Ready with power – Part 1 gave simple tips for refrigeration, staying cool and powering essentials.
You can provide backup power for part or all of your home over multiple days.
Why it matters: If the grid is down for an extended time, sheltering in place can be your safest option.
🥊 The bottom line: Gas powered generators and solar plus batteries each have pros and cons.
- Generators cost less up front, provide more power and do not rely on weather.
- Solar plus batteries cost more up front but will last much longer with little to no maintenance.
⛏️ Dig deeper: Backup options vary in cost and performance.
👉 Portable gas powered generator: Like this 3.5kW Generac for $839
- Pros: Great price for the power output. You can’t run your home’s AC with this, but you could run your refrigerator, fans and outlets.
- Cons: It’s a machine with a motor, so it needs maintenance. Plus, you need to keep gasoline on hand, and gasoline is good for about 6 months.
👉 Portable solar powered generator: Like this 3.0kW Jackery for $2799 with 200W solar panel
- Pros: No maintenance, quiet operation and expandable with additional batteries and solar panels. Can be charged from a standard outlet, solar panels or from a car outlet.
- Cons: Expensive option that relies on sunshine for extended use.
👉 Standby generator: Like this 22kw Generac for $6147 – closer to $10k with installation
- Pros: This will run a whole house, including air conditioning. Super reliable.
- Cons: Requires regular maintenance, is dependent on natural gas infrastructure and has a 5 year warranty.
👉 Solar + home backup batteries: $30-100K – depending on multiple factors related to the home.
- Pros: With the right set-up, you could run independently from the grid for days to weeks. Could be eligible for a 30% federal tax credit. Home backup batteries have a 10-15 year warranty.
- Cons: Expensive and relies on sunshine —> this set-up would have failed you during the winter storm of 2021.
👉 Solar + home backup batteries + generator: $40-150K – depending on multiple factors related to the home.
- Pros: This is the ultimate set-up for resilience to give your home a “belt and suspenders” solution for power. Could be eligible for 30% tax credit (minus the cost of the generator)
- Cons: Cost.
✅ For your Smart Homeowner list
- If you have questions about any of the options, let’s chat!
- Shoot me a text at 214-893-5959 or use my Solar Clarity Call link to schedule a time.
Best,
Travis