Battery backup, standby generator, hybrid system, or solar integration—there's no single right answer. (Anyone who tells you otherwise is selling something.) Here's what each option actually does.
Silent. Seamless. Sleek.
No fuel, no noise, no maintenance. Your home switches to battery power instantly—so seamlessly you won't even notice the grid went down. Eligible for the 30% federal tax credit.
When the grid drops, this kicks in.
Proven technology that's been keeping homes powered for decades. Natural gas or propane-fueled, a standby generator can run your entire home indefinitely—as long as you've got fuel.
Why choose when you can have both?
Batteries handle the brief outages—seamlessly, silently. When the power stays out for days, the generator kicks in. It's the belt-and-suspenders approach for people who don't mess around.
Power your backup with sunshine.
Pair solar panels with a battery system and you're not just riding out outages—you're generating your own power. Offset grid costs, charge your backup from the sun, and inch closer to actual energy independence.
No option is universally "best." Each has trade-offs. Here's the honest breakdown.
| Feature | Battery | Generator | Hybrid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost Range | $12K–$30K | $8K–$20K | $25K–$50K |
| Fuel Needed | None (grid/solar) | Natural gas / propane | Both |
| Noise Level | Silent | Moderate | Mixed |
| Maintenance | Virtually none | Annual servicing | Both |
| Switchover | Instant (ms) | 10–30 seconds | Instant (battery) |
| Runtime | 4–24+ hours | Indefinite w/ fuel | Indefinite |
| Tax Credit | 30% ITC | No (standalone) | Partial (battery) |
| Best For | Short outages, solar homes | Extended outages, whole-home | Maximum protection |
Tell us about your home and we'll recommend the option that actually makes sense—not the one with the biggest commission.
Get Your Free Assessment