CHEAPEST Off Grid Power Solution - Solar vs Gas Generator

We are discussing which option is the cheapest off-grid power solution, an off-grid solar power system or a gas generator, in this episode of our Couple Builds Dream Home series. Often when beginners start thinking about living off-grid they first look into off-grid power solutions that they are familiar with like a gas generator. As they continue to explore their options they inevitably run across solar but are often shocked by the price of the initial setup. It may seem that it would be cheaper to power your off-grid home with a cheap generator and gasoline than an expensive solar system but in reality, it is not.

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[douglasmeyers]

We have been living off grid for 9 years. Within the last 3 years we upgraded our system to a 60 amp 220 volt schneider system with 4kw solar charging capacity and added the battle born batteries in march of 2020. We just sold our property within the last week and are going to do off grid again as soon as we find the right property. The only difference will be the system will be 5 kw with an independent solar well pump system between the tax incentives and not paying for electricity it will pay for itself in five years. Generators wear out. They require constant maintenance and refueling if gas daily. Solar if done correctly is almost Maintenance free.

[dylanpeterson]

The biggest takeaway is that there is not just 1 answer in sizing your system. You could drastically cut generator hours just by having a small battery bank and inverter (that charges directly from generator) like most large boats do today. Even a couple battle born sized batteries with your 2k inverter would eliminate 20 hours of generator time a day in your example. Having a bigger battery pack + panels just removes the need to run the generator more (and increase battery cycle life) to eliminate the hassle all together.... Great vid

[gudfarfar]

No question about it. If you want the best and most econimical power system, and less polluting, with the least maintenance year over year, solar and battery is the best. Good video. Stay safe.

[laserboy]

Very interesting comparison.... I live off grid and have for 5 years...just over a year ago I upgraded my solar power system. My current system is (8) 300 watt solar panels, (1) Midnite Classic 200 charge controller, a 24v DC to 120v AC 3000 watt Samlex inverter, a 40 amp 24v DC to 12v DC converter, an Aims 37.5 amp 24v DC charger and a Honda EU2000i generator. My batteries are (2) 300ah Kilovaults in series for 24v system. My Honda had over 4000 hours on it from use before my upgrade (1.5 hours morning and night for 4 years), have only used it maybe 4 times since my upgrade. It has original spark plug and oil was changed about once a month during pre-upgrade. No other maintenence except replacing recoil starter rope once and it still starts on the first pull. I run all my power tools including a table saw and air compressor on my solar power system. Only use the generator if we have inclement weather for 4 days in a row.
My system including the Honda ran about $13, 000.00. That is the cost of materials and equipment along with some labor to install concrete anchored poles that the solar array is mounted on. My solar array angle is adjustable by hand crank (less than 1 minute time usually once a week) to maximize my 2 hour window of daily charge time in the winter as the array is located in the woods.

[roniniowa]

You did a real fine job doing a comparison between the two. Thank you.

[EliteRealtyIdaho]

Hey another fellow North Idaho off gridder! Just closed on my property....so it begins. Thanks for the info!

[tanyajenkins]

Your home is coming along nicely . It's nice to have a solid solar with a nice back up generator . Have a great day all of u .

[ninline]

Makes me happy to be on the grid. I'm at about $1, 800.00 per year and I use way more energy than you. I figured I'd need about 40 grand to build a solar system to satisfy my power needs.

[MikeBabsBC]

Great video! Thanks for diving into it!!!!.... What if you only bought 1 generator the first year and put $1, 100 into some batteries. Now, Your generator is only charging your batteries once they get low substantially lowering the run times. Running a generator 24/7 you over severely overproducing power when you may only need to run it for 4hrs a day. That would cut your bills down as follows:

Generators hours per year @ 4hrs per day = 1, 460hrs. = 1 generator lasts 2.5 years.
gas = 1, 460/8 = 182g = $365/year
Oil = 1, 460/100 = 15 Oil Changes x 14oz oil = 210oz /32 = 6.5 quarts = $24/year
Spark Plugs= 7 x $3 = $22/year
Figure $2k spent on some decent batteries.

10 year total = $10, 510

Now, this will obviously depend on how much/little electricity you use and the generator selected but adding the batteries means you are only burning the fuel required to provide the power you need... and saving your generator.

[bwilks]

Wow. Thanks for this video. That’s an insanely drastic difference. Totally know my decision now.

[pwengert]

We enjoyed you taking the time & doing the research to explain the pros & cons of the generator vs solar! Thank you for doing your homework. Have a fun & safe weekend. God bless.

[ahmedkamaluddin]

You’ve provide absolutely correct Information

[brianvaughan]

Great information, I live in SW Oklahoma on 80 acres and have been wanting to convert to off grid power and really enjoy watching your progress. Blessings to your family.

[spurlworld]

I'm a first time home owner. I'll be moving to the Philippines once they open up! Your information made me pick the solar panel system. Thanks for breaking the cost and maintenance down. I really don't want to be doing that maintenance like that!

[TimeSurfer]

As a retired Commercial Electrician, I approve this message!
Oh, and I'm going to steal your math ^^

[RMTFamily]

You talked about all the maintenance on the generator, to do that maintenance you have to shut down the gen, let it cool down first and then do the maintenance. During this time you don't have power unless you run a back-up gen. And the hassle factor is much worse than people think. How to get a 1000gls of fuel? Well you have it delivered>at an extra cost of ??? Well it's not cheap. Solar is the way to go. You have a great system. Somebody can also start out with a smaller system and add more batteries and more panels later, upgrade or add inverters later. A solar system can be expanded easy at any time, keeping initial cost lower and upgrade later. Great Job, great video! 😉

[b.b.finsclara]

I want you to know you are helping me understand and learn and i appreciate it. I am grateful for sharing your knowledge! keep it up! Thaaanks

[BloomwithEvaw]

Thank you for breaking that down for us. We can't make up our minds for either generator or solar or both for our off grid homesteading.

[mayorsman]

First time here. You do a GREAT job of explaining things.

[John-Adams-Can]

Bottom line is I dont want to HEAR a generator or SMELL a generator!