Generators vs. Batteries: Which is the Better Backup?

Nov 01, 2022

A well-designed solar system can meet the majority of the electricity needs for a homeowner, but there are times when power needs to be pulled from the grid. While many energy providers give the option of net metering to cover the cost of electricity used from the local power company, it’s not available to all solar homeowners. Having a backup supply of electricity can provide power during outages like PG&E's Public Power Safety Shutoffs and can also provide more electricity cost savings. 

Let’s face it, emergencies happen. California wildfires, rolling blackouts and power outages happen. Many people don’t realize it, but homes powered by PV solar are usually tied to the grid, and they’re shut down along with everyone else during an outage to keep utility workers from getting hurt. Backup power is needed to keep the lights on and your refrigerator running, and the two main ways to achieve that are with a generator or a solar battery for a solar system.* 

While generators have been a common backup for grid outages for decades, solar batteries are now a more viable option for homeowners to consider. Here are the factors to consider: 

  

Size  

The “whole-house” generators needed to power a home over time are bigger than their portable cousins – roughly the size of a typical HVAC unit. But that can vary depending on the size of your house and its electrical needs.  

SunPower’s solution, the SunVault™ Storage system, comes in two sleek, aesthetically pleasing boxes – the SunVault battery and the Hub+™. Typically located in a utility room or garage, the larger box is slightly smaller than a refrigerator and stores excess energy not used throughout the day. The smaller box features intelligent software that gives homeowners the option to control when and how their stored solar energy is used. 

Advantage: Solar battery  

  

Noise  

Whole-house generators usually make less of a racket than portable ones, but they can still be loud. For the quietest ones, imagine a motorcycle engine running nonstop. Solar batteries are silent. 

Advantage: Solar battery  

  

Fuel  

Generators run on natural gas, gasoline or liquid propane, all fossil fuels that pollute the air. Solar batteries run on stored-up solar power and reduce your carbon footprint. 

Advantage: Solar battery  

  

Cost  

A generator can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $30,000, though most are at the low end of that range. Once a generator is installed, the owner still has to pay for regular maintenance and fuel. Solar batteries have little or no maintenance costs and the fuel is solar energy from the sun. There’s an unlimited amount of sunlight, so the battery can keep recharging – and powering your home. On top of that, the U.S. government offers incentives for buying a solar battery storage system , and so do some state and local governments. Usually, there are no tax incentives for buying generators. 

Advantage: Solar battery   

  

A SunPower Equinox® home solar system with SunVault™ Storage can save homeowners money in other ways as well. It’s the only home solar and storage system designed by one company. That means it can be managed easily and its intelligent software maximizes the use of solar power each day to help save dollars on peak-time energy charges. During a blackout, it can be programmed to power select appliances – like a refrigerator full of food – depending on the size of the battery.1   

The Equinox system with SunVault Storage is also covered by a single warranty: The SunPower Complete Confidence Warranty. Learn more about how much solar plus storage can save you. 

 

Why Degradation Rate is Important When Choosing Solar Panels

05 Sept, 2023
When deciding which solar panels are right for your home, there’s more to consider than just pricing. Sure, a low-cost option might seem attractive at first glance but will your investment be worth its weight 10, 20 or even 30 years down the line?

What’s the Best Direction for Solar Panels to Face?

07 Aug, 2023
In the past, there was only one answer to the question, “What’s the best direction for solar panels to be pointed?” In the Northern Hemisphere, that direction was south. Because the sun shines directly over the equator most of the time, south-facing solar panels have an opportunity to collect more sunlight and generate more solar energy.

How to Get More Value Out of Your Solar System

13 Jul, 2023
While generating power from the sun is without cost, the technology behind this process is not. The reality is solar panels are an investment – much like a home – that has an upfront cost but pays off in the long term. The installation can be compared to a small construction project and each module contains multiple parts to make everything run smoothly. So, how does a homeowner ensure that taking a chance on clean energy solutions will be worthwhile?

How to Avoid Solar Scammers

19 Jun, 2023
A growing number of people are eager to learn more about solar energy and find out what kind of savings it can provide. Unfortunately, many con artists understand this well and have designed schemes that can turn the dreams of residential solar power into a nightmare for some homeowners.

Why Should You Get a Custom Quote?

24 May, 2023
More than 380,000 homeowners have already turned to SunPower solar solutions. For the many others looking to adopt this renewable energy source, there’s often a very natural question that surfaces: How much does going solar cost?

Are There Different Types of Solar Cells?

19 Apr, 2023
It may seem obvious to say, but not all solar cells are the same. From the type of silicon used to the design of the solar cell, there are many aspects that determine the efficiency and durability of solar panels. It can be a bit overwhelming to understand what’s out there and what’s right for your home, so we’ll try to break it down for you.

What’s the Best Direction for Solar Panels to Face?

02 Mar, 2023
In the past, there was only one answer to the question, “What’s the best direction for solar panels to be pointed?” In the Northern Hemisphere, that direction was south. Because the sun shines directly over the equator most of the time, south-facing solar panels have an opportunity to collect more sunlight and generate more solar energy .

The Top 3 Solar Power Questions Homeowners Want Answered

27 Feb, 2023
The SunPower team calls from homeowners interested in solar, answers their questions and then connects them to one of our dealer partners partners . As you might imagine, questions range from the informational “How does solar work?” to the more complex “How efficient are SunPower's solar panels?”. The following are some of the most popular questions the team fields from those looking to go solar, save money on their energy bill and reduce their carbon footprint.

Moving? How SunPower Helps Homeowners with Their Solar System During Life Changes

14 Jan, 2023
Buying or selling a home is a big change for any family. There are several things to consider during the process, making the question of what to do with your solar system feel daunting. But it doesn’t have to feel this way. Realtors and homeowners are also increasingly savvy about promoting the value of solar power when it comes to home sales and purchases. But even without that expertise, the ins and outs of buying and selling homes with solar panels aren’t that complicated.

The Top Advantages of Renewable Energy

01 Dec, 2022
Renewable energy sources are by definition constantly replenished. Fossil fuels like coal or gasoline burn up and are gone, but the sun keeps shining and the wind keeps blowing no matter how many homes use them to make electricity.
More posts
Share by: