Home Battery Backup vs Generator

When power outages become more of an expected nuisance than occasional frustration, it might be time to consider investing in a backup power solution so you’re not entirely dependent on the grid. Keeping your home powered can be vital, especially when you have critical equipment to power or vulnerable household members.

It’s worth researching to determine the best backup power option for you. Several options are available today, ranging from solar and standby generators to home solar battery backups. Here’s what you need to know about a home battery backup versus a generator to find the right choice for your home.

Choosing between a home battery and a generator is tough, as both present compelling benefits but aren’t without drawbacks. Ultimately, it depends on the kind of backup power you’re looking for, your budget, preferred fuel type, and location.

A battery backup is safer for the environment and requires much lower maintenance costs as you won’t need to purchase fuel regularly. However, they can only provide the power stored in the battery, and if solar power is unavailable to refill it, once you use all the power you have stored, you may find yourself in the dark.

On the other hand, generators can run as long as they have fuel to power them. Fuel-based generators are usually easy to refill; however, fuel may be hard to come by in an emergency or natural disaster. They also create toxic fumes and cost more to use. Solar generators are another option that provides clean, renewable energy without the harmful fumes or need for refuelling. However, without domestic battery storage, these can only provide power when the sun shines, limiting their reliability.

Battery backup systems for the home usually consist of a battery, charge controller, and inverter. Solar batteries also require an array of solar panels to create energy. The inverter converts DC to AC, sending the energy to the battery for storage. The charge controller regulates the electricity sent between the battery and the inverter.

Pros:

• Instant power during outages
• Little to no maintenance is required
• Safe for the environment; don’t produce toxic emissions
• Quiet
• Efficient
• May be able to expand battery capacity as needed
• Low-profile, with sleek batteries available to save space
• Runs indefinitely if paired with solar
• It can save you money by reducing grid energy use
• Enables energy independence
• Renewable energy incentives may be available to help offset costs

Cons:

• High initial cost
• Backup time relies on battery capacity
• Will eventually require replacement

On the other hand, a generator only creates energy to be used immediately. Most generators run on fuel such as propane, gasoline, diesel, or natural gas. They can be fixed in place (standby generator) or portable. Standby generators automatically kick on when grid electricity is lost, while portable generators require manual operation.

The generator's internal combustion engine is started, turning the shaft and spinning a wire coil in a magnetic field. This spinning process generates electricity, which is then routed through your home’s electrical system.

Pros:

• Solar generators do not create emissions and run quietly
• High power output
• Can run long-term
• Extremely reliable
• Cost-effective

Cons:

• Require frequent maintenance (high cost)
• Need regular refuelling
• Fossil fuel generators emit harmful pollutants into the air
• They can be noisy and disruptive

“Best” is subjective and will depend on your home’s energy needs, budget, and access to renewable energy. Each option has pros and cons, so assess your lifestyle and needs to determine the right fit for your home.

Solar generators use arrays of photovoltaic panels to capture and convert sunlight into usable, renewable electricity. This option is quiet, eco-friendly, and helpful for short-term scenarios or keeping small appliances and personal devices running. However, solar generators require ample sunlight, so if you live somewhere with a lot of cloud coverage, a solar generator may not provide enough power for your whole home—especially when extended blackouts occur.

Solar batteries also rely on solar panels to produce energy, but instead of only offering solar energy as it is actively captured and converted, a solar battery stores the energy for later use. This allows you to tap into reserved power when the grid goes down. It’s a great backup option for seamless energy with no emissions or fuel costs. However, you’ll also need to install a solar system with it—like with the EcoFlow Power Ocean (Single Phase) or EcoFlow Power Ocean (Three-Phase)—or add it to an existing solar setup (like with the EcoFlow Power Ocean DC Fit).

Portable generators can run on propane, diesel, gasoline, or solar power, making them flexible for temporary power needs or on-the-go energy. These are relatively affordable options and require little to no setup. Fuel-based generators must be regularly refuelled, and proper ventilation must be provided. Solar generators don’t need fuel and can be run indoors, but they’re more expensive.

Permanently installed standby generators automatically switch on when the power goes out. They’re usually connected to natural gas lines and provide reliable, whole-home power without your intervention. However, they’re quite costly to install and maintain.

Homeowners throughout the UK are looking for a reliable, sustainable power solution to help combat the impacts of blackouts and ensure they can maintain their everyday routines. Home battery backups have gained popularity due to their environmental friendliness, long lifespan, reliability, and minimal maintenance required. Is this solution worth the investment for you? To answer this, it’s essential to consider factors like battery lifespan, cost, and maintenance:

Home battery backup systems typically cost between £5,000 and £20,000. The total depends on the brand you choose, battery capacity, and installation costs. However, you will need to add even more if you install a new solar panel array. Some home battery backups can be retrofitted to your current solar array, helping you save money.

Government renewable incentives and energy buy-back schemes can help offset some equipment and installation costs, so check with your local municipality for more information.

Despite their significant upfront costs, home battery backups provide long-term savings. They store excess energy from your solar setup, reducing your home’s reliance on the grid and, thus, lowering your electricity bills. By using stored energy when electricity rates are their highest, you can take advantage of lower time-of-use rates.

Battery backups require minimal maintenance. Most use lithium-ion batteries, such as LiFeP04 batteries, which are efficient, safe, and need little more than occasional monitoring.

A home battery backup’s lifespan depends on its capacity and how often you use it. A typical 10-20 kWh system can last several hours or a full day. However, if you pair it with solar panels, you’ll extend its usability. This allows it to recharge when the sun is out and provide power for multiple days or as long as sunlight is available.

In the UK, you have several options for powering your house off the grid. Home batteries connected to solar systems are popular because they are efficient, environmentally friendly, and can run indefinitely. Other options include standby generators, portable generators, and solar generators.

Power outages are an unfortunate reality, but thankfully, there are solutions you can invest in to offset their impact on your life and ensure you have power even when the grid goes down. Home battery backups and generators are two of the most popular options to solve this issue, each presenting a compelling case for different reasons. Fuel-based generators are affordable, reliable, and high-powered, though they require regular maintenance and refuelling and emit toxic fumes. On the other hand, home battery backups have a high initial cost but can provide instant and indefinite power if connected to a solar system. They’re also safe for the environment, quiet, and low maintenance. 

Ultimately, the decision is yours, but with all the pros and cons laid out, we can’t help but recommend a home battery backup like the EcoFlow Power Ocean (Single-Phase) to ensure your home’s energy independence for years to come.