Quick Overview
Worried how your home will handle a blackout? Choose a fuelled generator for long runtimes and heavy loads. Pick battery storage for quiet, instant switchover and renewable pairing. Generators need fuel, space, and regular servicing. Batteries are low-maintenance but more costly up front. This guide helps you weigh costs, safety, and permits. Plan timelines and call pros when in doubt.
Key Points:
- Choose tech by what you must power and for how long.
- Generators: extended runtime; Batteries: silent, instant, renewable-ready.
- Permits and installation skills differ greatly; hire certified pros.
Quick Wins You Can Do Today
Small, fast actions clarify needs, reduce surprises, and prioritize safety—helping you choose the best backup power quickly.
Key Points:
- Total time needed
- Money saved estimate
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick answers to common backup power questions: cost, runtime, safety, installation, permits, and when to call a pro.
Key Points:
- Generators for long runtimes and heavy loads; batteries for instant, quiet backup and renewable integration.
- Call a licensed pro for sizing, permits, fuel/electrical work, or battery-safety concerns.
What You Need to Know
Quick practical guide to comparing fuelled standby generators and battery‑storage + inverter systems — what to measure, permit and plan so first‑time builders/renovators can make confident decisions and know when to call pros.
Key Points:
- Generators = long runtime and strong motor-start capability; require fuel, noise mitigation, and regular maintenance.
- Batteries = instant switchover, quiet, low daily maintenance, best for short-to-moderate outages and renewable integration.
- Size to critical loads first; add 10–25% headroom and plan selective load shedding to save cost.
- Permits, utility interconnection and inspections can take weeks — start approvals early.
- Safety first: fuel handling, exhaust, ventilation for gensets; fire mitigation, temperature control and monitoring for batteries.
- Hybrid solutions exist (generator + battery) to get instant backup and extended runtime — consider for larger or mission‑critical sites.
- When in doubt, hire licensed electrical and mechanical pros for sizing, permits, and commissioning — DIY risk is high with backup power.
- Keep documentation, maintenance schedules and emergency contacts accessible to building operators.
Avoid These Common Mistakes
Choosing between a fuelled standby generator and a battery-storage + inverter system requires planning for safety as well as performance. These practical, solution-focused checks help you avoid common hazards, protect people and property, and know exactly when to bring in a pro.
Key Points:
- Essential safety equipment
- When professional help is mandatory
- Legal/code compliance requirements
