If you’re debating whether to choose a solar battery vs. generator, you’ve come to the right place. It seems power outages might be here to stay, and homeowners are always seeking ways to keep the power on in their houses. A good backup is nothing new, but these days, your options for energy backup have drastically increased. Let’s see how each electricity backup holds up in the face of a blackout.
Solar battery vs. generator: what’s the difference?
Unexpected grid failures and inclement weather has contributed to widespread blackouts in recent years. It makes sense if homeowners are looking for ways to protect their homes from power outages. Reliable home energy backup could be the solution.
“Power outages are bad, but portable generators are worse,” says Forbes contributor, William Pentland. When it comes to deciding which option is best for your home, here are a few key features of generators and solar batteries to prove that solar is the shining star.
It’s a K.O. for gasoline generators
Most likely, that old gasoline generator has been in your family for years. These have been the primary choice for homeowners looking for a quick-fix, power backup. And there are reasons why this outdated form of energy storage has persisted.
Here are a few reasons that keep your grandparents coming back for the gas guzzler:
- Portable generators can be lifted and brought to any location. Often, people find comfort in being able to take power with them anywhere they go. The downside is that these portable generators cost about $50 a day to fuel on diesel fuel or gasoline. They are also too small to fully power your home. During a power outage, you’re limited to what you can plug into this power source as it can only handle the necessary items.
- Generators are typically easier to find, depending on your location. They are easily accessible and are sold at any local hardware store. When faced with an unexpected power outage, these gasoline generators are found where you typically shop and can be bought last minute in case of an emergency.
- Since gasoline generators have been around for awhile, they’re typically cheaper upfront. However, The owner will have to regularly purchase gasoline to fuel the generator. Ultimately, those costs constantly fluctuate, and you will end up spending more over time.
While these may be convenient reasons to keep your generator, there are many more ways than one that it is hurting your home in the long run.
In a solar battery vs. generator war, your generator will have you on the losing team.
- They’re hazardous. Generators kill an average of 70 people in the U.S. each year and injure thousands more with carbon monoxide poisoning. Carbon monoxide is an invisible, odorless gas that can harm you, your family, and the environment. Moreover, you’d have to keep your own arsenal of gas containers, ready to use for when there’s an outage. These can easily catch fire and make matters worse.
- They’re loud. Studies show that diesel generators could produce over 100 decibels of sound, depending on their size. This estimation falls drastically over the 50 decibel noise restriction placed on most residential neighborhoods. Having power during a blackout is great, but the quickest way to become the bane of your neighborhood is to be the loudest during a time of crisis.
- They’re pollutants. Generators contribute to noise pollution, but also add their fair share into air pollution. They emit the equivalent of 45 cars worth of air pollution. With a gasoline-powered backup generator, you’re producing massive amounts of what we call “dirty energy.”
- They’re unregulated. Generators emit unhealthy particles into the atmosphere, including hydrocarbons and oxides of nitrogen. When a generator is in poor condition, the emission is even worse. Families tend to hang onto their diesel generator for way too long.
There’s many reasons why people choose to go with solar panels instead of generators. Homeowners everywhere are excited about the many benefits solar power brings to the table.
Heavyweight champion combo: solar battery with solar panels
Many people don’t know what to do when the power goes out. Solar is the better, longer-term solution to power resiliency during an outage. Since blackouts are here to stay, as long as you’re connected to the grid, why not gain some of your independence back? A solar battery on top of your solar panels gets you closer to energy independence.
When it comes to a solar battery vs. generator debate, there’s no competition. Solar is the clear winner, and getting a solar battery backup for houses everywhere isn’t a new concept. Let’s take a look at some of the great things about going solar.
Are battery backups worth it?
Solar battery backups are totally worth it. As one of the cleanest sources of energy, solar provides power in excess. With a strong battery, you can have a solar energy backup system that protects you from power outages. This powerful combination will keep your appliances and devices working during critical times and even in the worst weather conditions. A solar system isn’t complete without a gleaming set of solar panels and a solar battery to keep your home charged up. Here’s what the solar battery and panels combination has to offer:
Resiliency
A solar battery maximizes the output of your solar panels by storing the energy you need for blackout resistance. Just because the electrical grid fails, it doesn’t mean your home has to be in the dark. Batteries, like the Enphase Encharge or the Tesla Powerwall, provide the optimal energy storage to save your energy for when you need it the most.
Savings
When comparing a solar battery vs. generator, it makes sense to evaluate the cost. As mentioned above, generators are cheap upfront with costs piling up over time. Depending on your location, an investment in solar could have you seeing the savings for years to come. If a net metering program is available, solar panels with a solar battery could allow the homeowner to receive a credit on their energy bills for excess energy.*
Also, there are several federal and state financial incentives, rebates, and tax credits available to use when you decide to use this bountiful and powerful source of energy.* We’ve compiled an entire guide of resources to assist you in going solar and everything you need to know about a solar PV system.
Automation
When the grid fails, your solar battery kicks in. Through seamless automated backup, your power is gracefully restored. Homeowners have access to a wide variety of smart technology that keeps their batteries running in tip top shape. With key features, like the Enphase Encharge’s Storm Guard for instance, that prioritizes energy storage when storms are detected, your battery keeps your home’s power in your hands.
Quiet
Solar panels with a solar battery produce no noise pollution. During a blackout, your neighborhood will be quieter than you’ve ever heard it. The loud rumbling of a generator will ruin the peace, and put a target on your back. Through quiet operation, the nearly nonexistent hum of your solar system will keep your electricity running without noise.
Solar battery vs. generator: solar could keep the lights n
Solar panels and a powerful solar battery are great ways to keep the lights on through any power failure. Technological innovation has fostered multiple series of batteries that have proven reliability during times when traditional generators have fallen short. Your solar system is always advancing in technology to support the demands of your home. If you’re still stuck on the decision between solar battery vs. generator, look to the sky for the answers. The sun is a consistent, clean energy source that can keep your home powered when you need it the most.
At ADT Solar, our team of expert solar installers will take your home to the next level by installing our state-of-the-art solar energy system onto your home. Our technicians are eager to provide you with information about the most cost-effective solutions for your home.
Contact ADT Solar today to save yourself some money and stay powered through any blackout.
