Introduction 

In the modernized world, we are used to all electrical appliances in our daily life. But when there is no electricity, we need an alternative way to get it: power backup.

Are you confused in choosing batteries vs generators for a home power backup? Recognize the power supply you need as an emergency and where needed, and go for a professional setup. 

Glyde solar is one of the leading companies in the production of solar panels. The mission of Glyde solar is to establish energy independence for people.

The main aim is to make people understand the uses of solar energy and guide them on how to use it, and transform their entire house to solar power.

Hey readers, let us discuss the details of using a battery home backup and generator as a backup in this blog.

What are Batteries?

Batteries are used widely for home power backup. They are used during unexpected power outages. There are two types of batteries used for home power backup while there is a power outage.

Lithium-ion and Lead-acid batteries are used as backup batteries. There are also solar batteries used for power backup. Generally, batteries are connected to the grid in the direct power line of the house. 

The power grid stores electricity from the direct power line and uses it when there is no power. After the power comes, the electrical grid gets charged and ready for the next usage.

The batteries will also have an automatic transfer switch which automatically changes to battery mode when there is a power failure. Always check for the maintenance cost and choose batteries or generators.

What are Generators?

The generator is also used as a power backup for the house. Generators work using fuel. So choosing a generator depends on the fuel cost.

Generators do not produce electricity; but instead, they convert chemical energy to electrical energy. 

Portable generators are used for home power backup. They are also called backup generators.

A conductor coil will start rotating at high-speed using chemical energy, which produces electrical energy and makes it flow through the power line. There is a portable inverter and standby generators. 

Standby generators are mostly suitable for home-usage. Portable and inverter generators can be used for camping and other commercial uses.

Fossil fuel is used in generating electricity. The upfront cost for a medium-sized home will range from 7000$ to 15000$. It would help if you did maintenance work regularly, which helps to use it longer. In some generators, the noise level will be high.

Batteries Vs Generators – Which is best?

Both battery backup and generators are good for home power backup. It is entirely up to your decision to rely on what you need.

Home batteries hold less energy when compared to generators. But batteries can give you an uninterrupted power supply to the entire house.

All home batteries have an automatic transfer switch which automatically starts the battery to transfer the power supply. But in generators, you must start it manually.

Types of Batteries

There are two types of batteries used generally for home power backup. They are listed and described below.

1. Lithium-Ion Batteries
2. Lead Acid Batteries

Lithium-Ion Batteries          

Lithium-Ion batteries are used widely at home in our day to day. The movement of ions helps in charging the current by a current collector.

Then the electric current flows from the current collector to the device that we use, for example, laptop, tv, mobile charger, etc.; the lithium-ion batteries help in high usage with less cost factor. You can install lithium-ion batteries anywhere in an open space at your house, office, commercial building, etc.

They are used in portable electronic devices, medical equipment, power backup, and electric vehicles. Batteries can be recharged several times.

They are high in energy density and voltage capacity. Thus it makes this work for a long life with high efficiency. Lithium-ion solar batteries last for a long term.

Lead Acid Batteries

Image Source : mrpositive

The lead-acid batteries are made of secondary cells, which are rechargeable. It contains lead and lead oxide plates dipped in sulfuric acid, which helps in generating electric current.

They are also cheap and efficient. Sealed lead-acid batteries are used indoors. But as they are expected to release nitrogen gas while in use, it is highly recommended to be used in a highly ventilated place. It is low in energy efficiency and also slow charging.

It also has a limited life cycle. They occupy a lot of space. They are carried in large bricks as they are low in energy production. Lead-acid batteries will be more dangerous if they are not handled properly.                                 

Energy Density 

Their level of energy density judges the batteries. The energy density is measured in watt-hours per kilogram, and the amount of energy it stores is based on its mass. The energy density is always dependent on the size of the usage.

Power Density

Power density is measured in watts per kilogram. Energy density is the amount of energy used per space or a region given. If the performance is higher, the energy stored will also be higher.

