What’s Better: A Generator or a Battery?

If you’re reading this, it’s likely you’re worried about power outages around the Tweed coast. The good news is, you’ve got options when it comes to keeping the lights on. Traditionally, gas generators were the go-to, but modern technology brought with it solar batteries. Now, what’s the better option? A generator or a battery? We’ve got 8 ways to tell you – it’s a battery every day of the week.

But first, what’s a generator and what’s a battery?

A backup generator is a secondary electrical system that runs on a fuel source (gas, petrol or diesel) and provides power to your home during a power outage or failure.

A battery backup system, like a Tesla Powerwall, stores energy which can be used to power your house during an outage. Batteries get their electricity from your solar system or the grid. As a result, they’re much better for the environment than fuel-powered generators.

8 reasons why a home battery trumps a generator

1. Batteries are quiet

Traditional generators are notoriously loud – just like heavy traffic noise. A battery backup system, however, operates silently.

2. Batteries use clean energy

Traditional generators run on natural gas, petrol or diesel, which emits harmful pollutants like carbon monoxide and nitrogen oxides. Not only do these emissions contribute to air pollution, they also pose health risks. A battery backup system, especially when paired with solar panels, produces no emissions. A battery is a clean and sustainable energy solution that supports Australia’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions overall.

3. Batteries are smaller than generators

Some portable generators can be quite compact, but whole-house generators are significantly larger and often require a concrete pad for installation. A battery backup system is wall-mounted and takes up minimal space, often fitting neatly on your garage wall or next to your solar inverter. This compact design makes them ideal for urban Tweed homes.

4. Batteries turn on instantly

During a power outage, you usually experience disruptions to electronic devices and appliances. And this is the case with a generator. But a battery backup system switches into action instantly, providing you with seamless power continuity. This instant response ensures your house is powered without any interruptions or convenience.

5. Batteries are reliable

A battery backup system requires little to no maintenance. They’re designed to last years with just minimal upkeep, providing convenient and reliable power backup when you need it. Whereas generators require regular maintenance such as oil changes and inspections to ensure they’re fit to function.

6. Batteries and solar can run indefinitely

A battery that is connected to your solar system harnesses energy from the sun, meaning they can recharge themselves and offer continuous power and greater energy independence. Generators are limited by the resource (gas, petrol or diesel) that you have at hand (if your generator is not connected to your house’s gas line or propane tank). Once the fuel source runs out, so too goes your power.

7. Batteries enable energy independence

With unpredictable whether patterns and outages experienced up and down the coast, locals are after the ability to produce and manage their own energy. A hybrid solar system (a solar system with a battery) allows homeowners to store excess solar energy generated during the day and use it during power outages, and, during peak energy demand times. This reduces your reliance on the grid, and provides you with greater energy security.

8. Incentives for batteries are often on offer

In New South Wales and Queensland we’re lucky that our state governments are often incentivising the installation of solar systems, and solar batteries. These incentives can significantly reduce the upfront costs associated with installing a battery backup system, making them more accessible to local homeowners.