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Battery Storage vs Generators

Which Is the Better Option?
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Battery Storage vs Backup Generators

With utility companies becoming more expensive and unpredictable, having a reliable backup power source is more important than ever. Whether you’re a homeowner looking to keep the lights on during a storm or a business needing to ensure uninterrupted operations, choosing the right backup power solution is essential.

The two most popular options are battery storage systems and traditional generators. Which one is better? Below, we’ll explore the differences between the two, ultimately showing why battery storage is the best choice for your peace of mind.

How Battery Storage Works vs. How Generators Work

Battery Storage

Battery storage systems prepare you for the next planned or unplanned power outage, huge storm, or managing a utility company’s peak times by storing energy from the grid or renewable sources like solar panels. You lower your electricity bills, and earn money through grid services like net metering. The transition to backup power is instant and seamless, with minimal energy loss.

Generators

Generators, on the other hand, burn fuel to generate electricity. They start up when the power goes out, usually after a brief delay. This process is less efficient, with energy lost during fuel conversion, and requires a continuous fuel supply to operate during outages.

Efficiency and Sustainability

solar power system

Efficiency

Battery storage systems are efficient and cost-effective. They store energy during off-peak times or when renewable sources like solar panels generate excess power. This stored energy is then used when needed. Battery storage ensures that nearly all the energy captured is utilized, making it a reliable and cleaner choice.

 

Generators, however, rely on burning fossil fuels to generate electricity, which is inherently less efficient. The combustion process leads to significant energy loss through heat and emissions. Generators operate at lower efficiency rates, meaning much fuel consumed is not converted into usable electricity. This inefficiency, combined with the need for continuous operation during outages, results in higher fuel consumption and greater environmental impact.

Sustainability

As touched on above, battery storage systems are the more sustainable choice. They produce no emissions, reducing a home’s environmental impact. Generators, however, rely on fossil fuels, contributing to pollution.

Cost Savings of Battery Storage over a Generator

Upfront Costs

Battery storage systems typically have a higher upfront cost due to the investment in advanced batteries. However, this is balanced by lower long-term costs (see below). And, don’t forget, the Federal IRA incentives will help offset your installation bill. In Colorado, there are further incentives to take advantage of. We can help you navigate all of your savings.

Long-term Costs

Battery storage requires little maintenance and no fuel, reducing ongoing expenses. Generators, while cheaper initially, incur significant costs for fuel, maintenance, and repairs. Also, when you pair your battery with solar, you are reducing your electricity bills. You can even control your usage during a utilities peak demand time by moving to your battery storage to keep from paying peak fees.

Enphase Panel

Durability and Lifespan

EV Car Charging in Garage

Battery Storage is more Durable and Longer Lasting

Battery storage not only lasts 10-15 years with minimal degradation, they can handle thousands of charge and discharge cycles. You will be able to rely on your battery for planned blackouts, unexpected storms and demand management.

Generators typically have a shorter lifespan, averaging 5-10 years. They require frequent maintenance, including oil changes and fuel system checks. Over time, mechanical wear can lead to inefficiencies and breakdowns, making them less durable and dirtier than a modern battery system.

Safety Consderations

Which is Safer?

Battery storage systems are designed with modern safety features like thermal management and automatic shut-off to prevent accidents. These features make them safer for both residential and commercial use.

Generators, on the other hand, pose several risks, including the potential for fires and carbon monoxide poisoning. Proper ventilation and maintenance are essential, but even with precautions, generators are not the safer option.

Performance During Power Outages

Performance Matters When The Power's Out

During power outages, battery storage provide instant backup power. These systems kick in immediately when the grid fails, so there’s no disruption to what matters most such as medical equipment, home security, and refrigeration.

Generators, however, often experience a delay before they start supplying power, leading to  disruptions. When you rely on critical items like medical devices, you can not afford to have a delay. Since generators require fuel to operate, they become less reliable if there becomes a fuel shortage or access to fuel is not available.

Next Steps to Power Up

As you can see, battery storage is the way to go when you’re concerned about keeping your home or business charged during power outages. We have expertise to help you choose the right system for your needs, and we will help you understand the incentives available to you. 

Reach out today to learn more!

