Solar power, once installed, has little maintenance or further expense. There is no fuel to purchase, since the sun's energy fuels the system.
One must look beyond the initial cost, however, to get the full comparison of solar power versus generator.
The initial cost of a solar power system will be greater than that of a generator system. This is often the reason people install a generator rather than choose solar power.
The cost of solar power versus generator is much less over the long term.
Despite the predictions of global warming linked by reliance on fossil fuels, it seems that it is the cost of solar power over traditional grid electricity that is making it popular.
Solar power is received in through the panels, free of cost, and stored in batteries. It is ready for use when needed, but in times of reduced usage, the power remains in storage.
There two forms of solar power: Thermal solar power is where the heat of the sun is used to heat water to drive a turbine to produce electricity. Photovoltaic solar power is when electricity is produced directly from the sun without any moving parts.
In general, solar photovoltaic systems sized between 1 to 5 kilowatts are usually sufficient to meet the electricity needs of most homes.
Solar power may be less convenient to purchase and install, since it is not as widely available as generators.
Solar air heating panels are another system that saves energy, and is suitable for homes that can't use passive solar heating.