A Deep Dive into Gasoline, Propane, and Solar Generators

If you’re weighing your options for backup power or a portable setup, it helps to know how each generator actually works, what they’re great at, and what to watch out for. I’ll walk you through gasoline, propane, and solar generators in plain language, explain the basic steps to set and start each one, and give the pros and cons so you can pick what fits your life.  

Quick overview of how each generator works

• Gasoline generators: Use a small internal combustion engine that burns gasoline to turn a shaft and spin an alternator, which produces electricity. Think of a lawnmower engine hooked to a power outlet.

• Propane generators: Very similar to gasoline generators, but burn propane instead. The fuel is fed from a tank, and the engine runs on that gas.

• Solar generators: Uses solar panels to collect sunlight and convert it into electricity, which charges a battery (often lithium). The stored energy is then inverted to provide AC power for your devices.

How they actually function in plain terms

• Gas and propane generators both rely on mechanical motion: fuel + engine → spinning → electricity. They produce power while the engine is running.

• Solar generators rely on chemistry and electronics: sunlight → panels → electricity → battery storage → inverter → usable power. They give power even when the sun isn’t shining, but only as long as the battery has a charge.

  Step-by-step: Setting up and starting each generator

  

  Gasoline generator — setup and start

  1. Place it: Put on a flat, well-ventilated surface outdoors at least 10–20 feet from doors or windows.

  2. Check fluids: Make sure there’s clean gasoline in the tank and that the oil level is correct.

  3. Inspect: Look for loose parts, fuel leaks, or damage.

  4. Turn on fuel valve: If your model has one, open it.

  5. Set choke: For a cold start, move the choke to the “closed” or “start” position.

  6. Turn on ignition: Switch the engine to “on.”

  7. Pull or electric start: Pull the recoil cord firmly or press the electric start button.

  8. Warm up and adjust choke: After it runs, move choke to “run.”

  9. Plug in/load: Connect devices or transfer essential circuits using a transfer switch or extension cords rated for the load.

  10. Refuel safely: Turn off the engine and let it cool before refueling.

  Propane generator — setup and start

  1. Place it: Outdoors on a flat surface, same distance from structures as gasoline units.

  2. Connect propane: Securely attach the regulator hose to a propane tank; check for leaks with soapy water if unsure.

  3. Check oil: Propane engines still need oil; check the level.

  4. Open tank valve: Slowly open the propane cylinder valve.

  5. Set choke/priming: Some models need choke or priming for cold starts; follow the manual.

  6. Start engine: Use the electric start or pull cord.

  7. Adjust for steady run: Let it warm up and monitor engine behavior.

  8. Switch off safely: Close tank valve and allow engine to run until it stops, or follow your model’s shut-down steps.   

   

  Solar generator — setup and start

  1. Choose location: Position panels in direct sunlight, angled toward the sun, away from shade.

  2. Unpack and connect: Lay panels on a stable surface or mount them; connect panel cables to the generator’s charge controller/port.

  3. Charge battery: Let the unit charge; monitor charge indicator.

  4. Turn on inverter: Switch on the inverter to get AC power.

  5. Plug in devices: Connect appliances to the generator’s AC or DC outlets.

  6. Monitor usage: Watch battery level and plan for recharging (sunlight or alternative input if supported).

  7. Store properly: If not in use, keep battery in cool, dry place and maintain charge periodically.

  
  

  Pros and cons — what to expect in real life

  Gasoline generators

  • Pros

    • Powerful: Good for heavy loads and running multiple appliances.

    • Fuel readily available: Gasoline is easy to find, especially during short-term outages.

    • Lower upfront cost: Generally cheaper to buy than propane or big solar systems.

  • Cons

    • Smelly and noisy: Engines are loud and emit fumes.

    • Shorter runtime: Gasoline storage limits how long they run; frequent refueling needed.

    • Fuel stability: Gas goes bad over time; it needs stabilizers or rotation.

    • Maintenance: Oil changes, spark plugs, carburetor cleaning.

    • Propane generators

      • Pros

        • Cleaner burning: Fewer particulates and longer shelf life of fuel.

        • Longer storage life: Propane doesn’t degrade like gasoline.

        • Good for longer outages: A larger tank means longer runtime without refueling trips.

      • Cons

        • Less energy dense: You may need more fuel volume for the same runtime.

        • Cold-weather issues: Propane can be harder to vaporize in very cold temps (modern units usually handle this).

        • Slightly higher cost: Tank/regulator setup can add to the expense.

      Solar generators

      • Pros

        • Quiet and clean: No fuel, no fumes, no moving parts for the most part.

        • Low maintenance: Panels and batteries need little day-to-day attention.

        • Great for emergencies and daily shallow use: Charge phones, medical devices, run a fridge for a while, depending on size.

        • Renewable: Sunlight is free.

           

          Cons

          • Limited by sunlight: Cloudy days or shaded spots reduce output.

          • Higher upfront cost: Batteries and panels can be expensive for large needs.

          • Battery limits: Heavy loads will drain batteries fast; may not handle high-wattage tools.

          Slow recharge: Solar charging takes time; overnight recharge depends on battery size and sunlight.

          
          

Which should you pick? Quick guidance

• Choose gasoline if you need big power bursts, a lower purchase price, and fuel access is not an issue.

• Choose propane if you want cleaner long-term fuel storage and decent power with fewer fuel worries.

• Choose solar if you prioritize quiet, clean power and want lower ongoing costs, especially for charging smaller devices or for long-term, sustainable backup.

Final tips for using any generator safely and well

• Read the manual for your specific model — it’s the best place for exact steps and limits.

• Use a transfer switch for home backup to safely power circuits without backfeeding the grid.

• Never run indoors — carbon monoxide is deadly.

• Match loads to capacity — don’t overload; know starting vs running watts.

• Keep maintenance regular — oil, filters, battery care will extend life.