Solar Generator vs Gas Generator for a Power Outage

For most outages, a solar generator is the safer pick for indoor loads and a gas generator is the longer-running one. A battery power station has no exhaust, so it can sit beside the fridge or a CPAP. A gas generator makes carbon monoxide, so CPSC says to run it outside only, at least 20 feet from the house.

Solar generator vs gas generator at a glance

The short version: a battery unit trades runtime for safety and quiet, and a gas generator trades safety and quiet for runtime.

Why carbon monoxide changes the decision

CPSC says an average of nearly 100 people in the U.S. die each year from carbon monoxide poisoning caused by portable generators. In its 2023 report it said one portable generator produces as much carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars, and that people can become unconscious before they notice symptoms such as nausea, dizziness or weakness.

That is why the placement rules are strict, and why the outage plan matters as much as the machine. A generator that has to sit 20 feet from the house needs a safe outdoor spot, cords long enough to reach it, and someone to refuel it.

Ready.gov adds two practical rules: keep the generator dry and protected from rain or flooding, and connect appliances with heavy-duty extension cords. CPSC also warns against plugging a generator into a wall outlet to feed house wiring, a practice called backfeeding that endangers utility workers and neighbors.

When a solar generator is the better choice

Overnight and indoor loads. A CPAP, a router or a lamp in the bedroom needs power where people sleep, which is exactly where a fuel engine cannot go. Ready.gov advises talking to a medical provider about an outage plan for any powered medical device.

• Apartments and homes without a safe outdoor spot. If there is nowhere 20 feet from the house to run an engine, a battery unit is the practical option.
• Short outages. Ready.gov says a refrigerator keeps food cold for about four hours without power and a full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours. A battery unit can bridge a fridge through a daylong outage; what size solar generator runs a refrigerator has the math.
• Campsites with generator hours. A battery unit has no engine to run during quiet hours.

When a gas generator makes more sense

Long outages with little sun. A battery stores a fixed amount of energy. The U.S. Energy Information Administration puts average home use at about 29.6 kWh a day, while the 1 kWh and 2 kWh classes in our buying guide store 1 to 2 kWh. Without sun or wall power to refill it, a battery unit covers critical loads for a limited time.

Large or 240 V loads. Well pumps, central air and electric ranges can need high output and 240 V. Only some large power stations list 240 V output; what a 3000 watt solar generator will run covers that class.

Either way, the placement rules above apply every time a gas generator runs.

Can you use both?

Yes, and the jobs split naturally. A battery unit can cover the indoor, overnight and medical loads, while a gas generator runs outdoors at a safe distance for larger loads during the day. Check the power station’s manual before charging it from a generator, and never connect either one to house wiring except through transfer equipment installed as the maker specifies. Our home backup guide covers transfer switches.

Where to go next

Size a battery unit for your own loads with what size solar generator you need, and see how quickly each model refills in how to charge a solar generator. To compare current models, start with our best solar generators guide.