Quick Comparison
| Feature |
Whole Home Generator |
Battery Storage |
| Startup time |
10–30 seconds |
Milliseconds (instant) |
| Fuel source |
Natural gas or propane |
Solar or grid electricity |
| Runtime |
Unlimited (while fuel available) |
8–24 hours per charge |
| Whole-home coverage |
Yes |
Yes (with enough capacity) |
| Noise |
Audible |
Silent |
| Maintenance |
Annual service required |
Minimal |
| Cost range |
$15,000–$21,000 installed |
$12,000–$25,000+ installed |
| Best for |
Extended outages (days+) |
Short–medium outages with solar |
When a Whole Home Generator Makes More Sense
- You need extended runtime — Generators run on natural gas or propane and can operate indefinitely. For outages lasting multiple days, this is a major advantage.
- You don't have solar — Without solar to recharge a battery, capacity is limited to what's stored. A generator doesn't depend on solar.
- You need whole-home power — A properly sized Generac powers everything — HVAC, well pump, electric range, all circuits.
- Budget is a primary factor — A complete Generac install starts around $15,000, which can be less than a multi-battery system needed for whole-home coverage.
When Battery Storage Makes More Sense
- You have solar panels — Batteries and solar are designed to work together. Your solar charges the battery during the day, providing potentially unlimited backup through extended outages.
- You want silent backup — Batteries operate silently with no noise, no exhaust, no maintenance.
- Most outages in your area are short — For PSPS events and typical storm outages under 24 hours, a single Tesla Powerwall 3 with solar recharging is usually sufficient.
- You want energy independence — Batteries let you store cheap solar energy and use it at night, reducing your Xcel bill year-round.
The Best Solution for Colorado: Generator + Battery
For many Colorado homeowners, the ultimate backup power strategy combines both:
- Solar panels generate power during the day
- Battery stores excess solar for nighttime and short outages
- Generator provides backup for extended outages when the battery runs low
This layered approach means you're covered for everything — from a 6-hour PSPS event handled entirely by your battery, to a multi-day winter storm where the generator keeps your heat running continuously.
Solar Wave is one of the few Front Range companies that installs all three: solar, battery, and generators.
Colorado Context: Why This Decision Matters More Here
- Wildfire season PSPS events — Planned outages lasting hours to days
- Summer thunderstorms — Fast, unpredictable outages
- Winter ice storms — Extended outages when you need your heat most
- Rising Xcel rates — Batteries reduce your bill all year, not just during outages
Get a Free Backup Power Consultation
Not sure which solution is right for your home? Solar Wave offers free, no-pressure consultations. We'll assess your home's needs, your budget, and your backup goals — and recommend exactly what makes sense. Start your consultation here.