Inverter Generator Running Costs: Gas vs. Propane vs. Solar

If you’re trying to decide between gasoline, propane, or solar for your inverter generator, you’re probably wondering: Which option will save me the most money in the long run? The answer isn’t easy. Each fuel type has different costs, benefits, and ideal uses.

In this easy-to-understand guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to make the smartest choice for your situation. We’ll cover:

✔ Actual fuel costs for each type (with real-world examples)
✔ Upfront prices versus long-term savings
✔ Maintenance requirements and hidden expenses
✔ Which fuel works best for camping, home backup, or job sites
✔ How weather and usage affect your costs

By the end, you’ll know exactly which option makes the most financial sense for how you plan to use your generator.

Understanding How Fuel Costs Compare 

We’ve done the math carefully to give you accurate comparisons. Here’s exactly how we determined the costs:

1. Fuel Prices
   • Used 2025 average U.S. prices:
     • Gasoline: $3.50 per gallon
     • Propane: $3.00 per 20lb tank
     • Solar: $0 (sunlight is free!)
   • Prices shown reflect nationwide trends, though you might find small differences in your area.
2. Usage Scenario
   • We assumed most people will:
     • Run about 500 watts at a time (enough for a refrigerator + some lights + phone charging)
     • Use the generator for 100 hours per year (that’s about 2 hours per week)
   • This is a realistic average for:
     • Weekend campers
     • Occasional home backup during outages
     • Small job site use
3. Generator Lifespan
   • Gasoline: Typically 1,500-3,000 hours of use
   • Propane: Usually 2,000-4,000 hours (cleaner burning means less engine wear)
   • Solar: 5-10+ years (batteries eventually need replacement)

The 5 Key Factors That Determine Your Actual Costs

1. Fuel Price Per Hour
   • This is what it costs to actually run the generator
   • Example: If a gas generator uses 0.25 gallons per hour at 
   • 3.50/gallon, that′s
   • 3.50/gallon, that
   • s0.88 per hour
2. Upfront Purchase Price
   • Gasoline generators are usually cheapest to buy
   • Solar generators cost 2-3 times more initially
   • Propane models are in the middle
3. Maintenance Requirements
   • Gasoline needs:
     • Regular oil changes
     • Fuel stabilizer for storage
     • More frequent spark plug changes
   • Propane needs:
     • Fewer oil changes
     • No fuel stabilizer
   • Solar needs:
     • Almost no maintenance
     • Just occasional cleaning of solar panels
4. Fuel Storage Life
   • Gasoline goes bad in 3-6 months unless treated
   • Propane lasts indefinitely in proper tanks
   • Solar doesn’t need fuel storage at all
5. Power Output
   • Gasoline provides the most power for heavy tools
   • Propane gives about 10% less power than gas
   • Solar is limited by battery capacity

Gasoline Generators: Pros, Cons & Real Costs

We’ll examine every aspect of gasoline-powered inverter generators to help you make an informed decision.

Why Gasoline Generators Remain the Top Choice

1. Unmatched Power for Demanding Applications

Gasoline generators deliver the highest power output relative to their size. When you invest in a well-built 2000W gas inverter generator, you’ll have sufficient power for:

• Power tools (circular saws, air compressors)
• Kitchen appliances (microwaves, coffee makers)
• Multiple household devices simultaneously

The instant power availability makes them ideal when you need:

• Immediate electricity during outages
• Reliable power for job sites
• Strong performance in cold weather

2. Universal Fuel Availability

Unlike other fuel types:

• Every gas station across the country sells gasoline
• No special containers or adapters needed
• Easy to transport in standard gas cans
• Quick refueling takes just minutes

Because fuel is so readily available, gas-powered models become especially useful for:

• Emergency preparedness
• Remote work locations
• Cross-country RV trips

3. Lower Initial Investment

Compared to other options:

• Entry-level models start around $500
• Mid-range units (
• 800−
• 800−1,200) offer excellent value
• Even premium brands cost less than comparable solar systems

The Challenges of Gasoline Generators

1. Fuel Degradation Issues

Modern ethanol-blended gasoline:

• Begins breaking down after 30 days
• Can clog carburetors in as little as 3 months
• Requires fuel stabilizers for storage

Proper Fuel Maintenance:

• Use ethanol-free gas when possible
• Add fuel stabilizer for storage >1 month
• Drain carburetor for long-term storage
• Rotate fuel supply every 6 months

2. Regular Maintenance Requirements

Typical maintenance schedule:

• Oil changes: Every 50-100 hours of use
• Air filter: Clean every 25 hours, replace annually
• Spark plug: Replace every 300 hours
• Fuel filter: Inspect annually

