A Path to Energy Independence?

Key Takeaways: 

Whole-house solar generators offer backup power during a power outage and, in some cases, can temporarily replace grid power.
Whole-house solar generators are designed to run your entire home as if you never lost power in the first place.
Whole-house solar generators are sometimes expandable, meaning you can start small and scale them by adding batteries and solar panels to meet your energy needs.

Whole-house solar generators have grown in popularity recently as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to traditional power supply sources. These solar systems offer enough electricity to power an entire home during a blackout or power outage. Sometimes, they even provide excess power you can sell back to the electric company for a small credit on your electricity bill. While the financial benefits of these solar power generators are great, they offer much more.
Below, we’ll explore the function, benefits, and challenges of whole-house solar generators and help you determine if this might be a good option for your household.
What Is a Solar Generator? 
A solar generator, also known as a photovoltaic (PV) generator, harnesses the sun’s power to generate electricity. Traditional generators — such as diesel and gas generators — require fuel, often a fossil fuel. However, solar generators create solar power thanks to solar panels that convert sunlight into usable energy. This clean and renewable energy source makes solar generators an eco-friendly choice for homeowners.
Like a traditional backup generator, a whole-house solar generator takes over and powers a home during a power outage. However, some solar generators only have the battery capacity to run the most important appliances, such as an air conditioner, hot water tank, and refrigerator. Learn more with our home generator buyer’s guide.
What Are the Different Types of Solar Generators? 
Not all solar generators are created equal. Let’s review the two main types — portable and standby — and how they can help you prepare for a power outage. 
Portable Solar Generators 

A portable solar generator is a solid option if you’re looking for a solar generator that you can easily transport. These compact, lightweight, portable power stations are ideal for off-grid camping trips, outdoor events, or emergency home backup power for several appliances. Portable solar generators typically come with built-in handles or wheels for convenience.
A big advantage of portable solar generators is their versatility. You can use them for outdoor activities and to power small appliances in your home during power outages. Many portable solar generators feature LED lights, multiple AC outlets, USB-C ports, and USB-A ports, so you can charge and run various devices simultaneously. The downside to these generators is that they generally cannot power an average-sized home.
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Standby Solar Generators 
Standby solar generators are the way to go if you seek a permanent power solution. These systems are designed to power your entire home regularly and seamlessly transition from grid power to solar power. Standby solar generators require professional installation and connect directly to your home’s electrical system via an inverter.
Standby solar generators offer a reliable backup power source during power outages, ensuring that essential appliances like refrigerators, lights, and medical devices continue functioning. These generators have automatic transfer switches to detect power loss and supply electricity from the solar panels and battery storage. This hands-free operation provides peace of mind knowing your home will remain powered even in emergencies.
How Does a Solar Generator Work? 
A whole-house solar generator system has three main components: solar panels, battery storage, and inverters. Let’s look at how these components combine to work as one unit.
Solar Panels 
The most crucial component of a solar generator is the solar panels. The solar panels have photovoltaic cells that absorb photons from sunlight, resulting in the excitement of electrons in the solar panels. This process, known as the photovoltaic effect, causes the electrons to escape their atomic bonds. A series of semiconductor materials then direct these newly freed electrons in a manner that generates electricity.
There are various types of solar panels, including monocrystalline, polycrystalline, and thin-film. 

Monocrystalline panels: These panels are known for their high efficiency (even in low-light settings) and sleek design, making them a popular choice for residential installations.
Polycrystalline panels: These panels are more budget-friendly but slightly less efficient and have a shorter lifespan than monocrystalline panels.
Thin-film panels: These lightweight and flexible panels are ideal for irregular surfaces or portable solar applications. With this flexibility comes lower efficiency relative to other panel types.

When selecting solar panels for your generator, consider factors such as efficiency, durability, and warranty. Also, remember that some solar generators are expandable, so you can add more panels as needed. As such, there’s no need to worry about the number of panels you need because you can adjust later if you opt for an expandable unit.
Battery Storage 
Battery storage is critical in a solar generator because it’s where all the energy gets stored. During the day, the solar panels charge the batteries, which store this energy until there’s a blackout or power outage or if you switch your home power from grid to solar. When choosing a solar generator battery, consider factors such as capacity, depth of discharge, and cycle life.
Lead-acid batteries are some of the more cost-effective options but require regular maintenance and have a shorter lifespan than lithium-ion batteries. On the other hand, lithium-ion batteries generally offer a greater energy storage capacity and long cycle life.
Inverters 
Inverters turn the power from the solar panels and batteries into the correct type of power for your home. When solar panels generate energy and store it in the batteries, this is in a direct-current (DC) form, and your home requires alternating current (AC). The inverter is responsible for converting this DC power into AC output.
What Are the Benefits of Whole House Solar Generators? 

