Battery Backup vs. Generator: What’s Right for You?

Solar panel system owners always want to be prepared for power outages and emergencies. Homeowners can choose between a battery backup or a generator for emergency electrical use, but what’s right for you? We explain battery backup systems, home generators, and which is ideal for your home below.

What Is a Home Battery Backup System?

Before we explain their differences and advantages, let’s first discuss what a home battery backup system is. A battery backup system for your home is what its name suggests—a system of backup battery devices that store energy and power devices in case of an outage.

These battery backup systems do not generate electricity but store excess electricity from solar panels. A battery backup system consists of a battery, inverter, and charge controller. The battery stores the energy, the inverter converts it to AC, and the charge controller regulates the electricity between the inverter and the battery.

What Is a Home Generator?

A home generator is another type of backup system for homes, but instead of storing excess energy to employ when needed, it provides continuous power. The standby generators are connected to the home electrical system and kick in to provide power when needed, like during an outage.

But unlike battery backups, they provide continuous power, requiring a fuel like natural gas, liquid propane, or diesel. Some home generators are solar-powered but provide only a fraction of the power because of their small size.

Which Backup System Is Right for Me?

We know what a battery backup and generator is, but what’s right for you depends on various factors. Each system has its advantages—a battery backup provides instant power, requires little maintenance, doesn’t produce emissions, and is an exceptionally quiet power source.

Home generators offer continuous power supply but are much louder, more expensive, require more maintenance, and produce carbon emissions. For most solar system homeowners, a backup battery system offers plenty of emergency power to sustain the home during an outage.

Where To Get a Backup Battery System for Your Solar Home

If you’re interested in a battery backup system for your home, Earthlight Technologies has you covered. The SunPower SunVault will power your essential appliances during an outage to allow you to be energy independent and comes with a 10-year Complete Confidence Warranty. Learn more about the SunVault online or contact our staff to see about installing one for your home today!