The term “solar generator” can mean a lot of things, but it usually refers to small, portable solar energy systems that can generate and store electricity from the sun on their own.
Jump to insightMost whole-home standby generators for solar-powered houses start around $3,000. However, costs can range anywhere from $100 to $50,000, depending on size and power.
Jump to insightSolar batteries are another option. If you’d rather stay green and avoid fuel costs, batteries or solar-powered “generators” (portable battery packs) can give you backup power instead of a traditional gas or propane generator.
Jump to insightHow solar panels and generators work together
Solar panels and generators don’t usually run at the same time, but they back each other up to keep your home powered.
If the power goes out, a solar energy system can switch to batteries and then to the generator automatically. Here is how it all works together:
1. Solar panels make power from the sun
The solar panels on your roof soak up sunlight and turn it into electricity. This power runs your lights, fridge, TV and everything else in your home.
2. Batteries store extra power
If your system has batteries, any extra power from the panels gets saved. That way, you can still use solar power at night or on cloudy days.
During an outage, your batteries can provide silent, automatic backup power — often enough to run your essentials for several hours or even days, depending on the size of your system.
3. The generator is a backup plan
If the sun isn’t shining and your batteries run low, that’s when your generator steps in. The generator makes electricity (usually by burning gas or propane) to keep your home running until the sun comes back or your batteries recharge.
Most modern solar-plus-generator systems are “smart,” meaning the system can switch to batteries and then to the generator without you having to do anything.
Think of it like this
Solar is your main income. Batteries are your savings. The generator is your safety net if both fail.
Additional system components
- Inverters: An inverter is like a translator. It changes the solar power into electricity that your home can actually use.
- Automatic transfer switch (ATS): This is like the “traffic cop.” It automatically switches your home’s power between solar, battery, generator and even the electric grid if you’re still connected.
- Charge controller: The charge controller protects your batteries from getting overcharged or drained too much. This helps them last longer.
- Monitoring system: Often built-in, a monitoring system lets you track how much energy you’re making, using and saving.
Did you know?
The ATS usually just switches between the grid and the generator. Solar-to-battery switching is typically handled by the inverter system.
Why would you need a generator if you have solar panels?
Although they have long been associated with off-grid living, residential solar panel systems in the United States are usually “grid-tied.”
Most grid-tied solar systems shut off in a blackout for safety reasons. This keeps utility workers safe while they repair power lines.
So, unless your home is off the grid or you have a solar battery, you will not be able to access the electricity produced by your solar panels during a local outage. That’s why some solar panel owners choose to have backup generators.
How generators help homeowners with solar panels
- Save money by using free power from the sun
- Stay comfortable because the generator is there when you need it
- Gain peace of mind knowing you won’t be left in the dark
Generator costs
Small portable models for charging phones or laptops cost about $100 to $500, while mid-sized units for small appliances typically run $2,000 to $4,000. Whole-home solar generators are the most powerful but also the most expensive, costing anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000.
Anecdotally, Myron in New York wrote in a review: “I purchased a Kohler generator after my local dealer recommended it. While initially drawn by its affordability compared to the water-cooled alternatives, priced at $4,000, I've had some eye-opening experiences.”
Generators can power your home on their own. They don’t need the sun, so they can step in anytime solar isn’t enough.
Myron’s generator serves as backup to a solar system and generally works well, especially in winter outages, but reliability concerns remain. Apparently, even mid-range models can bring hidden costs if they fail outside the warranty window.
This serves as a reminder that the “cheaper” option isn’t always the least expensive in the long run. For many homeowners, it’s worth weighing upfront savings against long-term durability, maintenance and warranty coverage.
How to use solar power during a power outage
Solar batteries and solar generators (also known as portable power stations) are emission-free alternatives to traditional gas generators that can give you access to solar-derived electricity during a power outage, albeit in different ways.
- Solar batteries: A large solar battery can run your home in the same way a backup generator can during an outage, as long as you have enough solar power stored. That’s because these systems can temporarily disconnect themselves from the power grid, making it safe to use solar energy during an outage.
- Solar generator: Designed for easy plug-and-play setup and use, solar generators usually consist of their own solar panels, a battery, an inverter and several plugs or outlets for your devices. Generators are becoming increasingly popular as a way to produce smaller amounts of electricity during a blackout.
Pro tip
If you’re really committed to using green energy that doesn’t rely on the grid, consider other ways to use power from the sun. For example, passive solar homes and thermal solar systems can make use of the sun’s energy even during a blackout.
» LEARN: What is passive solar home design?
