How solar batteries and generators stack up

Blackouts are becoming more common across the country 1. As people face an increased risk of power loss, it becomes important for consumers who want to take control of their own energy 2 to include a home solar battery in a plan to go solar. 

A solar home battery system, such as Brightbox by Sunrun, avoids many of the pitfalls of traditional portable backup generators.

Solar battery backup systems offer long-lasting power when power outages occur

A battery typically provides approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup power, without additional fuel costs or pollution—putting the power of clean energy in the hands of the people whenever the grid goes down. 

Plus, with a home battery, you don’t have to worry about whether you’ll be able to get more fuel.

Solar battery banks store energy, turn on, and recharge automatically

When the lights go out, a Brightbox solar battery turns on and powers the circuits that are most important to you. 

Many people choose to use this energy to power their garage door, WiFi, kitchen appliances, and lighting when the grid is down. 

The solar panels automatically recharge from the solar energy system, so you can keep your system running without lifting a finger. It’s a renewable energy source.

Battery Backup Duration: A typical solar battery backup system can provide approximately 8 to 12 hours of backup power without additional fuel costs or pollution.

Solar battery backup systems are safe and quiet

Batteries run on clean, renewable power, making them safer than diesel generators, which emit dangerous fumes and require homeowners to store gasoline cans for refueling and run extension cords to power appliances within the home. 

Batteries are also quiet, making about as much noise as a refrigerator. Compare that to generators, which are as loud as a vacuum cleaner. 

Solar panels put you in control of your home and your energy

Brightbox from Sunrun is available for purchase or as part of a service agreement—both options put people in charge when it comes to controlling their power. 

Brightbox's battery storage reliability means that in the event of planned or unplanned power outages, the food in the fridge stays fresh, cell phones stay charged, and important devices can still operate.

Pitfalls of portable generators

Generators are easily available. They can be purchased online or at most home improvement stores, and run on gas or propane, both of which are widely available. However, there are a number of downsides.

Generators are expensive

Unlike solar and battery storage, generators do not replace or offset your day-to-day utility bill. Therefore, any generator cost will be incremental to your energy expenses today. 

The base price of small portable home generators runs between $400 and $1,0003 and up, while a large permanently installed diesel generator might cost as much as $10,000 It all depends on features, capacity and installation guidelines. 

Backup generators also require pricey, dirty fuel in order to produce electricity—and refueling is highly inconvenient (or impossible) during major weather events and blackouts.

Generators give off carbon monoxide

Natural gas generators have killed approximately 70 people per year since 20054, and standby units powered by diesel fuel also give off nitrous oxide5, which can cause dizziness, a loss of consciousness, and even death6. 

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission7 cautions that gas generators for home use must be operated outside, at least 20 feet away from windows, doors, and vents, to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning. It also recommends installing carbon monoxide detectors to monitor indoor air quality. 

Fire Safety Facts: Solar battery banks pose no fire danger, unlike generators, which can be hazardous in wildfire-prone areas or during earthquakes due to fuel storage risks.

Generators may pose a fire danger

Beyond the cost, where one lives can dictate whether a portable backup generator is a good choice for backup power. 

Due to electrical hazards and fire danger, operating standalone fuel-powered generators in wildfire-prone areas is not recommended by some localities during red flag warnings and other fire events. As well, storing propane in an earthquake-prone area can be dangerous. 

A Sunrun Brightbox battery poses no such fire danger and offers people peace of mind in a blackout.

Generators can be noisy

While some pricier inverter generators produce around 50 decibels, generators can reach decibels of 11010—similar to the noise level at a live concert11.

Generator systems are less reliable than home batteries, as measured by warranty duration, and require more upkeep. Portable and standby generators often have 3-5-year warranties that exclude normal wear and tear. 

Battery systems warranties can be as long as 10 to 25 years, and can include full coverage for parts and labor. 

Additionally, customers must run most portable generators on a monthly basis to ensure that the motor will continue to work. Compare that to solar and battery systems, which are set it and forget it. 

A Brightbox home battery system is a cost-effective alternative to a portable generator for backup home electricity. It offers the freedom to create clean, affordable, reliable energy without reliance on the increasingly unreliable electrical grid.

Solar generator vs battery bank: which is more reliable?

When considering how to power your home during an outage, a battery backup system offers numerous advantages over traditional generators.

They provide long-lasting, clean energy without the need for additional fuel, and operate quietly and safely. While generators are widely available and can be effective, their reliance on fuel, noise, and safety concerns make them a less attractive option.

With a battery backup system like Sunrun's Brightbox, you can enjoy reliable, renewable power and greater control over your energy needs during power outages. This makes it an ideal home backup solution, ensuring peace of mind during blackouts.

References

Wikipedia, https://www.eenews.net/stories/1061245945. Accessed 21 May 2024.

Wikipedia, https://qz.com/1632555/californias-wildfires-may-benefit-home-batteries-and-solar-panels/. Accessed 21 May 2024.

Wikipedia, https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2017/12/regulations-portable-generators-cpsc-buerkle/547781/. Accessed 21 May 2024.

Wikipedia, https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2019/CPSC-Warns-Consumers-in-Tropical-Storm-Barrys-Path-to-Take-Precautions-When-Using-Portable-Generators. Accessed 21 May 2024.

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, https://www.generatormag.com/quiet-generator/. Accessed 21 May 2024.

Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/noise/default.html. Accessed 21 May 2024.

“Backup Power & Generators.” Fire Safe Marin, https://www.firesafemarin.org/prepare-yourself/backup-power-generators. Accessed 21 May 2024.

“Blog.” Americas Generators, https://www.americasgenerators.com/blog/post/2018/07/03/backup-fuel-propane-vs-gas-generators.aspx. Accessed 21 May 2024.

Cutrona, Salvatore. “Generator Installation Cost in 2024.” HomeAdvisor, https://www.homeadvisor.com/cost/electrical/install-a-generator/. Accessed 21 May 2024.

“Nitrous Oxide | NIOSH.” CDC, 24 April 2018, https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/topics/nitrousoxide/default.html. Accessed 21 May 2024.