Batteries Vs. Generators For Home Power Backup

If there’s one thing that the COVID-19 pandemic has taught us, it’s that our lives can change in an instant. Therefore, it’s always wise to be prepared for any emergency, including power outages. During a power outage, you will need to find an alternative energy source to keep your appliances running, your food fresh, and your home at the right temperature. In this article, we share with you more about your options for home power backup: batteries and generators.

Why Having Home Power Backup Is so Important

Many homeowners don’t give home power backup a second thought, dismissing power outages as something that happen all too rarely. While that may be true, it always helps to be prepared so that you are able to maintain food storage, keep the lights on, and even stay connected when the power goes out. Power outages have been known to last for days, and the sustainability of solar energy has been drawing more homeowners towards it in recent years. 

The Case for Batteries

If you are looking for an instant solution that can handle smaller loads of energy, batteries are a great choice. They can keep your lighting system and refrigerator running, for instance. Although batteries come with a higher initial cost than generators, you can find yourself saving money in the long run as they do not require any repairs or maintenance. They are also an eco-friendly choice as they run on renewable energy. 

Batteries can either be charged using energy from the grid or the excess energy powered by your solar panel system. However, keep in mind that in the event of a power outage, you may not be able to recharge your battery. 

The Case for Generators

If you foresee yourself needing a larger amount of energy for long periods of time, a generator can be a great choice, particularly if you aren’t already making use of solar energy. Households that make use of a natural gas line can consider getting a fuel-powered generator as home backup power. Generators are able to provide a larger load of energy than batteries, however, they require replacement twice as often as lithium-ion batteries. Another factor to keep in mind is the noise produced by generators, which can be a breaking factor for some.

Get Started with Residential Solar with Solar Energy Solutions of America Looking to implement a home power backup system for emergencies? You have come to the right place at Solar Energy Solutions of America. We can take care of all your residential solar needs, including advising you on how to harness excess energy to charge batteries. We are also able to provide solutions for solar attic fans and pool solar systems, and we always work around your unique needs, concerns and budget when developing a solution that works. Feel free to check out our gallery today for a better idea of some projects we have worked on. We look forward to helping you make the switch to sustainable energy.