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Diesel Generator vs Solar Generators

Criteria Diesel Generator Solar Generator
System Type Portable diesel generator set Portable Solar generator
Cost Lower initial cost, high running costs due to fuel consumption High initial cost, virtually free for lifetime.
Maintenance Require periodic maintenance such as oiling of parts and replacement of moving parts Minimum maintenance required due to no moving parts.
Pollution Noisy, smoke discharge and greasy residues.Also harmful for the environment Soundless, no discharges.Environmentally friendly.
Efficiency Will consume fuel and produce constant energy regardless of load consumption. Most of this energy is wasted. Will store extra energy and supply it when required. All energy is utilized.
Cost per kWh Increases with fuel prices Free after sometime.
Return on Investment None Cheaper than grid power over its lifetime.
Reliability in Rugged Conditions Will function when required, but lifetime will be shortened by environment. Will function when required, and is ideal for sunny countries.
Fueling Costs Requires fuel to be transported to location and manually inserted into tank No cost for fuel. It is automatically charging at all times in the sun.
Set Up Time Will have to be refueled before being used Deployed in a few minutes.
When Not in Use Nothing will happen, though fuel level will have to be checked before reuse The generator will retain charge. It will continue to charge as long as exposed to sunlight.
Towing from Location to New Location Refueling needed when moved to a new location Generator will charge en-route, ready to be used when arriving at new location.
Life Time 3-5 years with daily use Up to 25 years.