Backup Battery vs. Generator: What’s Best for You?
Power outages are a growing concern for many homeowners. In 2024, the last year for which we have data, outages were at their highest level in 10 years.
When the lights go out, you have two primary options for reliable backup power: a traditional generator or a modern backup battery system. Backup batteries often pair well with home solar panels, but you can use them alone, too, whether you need a small portable battery or a full home energy storage system. Deciding between a battery and generator depends on your budget, energy needs, and lifestyle.
More frequent power outages increase the need for backup power
Power outages across the US are a serious issue. The Department of Energy reports the US economy loses $28-$169 billion a year because of power outages. Weather-related events cause most outages.
In recent years, from Florida to North Carolina to California, Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton, and the Pacific Palisades wildfires caused power outages as part of more extensive catastrophic damage. In 2024, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration recorded 27 tornadoes, hail storms, heat waves, winter storms, wildfires, hurricanes, and floods as disasters causing $1 billion or more in total damage. It was the second most in a year, and climate-driven extreme weather is likely to increase in frequency.
Aging grid infrastructure is another major cause of increased power outages. Some of the US power grid is well into its third generation, dating to the 1960s and 70s. Some parts are even older. This means they are more susceptible to damage in disasters and less able to sustain our increasing demand for electricity.
Replacing old infrastructure won't happen overnight. So, homeowners consider independent backup power solutions such as battery storage and backup generators.
Hours of power outage per utility customer in the US by year
Data from US Energy Information Administration.
Solar batteries vs. backup generators
Standby generators are a common backup power option. Solar battery storage is becoming more viable and popular as home solar panels are, too. There are many benefits to pairing batteries and solar panels.
Solar backup battery pros
- Rechargeable renewable power: A backup battery system attached to solar panels can recharge with renewable power as long as there’s sunlight.
- Free and easy to charge: Even without an outage, you can charge and discharge your battery to avoid high-cost grid energy, use clean energy through the night, or get you through an outage.
- Easy to start: Solar batteries are always on. In an outage they can provide backup power automatically without the fuel or fumes concerns of a generator.
- Quiet: A solar battery is almost silent.
- Clean: Solar batteries operate without fumes or exhaust and can be installed indoors or out.
- Increased home value: Owned solar panels have been shown to raise property value.
- Tax credits and incentives: Leased batteries still qualify for tax credits that the leasing company can use to reduce monthly payments.
Solar backup battery cons
- Upfront cost: Purchased solar batteries are a significant expense, though incentives can reduce the cost.
- Capacity: Backup batteries power critical loads: the few things you need to get through an outage.
- Lifespan: Solar batteries can be expected to last 10-15 years.
- They need sun: Solar batteries need the sun hitting your solar panels to recharge during a power outage.
Pros of backup generators
- Guaranteed power: As long as you’ve got fuel, you have a power source.
- Good in an emergency: Generators are a good resort for power in an emergency.
- Can be portable: Generators can be portable.
- Cost-effective: A backup generator could be more cost-effective than solar batteries depending on your needs.
Cons with backup generators
- Carbon monoxide: A generator must run away from dwellings due to gas exhaust and risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
- Dirty: A generator gives off exhaust and fumes from the gas.
- Fuel: A generator needs fuel for how long you expect to use it, which can be costly.
- Maintenance: Generators need proper maintenance and cleaning.
- Noise: Generators are louder than solar batteries.
Backup batteries vs. backup generators
| Batteries | Generators |
|---|---|
| Minimize disruptions during an outage | Minimize disruptions during an outage |
| Can recharge for free with solar panels | Refuel with gas |
| Higher upfront cost to purchase | Lower upfront cost to purchase |
| Expand solar savings into nighttime hours | No benefit outside of outages |
| Clean and quiet operation | Can generate annoying or harmful fumes |
| Little to no maintenance | Higher maintenance requirements |
How solar panels operate during a power outage
Standalone solar panel systems typically shut down in a blackout. Backup batteries can temporarily disconnect from the grid, allowing your solar panels to continue working.
How solar panels work with battery storage
Battery storage helps you have little or no power disruption in a power outage. The excess electricity generated by your solar panels is stored for use when your panels can't generate power.
How solar panels work with a backup generator
Home backup generators are designed to detect outages. Your solar panels will stop producing electricity, and your gas-powered backup generator will produce electricity.
How solar panels work with no backup system
If you don't have a backup option and there’s an outage, the inverter shuts your system off and stops electricity from going to the grid.
When solar plus storage makes sense for you
Power outages in the US are on the rise because of climate change and our aging grid. While generators are a solution for emergency power, solar battery storage can help you save money and navigate outages. Consulting with an expert can help you determine if buying or leasing a battery or generator is your best option.
Frequently asked questions
What’s better, a home backup battery or a backup generator?
Both options can provide different levels of backup power during an outage. A battery paired with solar can provide additional benefits outside of an outage by stretching your solar energy farther.
What are the disadvantages of a standby generator?
Generators need fuel to run, which can be expensive when fuel prices are high.
Are batteries better than a standby generator?
Batteries can be a better fit than a generator, especially if you have solar panels and have fewer backup needs.
What’s the best battery for home power outages?
The best battery for home power outages is the one that best fits your needs.