Annual Maintenance Costs:

Item	Frequency	Cost
Oil change	2x/year	$20
Fuel stabilizer	Yearly	$10
Air filter	Yearly	$15
Spark plug	Every 2 years	$10
Total		$40/year

3. Operational Considerations

• Fuel spills and fumes require careful handling
• Noisy operation compared to solar (but quieter than conventional generators)
• Not ideal for indoor use due to emissions

Detailed Cost Analysis

Let’s examine the true operating costs of a popular 2000W gasoline inverter generator:

Fuel Consumption Rates

Load Level	Wattage	Fuel Use	Cost/Hour*
Light	500W	0.25 gal	$0.88
Medium	1000W	0.40 gal	$1.40
Heavy	2000W	0.75 gal	$2.63

*Based on $3.50/gallon gasoline

Annual Operating Costs (100 hours)

Usage Pattern	Yearly Fuel Cost	Maintenance	Total
Occasional (25% load)	$88	$40	$128
Regular (50% load)	$140	$40	$180
Heavy (75% load)	$197	$40	$237

5-Year Cost Projection

Cost Factor	Total
Purchase Price	$1,000
Fuel (medium use)	$700
Maintenance	$200
Total	$1,900

Propane Generators: When They Save You Money 

• Propane never goes bad when stored properly
• No need for fuel stabilizers or additives
• Can be stored for years without losing potency
• Ideal for emergency preparedness kits

Real-World Example: Many preppers choose propane generators specifically because they can store fuel indefinitely without maintenance.

Cleaner Operation and Reduced Maintenance

Propane burns cleaner than gasoline, resulting in:

• Less engine wear over time
• Fewer oil changes (extended intervals)
• No carburetor issues (common with gasoline)
• Cleaner spark plugs that last longer

Maintenance Comparison:

Service	Gasoline	Propane
Oil Changes	Every 50 hrs	Every 100 hrs
Carburetor Cleaning	Annual	Never Needed
Spark Plug Replacement	Every 300 hrs	Every 500 hrs

Enhanced Safety Features

Propane offers several safety advantages:

• No spills (sealed tank system)
• Lower flammability than gasoline
• Automatic shutoff valves on tanks
• No fuel odors in storage areas
• Can be used indoors with proper ventilation (unlike gasoline)

Understanding the Limitations

1. Reduced Power Output

Important considerations:

• Expect 10-15% less power than gasoline equivalent
• Performance drops in cold weather (below freezing)
• May struggle with high-starting-wattage appliances

Power Comparison (2500W Generator):

Fuel Type	Rated Watts	Starting Watts
Gasoline	2500W	3000W
Propane	2250W	2700W

2. Fuel Tank Logistics

Practical challenges include:

• Standard 20lb tanks weigh 37lbs when full
• Need to monitor fuel levels (no gauge on most tanks)
• Tank exchange programs can be inconvenient
• Requires proper storage (can’t keep in direct sunlight)

Tank Usage Estimates:

Load	Runtime per 20lb Tank
500W	50 hours
1000W	30 hours
2000W	16 hours

3. Availability Considerations

While propane is widely available:

• Not as ubiquitous as gasoline stations
• Exchange tanks often contain less than 20lbs
• Refill stations may have limited hours
• RV parks typically charge premium prices

Detailed Cost Analysis

Fuel Consumption and Costs

Using a 2500W dual-fuel generator:

Load Level	Propane Used	Cost/Hour*	Annual Cost (100 hrs)
Light (500W)	0.40 lbs	$0.60	$60
Medium (1000W)	0.65 lbs	$0.98	$98
Heavy (2000W)	1.20 lbs	$1.80	$180

*Based on $3.00 per 20lb tank (current national average)

Maintenance Costs

Service	Frequency	Cost
Oil Change	Yearly	$20
Hose Inspection	Yearly	$10
Spark Plug	Every 3 years	$15
Total Annual Cost		$30

5-Year Ownership Costs

Expense	Cost
Generator Purchase	$900
Fuel (Medium Use)	$490
Maintenance	$150
Total	$1,540

Solar Generators: Are They Worth the High Price? 

Solar generators offer a clean, quiet way to power your devices without using gas or propane. But are they right for you? Let’s understand in simple terms.

How Solar Generators Work

Instead of burning fuel like gas generators, solar generators use free energy from the sun. Here’s how:

1. Solar panels collect sunlight
2. The energy gets stored in a battery
3. An inverter changes the power to run your devices

The main parts are the solar panels (usually 100W-400W), a lithium battery (500Wh-3000Wh), and the inverter that gives you normal household power.

