While demand for electricity in the U.S. is increasing, electricity supply margins are decreasing. On top of this, more extreme weather events where the grid or the surrounding environment is at risk leave Americans more vulnerable to power outages, which have been felt throughout California during the Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) and for Floridians in the wake of severe storms.

When the electrical grid goes down (or is shut off) in a home without power backup, the losses can include more than you might think, including:

• Loss of heating
• Reduced access to emergency services
• Ruined food in fridge or freezer
• Spoiled medications requiring refrigeration
• Loss of electrical medical equipment

This could hit some families harder than others, especially when you consider the costs of replacing spoiled food and medicine.

As power outages become more frequent and last longer in certain parts of the country — particularly California during wildfire season, and Florida during hurricane season — homeowners may be looking for ways to safeguard their homes with backup power.

Here is what you need to know about whole-home generators and options for generators paired with solar panels for keeping the lights on in your home:

Exploring Home Generators

Home standby generators come in a variety of types and fuel sources. Typical standby generators that are permanently affixed to the home are tied to a natural gas line or a propane line, and can also be paired with solar panels. Backup generators come in many sizes and output levels, so sizing your backup generator will depend on the specific needs and energy demands of your home. Though there are portable standby generators available, they typically do not provide enough electricity to power an entire home.

Automated backup generators can detect when there is an outage present (like a PSPS event) using an automatic transfer switch that turns a generator on right away to minimize the amount of time a home is without power.

Solar Backup Options

While grid-tied solar panels will stop producing electricity when the grid goes down for precautionary measures, there are also options for pairing a whole-home standby generator with your solar. When the grid is running, you can continue to generate your own clean, renewable energy from solar power and then rely on your gas or propane generator for backup when the grid goes down from a PSPS event or unexpected power outages.

Many homeowners may also choose to pair their solar energy system with energy storage from a solar battery for backup power or for using stored energy during peak times or when the sun isn’t shining.

Financing Backup Power with PACE

Installing a backup generator may help ensure that your lights stay on, that your food doesn’t spoil, and that any medical equipment or medicines you depend on stay safe during an unexpected outage. While the costs of a home standby generator can start around $2,000, the size required and the costs of the proper installation could go upward towards $15,000.

For many homeowners, this could mean staying in the dark during the next blackout and facing the costs of an outage. However, with PACE financing, 100% of the cost and installation of a generator is covered when financed with solar and with no money down. Homeowners also benefit from fixed, low-interest rates, that are paid back over time as part of your property taxes.

So, if you’re looking for a fast backup power plan for your home in an eligible community, PACE financing can help. Generator installations that qualify must:

• Be permanently affixed to your home
• Run-on natural gas or propane
• Be paired with solar (in California)

Keep the power on during a blackout — ask Renew Financial about financing a backup generator today by calling 1-844-736-3934.

Important Disclosures

PACE financing is subject to approval. Underwriting requirements and restrictions apply. PACE financing is secured by a lien on the subject property and often required to be repaid upon refinance or sale. Homeowners are encouraged to use PACE financing responsibly. PACE financing is private financing that must be repaid in full. PACE financing is not a government subsidy. Renew Financial is a private company and not a government entity. The installation or construction of property improvements financed with a PACE assessment is provided through a home improvement contractor or other third-party provider, and not by Renew Financial or a government entity. Homeowners should perform due diligence before selecting a home improvement contractor. Financing provided in California through Department of Financial Innovation and Protection License No. 60DBO-90653.

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. Renew Financial makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information found by following any link on this site. Renew Financial is not a financial or home improvement advisor and information contained in this post should not be viewed as legal or financial advice.