When people are asked to consider alternative energy sources, they are often given these two main reasons. One is that conventional fuels will eventually run out, and the other is that renewable energy doesn’t add to the greenhouse gases accumulating in the atmosphere.
Of course, others have personal motivations behind switching to off grid power too. For instance, it might be that you just want to have a backup in case of emergencies or natural disasters. There is also the possibility that you live in a remote location, so access to the usual sources of electricity is limited.
If you live in an area without access to the electrical grid, there are two popular options to consider. The first is solar trailers, which are portable units that collect energy and store it in batteries through solar panels. The second is backup generators powered by propane, diesel, or gasoline. But, which one is the best choice for you?
To help you decide, let’s look at basic facts about each one and then pros and any limitations.
What You Need to Know about Solar Trailers
These are vehicles that generate electricity through solar panels, and they are used for various purposes, like:
- Powering small houses since you only need to think about parking spaces for them
- Charging devices like computers and phones, as well as trailer batteries
- Providing power in disaster response areas, oil fields, and construction sites
- Minimising consumption of fossil fuel because they don’t need a diesel engine to run
Some of the benefits you can get when opting for solar trailers are that:
- They can capture sunlight at the best positions every time, especially if they have electric linear actuators for positioning the panels
- They can store energy in a battery pack when parked, which can be transfer to a warehouse or a truck
- They can harness solar energy in different locations as long as it is accessible through a road
- They are becoming easier to maintain and have warranties that last for longer periods
- They are typically easy to set up or install since they only need to be placed in the sun and plugged in
- They are useful for managing on-board devices, including the battery, so you won’t have to keep buying new ones
- They lower electrical and fuel costs so you have greater energy savings in the long run
- They do not produce any direct emissions, unlike diesel generators that emit greenhouse gases and other pollutants
What to Know about Generators
These machines that produce electricity through fossil fuel. They are used for different purposes, including:
- Powering trailer-mounted light towers, which provide temporary lighting for crews that maintain the roads at night
- Powering construction equipment, travel equipment, and appliances on worksites, particularly if they are portable rather than standby types
- Providing primary power for construction sites or buildings that are not connected to the power grid
- Functioning as backup power sources for homes, medical facilities, offices, and other buildings during outages due to routine maintenance, emergencies, or bad weather
Some of the benefits you can get when opting for generators are that:
- They can run quietly, so they are suitable for use in hospitals, homes, and other places that are noise-sensitive
- They can be an eco-friendly option for lesser greenhouse gas emissions, but only if you get the natural gas types
- They are fuel efficient and can save you money in the long run if they run on diesel
- They keep data centres, medical facilities, and other critical infrastructure operational, even when electricity is inconsistent
- They allow businesses to stay productive and avoid financial losses due to power outages
- They increase the value of properties when you are planning to sell your home
- They help to deter crime during long blackouts because they keep your surveillance cameras and other security measures running
- They can be used as backup power sources in case of natural disasters or power outages
Know the Pros and Cons of Each Option
To make an informed decision as to which one you should get for your home or building, consider the following pros and cons for each and compare them with the alternative:
Solar trailers
Pros
Low environmental impact! They are clean and eco-friendly since they use the sun as a renewable source of energy.
They are low maintenance too. There is minimal upkeep, especially compared to generators since they don’t often need fuel or regular repairs.
A cost-effective option. They might have a high initial cost, but they can save you more money in the long run since the sun is an unlimited source of energy.
Finally, there is less noise. They are quiet versus the usual loud nature of traditional generators.
Cons
The limited storage. They are limited to the size of the battery that they are carrying, so they might not provide enough power for extended periods without the need to recharge.
This one may have already occurred to you: weather dependent. They depend on sunlight, so they are not as efficient when there is bad weather or in locations that have less sunlight.
Consider the initial cost too. Solar trailers have a higher upfront cost compared to generators, so it might not be affordable for everyone.
And then there’s the specialty maintenance: They need their solar panels to be kept clean and maintained, but not everyone knows how to do that.
Generators
Pros
Typically, generator setup is quick. They usually require less time in setting up so they can begin providing energy almost right away compared to solar trailers that need optimal positioning and weather.
Enjoy higher output too, generally. They tend to produce more energy than typical solar panels, making them a better choice for heavy-duty usage.
And then there is better overall reliability. They are capable of running 24/7 as long as there is fuel available, making them reliable during long periods without sunlight or bad weather.
Load versatility is important too. They are able to power equipment and appliances like power tools, refrigerators, and air conditioners that demand larger wattage.
Cons
Cost maintenance is important to consider. Generators need a steady supply of fuel to operate, which has fluctuating prices, and they have to be regularly maintained.
What about environmental impact? They produce noise pollution, carbon emissions, and other things that are not good for the planet.
Fuel dependency is also something to consider. They need fuel, which might not always be affordable or available in remote locations or during disaster situations.
Fuel challenges exist too. They need their fuel to be transported and stored in approved containers and in large quantities, and that can be hard when you are living somewhere logistically challenging.
So, which alternative energy source do you think is the best option for you?
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