Solar battery vs. standby generator
If you’re trying to choose between installing a solar battery or a standby generator, here’s a quick breakdown of how they compare.
| Solar battery | Standby generator | |
|---|---|---|
| Average cost | Higher | Lower |
| Power source | The sun | Gasoline, propane, natural gas or diesel |
| Ongoing power costs | None | Fuel and maintenance expenses |
| Operating noise | Nearly silent | Often noisy |
| Environmental impact | No emissions | Emits greenhouse gases during use |
Which is better for you?
Neither option is universally “better” than the other. Batteries are considered more environmentally friendly. Generators are better if you just want power during blackouts at the lowest possible cost (for now).
Hayden Kleinhans, manager of land development at Invenergy, a clean energy provider, said that opting for a solar battery may be an increasingly smarter option as clean technology continues to evolve.
“Most people are used to gas generators, but solar batteries are the future. Clean power, no emissions and no noise — plus the technology is only getting better,” Kleinhans said.
Real-world solar + generator examples
For many homeowners, a generator paired with solar panels isn’t just about “peace of mind” during a blackout. In some cases, it’s part of everyday life. These stories show how real people experience the promise (and the pitfalls) of combining solar with generator backup.
Service and support gaps leave homeowners stranded
Barbara in Kansas installed a Generac solar system with backup storage, but when the storage unit failed, she found herself stranded.
The installer had gone out of business, and Generac couldn’t locate anyone to do warranty work. Meanwhile, she kept making payments for a system that wasn’t delivering the promised protection.
The lesson? Service support matters as much as equipment.
The breakdown of trust in emergencies
Some have had their trust in generators shaken completely, like Derek in Maryland.
Derek invested in a 22-kW system with a 10-year warranty, only to have it fail during a hurricane outage.
This is understandably frustrating, considering that’s the exact scenario it was purchased for. “The one time we really needed the unit, it failed,” he wrote in a review, adding that he’s now exploring solar with battery backup instead of relying on a generator.
Off-grid dependence in harsh climates
Michael in Montana lives fully off-grid and depends on both solar panels and a generator to keep his household running through harsh winters. For him, the generator is more than backup: it integrates seamlessly with his solar and battery system, stepping in during long stretches without sunlight or when power-hungry appliances are running.
Similarly, Whitney in Tennessee told us, “Living completely off the grid, a reliable generator is essential for us, especially during the winter months with limited sunlight.” Her generator “backs up our entire home by recharging the batteries, ensuring we have power even when the days are short and lacking sunlight.”
Most people are used to gas generators, but solar batteries are the future. … The technology is only getting better. ”
FAQ
Why don’t solar panels work when the power goes out?
Grid-tied solar panels without battery backups go offline during power outages because they use the electricity grid to receive and process the energy they produce. If your solar panels were to send electricity out to the grid during a blackout, this could pose a serious safety hazard for those working on the utility lines.
Most grid-tied systems can’t function without that connection, so whenever the power goes out, properly installed solar panel systems will automatically disconnect from the grid. When power is restored in your area, you may have to reset your system to begin generating electricity again.
How does a gas-powered generator work?
A gas-powered generator uses internal combustion to generate electricity. While some gas-powered generators are manually operated, there are also backup generators that can automatically turn on when grid electricity becomes unavailable. Just remember that for ongoing use, gas generators must be refueled, and oil changes may also be necessary.
Can you run a generator and solar panels together?
You can run a generator in place of your solar panels, but not at the same time since the ATS will kick in. If you have a grid-tied solar energy system without a battery backup, a separate generator is a great way to ensure access to power during a local electrical outage. While traditional generators are powered by diesel, gasoline or propane, solar generators are an alternative that runs on electricity produced by your panels.
What if your solar energy system is off the grid?
If you have an off-grid solar energy system, you can still use a gas generator as a secondary support for your solar battery. That means you can set up your backup generator to activate whenever you run out of stored solar energy.
Bottom line
A generator can make a solar-powered home feel seamless. Or it can become the weak link that undermines the whole system. The difference comes down to reliability, warranty strength, and whether service support is there when you need it most.
Article sources
ConsumerAffairs writers primarily rely on government data, industry experts and original research from other reputable publications to inform their work. Specific sources for this article include:
- U.S. Department of Energy, “How Does Solar Work?” Accessed Aug. 21, 2025.
- U.S. Department of Energy, “Solar and Resilience Basics.” Accessed Aug. 21, 2025.
- ShopSolarKits, “How Much Does a Solar Generator Cost?” Accessed Aug. 21, 2025.