Most homeowners understand the main benefits of solar panels are a lower carbon footprint and electric bills. Whole-house solar backup generators have similar benefits, albeit on a smaller scale, and a few unique benefits.
Energy Independence and Security 
A key benefit of whole-house solar generators is energy independence. Because they generate and store their own electricity, they reduce your reliance on the power grid and protect you from power outages or blackouts. Whether it’s a natural disaster or a utility company outage, you can rest assured knowing that your home will still have power.
While your neighbors may be left in the dark during a widespread power outage, your home’s appliances will still run. This level of energy security is invaluable and can provide peace of mind in uncertain times. Whole-house solar generators keep your essential appliances powered and ensure the rest of your home operates normally.
Environmental Impact 
Powering your home with solar energy significantly reduces your carbon footprint, even if it’s only for the short time you need to use the generator. Solar generators produce clean energy with no harmful emissions. Choosing a whole-house solar generator contributes to a more sustainable future.
But there’s also a secret to having a whole-home solar generator. You can actually switch from the grid to the generator system anytime during the day. This means you’ll run 100% on solar energy during that time. And if your solar panel array is powerful enough, it can keep the batteries topped off while the sun is shining, making it nearly as effective as a standard solar panel system.
If you plan to use the generator as your primary power source during the day, you’ll want to ensure no planned rolling blackouts or storms will knock out power that day or evening. If this happens, you may not have enough stored energy to continue running the house after the power goes out.
Furthermore, the environmental benefits of whole-house solar generators extend beyond carbon reduction. By harnessing the sun’s power, you reduce the demand for fossil fuels, a finite and polluting energy source. Embracing household solar power benefits you as a homeowner and contributes to the larger goal of becoming a more sustainable and eco-friendly society.
Financial Savings 
Investing in a whole-house solar generator can lead to financial savings in the long run — as much as $20,000, depending on its capacity, wattage, and other factors. That installation cost may make your eyes water, but the system can pay for itself over time through utility bill savings.
Producing your own electricity can significantly reduce or even eliminate your monthly electricity expenses. Of course, whole-house solar generators differ slightly from traditional household solar panels, as their primary function is as a backup power source. However, you can save on your bill by carefully switching power sources from the grid to the generator during peak demand times when costs are highest.
What’s the Installation Process for Solar Generators? 

A whole-home solar generator is a large, high-tech appliance requiring careful professional installation. Let’s review some of the installation processes.
Site Assessment and Planning
The first step in installing a whole-house solar generator is a thorough site assessment and planning. A professional solar generator installer will assess your property’s solar generator potential, considering roof orientation, shading, and structural integrity. They’ll work with you to design a solar generator system that meets your energy needs and preferences.
The installer will research local regulations and building codes and adhere to those that may impact the solar generator installation. Some factors that could come into play include zoning restrictions, historic preservation requirements, and homeowner association (HOA) rules.
Working with a knowledgeable installer can help you navigate potential obstacles and enjoy a smooth installation process.
Installation and Connection
After completing the planning phase, the installation and connection processes begin. These include mounting the solar panels on your roof or in other suitable locations, installing battery storage units, and connecting the system to your home’s electrical system. This process involves dealing with high levels of electrical current, so only hire a qualified and experienced installer for optimal performance and safety.
The installation process is critical to the long-term operation of the solar generator system. The installer will carefully secure the solar panels to handle various weather conditions, including high winds and heavy snow. They’ll also ensure the electrical connections are correct to maximize energy production and minimize the risk of electrical issues.

Whole House Solar Generators Can Help You Gain Energy Independence and Save Money 
Whole-house solar generators offer many benefits, including energy independence, environmental sustainability, and long-term cost savings. With a firm understanding of solar generator functionality and the various types and components available, you can choose a solar generator system that suits your power needs. 
Remember to consult with professionals for a site assessment and proper installation to maximize your whole-house solar generator’s efficiency, effectiveness, reliability, and safety. If you’re not ready to invest in these generators, remember that you can also make small changes now. Learn more about green energy plans with Just Energy to lower your carbon footprint and electricity bills.
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