Battery Backup vs. Generator

Weather events have intensified, strain on the power grid has increased, and our country’s infrastructure continues to age faster than we can repair it. Power outages are becoming more frequent, leaving homeowners vulnerable to food spoilage, pipe damage, safety risks, work-from-home productivity interruptions and critical health issues if you rely on power for medical equipment.

It’s time for a backup plan.

Homeowners are increasingly seeking energy independence and reliable backup power solutions for improved security and more sustainable home energy. At Briggs & Stratton—your experts in backup power solutions—we offer both battery systems and generators for protection from power outages. We understand the options can feel overwhelming as you research backup power options, but we’re here to help you determine which solution best fits your unique needs. Today, we’ll explore the concept of "PowerMatch"—how to choose the right Briggs & Stratton power solution for your home and lifestyle.

Understanding Power Outage Solutions

As power outage solutions, both battery backup systems and generators effectively prevent power interruptions but operate differently. Battery backup systems store electricity for use during outages and offer silent, emission-free operation. Generators create electricity during outages using fuel like natural gas or propane and can provide longer runtimes. When your local area loses power, it's not about which technology is better, but which is the right match to achieve reliable backup power for your home. At Briggs & Stratton, we offer various levels of home energy security, which we will explore in more detail below.

Battery Backup Systems – The Modern Solution 

A battery backup system is a reliable, versatile and easy-to-install option which stores electricity for use during outages, providing energy independence from the power grid. Compatible with solar systems, this solution offers silent operation, zero emissions and scalability as your home’s energy needs grow. Briggs & Stratton® SimpliPHI® Battery Backup System features advanced technology—like our compact and expandable RapidStakTM Connectors—making it a key component of modern home backup power. A convenient mobile app allows for system-level monitoring and control, while the EnergyTrak app monitors your battery’s health and alerts you and your installer of any issues. As you weigh backup battery versus generator options, consider this modern, sustainable home energy solution.

Generators – The Proven Standby

Generators “generate” electrical energy for use during outages. Most standby generators require natural gas or liquid propane fuel. While the more traditional choice, generators remain a critical part of home backup power and a key consideration in the battery versus generator decision for home energy security. With over 70% of US homes having access to natural gas, a generator is a common, reliable solution for many who are susceptible to sustained power outages and are looking for grid resilience. When the power goes out, Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect™ Standby Generators feature automatic switchover capabilities. Our robust standby power systems provide maximum power output and offer long runtime potential with a continuous fuel supply, while offered in a range of ”sizes” (13kW, 18kW, 22kW, and 26kW). With over 117 years of expertise providing power solutions, Briggs & Stratton has a proven legacy of reliability and innovation. Our customers rest easy knowing their standby power needs are in capable hands.

Find Your PowerMatch – Build Your Power Profile

1. Power Needs Assessment: Determine which coverage is best for you by self-assessing your energy needs:

   1. Essential Power: Suitable for customers who want to power only a few critical appliances, such as lights and a refrigerator, during an outage. One Briggs & Stratton SimpliPHI 6.6 battery offers 10.8 hours of essential power. The small but mighty PowerProtect 13kW generator has enough power for your essentials and can run for extended periods of time (as long as there is fuel).

   2. Managed Power: Ideal for customers who want more flexibility to choose which home systems are powered during an outage, a two-battery Briggs & Stratton SimpliPHI battery system, 14.5 hours of power for appliances of your choice, managed through an electrical sub-panel. Similarly, a Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 18kW or 22kW standby generator can be connected to the panel to power the select loads for an unlimited amount of time, given there is available fuel. 

   3. Whole Home coverage: Ideal for customers who require uninterrupted power for all appliances, medical equipment, and other critical systems throughout their entire home. A 3-battery stack of SimpliPHI batteries delivers 16.4 hours of energy to power nearly everything in your home. A 200A pass-through from the inverter allows the system to connect directly to your current electrical panel. For homeowners looking for an unlimited backup time or who want to power air-conditioning during an outage, the Briggs & Stratton PowerProtect 26kW standby generator is the ideal choice.

2. Property Considerations: When identifying the right backup power solution for your home, consider location and property limitations, HOA restrictions, noise ordinances, and fuel requirements and availability. 

3. Existing Energy Systems: Consider compatibility with solar or other existing systems. 

4. Future Planning: Think about scalability for you or your family’s growing energy needs over time. 

5. Lifestyle Factors: When choosing between a battery versus generator, consider your noise sensitivity, environmental impact, and desired level of energy independence from the power grid. 

6. Regional Factors: Before you choose your backup power solution, research your local weather patterns, frequency of outages, and available utility services. Some electric utilities offer Time-of-Use and Demand Response programs that lower utility bill costs and can maximize the return on your investment, whatever you choose.

Common Questions Answered

Q. Where are your products made and manufactured?

All of our Energy Solutions products are designed and engineered in the USA, with US-based support.

Q. Are these products safe for my home, family, and pets?

Both technologies prioritize safety. Briggs & Stratton solutions adhere to rigorous safety testing and certifications. Our batteries utilize lithium ferro phosphate (LFP) chemistry that is non-toxic and less prone to thermal runaway events. In fact, the U.S. military has trusted SimpliPHI LFP batteries for decades in the most extreme environments.  

Q. What will I need to do about maintaining my system over time?

Detailed maintenance guidelines are provided to ensure optimal system performance. Learn more here.

Q. Are there any incentives, rebates or tax benefits available to ease the cost of adding a backup system to my home?

Potential incentives differ between backup battery and generator systems, as well as local and regional government availability. Learn more here.

Q. What warranties do you offer?

The PowerProtect generator lineup is backed by the industry’s longest and most comprehensive standard warranty. We cover you for 7 years on parts, labor, and travel. Our warranty covers hidden costs charged by other brands. You can also take advantage of industry-leading battery life for years to come; we offer over 75% capacity 10-year limited warranty of SimpliPHI 6.6 batteries. 

Conclusion

Both battery backup systems and generators provide excellent protection against power outages. The right choice for your home backup power depends on your individual circumstances and your goals for sustainable home energy and home energy security. If you have additional questions about which solution is right for you, Briggs & Stratton energy experts are here to guide you in determining your perfect PowerMatch for reliable backup power.

Speak with a Briggs & Stratton power expert today to find your perfect PowerMatch solution.

• Schedule a free consultation with our energy experts.

• Learn more about Briggs & Stratton's battery backup systems and generators.