A generator paired with your solar array means you are covered through extended outages, cloudy stretches, and anything a New Hampshire winter throws at you.
Solar panels generate clean energy during the day. But what happens at night, during a storm, or after a week of cloudy weather in January? That is where battery storage and generator backup come in.
These are not add-ons. For many homeowners, especially in New Hampshire and Maine, where weather conditions can be demanding, they are what makes a solar system truly reliable year-round.
Battery storage vs. generator backup: what is the difference?
Battery Storage
Generator Backup
How it works
Stores excess solar energy for use when panels are not producing
Activates automatically when battery reserves run low or demand is high
Battery storage and generator backup are not mutually exclusive. Many homeowners, particularly those with off-grid systems or properties in rural areas, use both. Batteries cover day-to-day gaps. The generator handles the longer stretches when sun is scarce for days at a time.
If you are on a grid-tied system and want basic backup coverage, battery storage alone may be enough. If you want complete coverage regardless of conditions, combining both gives you the most resilient setup possible.