The real comparison: total cost over 10 years
Most South Africans compare the upfront cost of a generator (R8,000–R25,000) with a solar system (R55,000–R120,000) and stop there. That's a mistake. The operating costs tell a very different story.
Generator costs (10-year total)
| Cost item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Purchase (5 kVA petrol) | R15,000–R22,000 |
| Fuel (2L/hr × 4hrs/day × 365 × 10) | R175,000–R240,000 |
| Servicing (annual) | R12,000–R18,000 |
| Repairs / replacements | R8,000–R20,000 |
| 10-year total | R210,000–R300,000 |
Solar system costs (10-year total)
| Cost item | Amount |
|---|---|
| 5 kW system + 5 kWh battery installed | R95,000–R130,000 |
| Running cost (near zero — no fuel) | R0 |
| Servicing / cleaning (annual) | R2,000–R5,000 total |
| Less: electricity savings (R1,500/month) | −R180,000 |
| Net 10-year cost | −R55,000 to −R75,000 |
Solar doesn't just beat a generator — it pays you back. A generator is a pure cost forever. Solar is an investment with a finite payback period followed by decades of free electricity.
Other factors
- Noise. Generators are extremely loud (75–95 dB). Solar is completely silent. In sectional title properties and residential areas, generators cause neighbour disputes.
- Fuel availability. During extended load-shedding, petrol queues can run hours. Solar generates its own fuel every day.
- Home value. A solar system adds value to your property. A generator does not.
- Coverage. A generator powers your home when load-shedding strikes but does nothing when the grid is on. Solar saves you money 365 days a year, not just during outages.
When does a generator make sense?
A generator still makes sense as a short-term bridge (renting, planning to sell, very low budget) or as backup for critical loads during extended multi-day outages beyond what a battery can handle. For long-term homeowners, solar wins every time on economics.
Calculate your solar payback based on your exact bill and suburb.