Solar Battery vs Generator: Which Is Better?
Home backup power is more important than ever in California as wildfires, heat waves, and extreme weather put our electric grid at risk.
If you’re thinking about adding backup power to your home, you have a few options. The most popular are solar panels with battery backup and standby generators, both of which come with their own pros and cons.
In this guide, we compare solar battery backup vs generators to help you make the best choice for your home.
Understanding Solar Battery Backup
How Solar Batteries Work
Solar batteries store the energy your solar panels generate for later use. You can use the stored energy for backup power during an outage or to power your home at night, when your solar panels aren’t generating electricity.
Without a battery, your solar panels will automatically turn off during a power outage. This is a safety feature that prevents rooftop solar panels from exporting electricity to the grid while workers are present. If you have a solar battery, your system can temporarily disconnect from the grid so you can keep your solar panels on while the power is out.
Pros & Cons of Solar Batteries for Home Backup
There are many benefits to using a solar panel and battery system for home backup power. But, they also have their drawbacks.
Pros:
Reliable - Your solar panels will recharge your batteries anytime the sun is shining, so you don’t have to worry about fuel shortages or fuel delivery issues during an emergency.
No Fossil Fuels - With solar plus battery storage, you can use renewable energy for home backup power instead of burning fossil fuels.
Quiet - Solar batteries make almost zero noise.
Low Operational Costs - There are no refueling costs associated with a solar battery since they recharge from your solar panels. They’re also very low maintenance.
Incentives - You can get 30% of your installation costs back when you install a solar battery with the federal solar tax credit.
Not Dependent on Outside Sources - Solar panels and battery systems make you fully self-sufficient during an emergency so you don’t have to worry about relying on outside fuel sources.
Cons:
Cost - The initial cost of a solar panel and battery system is high when compared to a standby generator. But, unlike a generator, a solar energy system will pay for itself through electric bill savings.
Weather Dependent - You need sunlight to recharge your battery, which can be problematic during a long-term power outage or a storm.
Limited Storage Capacity - Solar batteries have a limited storage capacity and you will likely need multiple batteries to back up your whole home. Advanced batteries like the Tesla Powerwall 3 and FranklinWH, however, can power large loads and are modular to allow for easy system expansion.
Understanding Backup Generators
How Backup Generators Work
Backup generators (aka standby generators) burn fossil fuels to provide electricity for your home during a power outage. They can run on natural gas, oil, diesel, or propane, but gas generators are most common.
Pros & Cons of Backup Generators
Like solar batteries, generators have their advantages and disadvantages.
Pros:
Fast Installation - Generators are easy to find and purchase. It will usually be faster to install a generator than it will be to install a solar panel and battery system.
Reliable - Generators can run 24/7 as long as they have enough fuel.
Connect to Existing Gas Line - Generators can typically connect directly to an existing gas line.
Cons:
Refueling Costs - Refueling costs can add up for a home generator. During an emergency, fuel shortages or delivery issues could pose a threat.
Loud - Generators are loud, which can be a problem for you and your neighbors.
High Maintenance - Generators need regular maintenance, which can be expensive.
Fossil Fuel - Generators run on fossil fuels, which increase emissions and your carbon footprint.
Find the Best Backup Power Source for Your Home
At the end of the day, choosing a backup power system for your home is a very personal decision. The right fit will depend on how much electricity you use, how much backup power you want, your clean energy goals, your budget, and more.
Taylor Energy can help you make the best choice for your home. We are a locally-owned solar installer with over 15 years of experience serving the Sonoma County area. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you decide what makes the most sense for your home. Schedule a free, no-pressure consultation to learn more about your backup power options.
Get reliable backup power for your home. Call (707) 785-8497 or contact us for a no-cost, no-pressure consultation.
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