The Good Stuff About Solar Generators

Free Power from the Sun

Once you buy the system, sunlight costs nothing. No more buying gas or propane, which can save you $100 or more each year. This makes them great for off-grid cabins or remote locations.

Super Quiet

Unlike loud gas generators, solar generators make no noise at all. Perfect for:

• Camping without disturbing nature
• RV parks where noise rules are strict
• Backyard use when you want peace and quiet

Good for the Environment

No smelly fumes or risk of fuel spills. If you care about reducing pollution, this is the cleanest option.

Easy to Maintain

There are no oil changes, spark plugs, or carburetors to worry about. Just wipe off the solar panels occasionally, and the batteries last 5-10 years before needing replacement.

The Not-So-Good Parts

Expensive to Buy

Good solar generators cost 

1,500−

1,500−3,000, which is 2-3 times more than gas models. You’re paying upfront to save on fuel later.

Need Sunlight to Work

Cloudy or rainy days mean slower charging. In winter when days are shorter, you get less power. They’re not the best choice if you need reliable backup during stormy weather.

Can’t Handle Big Power Tools

Most can’t run heavy equipment like air compressors or table saws. The battery drains fast if you try to power too much at once. These generators work perfectly for powering essential electronics like lighting, mobile devices, computers, and compact kitchen appliances.

What They Really Cost

Let’s compare a $2,500 solar generator to a gas/propane one:

• First Cost: Solar 
• 2,500vsGas
• 2,500vsGas600-$1,200
• Yearly Fuel: Solar 
• 0vsGas
• 0vsGas60-$140
• Maintenance: Solar 
• 5vsGas
• 5vsGas30
• Battery Replacement: Solar 
• 500−
• 500−1,000 after 5-10 years

The math: Solar costs more at first but saves on fuel. Our calculations show most users reach cost parity with gas generators somewhere between year seven and year ten of ownership.

How Long Do They Last?

The batteries typically last:

• 3-5 years with daily use
• 5-10+ years with occasional use

Replacement batteries cost:

• 300−
• 300−600 for a small 1000Wh system
• 500−
• 500−1,000 for a 2000Wh system
• 1,000−
• 1,000−1,500 for large 3000Wh systems

Some brands let you replace just part of the battery system, which can save money.

Who Should Get One?

Great For:

• Campers who want quiet power
• Off-grid cabins where fuel is hard to get
• Eco-conscious users who hate fumes
• As a secondary backup power source

Not Great For:

• Running heavy power tools
• Areas with lots of cloudy days
• People who need the cheapest option now

Complete Generator Fuel Comparison Table

Factor	Gasoline Generators	Propane Generators	Solar Generators
Upfront Cost	600−600−1,200	700−700−1,500	1,500−1,500−3,000+
Fuel Cost per Year (500W load, 100 hrs)	$88	$60	$0
Maintenance Cost/Year	$30 (oil changes, filters)	$20 (basic checks)	$5 (panel cleaning)
Lifespan	3-5 years	4-6 years	5-10+ years
Power Output	Highest (best for heavy tools)	10% less than gas	Limited (best for small devices)
Noise Level	Moderate (50-60 dB)	Moderate (50-60 dB)	Silent (0 dB)
Fuel Storage	3-6 months (needs stabilizer)	Unlimited (never expires)	None needed
Refueling	Available everywhere	Need propane tank exchanges	Needs sunlight
Weather Performance	Works in all conditions	Works in cold (but less efficient)	Needs sunlight (clouds reduce power)
Eco-Friendliness	Higher emissions	Cleaner than gas	Zero emissions
Maintenance Needs	Regular oil changes, spark plugs	Occasional hose checks	Almost none
Best For	Emergency backup, job sites	RVs, home backup, clean power	Camping, off-grid, quiet use
5-Year Total Cost	~$1,490	~$1,500	~$2,525

Key Takeaways:

1. Cheapest Short-Term: Gasoline (low upfront cost)
2. Best Value Long-Term: Solar (after 5+ years)
3. Best Balance: Propane (clean fuel, moderate cost)
4. Most Powerful: Gasoline (for heavy tools)
5. Quietest: Solar (perfect for camping)

Quick Decision Guide:

• Choose Gas If: You need affordable power now and don’t mind maintenance
• Choose Propane If: You want cleaner fuel that stores forever
• Choose Solar If: You want silent, eco-friendly power and can invest more upfront

Final Recommendation for

After looking at all the numbers:

• For most people, propane offers the best balance of cost and convenience
• Budget buyers should consider gasoline
• Long-term thinkers will appreciate solar’s savings

What’s your experience? Have you compared these fuel types? Share your thoughts below!

Still unsure? Tell us how you’ll use your generator, and we’ll recommend the best option for your needs.