Why Not Both – Electric Power Station vs Gas Generator?

Gas Generator vs Solar Power Station Strikes Again

Here's to a new perspective...

I was scrolling through a Facebook group the other day on prepping for disasters, and saw yet another version of the common debate going on – gas generators vs. electric portable power stations.  There was the usual bantering back and forth about the ease and perceived lower cost of gas generators, not to mention how powerful they are for larger equipment, as compared to the green, quiet, and more expensive solar power stations.

There are plenty of pros and cons on either side of this conversation. “Gas generators can power my [name your favorite power sucking device - heater/AC, washer, dryer, well pump, etc.]” and “I don’t need to sit around and wait to charge a gas generator.” And the most common point – “Gas generators are so much cheaper.”

On the other hand, lovers of solar power say things like “Those gas generators are so noisy they even annoy my dog.” Or, “I love how my solar generator doesn’t stink.” And then there’s the classic argument “The sun won’t stop shinning when the gas runs out and resources are slim. Plus, the sun is FREE.”

Suddenly it dawned on me. Why not both? Why not diversify? What’s wrong with setting yourself up for success by having 2 sources of backup energy while planning for contingencies? You will be ready for an emergency situation when you run out of gas and supplies are short, AND/OR when you've got several days in a row of raining weather with little sunshine to speak of.

So there you have it. Take a hard look at your true energy needs, and decide where you are going to draw your own energy line in the sand. At what power level will you turn to gas, and rely on solar power for everything else? The answer isn’t always easy.

There are certainly some very powerful in-home backup electric power stations, such as those made by Humless and Ecoflow that can keep your most important needs met, including refrigeration and heavy power tools. But, they are costly and can require significant solar input depending on size. Do you have space for enough solar panels? Where? Any trees creating too much shade?

You can pretty easily find small and medium sized gas generators for your home. What about access to replenishing gas generators during tough times – how far off the beaten path do you live and will shortages likely happen quickly in a time of disaster or supply disruption? So many questions only you can answer.

When you are ready to take the plunge and purchase your solar power station, we are here for you.  In the meantime, peruse our offerings in the portable solar arena, which just got bigger and better with the Ecoflow Delta Max - the max packs a powerful 2kWh capacity and 2400W output (5000W surge). You can expand this up to 6kWh, with extra batteries, too. SWEET! That's a lot.

HUMLESS

ECOFLOW 

Also in Take the Sun on the Go!