Complete Cost Comparison for Businesses - Which Saves More Money?
| Parameter | Solar | Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Rs 3,40,000 | Rs 2,50,000 |
| Fuel Cost (5 yrs) | Rs 0 | Rs 18,00,000 |
| Maintenance (5 yrs) | Rs 25,000 | Rs 1,50,000 |
| Total 5-Year Cost | Rs 3,65,000 | Rs 22,00,000 |
| Your Savings with Solar | Rs 18,35,000 | |
System Cost
₹4,00,000
Subsidy (UP)
-₹0
You Pay
₹4,00,000
EMI (60 mo)
₹6,667/mo
1200
Units/Month
₹9,600
Monthly Savings
3.5 yrs
Payback Period
25-year savings: ₹28,80,000 | CO2 reduced: 15.0 tons/year
Many businesses in Varanasi rely on diesel generators for backup power or to supplement grid supply. While the upfront cost of a generator seems lower than solar, the long-term operating costs tell a different story.
A typical 10kVA diesel generator running 6 hours daily consumes approximately 15-18 liters of diesel. At current diesel prices of Rs 90-95 per liter, this translates to Rs 1,400-1,700 per day or Rs 42,000-51,000 per month in fuel costs alone.
| Cost Component | Solar (10kW) | Generator (10kVA) |
|---|---|---|
| Equipment Cost | Rs 3,40,000 | Rs 2,50,000 |
| Fuel (per year) | Rs 0 | Rs 3,60,000 |
| Maintenance (per year) | Rs 5,000 | Rs 30,000 |
| Operator/Staff | Not required | Rs 60,000/year |
| Expected Life | 25 years | 7-10 years |
| 5-Year Total Cost | Rs 3,65,000 | Rs 22,00,000 |
For businesses that need both daytime power and backup capability, a hybrid solar system with battery storage offers the ideal solution:
This approach typically reduces generator usage by 80-90%, cutting fuel and maintenance costs dramatically while providing reliable power round the clock.
Beyond cost savings, solar offers significant environmental benefits: