Solar vs Generator Calculator

Compare the **levelized cost per kWh** of a solar+battery system vs a fuel generator. Includes capex, fuel, and maintenance over your analysis window.

Usage Profile

Energy needed (kWh/day)

Or import loads via L in the URL from other tools.

Days per year

If seasonal or backup-only, reduce this.

Analysis years

10–15 yrs for generators; 20–25 for solar if you prefer.

Discount rate (%/yr)

Used for levelizing costs.

Generator

Fuel type

For labeling only; set price below.

Fuel price

Unit matches the consumption unit (below).

Consumption unit

Consumption

Typical diesel ~0.07–0.09 gal/kWh; gasoline ~0.09–0.12 gal/kWh.

Average electrical load while running (kW)

Only used if unit is per hour.

Generator capex ($)

Purchase + install.

Maintenance ($/hour)

Oil, filters, service time per run hour.

Fixed O&M ($/yr)

Storage, inspections, etc.

Solar + Battery

PV system size (kW)

Installed cost ($/W) [PV]

Or enter total below.

PV total cost ($)

Overrides $/W if filled.

Battery capacity (kWh)

Battery cost ($/kWh)

Incentive / rebate (%)

Peak sun hours (h/day)

Performance ratio

O&M (% of PV+bat per year)

Degradation (%/yr)

Battery cost is included up-front for LCOE. (Optional replacements can be added later.)

Results

Generator cost per kWh

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Solar+battery LCOE

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Breakeven fuel price

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Fuel price where generator LCOE = solar LCOE (at your inputs).

Annual energy & costs

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Share / Save

State-packed link (?S=...). Also supports L import from Appliance/Loads tools.