Dear Eartha, I’m considering installing solar on my roof. Should I also consider a backup battery system?

Whether generated by rooftop solar panels or buzzing into your home from the grid, we all use electricity. And most of us probably agree that power outages are a real pain. But if you’re generating your own solar electricity, you’ve got a great opportunity to keep power flowing to your home — even when your neighbors are left in the dark. 

Generators: the old school safety net

For decades, generators have provided emergency power when the grid goes down. They work by converting mechanical energy into electrical energy, typically using gasoline, diesel or propane as a fuel source. While they’ve proven reliable in emergencies, traditional generators come with a few downsides: They’re noisy, require ongoing maintenance and rely on a steady fuel supply, which may not always be available during extended outages.

Generators can power essential appliances during a blackout, but they’re not exactly energy efficient. Most models run continuously once turned on, consuming fuel even when power demand is low. That means if you only need to power a few lights and a refrigerator, you could still be burning through fuel at a higher rate than necessary. While advancements in generator efficiency have improved performance, they remain a temporary solution rather than a long-term energy strategy.

Batteries: the modern backup solution

Now, let’s talk about the modern alternative — home backup batteries. These systems store excess electricity, typically generated by solar panels, and save it for later use. Instead of burning fuel, a home battery allows you to store the solar energy you produce, keeping your home powered when you need it most. Unlike generators, batteries are silent, require little maintenance, and don’t emit harmful fumes.

Battery technology is rapidly advancing, with improvements in energy storage capacity, efficiency, and affordability. Today’s lithium-ion batteries can store significantly more power than earlier models, making them a viable option for homeowners looking to increase their energy independence. Many batteries are designed to integrate seamlessly with solar panel systems, allowing homeowners to capture and store excess solar energy produced during the day for use at night or during an outage.

Additionally, some battery systems connect to the grid in ways that benefit both the homeowner and the local utility. During peak demand periods, utilities may tap into stored battery power, helping to reduce strain on the grid. Some homeowners even receive financial incentives through programs like Xcel Energy’s Battery Connect, making backup batteries a win-win for both individual households and the greater energy network.

Solar power and the bigger picture

Solar energy is one of the most effective ways to reduce reliance on the grid. However, without battery storage, solar panels only deliver electricity when the sun is shining. That means on cloudy days or at night, your home still pulls energy from the grid. This is where batteries come in—by capturing the excess power produced during sunny hours, they provide electricity when you need it most.

Beyond personal benefits, adopting solar power and home battery storage contributes to broader environmental goals. Every home that generates and stores its own energy reduces the demand for fossil fuel-based power generation, lowering carbon emissions and helping the transition toward a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

Solarize Summit: making it easier than ever

If you’ve been thinking about solar but aren’t sure where to start, the Solarize Summit program is here to help. Designed to make the process of going solar easier and more affordable, this initiative connects homeowners with a vetted installer and provides educational resources to guide you through the process. By joining forces with others in the community, participants can access lower costs while ensuring they get high-quality solar and battery backup systems. 

Taking control of your home’s energy use has never been easier. Whether you’re considering solar panels or a home battery backup, now’s the time to switch to renewable energy while saving money and boosting your home’s resilience, efficiency, and independence.

Ask Eartha Steward is written by the staff at the High Country Conservation Center, a nonprofit dedicated to waste reduction and resource conservation. Submit questions to Eartha at info@highcountryconservation.org.