the video, advancements in battery technology have made solar generators more efficient and affordable. The video mentions that battery technology is improving year over year, making solar generators a more viable option for backup power.

💡Transfer Switch

A Transfer Switch is a device that allows the safe and efficient transfer of electrical power from one source to another, such as from a backup generator to the main electrical panel. The video suggests using a transfer switch to connect a backup generator to the home's electrical system, enabling the power of the generator to be distributed to critical loads within the home.

💡Critical Load

Critical Load refers to the essential electrical appliances and systems that need to be powered during an outage. The video emphasizes the importance of identifying and powering the critical load in a home, such as lights, refrigerators, and essential outlets, to ensure that basic needs are met when the main power source is unavailable.

💡EcoFlow Delta Pro 3

EcoFlow Delta Pro 3 is a specific model of a portable power station mentioned in the video. It is highlighted for its smart capabilities, such as its ability to work in tandem with a fuel generator, automatically starting the fuel generator when the battery levels get low and shutting it off when the batteries are sufficiently charged. This smart integration is presented as an example of advanced technology in backup power solutions.

Highlights

Comparison of solar and gas generators as backup power options

Discussing the pros and cons of both systems

Advantages of ICE generators: On-demand power and lower upfront cost

Preference for dual fuel or tri fuel generators for fuel source flexibility

Propane generators require less maintenance and can be stored for years

Disadvantages of ICE generators: Noise, fumes, and limited fuel source

Operational security concerns with noise from generators

Risk of carbon monoxide poisoning with improper generator use

The need for regular maintenance and skills for generator repairs

Limited mobility of gas generators and fuel storage requirements

Pros of solar generators: Unlimited power source, no noise, and no fumes

Solar generators are easier to transport and maintain

Cons of solar generators: Higher upfront cost and reliance on sunlight

Battery technology improvements making solar generators more affordable

The importance of budgeting power needs during emergencies

Combining solar and gas generators for the perfect backup system

The advantage of using a transfer switch for connecting generators to the main panel

Final thoughts on choosing the right backup power system based on location and needs

Recommendations for further learning on determining power needs and annual solar generator reviews

Transcripts

in this video we're going to compare

solar and gas generators as backup power

options now between an aging grid and

extreme weather events we're

increasingly seeing more incidents of

our power grid going down and having

power is really an essential part of our

lives so knowing your options when it

comes to backup power it's essential

here's what we're going to cover in this

video we're going to discuss the pros

and cons of both of these systems we're

going to discuss how to use them when

the grid goes down we'll discuss what

the perfect backup system looks like and

I'll give you my final thoughts after

working with these systems for years so

let's go ahead and jump

[Music]

