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Private, assumption-first planning

Compare the monthly cost of generator, battery and solar backup.

Use a measured essential load, your outage pattern and prices or quotes you confirmed locally. The calculator shows transparent monthly equivalents without uploading your figures.

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Backup power cost comparison

Start with values from a plug meter, appliance labels, recent receipts and written supplier quotes. Zero means that scenario has no cost for that line.

Backup need

For example NGN, KES, GHS, ZAR, XOF or USD.
Use the load you need during an outage, not the building maximum.

Fuel generator

Use litres, kg or another unit consistently with the price below.
Average routine servicing, oil and expected small repairs; exclude generator purchase cost unless you add it separately.

Battery / inverter charged from the grid

Use the supplier warranty or a conservative life you can defend.
Use your latest bill or utility tariff, including applicable charges.
Use the system specification; do not assume the default fits your equipment.

Solar / battery backup

Use a conservative blended life; batteries and other components may need earlier replacement.
Include cleaning, inspections and a reserve for component work where appropriate.

Backup power planning questions

How are the three monthly costs calculated?

Generator cost is runtime × measured fuel use × local fuel price, plus monthly maintenance. Battery cost is installed cost ÷ chosen life, plus grid recharge energy adjusted for efficiency and maintenance. Solar cost is installed cost ÷ chosen life, plus maintenance.

Why does solar not use the backup energy in its cost formula?

The solar line is a simple monthly equivalent for a supplier quote that has already been sized for your need. This calculator does not model irradiance, panel yield, battery depth of discharge or component replacement schedules. Reject any quote that has not been sized locally.

Does this include financing, inflation or lost business?

No. Add financing costs to the quoted scenario before comparing, and assess outage losses separately. The comparison uses nominal values you enter and does not forecast prices.

Can I save a PDF privately?

Yes. Calculate, choose “Print / save PDF,” and use your browser's PDF destination. Nothing in the calculator form is sent to AfroTools or AI.