Power outages from storms, grid failures, and wildfire shutoffs push homeowners toward backup power. Standby generators and battery systems both keep lights on—but they differ sharply on cost, runtime, noise, and what loads they can carry.
Standby and portable generators
- Standby (whole-home): Permanently installed, runs on natural gas or propane, auto-starts during outages via transfer switch. Typical install $8,000–$18,000+ depending on size.
- Portable: Lower upfront cost ($500–$2,500) but manual setup, fuel storage, and limited capacity. Must run outdoors away from windows.
- Runtime: Unlimited on natural gas supply; propane and gasoline depend on tank size and refueling.
- Best for: Extended multi-day outages, well pumps, central AC, and homes in high-outage regions.
Home battery backup systems
- How they work: Battery packs (often paired with solar) store energy and invert it to power selected circuits—or the whole panel with enough capacity.
- Typical cost: $10,000–$25,000+ installed for whole-home coverage; smaller partial-home systems cost less.
- Runtime: Hours to a couple of days depending on battery size and loads; solar can recharge during daylight.
- Best for: Shorter outages, solar-equipped homes, noise-sensitive neighborhoods, and areas with time-of-use rate optimization.
Head-to-head comparison
- Noise: Batteries are silent; generators produce noticeable sound—check local ordinances.
- Maintenance: Generators need exercise runs, oil changes, and fuel management; batteries need monitoring and eventual cell replacement.
- Heavy loads: Generators handle AC, electric ranges, and dryers more easily at lower total cost per kilowatt.
- Carbon footprint: Batteries charged by solar are cleaner; fossil-fuel generators emit exhaust.
- Install requirements: Both need licensed electricians for transfer switches and code-compliant interconnection.
Sizing: what do you need to keep on?
List essential circuits: refrigerator, heat (or a room heater), lights, sump pump, medical devices, and internet. A partial-home backup costs far less than whole-house coverage. Your electrician calculates starting surge for motors like well pumps and AC compressors—critical for generator sizing.
Hybrid and future-ready setups
Some homes combine solar, battery, and a smaller generator. Others install a generator transfer switch now and add batteries later. Plan panel space and interconnection standards up front to avoid rework.
When to call an electrician
- Any permanent transfer switch or whole-home backup install.
- Panel upgrades needed to support backup equipment.
- Utility interconnection paperwork for solar-plus-battery systems.
- Uncertainty about grounding, neutral switching, or NEC requirements.
Final takeaway
Choose generators for long outages and heavy HVAC loads; choose batteries for cleaner, quieter backup—especially with solar—or when outages are typically short. Get a load calculation, compare total cost of ownership over 10 years, and never backfeed the grid with improvised cord setups.