Understanding Your Options
Home Battery Backup Systems
Learn about the differences between full home battery backup, storage-only systems, and generators to understand which solution may work best for your needs.
Full Home Battery Backup + Solar
A full home battery system paired with solar panels provides the most comprehensive backup solution. These systems can power your entire home during outages and recharge themselves using solar energy, making them ideal for extended outages like California's PSPS events.
Automatic Switchover
Transfers power in milliseconds when the grid fails—most people won't notice the transition.
Silent Operation
No noise or fumes. Can be installed indoors, unlike generators.
Solar Recharging
With solar panels, batteries recharge daily—useful for multi-day outages.
Incentive Programs
California offers various rebates and incentives that can significantly reduce costs.
How Battery Backup Works
Here's how energy flows in a solar + battery system during normal operation and outages.
1
Solar Collection
Solar panels on your roof convert sunlight into DC electricity throughout the day.
2
Power Conversion
An inverter converts DC power to AC electricity that your home appliances can use.
3
Battery Storage
Excess energy charges your battery for use at night or during outages.
4
Automatic Backup
When the grid fails, your system instantly switches to battery power—no interruption.
Compare Your Options
Full Home Battery + Solar
Complete backup with renewable charging
- Powers entire home during outages
- Solar recharges during outages
- Reduces monthly electric bills
- Automatic switchover
- Higher upfront cost
- Requires professional installation
Storage-Only Battery
Backup without solar generation
- Backup power during outages
- Time-of-use bill savings
- Silent operation
- Limited runtime (8-12 hours typical)
- Cannot recharge during outage
- Still dependent on grid for charging
Portable Power Station
Mobile backup for essentials
- Low upfront cost
- Portable and flexible
- No installation required
- Very limited capacity
- Cannot power whole home
- Manual setup required
Detailed Specifications
| Feature | Full Home + Solar | Storage-Only | Portable Station |
|---|---|---|---|
| Typical Capacity | 10-40 kWh | 10-20 kWh | 0.5-3 kWh |
| Outage Runtime | Days (with solar)* | 8-24 hours | 2-8 hours |
| Whole-Home Power | Yes | Yes | No |
| Auto Switchover | Instant | Instant | Manual |
| Recharge During Outage | Via Solar | No | Limited |
| Electric Bill Reduction | Significant | Moderate | None |
| Typical Warranty | 10-25 years | 10 years | 2-5 years |
| Installation Required | Professional | Professional | None |
| Typical Cost | Fully Funded* | Not Available | $300-$3,000 |
*For qualified California homes through state incentive programs. Runtime depends on adequate solar production and battery capacity.
Battery Backup vs. Generators
Both battery systems and generators can provide backup power. Here's how they compare across key factors to help you decide which is right for your situation.
Battery Backup
- Silent operation
- Zero emissions, can install indoors
- No fuel storage needed
- Automatic switchover
- Can recharge via solar
- Minimal maintenance
- Safe during fire weather
- Higher upfront cost
- Limited capacity without solar
Gas Generator
- Lower upfront cost
- High power output available
- Runs as long as fuel lasts
- Portable options available
- Loud operation (65-80 dB)
- Carbon monoxide hazard—outdoor only
- Requires fuel storage
- Regular maintenance needed
- May be restricted during fire weather