It seems regular power outages occur too often in Florida due to stormy weather conditions, human mistakes, equipment malfunction, and even animal intrusion.
Standby generators or a battery backup power source can provide peace of mind for such interruptions.
But, what types of backup power systems are most useful, fuel generators or battery backups?
Battery backups and generators are very different devices despite performing the same function. Each one has a particular set of advantages and disadvantages.
In the past, homeowners have installed fuel-powered backup generators to protect themselves against power outages.
However, technology has transformed this market, and solar-paired batteries offer a far better home backup alternative than traditional generators for various reasons.
Let's explore a few of the differences.
Fuel Source
Generators: equipped with motors, generators require natural gas, gasoline, or propane to operate - generators produce carbon monoxide and deplete the world's supply of resources too.
Battery Systems: connected to solar panels - batteries use the sun's power to recharge. They are not harming the environment when charging or operating.
Readiness
Generators: must be monitored closely and require a constant flow of fuel. And, during some natural disaster events, the gas company frequently turns the gas supply off, leaving the system inoperable.
Battery Systems: are instantaneous power that is immediately operational and rechargeable by the sun. No need to fill the tank with fuel.
Operational Space
Generators: occupy a large area and can take up space in the yard. Furthermore, a concrete pad is required to house it.
Battery Systems: are wall-mounted and do not require any ground space. Batteries stand a few inches away from the wall and sit comfortably alongside solar equipment or shelving.
Instant-On
Generators: start-up a few seconds after a power outage has occurred. However, some generators do not start for upwards of 45 seconds, often causing stress to home occupants.
Battery Systems: are immediately operational, without a long delay. One often does not realize the battery backup system has taken control.
Reliability
Generators: like automotive gas engines, generators require regular maintenance, such as oil changes. One should also test a generator once a month to ensure it is operational.
Battery Systems: do not require testing or maintenance throughout their entire life and are ready year-round. You can rest assured that your battery system is always prepared to operate at a moment's notice.
Limitless Use
Generators: use fuel and must be re-filled to maintain uninterrupted power. And, if you run out of fuel - you are in the dark.
Battery Systems: when paired with solar panels, the battery runs indefinitely. By properly setting the solar system's output, a solar battery system will continue to recharge. In theory, a battery system can run without grid power endlessly, depending on the battery capacity and energy usage.
Save Money
Generators: operate only during a power outage. Even though there are many outages across the country, experts estimate that generators work less than 100 hours per year. At the cost of thousands of dollars to install, using a generator becomes expensive overall.
Battery Systems: operate every day of the year and save money through load shifting and time of use savings, reducing electricity bills.
Energy Independence
Generators: only operate and bring value during a power outage and do not contribute to the daily use of power.
Battery Systems: the combination of solar and a battery backup system allows the production, storage, and electricity use - dramatically reducing dependence on the power utility company.
Is a Solar Home Battery System Right For You?
Deciding which energy storage system is most appropriate for you depends on your wants, needs, and circumstances.
The first concern should be overall power-outage use. If you live in a disaster-prone area where lengthy power outages can occur often, home generators can power your home for several weeks.
Generators can incur a lesser upfront cost but require routine maintenance and have a far shorter lifespan than a home battery backup system.
Solar battery backup systems are quiet, vastly more energy-efficient, have double the generator's lifespan, and save money.
They also benefit from intelligent technology, which allows you to monitor performance and switch to a balanced energy system that can save you money during peak energy usage times.
When it comes to home solar energy storage systems and generators, it's best to consult with trusted experts to assess what's right for your home or business. Don't wait until the next power outage.
Contact PPM Solar to discover the right fit today!