Types of Generators

We use eight types of batteries in our home power backup plan. I have described their features and usage below.

Portable generators

Portable generators are easily portable and easy to handle. They usually work using gasoline, liquid propane, or solar energy. As they are easily portable, you can take them anywhere, and it is also safe to place anywhere at home. The fuel is to be replaced whenever needed. There are also portable gas generators.

Inverter generators

The inverter generators are also easily portable and easy to use. But they do not work like regular generators.

The regular generators produce current in a single phase, and they do not keep the current flow steady in the electrical grid. Inverter generators produce current in three phases.

It generates high-frequency alternating current (AC) then converts it to direct current (DC). Again, the direct current will be converted into a stabilized output as alternating current (AC).

Image source : Google

Standby generators

A standby generator is a little bigger than the other portable generators. It needs a big permanent space at your home. They work on fuel efficiency.

They can also be connected via WIFI, and you can monitor them from anywhere. The only disadvantage in this is that it needs regular maintenance.

 Gasoline generators

Any generator that works using gasoline comes under this category. Though the price of gasoline is high, the working capacity is also high. So, they are highly expensive for common people.

Diesel generators

              Image source : Google

Diesel generators work using diesel as their fuel. They can give more power efficiency when compared to gasoline generators.

They can even work in freezing conditions by using winter diesel fuel. These generators emit harmful substances which will be dangerous when inhaled.

 Natural gas generators

Natural gas generators work using natural gas as fuel. Mostly standby generators come under this category.

Their emission rate is lower when compared to gasoline and diesel generators. They are highly expensive during installation but highly durable when properly maintained. They cannot be used under severe freezing climatic conditions.

Solar generators

Solar generators work using solar power. They are highly expensive, and they do not work when there is no sun outside.

But solar is renewable energy. There are built-in solar panels and detachable solar panels too. If the place and the temperature in your area suit this, you can go for solar power generators. They don’t produce a high power supply.

Hydrogen generators

The hydrogen generators are newly introduced ones. They work using hydrogen gas as fuel. They produce high efficient power supply when compared to the other types of generators.

As there are very few sales of this type, they are costly compared to others.

Batteries vs. generators: what to choose?

The choice between batteries and generators can be made by analyzing the area of usage and the amount of electricity needed to back up the entire place.

The batteries are affordable when it comes to a small area of usage. If the area is larger, then you can go for generators.

And it is best to choose standby generators for a big house and its usage. Advanced techniques are now booming around, like connecting the generator system to WIFI and monitoring the working from anywhere and anytime.

But it will always be useful to have a power backup at home. Always note the carbon footprint values while using batteries and generators. Check for the installation costs before you make a decision.

Safety precautions in using batteries

We must follow certain safety precautions while using any electrical appliances. The precautions that you must take are listed below.

• You can place it anywhere in the house.
• Choose only professional installation.
• Should have proper ventilation.
• Must be kept away from flammable things.
• Must not be kept in wet places.
• Proper outlets must be there for the heat emission.
• Go for remote access if it is available.
• Check the battery level regularly.
• Always charge them after use.
• Never leave them unattended.
• Use only dry batteries.
• Never buy cheap batteries.
• Do not put any metal objects near the battery.
• Avoid using rechargeable batteries.
• Don’t overcharge the batteries.
• Store them in a cool and dry place.
• Never store them in direct sunlight.
• Never use old batteries.
• Never use damaged or leaking batteries.
• Never use batteries that are exposed to

Safety precautions in using generators

As generators generally work using fuel, you must handle it with care and keep it away from children. Some of the safety precautions are mentioned below.

• Generators must be kept at least 10 to 20 feet away from the house, doors, and windows.
• Choose only professional installation.
• Keep away from flammable materials.
• It must be kept in between the electric meter and gas meter.
• Keep away from wet surfaces.
• Go for remote access if it is available. 

 You can contact  Glyde Solar for details.

Conclusion 

Here I have explained the working of batteries, types of batteries, and types of generators. You can choose either battery or generator by the area of the usage and your budget plan.

FAQs