Cost comparison: Solar + battery vs. diesel generator
Buying a solar system with storage costs more than a diesel generator. But anyone who compares the total cost over the lifetime sees a different picture.
Buying a solar system with storage costs more than a diesel generator. But anyone who compares the total cost over the lifetime sees a different picture.
A diesel generator is cheaper to buy than a solar-battery system. But the running costs – diesel, maintenance, spare parts, transport – add up year after year.
A solar system with battery storage has high upfront costs, but minimal running costs. No fuel, hardly any maintenance, no logistics. After just a few years, the generator's cumulative costs overtake those of the solar system – and the gap keeps growing.
For an operation with 8 hours of daily generator runtime and 15 kW average output:
| Cost factor | Diesel (10 years) | Solar + battery (10 years) |
|---|---|---|
| Purchase | ~ 8,000 USD | ~ 25,000 USD |
| Fuel / energy | ~ 45,000 USD | 0 USD |
| Maintenance & spare parts | ~ 12,000 USD | ~ 1,500 USD |
| Logistics (diesel transport) | ~ 5,000 USD | 0 USD |
| Total | ~ 70,000 USD | ~ 26,500 USD |
The exact figures vary by location, consumption and diesel price. Use our interactive calculator below for your individual calculation.
The cost comparison alone doesn't tell the whole story. Solar systems offer further tangible benefits:
Work out for yourself when solar pays off for your operation. Adjust the parameters to your situation.
Investition
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Kreditrate/Jahr
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Strom-Ersparnis/Jahr
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Netto/Jahr (20J)
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Break-Even
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Gesamtkosten Kredit (20 Jahre)
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Netto nach Kreditende
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