Skip to content
Your Privacy Choices
Battery storage vs. generators
Explore your options for home energy protection during outages
Published February 9, 2026
Having body content
Curated List
Battery storage vs. generators
Protect your home when the grid fails. Choose the old way (a generator) or the modern way (a battery). This isn't just about backup; it's about picking the most reliable, convenient, and high-value solution for your family.
Solar storage
Standby generator
Portable Generator
Sold by Sunrun
Solar storage
Benefits
- Provides home back-up
- Automatic start-up
- Silent noise level
- Recharges with the sun
- 25 year life span*
- $0 upfront cost*
- Multiple batteries can be installed for increased backup duration
Drawbacks
- May need multiple batteries to match the backup capacity of a standby generator
Standby generator
- Provides home back-up
- Automatic start-up
- Supports large loads for extended timespans
Drawbacks
- Moderate noise level
- Powered by natural gas or propane
- Large, often placed in visible, inconvenient locations
- Often require professional servicing
- Average equipment and installation cost of $4,000-14,000+ †
Portable Generator
- Keeps select lights on in an outage
- Portable
- Low-cost option
Drawbacks
- Moderate to loud noise level
- Often powered by natural gas or propane
- Limited load capacity
- Requires refueling
- Must be kept a safe distance outside of home
- Requires manual start-up
* Available to all Sunrun Subscription Plan customers
† https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/generators/buying-guide/ (Typical cost: $2,000 to $7,000 without installation, which can more than double these prices.)
Home batteries vs. generators
We have your backup
Explore your options for home energy protection during outages
Battery storage vs. generators
When it comes to powering your home during outages, it’s important to look at all the options
Solar storage
Standby generator
Sold by Sunrun
Solar storage
Benefits
- Provides home back-up
- Automatic start-up
- Virtually silent noise level
- Recharges with the sun
- 25 year life span*
- $0 to little upfront cost*
- Additional batteries can be installed for increased backup protection
Drawbacks
- May need multiple batteries to match the backup capacity of a standby generator
Standby generator
Benefits
- Provides home back-up
- Automatic start-up
- Supports large loads for extended timespans
Drawbacks
- Moderate noise level
- Powered by natural gas or propane
- Large, often placed in visible, inconvenient locations
- Often require professional servicing
- Average equipment and installation cost of $4,000-14,000+ †
* Available to all Sunrun Subscription Plan customers
† https://www.consumerreports.org/home-garden/generators/buying-guide/ (Typical cost: $2,000 to $7,000 without installation, which can more than double these prices.)