Solar & Battery Solutions

How to Choose Between a Home Generator and Solar Battery for Backup Power—and When to Combine Them

4 min

A Homeowner’s Guide from Generac

Power outages are becoming more frequent and lasting longer. Whether caused by storms, grid instability, or peak demand events, losing power can disrupt comfort, safety, and daily life.

When considering permanent backup power, homeowners typically choose between solar battery storage, a home backup generator, or a combination of both. The right solution depends on your goals, home size, and outage expectations.

 

Solar Battery Storage: Quiet, Instant, and Limited Duration

Best For:

  • Short outages (a few hours)
  • Running essential circuits (refrigerator, lights, Wi-Fi)
  • Pairing with home solar power systems
  • Noise-sensitive environments

What to Consider:

  • Limited runtime depending on battery size and usage
  • May not power large loads like central A/C, well pumps, or electric ranges for extended periods
  • Recharging depends on solar availability or grid restoration
  • Also able to save on utility costs with solar

A home battery is an excellent solution for brief outages and energy management—but for extended or high-demand events, capacity can be depleted.

 

  Backup Generator: Extended Whole-Home Protection

Best For:

  • Long-duration outages (days or even weeks)
  • Powering the entire home automatically
  • Homes with high electrical demand
  • Peace of mind during severe weather

What to Consider:

  • Runs on natural gas or propane
  • Automatically turns on within seconds of an outage
  • Designed for continuous operation during extended grid failures

A home backup generator provides true, extended whole-home backup, keeping HVAC systems, appliances, medical devices, and critical systems running without interruption. When outages last longer than expected, a generator provides the reliability batteries alone may not sustain.

  The Best of Both: Generator + Solar Battery

For homeowners who want maximum protection and flexibility, combining a generator with a solar battery storage system offers a powerful hybrid solution.

why combine them?

  • Instant, silent battery response for short interruptions
  • Generator automatically supports the home during extended outages
  • Reduced generator runtime (battery handles smaller loads first)
  • Optimized fuel efficiency
  • Enhanced energy independence
  • Save on utility costs with solar

In this setup, the battery manages everyday energy fluctuations and short outages, while the whole home generator ensures you’re protected when outages last longer or demand increases. For many homeowners, this is a smart, cost-effective alternative to stacking additional batteries to ensure whole-home backup.

  How to Decide

While you’re researching the capabilities of both home backup generators and solar batteries, be sure to ask yourself the following:

  • Do outages in my area typically last hours—or days?
  • Do I want to power my whole home for the entire outage—or just the essentials?
  • Do I rely on medical devices, well water, or climate control?
  • Do I want the highest level of energy security possible?

For many homeowners who prioritize guaranteed backup power, a home generator provides the most dependable protection. For those seeking advanced energy management and layered security, pairing a generator with a solar battery creates a comprehensive, future-ready home energy solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get answers to questions that are often asked when deciding between a home generator and solar battery storage for backup power.

Both solar and a home generator can be installed on the same home, providing savings and backup power, however the devices operate independently and are not interconnected.

That depends on a few key factors, including the size of your battery, the size of your solar array, how much energy your home uses, and how your system is configured. Runtime can also be extended if your solar battery includes load management designed to prioritize power for essential loads.

Air-cooled home backup generators are designed to run for extended periods during power outages. That said, during extended outage scenarios, the maintenance schedule outlined in the owner's manual should be followed.

Yes, solar battery storage systems like PWRcell 2 provide the ability to set your preferences to prioritize savings or backup, which then automatically controls day-to-day system operation. During a grid outage, solar batteries are designed to automatically power your home using available stored battery power.

A home backup generator permanently installed outside of your home will detect a grid outage and turn on automatically to power your home.

 

 

  The Generac Advantage

Generac has been a leader in home backup power for decades. Our generators and solar battery storage systems are designed to work together seamlessly, providing homeowners with:

  • Proven reliability
  • Automatic operation
  • Professional installation and service
  • Scalable home energy solutions

 

And with ecobee by Generac smart thermostats and the mobile app, homeowners can monitor their generator and battery system while managing home comfort—creating a more connected and convenient home energy experience.

 

  Protect What Matter's Most

Backup power isn’t just about convenience—it’s about safety, comfort, and peace of mind.

Your local Generac dealer can assess your home’s energy needs and recommend the right solution—whether that’s a generator, a battery system, or a combination designed to keep your home powered through any outage.

Get a personalized backup power recommendation