Reliable Power Without the Extra Cost
WWhy Choose Solar + Generator?
If you’re ready to reduce your electric bill with solar but also want backup power when the grid fails, pairing solar with a generator is a smart, cost-conscious choice — without the expense of batteries.
With this setup:
☀️ Solar panels offset your everyday usage
🔌 A generator kicks in during outages only
💰 You avoid the high price of batteries and still stay protected
It’s the most practical path to energy savings and emergency backup.
How It Works
- Your solar panels power your home during the day
- You use the grid when needed (at night or high usage)
- If the grid fails, your generator turns on automatically
- The generator runs your essential systems until power is restored
✅ Seamless, automatic, and hands-free.
What Can a Generator Back Up?
You decide what matters most:
🔌 Fridge, lights, internet, medical devices
💦 Water pumps, sump systems
🏠 Or your entire home, depending on the generator size
We’ll help you prioritize your critical circuits or size it for full-home backup.
Generator Options (No Battery Setup)
| Generator Type | Best For | Est. Runtime |
| Portable | Essentials only | 6–12 hours per tank |
| Standby (Whole-home) | Full-home backup | Auto-start, continuous |
| Natural Gas / Dual-Fuel | Clean, low-maintenance | Unlimited with pipeline |
What’s the Cost?
| Setup Type | Est. Installed Cost |
| Small backup generator | $3,500 – $6,000 |
| Whole-home generator | $15,000 – $25,000+ |
| Solar + Generator combo | $22,000 – $40,000+ |
💡 Solar still qualifies for the 30% federal tax credit. Some generator integration costs may qualify too.
Does Net Metering Still Work?
Yes. Your solar panels still send energy to the grid and earn credits that reduce your electric bill.
Your generator only turns on during outages — it doesn’t interfere with daily solar performance or billing.
Which One’s Right for You?
Choose a Generator if you:
- Want backup protection without a high upfront cost
- Live in areas with long or frequent blackouts
- Prefer full-home power availability
- Don’t mind light maintenance and refueling
Choose a Battery if you:
- Want clean, quiet, fuel-free backup
- Prefer everyday energy use, not just outages
- Live where outages are short but frequent
- Want off- readiness or smart energy control
Many homeowners start with a generator, then add batteries later when incentives improve or needs evolve.
⚖️ Battery vs Generator: Real Pros & Cons
| Feature | 🔋 Battery | 🔧 Generator |
| Upfront Cost | Higher ($10k–$16k) | Lower ($3.5k–$25k) |
| Fuel Source | Solar-powered (no fuel) | Gas, propane, diesel (refueling required) |
| Noise Level | Silent | Audible (varies by size/type) |
| Maintenance | Minimal | Oil changes, fuel management, testing |
| Outage Response | Instant switchover | Auto or manual depending on model |
| Power Duration | Limited (4–24 hrs) but replenished daily via solar | Continuous, as long as fuel is available |
| Full-Home Backup? | Often partial (unless you stack batteries) | Yes, with a properly sized generator |
| Everyday Energy Use? | ✅ Yes — can lower bills during peak hours or at night | ❌ No — backup only, not for daily use |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years (gradual capacity decline) | 10–20 years with upkeep |
| Grid Independence | High — useful for off-grid setups | Low — used only during outages |
| Environmental Impact | Clean, quiet, zero emissions | Emits CO₂ + noise |
| Eligible for Tax Credit | Yes (30% federal) | Sometimes (on hardware only) |
Next in the Series
Next Step
We’ll help you build the right solar + generator system for your home — and explain exactly how it works with your usage and backup goals.