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Independent Power
Excellent
4.8
Based on 33 reviews
Highly recommended. Here are the details:When I decided to install a rooftop solar system on my Helena home, I sought references on quality companies (and ignored all the door-knockers). About a quarter of the homes in my subdivision have panels, and my neighbors named three companies. My cousin who works in the industry then mentioned Independent Power as a solid provider.I developed a list of questions and called all four. They all made it to the next phase of submitting a preliminary proposal and price. At that point I eliminated one of the Helena companies due to second-tier or lower equipment.The proposals from the remaining three companies – one in Helena, one in Missoula and Independent Power in Bozeman – were all solid. All Enphase inverters, with Tier-1 panels and good warranties. They then all took time to go through the list of follow-up questions I had developed and gave what I believe were accurate and thorough answers. All sent me spec sheets and warranty info on the equipment they proposed. All offered on-staff qualified electricians on their teams.Independent was not the cheapest in $/Watt or $/kWh, but was competitive. In the end, I chose them because they offered the highest-watt panels – their 430W Q Cells took around 15% less roof space for the same production. So some day if I need to expand, I’ll still have some room.Their on-site people seem outstanding, from the drone and attic visit to get exact measurements for design finalization, to their install team which included their master electrician who has been with IP for 16 years. I had a minor problem with the metering system on startup, which worried me since they are not a local company. They immediately dug in to it remotely, consulted Enphase, and when they could not resolve it from a distance sent the electrician back timely to work everything out.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the thoughtful and detailed 5-star review! We are grateful you chose to work with our team, as we know you have many options. Your trust in us is the reason our team works hard to earn and keep it. Please let us know if we can be of service in the future.
Excellent service and craftsmanship. Sales was patient and answered all my questions, never pushy, it always felt like a casual conversation with a friend. The install team was friendly, skilled and efficient. Overall very happy with the process and product from start to finish.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the 5-star review, Mark! I know Avery and the team enjoyed working with you. We consider ourselves lucky to be a part of the Bozeman community. Please let us know if we can be of service in the future.
Independent Power was great to work with. They always responded quickly to my questions before, during and after the installation of my rooftop solar panels. They always showed up on time and kept me up to date on the progress of getting the system approved. Sean even made a stop at my house out of his way one day when the Enphase app wasnt working correctly, and quickly fixed the problem.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the 5-star review, Eric! We know you had options on solar companies in Helena, and we are grateful you chose to work with us. Our expert team is dedicated to helping you have the best experience during your project. And Sean is the best! He always makes sure our customers are taken care of. Please let us know if we can be of service in the future.
Being new to off grid life was pretty challenging and exciting and Independent power made the experience a breeze. My experience with these guys was awesome. From beginning to end, their sales, engineers,electricians, technicians ,Installers knowledge,professionalism, craftsmanship the whole team, and their enthusiasm of dedication to solar is incredible.The project was finished by the way before the finish date !!!
Response from the owner: Thank you, Matthew, for this great review! Our team works tirelessly to provide the best service possible, and receiving your 5-star review is an honor. We are excited that you've chosen to go off-grid and that you trusted us to partner with you to make it happen. Your detailed review will help your neighbors when they decide to go solar, add battery storage, or go fully off-grid. We appreciate you and hope we can be of service in the future.
Half of the time there was good communication and cooperation. However, turning on the system was delayed by well over a month because a new hire who took over my account did not file local permits and get inspections passed in a timely manner. To their credit I was given a rebate for the lost time.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the 4-star review, Kay! We appreciate the detailed feedback. It not only helps your neighbors make an informed decision on who to choose for solar, but it also helps us improve the experience for our customers. Sorry for our error with the paperwork. We appreciate your kindness as we worked to correct our mistake. Thank you for working with us!
IPS was responsive, professional, and extremely easy to work with. Would not hesitate for a second to recommend them to anyone thinking about solar!
Response from the owner: Wow, Rob, thank you for this great review! We appreciate your trust in us for your solar installation. We hope you're enjoying your system. Please let us know if we can be of service in the future.
Great experience with Independent Power! Excellent communication throughout each phase of the project, both with the project management team and the on-site installers. Very pleased, and would recommend Independent Power to my Bozeman neighbors.
Response from the owner: Thank you, David! We appreciate you taking the time to write a 5-star review for us. We love serving our Bozeman community, and when you take a moment to give us a review, it helps your neighbors know what to expect when working with our team. Thank you again! Please let us know if we can be of service in the future.
Very professional, with prompt response to calls and email. Some slight scheduling miscommunication, but overall a very good experience. I will most likely be using this company again for another home I own. I would have given 5 stars, but when asked to give a review before the system commissioning occurred is like asking for payment prior to services rendered.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the great review, Brian! And thank you for pointing out my mistake of asking for a review too early. I will be sure to give some time in the future. We always appreciate feedback; it helps us improve your experience and the level of service we provide. We do hope we can help out in the future!
The cost of unit and installation was thousands less than other companies. From beginning to end, everyone involved was friendly, prompt and professional. Thanks especially to Emily who stayed in touch with me the entire project. I could not have asked for a better experience. Thank you.
Response from the owner: Wow! Thank you, Ramona, for the wonderful 5-star review! We are thrilled to hear you had a good experience with us and that Emily took great care to keep you up to date on your project. We appreciate you choosing to work with us; it means so much to our team. Please reach out in the future if we can be of service again.
Quick quality install and very professional group. A little wait time, mostly paperwork but system is up and running saving us $$.
Response from the owner: Thank you for the 5-star review, Jeff. We're happy to hear you're up and running with your solar and that you're satisfied with our team. As a small business, we are grateful for your review; it helps your neighbors decide who to work with when they're ready to go solar. Let us know if we can be of service in the future!
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Independent Power
4.8
Based on 244 reviews
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