Solar vs Generator: Which is Better?
The ultimate comparison for load shedding backup. Understand the true costs, benefits, and drawbacks of each option.
With load shedding a constant reality in South Africa, every household needs backup power. The two main options are solar systems and generators. Each has pros and cons - here's a detailed comparison to help you decide.
Quick Comparison
| factor | solar | generator |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront Cost | R80,000 - R200,000 | R15,000 - R50,000 |
| Running Costs | Near zero (sun is free) | R50-R150/hour in fuel |
| Noise | Silent | Loud (60-80 dB) |
| Maintenance | Minimal (panel cleaning) | Regular (oil, filters, servicing) |
| Lifespan | 20-25 years | 5-10 years |
| Instant Backup | Yes (automatic) | No (manual start) |
factorUpfront Cost
solarR80,000 - R200,000
generatorR15,000 - R50,000
factorRunning Costs
solarNear zero (sun is free)
generatorR50-R150/hour in fuel
factorNoise
solarSilent
generatorLoud (60-80 dB)
factorMaintenance
solarMinimal (panel cleaning)
generatorRegular (oil, filters, servicing)
factorLifespan
solar20-25 years
generator5-10 years
factorInstant Backup
solarYes (automatic)
generatorNo (manual start)
5-Year Cost Analysis
| cost Type | solar | generator |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase Price | R120,000 | R30,000 |
| Fuel (5 years) | R0 | R150,000 |
| Maintenance | R5,000 | R25,000 |
| Electricity Savings | -R60,000 | R0 |
| TOTAL 5-Year Cost | R65,000 | R205,000 |
cost TypePurchase Price
solarR120,000
generatorR30,000
cost TypeFuel (5 years)
solarR0
generatorR150,000
cost TypeMaintenance
solarR5,000
generatorR25,000
cost TypeElectricity Savings
solar-R60,000
generatorR0
cost TypeTOTAL 5-Year Cost
solarR65,000
generatorR205,000
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Solar System Pros & Cons
Solar advantages and disadvantages:
- PRO: Free energy after installation
- PRO: Silent operation - use anytime
- PRO: Automatic switchover during load shedding
- PRO: Reduces electricity bill even without load shedding
- PRO: Adds value to your property
- PRO: Environmentally friendly
- CON: High upfront cost
- CON: Limited capacity (can't run everything)
- CON: Dependent on battery size for backup duration
Generator Pros & Cons
Generator advantages and disadvantages:
- PRO: Lower upfront cost
- PRO: Can power high-demand appliances (geyser, stove)
- PRO: Unlimited runtime with fuel
- PRO: No dependency on weather
- CON: Ongoing fuel costs (R50-150/hour)
- CON: Noisy - can't run at night in suburbs
- CON: Fumes and fire risk
- CON: Requires manual starting
- CON: Regular maintenance needed
- CON: Fuel storage and availability issues
When to Choose Each
Recommendations:
- CHOOSE SOLAR IF: You want long-term savings, hate noise, want automatic backup
- CHOOSE SOLAR IF: You plan to stay in your home 5+ years
- CHOOSE SOLAR IF: You want to reduce your electricity bill
- CHOOSE GENERATOR IF: Budget is very tight (under R50,000)
- CHOOSE GENERATOR IF: You need to run heavy appliances (welders, large pumps)
- CHOOSE GENERATOR IF: You're renting or may move soon
- CHOOSE BOTH IF: You want solar for daily use + generator for extended outages
Price Disclaimer: Prices shown were verified on . Prices may change without notice. We earn affiliate commissions on qualifying purchases.
All prices are in South African Rand (ZAR) unless otherwise stated. Shipping costs may apply depending on your location.
Related Pages
Solar vs Generator for Load Shedding FAQs
Solar is better for most households in the long run. While generators cost less upfront, fuel costs make them more expensive over 2-3 years. Solar is silent, automatic, and reduces your electricity bill. Generators are better only if your budget is very limited or you need to run high-demand equipment.
Yes, many households use both. Solar handles daily load shedding and reduces electricity bills. A generator serves as backup for extended outages or when battery runs low. Many hybrid inverters can automatically switch to generator input when needed.
Major retailers: Builders Warehouse, Makro, Takealot. Solar specialists: SolarShop, Sustainable.co.za, The Solar Warehouse. Always compare prices and check warranty support before buying.
For grid-tied systems, yes - you need a qualified electrician with COC (Certificate of Compliance). For simple off-grid setups, DIY is possible but not recommended. Poor installation is the #1 cause of solar system failures.
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