The solar generator market was valued at $570 million in 2023 and is estimated to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.5% between 2024 and 2032. Increasing electricity bills and grid issues push homeowners to explore the green energy market.
Read this article to find out how to choose the best solar generator for a house in Chicago. Determine suitable system parameters with our detailed guide.
Unlike traditional gasoline generators, a solar-powered home backup generator harnesses energy from the Sun’s rays. It usually consists of solar panels, a charge controller, a battery, and an inverter. Here’s how a solar backup power system works:
A solar panel backup power system works like a mini hybrid solar station. The main difference is that in station cases, the system constantly powers your appliances. Meanwhile, solar backup power for home acts like a big eco-friendly power bank that you can connect to the house’s grid to power your appliances.
Currently, there are two types of solar-powered backup generators: portable and permanent.
| Parameter | Panel type | |
| Portable | Permanent | |
| Size | Lightweight (less than 30-50 lbs) | Heavy (more than 50 lbs) |
| Portability | Portable | Permanently installed |
| Where used | During outdoor activities or as an emergency option to power some appliances | A reliable option to provide power for all your appliances during grid outages |
Green backup solutions are much better than traditional gas-powered options. The advantages of owning a solar generator for a house include but are not limited to:
Installing a solar backup power supply for a home is similar to mounting a hybrid solar system. Install multiple solar panels, and large batteries, and connect them to the house’s grid.
The key difference between systems is that the backup option doesn’t need many solar panels. You must ensure that a powered backup generator for homes covers vital devices like climate systems, fridges, and a small list of appliances.
Here is how the process of installing solar generators for a home usually looks:
If you are looking for a permanent solar-powered backup generator in Chicago, ensure you collaborate only with certified teams. Self-installation is not only dangerous but also terminates the warranty.
The upfront and long-term costs of solar and traditional generators are different. The comprehensive table breaks down the key factors.
| Parameter | Generator type | |
| Solar | Traditional | |
| Upfront costs | Typically higher due to investment in solar panels, batteries, and the inverter. | Lower, as you just need only a generator and a place to install them. |
| Operational costs | Almost none. Just clean your panels every few months. | Fuel and oil changes, regular maintenance, and replacement parts. |
| Long-term costs | Significant savings due to low maintenance. | While cheaper upfront, cumulative maintenance costs may outweigh the initial savings over time. |
Meanwhile, government incentives can lower solar backup generator costs even more. In Chicago, you can use the federal solar tax credit (ITC) to lower taxes and net metering and Illinois Shine’s credits to lower electricity bills. Meanwhile, there are no government stimuli for using traditional generators. We recommend you take the time to compare backup power generator cost, upkeep, and other factors.
Regular care is vital to keep your solar system productive for years. Here is a short list of maintenance that you should do to prolong the life of the solar-powered backup generator in Chicago:
➥ Visual inspection: Check panels, batteries, and inverters for cracks, damage, or loose wiring.
➥ Regular maintenance: Remove dust, debris, and bird droppings from panels to keep the solar-powered backup generator clean and prevent hotspots.
➥ Removing snow from panels: Use snow guard heating systems and clean them with special bristles to prevent snow accumulation.
➥ Monitoring parameters: Invest in robust monitoring tools to spot potential problems before they become obvious.
➥ Professional inspection: Book professional inspection and cleaning once a year.
If you properly maintain the system, the home solar backup generator will work for years without additional costs. Solar panels usually function for 15-20 years with almost the same capacity as in the beginning. Inverters typically stay productive for 10-15 years, while batties have a 10-year warranty.
The solar market is rapidly growing, and keeping up with all the new names is hard. That’s why we gather reputable brands in portable and whole-house solar generator lists.
If you want a whole-house solar generator where both panels and batteries are from the same brand, look for the following options:
Solar power is much cleaner than traditional fossil fuel generators, allowing you to power your entire house with clean energy. This lowers air and water pollution in your area, as solar panels produce no greenhouse emissions, unlike fossil fuel generators that release harmful gases like carbon dioxide and sulfur dioxide.
The solar whole-house generator is also suitable for those living in a quiet area, as it doesn’t produce any noise. During outages, you won’t disturb neighbors powering your house.
Investing in a solar-powered backup generator in Chicago is a significant step toward energy independence. Carefully consider your power needs, budget, and available space to select the system that best suits your lifestyle.
If you need a small portable system to power a smartphone, laptop, or mini-fridge, portable batteries with the solar panels bundle will suit you. If you need a powerful solar generator for a house that can power a heating system, fridge, and other vital appliances, contact solar installers who will place a permanent system.
Looking to buy a solar generator for a house in Chicago? Get your free solar quote in minutes!