When it comes to installing solar panels, you have a few options. You can install a grid-connected, off-grid, or hybrid system, depending on your needs.

Hybrid and off-grid systems frequently use backup generators to produce power and are popular among homeowners who want more control over their home’s energy.

Here’s what you need to know about the partnership between solar panels and a backup generator, and how installing these systems can benefit your household.

Solar Power Storage for the Home: 3 Generator Considerations

Wondering why you should add a backup generator to your solar panel system? Here are a few things to know:

1. Generators can Recharge Batteries

During long periods of little sun, backup generators can charge your batteries. At a time like this, you can run your generator long enough to provide batteries with their Bulk stage charge and keep your home’s lights, appliances, and communications on during an outage.

As an added benefit, a generator can also help prevent your cells from becoming too deeply discharged, thus extending their life significantly.

2. Generators can Help Ensure Peace of Mind

Today’s power grid is reliable, but backup power is essential for peace of mind. After all, things like heavy wind and rain, floods, and earthquakes can quickly derail the grid system, or cause extended outages.

When you have a grid-tied system, your home’s power goes down when the grid does. To get around this, you can install a battery backup or generator backup systems, which will provide essential functionality during periods of bad weather.

3. Generator-Tied Systems are Easy to Maintain

Today, battery-free grid-tied PV systems are popular for their simplicity. Reliable and virtually maintenance-free (when installed by a skilled solar team), they’re an ideal transition point for homes that have been using utility power for years.

The only drawback is that there’s no backup power if the utility goes down. Luckily, installing a generator in these systems can provide backup power for critical loads. If you’re interested in maintaining solar generation without the grid, you can add solar batteries or an inverter arrangement designed to serve this purpose. Speak with your solar installer for more information on these systems.

Should You Install a Generator?

While generators can be noisy, they’re a smart way to continue power generation and ensure your home keeps running during a grid outage. Whether your priority is peace of mind or ample backup power, a generator can provide what you need.

If you’re interested in installing a generator-tied system for your home, contact your local solar installer today to learn more.