Solar Pergolas VS. Solar Generators: Which is Better?

When considering efficient, eco-friendly energy sources for your home, solar is often the go-to choice. But with so many choices on the market today, it can be difficult to decide which option is right for you. Two of the most popular options include solar pergolas and solar generators for both are capable of providing clean energy solutions with varying benefits. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of solar pergolas vs. solar generators to help you make an informed decision and choose the suitable one for your needs.

What is A Solar Pergola?

A solar pergola is a unique structure that combines all the benefits of a classic pergola with an innovative solar panel system. These pergolas serve not only as a decorative feature but also as an energy-generating system. In this part, we’ll explore how a solar pergola works, and its pros and cons.

How does It Work?

Solar pergolas are equipped with solar panels that capture energy from the sun, converting it into electricity that powers various appliances. The solar panels are mounted on top of the structure, allowing them to gather maximum sunlight throughout the day. Also, these panels are connected to an inverter, which converts the direct current (DC) electricity produced by the panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used in your home. The electricity generated can be used to power lighting, fans, heaters, or even charge electric vehicles.

Pros and Cons

A solar pergola, a structure that combines the features of a traditional pergola with solar panels, offers numerous benefits:

• Renewable Energy Production: The most notable benefit is the generation of clean, renewable solar energy. This energy can be used to power your home, reducing reliance on grid electricity and potentially lowering your energy bills.
• Aesthetic Appeal: Solar pergolas can be a more visually pleasing alternative to rooftop solar panels, seamlessly integrating into your garden or outdoor living space design.
• Shade and Comfort: Like traditional pergolas, solar pergolas provide shade and create a comfortable outdoor space for relaxation or entertaining.
• Space Efficiency: If your roof isn't suitable for solar panels due to its orientation, shading, or structural issues, a solar pergola is an excellent way to use available space efficiently.
• Environmentally Friendly: By generating renewable energy, you're reducing your carbon footprint and contributing to environmental sustainability.

Despite the numerous benefits of solar pergolas, there are a few potential downsides to consider:

• Cost: Solar pergolas can be more expensive than traditional pergolas due to the added cost of solar panels and their installation.
• Maintenance: Solar panels require regular cleaning and maintenance to operate efficiently. This might be more challenging compared to roof-mounted panels, especially if the pergola is in a garden area where it's more exposed to dust and debris.
• Efficiency: Solar panels on a pergola may not be as efficient as those on a rooftop due to potential shading, less optimal orientation or angle, and the inability to cool as effectively as elevated roof-mounted panels.
• Space Requirement: A solar pergola requires sufficient space in your yard, which might not be available in smaller properties.
• Regulations: Some areas have specific regulations around the installation of solar panels which might limit the construction or design of a solar pergola.

What are Solar Generators for Pergolas?

In addition to solar pergolas, solar generators for pergolas are another popular solar system. Unlike traditional generators that rely on gas or diesel fuel, solar generators are much more environmentally friendly and operate silently, making them ideal for use in residential areas. And the following are their working principle, pros, and cons:

How do They Work?

Solar generators harness the powerful energy of the sun and provide a clean and reliable source of power. These generators are composed of several essential components, including solar panels, a battery, a charge controller, and an inverter. The solar panels capture the sun's rays and convert them into DC electricity, which then feeds into the charge controller. The charge controller manages the amount of power going to the battery, ensuring that it doesn't overcharge or discharge. The battery stores the electricity for later use, serving as a backup power source. When power is needed, the inverter converts the DC electricity from the battery into AC electricity.

Pros and Cons

Solar generators have quickly become a popular alternative to traditional fuel-powered generators. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they also have a multitude of benefits. Among their many pros, the most notable is their portability. Solar generators are incredibly lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry and transport. Also, they make no noise, which means they can be used to power your home devices without the annoyance of a loud generator noise. Furthermore, they are cost-effective. Once purchased, they can provide electricity for years without any fuel costs.

Certainly, there are also some drawbacks to solar generators. The main concern is the reliance on sunlight to charge the generator. This can be a major issue during times of overcast weather or in areas with limited sunlight. In addition, portable solar generators are relatively expensive compared to traditional gas generators. While they have a lower running cost, the initial investment can be a barrier for many people.

Solar Pergolas VS. Solar Generators for Pergolas: Which One to Choose?

As solar power systems, both solar panels and solar generators can power pergolas. Then which one should you choose? In this part, we’ll make a comparison of these two power systems based on their power production and cost.

Power Production

The number of solar panels plays an important role in power production. Solar pergolas produce power from solar panel arrays. And you can determine the number of panels according to your needs and the space on the pergolas. As for solar generators, they usually come with a portable power station and 1-3 solar panels, depending on different manufacturers.  

A good solar generators can meet your electricity needs as solar pergolas do, such as the Anker Solar Generator 767. This solar generator includes a 200W solar panel and a portable power station. You can adjust the panels to 40°, 50°, or 60° for optimal solar power. As for the power station, it comes with 2400W rated power and 12 ports, making it able to power 12 devices at the same time. Featuring InfiniPower™ technology, LiFePO4 batteries, durable components, smart temperature control, and an impact-resistant design, the solar generator is built for over a decade of daily use.

Cost

On average, a solar pergola that can generate sufficient electricity to power a standard home will typically run you around $20,000. This cost factors in the cost of both the solar panel system and the pergola structure itself. However, solar generators are available at a much wider prices range, and the average cost of a quality solar generator is around $2,000 to $4,000. The capacity and size of the generator determine how much the price will be.

Conclusion

Solar pergolas vs. solar generators, which one is right for you should come down to your particular needs and budget. A solar pergola typically has a higher upfront cost, but can provide more power; while solar generators are relatively cheap and can be easily replaced or recharged if needed. Whatever choice you ultimately make, any effort towards sustainability should be applauded and supported.

FAQ

What size of solar generator do I need?

The size of the solar generator you need depends on your power consumption.

• First, list all devices you plan to power.
• Next, find their wattage, usually stated on the device or in the manual. Remember, some devices need more power to start (starting wattage) than to run (running wattage). Sum up the total wattage required.
• Consider the hours of use to determine the total watt-hours needed.
• Choose a solar generator with a capacity exceeding this total to account for efficiency losses and potential additional power needs.

How many solar panels do I need for my pergola?

The number of solar panels for your pergola depends on your energy needs, solar panel efficiency, and sunlight exposure. As a rough estimate, a standard residential solar panel is about 300 watts, and on a sunny day, it might produce about 2.5 kWh of electricity. If you use about 10 kWh of electricity per day, you might need about 4-5 such panels.To determine the exact number of panels you need, you'll want to consult with a professional solar installer who can assess your unique situation and provide a personalized recommendation.