in pros and cons of both systems let's

start with ice or internal combustion

engine generators these are the typical

generators that probably most of you are

familiar with now the pros of these

systems is that you get On Demand power

when you need it it's ready to go as

long as you have a fuel source such as

propane gasoline or diesel and typically

these have a lower entry upfront cost to

buy and compared to something like a

solar generator and the panels that

you'll need for it but as we all know

you get what you pay for and you can get

budget options but quality generators

they do come at a cost now a quick side

note I prefer dual fuel or Tri fuel

generators it really gives you options

for your various fuel sources you're not

pigeon hole to just one in propane it

can be stored for years this particular

tank I charged it 7 years ago and I

pulled it out the the other day to run

the generator not a problem propane

generators they also typically require

less maintenance than gasoline or diesel

generators because they have less carbon

buildup in the engine the only downside

of propane is it's slightly less

powerful than gasoline but I think the

advantages are way better to have

propane so let's discuss the cons of a

system like this the first and the most

obvious is a noise anytime you fire this

up it's going to draw attention to

you others are going to instantly know

that you have a resource and this is

where the term opsc comes in opsc refers

to operational security it's essentially

keeping information that you want to

keep secure you keep it to yourself and

in this case other people now know that

you have a resource and that's a

giveaway the other item is fumes if you

look at a lot of the um post disaster

reports on areas when they get impacted

a lot of times the initial disaster is

not what will kill people but it's the

post- disaster scenario where people are

running something like one of these they

don't have it in the right place maybe

they have it next to a window or next to

some kind of air intake you know on the

HVAC on their house what ends up

happening is it pumps carbon monoxide

into their house and unfortunately

people pass away from that now the other

disadvantage to a system like this is

that you're limited to the fuel source

on hand I can't produce more gas or

propane uh I would have to stand in line

for hours after disaster if I wanted to

get gasoline with other people and

that's just a situation I don't want to

put myself in the next consideration is

Parts you're really limited to what you

can store on this first of all these

need to be maintained you've got to

spend either your own time or you have

to pay somebody to maintain these and I

don't want to overblow this but again on

a small engine like this it's not that

difficult to do tuneups but again it

does have to be done on a regular basis

to keep this operating properly and

again it does require some basic skills

to make repairs one of the common

stories I often hear in the comments is

that uh after a disaster people will be

running a generator they'll hear a

neighbor running a generator for a few

days if there are several days into a

disaster and then it will stop running

and if that individual doesn't know how

to repair it well then it becomes a

paper weight and so again you have to

really consider are you going to be able

to maintain this and do you have the

skills and ability to fix an issue if it

comes up during operation and the last

and obvious is that these are not overly

mobile this is a pretty good size unit

and then I've got also this fuel source

if I have to pack up and leave throwing

these into a truck yeah that's not a big

issue but if you don't have a big truck

or maybe you're in a smaller City and

that could be an issue solar

generators so let's go ahead and start

off with the pros the obvious with these

units is that you effectively have an

unlimited source of power as long as you

have the sun tied in with your solar

panels now with a ice or internal

combustion engine you have the

limitation of your fuel source propane

diesel gas with these you're good to go

as long as you can manage and budget how

much power you're using combined with

the solar panels now the other great

feature is they don't have any noise and

again this is great for opsc or

operational secur security people can't

hear these operating it's not going to

draw attention to you so it's a huge

feature the other thing is that you

don't have any fumes and you can run

these in doors whereas with a regular

gas generator you can't bring these into

your house to power devices the other

thing as we talked about in the first

point is that you don't need an external

fuel source you don't have to store any

fuel for these and again if the power

goes down and you're running a a

standard generator you run out now you

got to go stay in line with everybody

else to get gasoline and that's just a

situation where I just don't want to

deal with again with solar panels as

long as I have the sun I can continue to

charge these the other thing is I don't

have to maintain them the only real

maintenance is just pulling them out

maybe once a month and charging them and

discharging them typically what I'll do

is just plug it in something draw it

down the power and then charge it up to

50% and store it away again till next

month and that keeps the battery more or

less healthy these are a lot easier to

transport as well now over here I've got

a 400 wat solar panel these are solar

blankets I've covered these on the

channel before these are very easy to

transport I keep these next to all my

bugout gear over here so I can grab a

couple of uh 200 WT solar panels or

solar blankets they are just easily

throw them into the back seats on the

floorboard and they're good to go so

let's talk about the cons first

typically these are more expensive

upfront versus something like a gas

generator and again depending on what

type you actually buy it could be

comparable if you get something like a

Honda now Battery Technology the good

news is that year-over-year it's getting

cheaper we're seeing the technology just

getting better and getting cheaper when

I first started reviewing these type of

devices years ago about six or seven

years ago the price was roughly about

double or triple for something

comparable uh of what you can get today

speaking of price at the time we

recording this video ecoflow is actually

running some deals on Amazon on these

particular models over here and I'll put

links in the description and comment

section below along with some coupon

codes if you're interested in checking

that out so again as we pointed out a

second ago one of the other obvious cons

is that if there's no sun you can't

charge them unless you have a power

source maybe the power is up for a

little bit you can charge them or if you

have something like a propane or gas

generator now one of the other things I

want to acknowledge is that with these

units again they're called solar

generators and you can plug them into

solar panels and you can charge them but

solar panels they rarely produce at 100%

I've seen it happen but it's not it's

it's the exception not the rule on

average you're usually going to get

around 70 maybe to 45% of what the panel

is rated for depending on the conditions

and again it depends if they're pointed

directly at the Sun

now with these portable panels over here

that I've got next to me they can be

moved and pointed at the sun to optimize

the solar input but if you have roof or

ground mounts they're not going to be

directly pointing to at the sun

throughout the entire day and if it's

cloudy out you're just not going to get

a lot of solar input so if you need a

lot of power over an extended period of

