Everyone looks to the power grid when it comes to searching for electricity and power usage. It’s a common amenity in UK communities and it continues to serve the needs of the residents including powering their homes, appliances, office buildings, and sheds.
However, multiple scenarios call for a backup power source. The grid, while being the common source of electricity, won’t always be available for the masses. This happens in the case of power outages or grid failure.
Whatever the case is, having a backup power supply is recommended for sustained energy.
Generators Vs Solar Panels: What’s the Better Pick?
There are two popular alternatives to the power grid – generators and solar panels. While these two are similar in their energy outputs and sustainability, they differ in various factors, especially their source of energy.
Read on for a quick run-through of each one and find out which is best for your sheds and other energy needs.
Generators For Your Power Usage
These power boxes are powered by diesel or gasoline and work by converting mechanical energy into electricity. It’s designed as a backup energy source in the event of power outages and it works well in supplying electricity to appliances and equipment.
Pros:
- Generators are reliable alternatives that ensure a continued supply of electricity after the power grid goes out
- They’re everywhere and so are easy to buy, install, maintain, and repair
- They can be battery-powered making them portable
- They’re not affected by weather and provide dependable power all day and night
Cons:
- The generators are noisy, making them a nuisance to yourself and your neighbours
- They also rely on fossil fuels making them sources of harmful toxins to the environment
- Generators emit gases like carbon monoxide and hence extra effort is needed to ensure safety and reduce health hazards
Using Solar Panels for Sheds
Solar panels for sheds consist of individual photovoltaic cells that convert sunlight into usable energy. The concept, therefore, involves the conversion of solar energy into electricity. It’s fuelled by the individual cells of the panels and ensures continuous generation of renewable energy in the presence of sunlight.
Pros:
- Solar panels are easy to install and require little maintenance
- They generate and store enough energy to rival the power grid as your main source of electricity
- The costs of solar panels are often offset totally after the installation. That means the power usage afterwards is relatively free
- They offer a clean and eco-friendly means of generating energy thanks to being sourced by sunlight rather than fossil fuels
Cons:
- While solar panels don’t come with regular bills, the initial cost of procuring those panels can leave you scratching your head
- While solar panels can store electricity in batteries, they still need constant sunlight to perform optimally. This puts them at a disadvantage during periods of no sunlight which is no strange occurrence in this region
- Solar panels require a lot of space during their installation
- These panels also need to be installed at specific angles to ensure sustained power output
Bottom Line: What’s the Verdict?
In the end, it comes down to weighing the pros and cons of each energy source. Solar panels offer a quiet, clean, green power supply while generators are useful for continuous and uninterrupted power supply.
