How Do You Choose Generator and Backup Battery

You can keep going to operate your household electronics with one of these options of backup power sources. So it would be better to learn more about options for the emergency backup power source to keep your home light and cozy.

If you are living in an area that features extreme weather or frequent power outages, it is a good idea to install a backup power solution for your home, especially during hurricane seasons.  There are various types of home backup power systems in the market, however, each of them serves the same primary purpose which is keeping your lights on and house appliances working when your electricity grid loses power.

In the past, fuel-powered backup generators also known as whole house generators, have dominated the standby power supplies market, however, reports of risk of carbon monoxide poisoning have led many people to look for alternatives. Battery backup systems have emerged as a greener, environmentally friendly and potentially safer option compared to conventional generators.

Backup batteries and generators are different devices, even though they perform the same function. Each has its particular set of advantages and disadvantages, which we will cover in the following comparison guide. You can follow me to learn more about the key differences between standby generators and battery backups and decide which option is right for you.

Battery backups

Home battery backup systems, such as the Enjoybot LiFePO4 batteries, can store energy, and power your household during outages. Battery backups run on electricity, either from your home solar system or the power grid. Therefore, a home battery backup system is much better for the environment compared to a fuel-powered generator, and they are also better for your wallet.

Separately, if you have a time-of-use utility plan, you can set up a home backup battery system to save your cost on electricity bills, and you can also use energy sources from the battery backup system to run your entire home, instead of paying high electricity rates during peak usage times. In off-peak hours, you can also use your electricity grid as normal, but at a cheaper rate.

Generators

A standby generator, on the other hand,  is connected to the electrical panel of your home and it automatically kicks on when the power grid fails. We all know generators run on fuel to create power during electricity outages, usually natural gas, liquid propane, or diesel. Other generators have dual fuel features, which means they can work on either natural gas or liquid propane.

Certain natural gas and propane generators can be connected to your gas line or propane tank so manual refilling is not necessary. However, diesel generators will require to be topped up in order to keep running.

Battery backup systems vs. generators: How do they compare?

Pricing

In terms of cost, a battery backup system is the option with a higher upfront cost. Unfortunately, generators need fuel to run, which means that you will need to spend more money over time to maintain a steady fuel supply.

If you prefer to install a battery backup system, you will need to pay for it upfront, as well as the installation costs (each of them is probably in the thousands of dollars, this is depending on how large of the system you would like to setup). Therefore, exact pricing will vary depending on the battery model you choose and how many of them you need to power your home. However, an average-sized home battery backup system typically costs between $3,000 and $20,000 to run.

For generators, the upfront costs are slightly lower. On average, the price of purchasing and installing a standby generator may range from $2000 to $15,000, depending on the type of generator you buy. However, keep in mind that generators need fuel to run, which will increase your operating expenses. The specific costs will be based on several factors, including the size of the generator, the type of fuel it uses, and the amount of fuel required to run it.

Installation

Battery backup systems earn a slight edge in the home backup power category because they can be easily mounted to the floor, whereas a generator setup will require some extra work. If you don't have a deep understanding of electrical systems, you will have to hire a professional electrician for either type of installation, both of which may need a full day of work and this will cost you thousands of dollars. 

Aside from setting up the device itself, installing a standby generator also need pouring a concrete slab, wiring the generator to a dedicated fuel source and installing a transfer switch.

Maintenance

Battery backups are the obvious winner in this category. They are quiet, run independently, don't create any emissions and don't require any ongoing maintenance.

On the other hand, generators will be creating quite noisy and disruptive when they are in use. They also emit exhaust fumes or smog, this is depending on which type of fuel they use to operate,  which can irritate you and your neighbors.

Standby generators easily outperform backup batteries in terms of how long they can keep your home powered. As long as you have enough fuel, the generator can run for three weeks at a time (if necessary). However, if you wire battery backup to the solar system, you will get continuous power forever. Let's use the Enjoybot lithium batteries as an example. If you wire four 300ah batteries in parallel, you will get 15.3 kilowatt-hours of storage capacity, which can provide power for a few hours on its own (This is depending on how many devices you use). You can get extra power out of them if they are part of a solar panel system or if you use multiple battery banks in a single system.

Expected lifespan and warranty

In most cases, a backup battery comes with a longer warranty than standby generators. However, these assurances are measured in different ways (These are depending on the types of battery and generator).

Which battery backup is right for you?

In most categories, the battery backup system comes out on top. In short, they are better for the environment, easier to install, and cheaper to run long-term, they can also store green energy from the solar system. Plus, they come with longer warranties than standby generators.

With that said, conventional generators can also be a not-bad option in some cases. Unlike the battery backup system, you only require a single generator with enough fuel source to power your entire home when your electricity grid goes out, which will also help you to bring down the upfront costs.

Conclusion

We live in a world that relies on electricity to function. Lights, air conditioners, house electric appliances, computers, and cell phones need a fully functional power grid, or they are just fancy-looking paperweights. To avoid the event of power outages, people usually need to install a battery backup system or a standby generator to keep their regular life. Adding a backup power supply to your list of installation services is essential for long-term stable use. Understanding the differences, benefits, and drawbacks of both battery backup systems and generators can make the best decision.