Gas generators vs solar and batteries: Which is better for backup?
Whether it’s about keeping the refrigerator running to avoid hundreds of dollars in food waste, ensuring the safety of those with young families and electronic medical equipment or avoiding dangers of extreme heat, power is critical for many along the Gulf Coast. Unfortunately, with frequent outages during hurricanes and other storms, it can be difficult to maintain reliable power.
With finances and health at risk, residents in Louisiana, Mississippi and other states naturally seek out backup power sources. However, not all home systems are created equal. Here’s a look at two popular options for independent power including the advantages and disadvantages of each to help make the best choice for a family’s critical energy supply.
Gas-powered home generator
One popular option for backup power generation is a home generator. The generator’s engine is typically powered by the home’s natural gas supply and an alternator converts the engine’s mechanical energy into electricity.
In the event of a power outage, the generator detects that grid electricity has been lost and starts the engine to begin producing home backup power. Once the generator detects that grid power has been restored, it shuts off.
- Pros: Because natural gas is delivered to homes through existing pipelines, there’s no need to manually refuel the generator, as with other diesel or propane options. The generator automatically kicks on when grid power is lost to provide convenient and immediate power. Most natural gas generator systems have a moderate life, lasting about 5 to 15 years.
- Cons: However, gas generators are not rated for 100% operation, requiring periodic shutdowns. Natural gas generators do require some maintenance, such as running them monthly to check that the unit is working and no fluid is leaking, and replacing filters, batteries and oil annually. Foliage also generally must be trimmed back five feet to keep the area clear. Most residential systems are air-cooled, but larger commercial systems may require refilling coolant.
A greater disadvantage of having a natural gas generator is dependence on local fuel supplies. For example, residents with home generators in South Louisiana are experiencing a lack of gas pressure. Its utility admits that its system wasn’t built for the increased demand from the growing number of home generators. Making the necessary utility upgrades could mean that homeowners will pay more in natural gas bills.
Furthermore, gas generators pose dangerous safety risks by emitting carbon monoxide (CO), an odorless, colorless gas that can cause death within minutes. Every year, half of the deaths in the United States caused by accidental CO poisoning from consumer products are linked to portable generators. One portable generator can produce the same amount of carbon monoxide as hundreds of cars. It’s imperative that homeowners are aware of the dangers of gas generators and take them into consideration when choosing a backup power system.
Residential solar and battery energy system
Considering some of the disadvantages of gas generator units, homeowners are increasingly turning to solar and batteries instead. This independent energy system consists of solar panels that generate electricity from sunlight, which is either stored in a battery or converted using an inverter into power that can be used immediately in the home. In the case of an outage, the system disconnects from the grid and the home draws energy from the battery to ensure a continuous supply of electricity.
- Pros: One of the greatest advantages of a solar and battery system is that it can be used for more than just backup. Getting a home’s electricity from solar panels protects against rising utility energy costs, which reduces electric bills. There are even options for upgrades like adding an EV charger. Also, unlike with generators, the battery system doesn’t require any shutdown time to operate effectively and can keep running indefinitely during grid outages.Additionally, solar and battery systems do not release any harmful emissions for a cleaner, safer home energy solution. Furthermore, they require practically no maintenance and create complete utility independence by eliminating the need for a sufficient gas supply.
- Cons: Though solar systems also last about 30 years, batteries will need to be replaced over that time after 15 to 20 years. The amount of power a home can generate may be limited to the number of panels that can be installed on the roof (depending on shading and space). Like generators, solar panels can come with more upfront cost. However, both solar and batteries are eligible for federal tax credits to reduce the initial expense.
The U.S. experienced about two times more weather-related outages during the last ten years than the decade before. Outages aren’t only an inconvenience. A lack of refrigeration, heating, air conditioning and power for medical devices can be dangerous or even deadly. While homeowners may feel helpless, an independent home energy system can serve as an effective tool to take control of power needs. Batteries allow the continued use of solar power when the grid goes down so lights stay on, groceries remain cold, EVs charge and comfort is maintained all thanks to the sun.
To find out more, contact Solar Alternatives to help guide you toward complete energy independence.