The Importance of Reliable Backup Power
A standby generator is a backup power system that converts mechanical energy into electrical energy. These generators can power your home during power outages, ensuring your lights stay on even when the grid goes out. They’re an essential system to have in case of an emergency.
Standby generators are more important now than ever because severe weather is becoming more common, leading to frequent power outages, especially when grid infrastructure issues are present. Without a standby generator system installed, you may be unable to do many of your everyday activities during intense storms.
What is a Standby Generator?
A standby generator is what keeps your power on when the power grid goes down. It uses a process called electromagnetic induction to generate power that your property can use when your primary power source goes out. These generators rely on fuel, such as gasoline, diesel, propane, or natural gas, to function. So, as long as you have fuel available, a standby generator can produce electricity.
Standby electric generators come equipped with a reliable engine, a control panel to monitor system performance and an automatic transfer switch that seamlessly activates the generator during a power outage. Its convenient features give you peace of mind during outages.
These generators differ from portable generators because standby generators are permanently installed, while portable ones are compact and only provide a temporary source of electricity. Standby generators offer a significant advantage by automatically powering your home during outages and providing continuous electricity as long as fuel is available.
How Does a Standby Generator Work?
A standby generator uses its automatic transfer switch to monitor utility power and detect outages. If it detects that your electrical system power goes out, it will start working to provide backup power to the structure. The generator is usually attached to natural gas lines or large fuel tanks so it can use that fuel to power your home.
Inside the standby generator is an internal combustion engine and an alternator. Once the generator senses a loss of utility, the transfer switch signals the generator to begin operations. Using the connected fuel, the engine starts up and turns the rotor in the alternator to create electricity in your home.
Key Benefits of a Standby Generator
A standby generator is extremely reliable during power outages. When the power goes out, the generator automatically turns on and powers your home, offering convenience and uninterrupted power. This is crucial for necessary items that rely on power, such as refrigerators and medical equipment.
With a home standby generator, you can experience energy independence even when the grid goes out. Having one of these generators in an emergency can ensure your food and medications don’t go bad, your house stays warm, your work computer still operates, and your medical devices function properly. A standby electric generator is crucial for anyone who needs electricity for their daily routine.
Standby Generator vs. Backup Battery
A backup battery is like a standby generator, but instead of using fuel, it stores energy from the grid and releases it during an outage. When it comes to a standby generator vs. backup battery, both options are easy to use, convenient, and automatically give you energy independence when the grid goes out.
The main difference between the two is operation and costs. Standby generators depend on expensive fuel, require annual maintenance, and produce significant noise pollution. Home battery backup systems are typically more expensive to install, but they offer considerable long-term savings because of their low-maintenance design, lack of fuel costs, and eligibility for substantial federal tax rebates that don’t apply to standby generators.
By itself, a backup battery or portable generator might be okay if you only experience short outages, but if you experience power loss for days at a time, a standby generator offers better capacity and duration. In most cases, a generator paired with a backup battery is the best solution to avoid any downtime during grid failures.
Who Needs a Standby Generator?
Residential buildings, commercial buildings, and medical facilities can all benefit from a standby generator, which especially works well when paired with a battery backup and solar panels.
For residential properties, homeowners benefit from residential solar paired with generators and batteries because they can receive continuous power during periods of low sunlight or when the grid goes out. That way, they can avoid any downtime on essential appliances, such as the heater and refrigerator.
In a commercial setting, standby generators with battery backups allow companies to continue essential operations even when the power goes out. This prevents essential production methods from falling behind schedule.
Standby generators and battery backups are especially important for medical facilities and areas prone to power outages. At medical facilities, a lot of life-saving medical equipment needs power, so having standby electric generators is necessary. For places that experience frequent power issues, a generator can ensure everything keeps operating smoothly without disruptions.
With an expertly-engineered standby generator system, people won’t have to sacrifice their health, comfort, or work when the grid goes out. Pairing the system with a backup battery is the best way to ensure continuous power.
Choosing the Right Standby Generator
When choosing a standby generator for your property, consider your building size, power needs, and budget. Determine all the essential appliances you’ll need to run during an outage and make sure your generator can handle the sum of their wattage. In most cases, a commercial generator will need a much larger capacity than a residential one.
To ensure you get a generator that’s ideal for your location, work with a professional installer. They can help you find the perfect generator to fit your needs.
If you live in the PNW, Clean Energy Innovators is a great option for installing solar panels, standby generators, and backup batteries. With all these systems in place, you can ensure your lights stay on even during intense storms that lead to power outages.
Power When You Need It Most
Standby generators paired with solar panels and backup batteries are the ideal way to keep your home powered during storms and strong winds, even when the grid goes out. A generator working with a backup battery successfully avoids downtime in the event of a grid failure.
Consider a standby generator and backup battery as a long-term investment for your safety and convenience. If you’re looking for experienced standby generator installers in the PNW, Clean Energy Innovators are the go-to option. The experts at Clean Energy Innovators offer tailored solutions to residents of the greater Seattle area, so we can help you find a standby generator that’s perfect for your location and energy needs.
Clean Energy Innovators is dedicated to providing effective systems that offer continuous power in the PNW. They can install a standby generator paired with solar panels and a backup battery for maximum effectiveness during grid outages.
