Do you have a plan for when the power goes out? If you don’t, it’s time to make one. As heatwaves and growing demand strain the electric grid, outages are happening more frequently and lasting longer, especially in California.
Installing a solar battery or a generator now will keep your lights on the next time the power goes out so you can stay safe and comfortable.
Not sure which is right for your home? Keep reading. We break down the pros and cons of solar battery backup vs generators to help you decide.
How Solar Batteries Work
Solar batteries work by storing the excess electricity your solar panels generate during the day. That stored energy can then power your home at night, during peak utility rate hours, or when the grid goes down.
Pros of Solar Batteries
- Silent – Solar batteries don’t make any noise, unlike generators, which can be loud.
- Zero Fuel Costs – Your solar panels charge your battery using sunlight, so you don’t have to pay for fuel.
- No Refueling – Your battery automatically recharges whenever the sun is shining. You don’t have to worry about fuel access or shortages during an emergency.
- Doesn’t Need Maintenance – Solar batteries require almost zero maintenance.
- Saves Money – You can use your battery to power your home with solar during peak electricity hours, when rates are higher. The money you save on your electric bills will help pay for the battery.
- Good for the Environment – Solar batteries are the cleanest, most environmentally friendly way to back up your home.
Cons of Solar Batteries
- High Upfront Cost – Installing a solar battery can be expensive. But the costs are generally comparable to a standby generator.
- Needs Sunlight to Recharge – You won’t be able to recharge your battery at night or if it’s extremely cloudy.
- Power Limits – A single battery won’t run your entire home for days at a time. Most homeowners prioritize essential loads (like lights, fridge, medical equipment, and internet).
How Backup Generators Work
Generators run on fuel—usually propane or natural gas—to create electricity on demand. They can provide a lot of power quickly, which makes them a good option if you want to back up your entire house.
Pros of Generators
- High Power Output – Generators can supply enough electricity to run large appliances like your air conditioner or even your entire house, depending on the size. Solar batteries can do the same, but you will need several.
- Lower Installation Cost – Installing a backup generator will cost less than installing solar panels with battery backup. If you already have solar panels, a generator is comparable to solar battery installation costs.
Cons of Generators
- High Fuel Costs – You need fuel to run a generator, which means you’ll always be spending money when you run it, unlike a battery that charges from the sun and pays for itself.
- Depends on Fuel Availability – During an emergency, you could run into shortages or delivery issues that make it hard to refuel.
- Noise and Toxic Fumes – Generators are loud, which can be annoying for you and your neighbors. They also release exhaust that contains harmful fumes into the air around your house.
- High Maintenance – Unlike batteries, generators need to be serviced regularly.
- Bad for the Environment – Generators burn fossil fuels, increasing your carbon footprint.
- No Financial Benefit – Unlike a solar battery, a generator only provides value during a power outage.
Which Is Right for Your Home?
If you don’t have or ever plan to install solar panels, a generator is probably the best option. Otherwise, a solar battery is a better investment. Solar batteries provide clean, reliable backup power and help you avoid peak electricity rates, saving you money every month.
But you don’t necessarily have to choose between a generator or a solar battery. We can integrate solar panels with a battery and generator for the ultimate backup power system. If you want to go off-grid, this is likely the best setup.
If you’re ready to get started or you have questions, Six Rivers Solar is here to help. We’re a local solar installation company in California that’s been serving homeowners in Humboldt and Del Norte Counties since 1980.