time unless you have a lot of solar

panels and plenty of Sun you're going to

be at a disadvantage with a system like

this when the grid goes down

down so when the grid goes down you can

run your solar generator inside your

house you can bring it inside you can

leave it inside and have the solar

connected to it from outside whatever

you want to do but with an internal

combustion engine you obviously cannot

run that inside your house the carbon

monoxide is lethal you have to be

careful with internal combustion engines

if you uh are operating them you have to

keep them away from your windows your

garage any type of hva system you just

don't want the fumes to somehow get into

the house you have to keep them at

distance

OB obviously again this is a carbon

monoxide issue and as I talked about

earlier in the video a lot of times

after disaster that's where a lot of the

casualties come from people operating

these devices too close to their house

and as a result they get sick or they

die now if you operate these devices

outside of your house again your gas

generator or even if you have the solar

generator outside plugged into solar

panels you want to have a heavy gauge

extension cord that you run from the

outside inside to power different things

such as your refrigerator whatever else

these they cost more but these heavy

gauges they'll carry a much higher load

versus something like a cheap flimsy uh

you know extension ore like this that

will overheat very quickly and could

burn up so again make sure that you're

considering that something that will

carry a heavy load now the ideal

approach is something like a transfer

switch these you can pick up at your

local hardware store online and you can

connect this to your main panel now of

course this is going to require an

electrician I'm not going to talk about

the insulation on this video because I'm

not an electrician but these you can

plug in your uh I'm sorry you can plug

in here on the front this has a cap on

it right now but you some of these have

uh you know 120 or 240 volt plugins and

then you can set up your circuits to

connect with your main panel in your

house and then you can power certain

loads and again based on the size of

your gas generator or your solar

generator uh you're only going to be

able to power certain lines in your

house that's kind of a misconception now

if you want to run something heavy like

your uh you know you know air

conditioners outside it is in theory

possible obviously with a gas you can do

that but uh there are some solar

generators that can probably pull that

off some of the heavier that output 240

volt we are going to do a video in about

a month or so comparing the larger

models that can handle that but overall

you're probably going to want to power

what's considered your critical load

these things like your uh Comfort

switches inside your lights your

refrigerator the things that are most

important and so if the grid were to go

down having these backup systems that

can flip over and you can connect it

into a sub panel again with something

like this uh you know transfer switch

it's going to enable you to power the

most important things that you need so

let's talk about the final and what I

consider the perfect combination because

a lot of times what we do in these

videos is we pit one against the other

we say well solar is better gas is

better the real solution and what I keep

is both of both of these on standby both

gas and solar and now I know that costs

obviously more to have both of those

options but as the old saying goes don't

put all your eggs in one basket you know

so having both Solutions is kind of The

Best of Both Worlds you know with solar

the sun may not always you know sun

won't always be shining so having a gas

generator to both power the devices you

need and power the batteries at the same

time is going to be very very beneficial

having a solar generator set up it also

the main advantage is with a gas

generator an ice generator it extends

the amount of fuel that you'll need to

operate that internal combustion engine

what do I mean you know if you run a

standard let's say gas generator and

that's all you have you don't have a

battery system like one of these solar

generators well as soon as you turn it

off obviously you're not going to be

able to power anything but if you're

able to power the batteries in the Solar

generators you can turn off the gas

generator and I've watched various

videos where people have used this

approach and what they've pointed out is

you can usually extend the fuel on hand

that you have whether that's propane or

gas by about 4X so that's really the

advantage in that situation now I want

to point out one other option we talk

about the combination of solar and gas

is a video that we just recently did on

ecof flow's newest Delta Pro 3 they have

a new dual fuel generator 4000 the

advantage with this system is that they

connect and tie together and they talk

to each other so if the batteries Get

Low it goes over and tells the fuel

generator to kick on powered up to a

certain amount that you define in the

app and then whenever it's filled up the

gas generator will turn off and so again

that's where you have the ADV the

advantage of a smart system that ties

together the thing I always encourage

people is learn to budget your power

needs and that's really the thing as

Americans we love having all the power

we want on demand and that can be a

problem in an emergency situation the

more power you want the more things are

going to cost the more fuel you'll need

the more batteries the more solar panels

so if you can learn to reduce and

control your power needs solar can be in

my opinion the most effective approach

in all of this final thoughts let me

finish up this part of the video with my

final thoughts on having experience with

both of these platforms both Sol and gas

where I live we have nothing but sun and

it's our greatest abundant resource in

my area I live in Southern California so

sun is very abundant here so for me

solar is a no- brainer but again you may

live in a different part of the world

where there's not a lot of sun maybe you

live in an area for example Germany or

somewhere in that area where it just

don't get as much sun it may be darker

somewhere on the you know up in Oregon

and that issue can be a problem when

you're looking at a system like this

when you're just solely relying on solar

in that situation having that

combination of both the batteries and

the gas to operate as I explained a

second ago that's your ideal approach so

you have to really consider and factor

in your area again there's not just one

solution for everything I hate to say

that I know a lot of times it's easy to

say well go with solar and again that's

my bias because of the area that I live

in but I am realistic and I understand

that it's going to be different for

everyone so think through your budget

that's usually where most people start

and again I'll post links to the

products I talked about there are some

coupon codes if you're interested in

anything that we covered now and final I

would recommend that you watch the two

videos I'm going to post up here on the

screen one is how to determine your

power needs it's a really great video

that goes to and explains all the

considerations to help you determine

what size system you need in the other

videos the annual solar generator review

that I do we just did one about 6 weeks

ago or so and I go through and compare

all the options on the market at this

time there's been a lot of advancements

and you'll definitely want to check that

out if you are interested if you have

any feedback or any thoughts feel free

to post it below and as always stay safe

out there