Power outages aren’t just a “maybe” anymore in Loomis. Between wildfire season, grid shutoffs, and crazy windstorms, losing power is just part of life around here. The question is: how are you going to keep your lights on when it happens?
For most homeowners, it comes down to two main options — a battery backup system or a generator. Both can get the job done, but they work differently and suit different types of homes and families.
Let’s walk through the pros and cons of each one so you can make the best decision for your home.
Table of Contents
What Is a Battery Backup?
A battery backup is exactly what it sounds like — a big battery that stores electricity. When the power goes out, it automatically kicks in and starts powering key parts of your home.
You can charge the battery with regular electricity from the grid, but most people in Loomis pair it with solar panels. That way, you’re storing energy during the day and using it when you need it most.
Popular brands include:
- Tesla Powerwall
- Enphase IQ Battery
- LG Chem
They’re sleek, quiet, and super low-maintenance. Once they’re installed, you don’t have to think about them.
What Is a Generator?
Generators don’t store power — they make it. When the grid goes down, a generator turns on (either manually or automatically) and runs your home using gas, propane, or diesel.
There are two main kinds:
- Portable generators — cheaper, smaller, but not automatic
- Standby generators — permanently installed and start up automatically when the power drops
Standby generators are what most people go with if they want to power their whole home during longer outages.
So, What’s Better for Loomis?
Honestly, it depends.
Loomis sits in that tricky middle ground between rural and suburban. We’ve got beautiful open land, but also lots of trees and occasional high fire risk. That means power shutoffs from PG&E are common — sometimes for hours, sometimes for days.
So here are some Loomis-specific things to think about:
- How long are your outages usually? If they’re short, a battery might be enough. If they last days, a generator’s probably better.
- Do you already have solar? Batteries work best when paired with solar.
- Is noise a concern? Generators make a noticeable sound. Batteries are silent.
- Do you need to power everything or just the essentials?
Let’s get into the pros and cons.
Pros and Cons of Battery Backup
👍 Pros:
- Super quiet (seriously, you won’t hear a thing)
- Starts instantly when power drops
- Works great with solar
- Clean energy — no emissions
- Minimal upkeep
👎 Cons:
- Higher upfront cost
- May not run your whole house
- Limited runtime depending on how much you use
A single battery might last 8–12 hours powering just the basics. Want to run A/C or charge an EV? You’ll probably need more than one.
Pros and Cons of Generators
👍 Pros:
- Can power the whole home (A/C, fridge, laundry, etc.)
- Great for longer outages
- Usually cheaper upfront
- Doesn’t rely on solar
👎 Cons:
- Makes noise — some are loud, some less so
- Needs fuel (natural gas, propane, or diesel)
- Regular maintenance required (oil changes, filter replacements)
- Emits fumes — must be installed outside
Generators are tough and dependable, but they’re more “old school” in how they work.
Quick Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side to make it easier:
| Feature | Battery Backup | Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Noise | Silent | Loud (depends on model) |
| Fuel Needed | No | Yes |
| Runs Whole Home? | Sometimes (needs multiple) | Yes (standby models) |
| Solar-Friendly | Yes | No |
| Maintenance | Very low | Medium to high |
| Clean Energy | Yes | No |
| Cost | $12k–$25k+ (w/ install) | $7k–$15k+ (w/ install) |
| Lifespan | 10–15 years | 10–20 years |
What Does It Cost?
Battery Backup:
- Equipment: $10,000–$20,000+
- Installation: $2,000–$5,000+
- Federal tax credit: up to 30% if used with solar
- Ongoing costs: basically none
Generator:
- Portable: $500–$2,000+
- Standby: $5,000–$10,000+
- Installation: $2,000–$4,000+
- Ongoing costs: fuel, service (about $200–$300/year)
If you want something that’s “set it and forget it,” battery wins. But for max coverage, especially if your house is big or has medical equipment, a generator is often more reliable.
Real Examples from Loomis
Solar + Battery:
A family near Delmar Avenue added two Powerwalls to their solar system. During last summer’s fire season, they stayed powered up through 10+ outages — fridge, Wi-Fi, lights, all working without a hitch.
Whole-House Generator:
Out on King Road, a homeowner with a large property installed a Generac generator. When power was out for 48 hours, their A/C, water pump, and deep freezer kept going the whole time.
It really comes down to your home’s size, your energy habits, and how long you’re willing to be without power.
When Should You Choose a Battery Backup?
It’s a great fit if:
- You already have solar panels
- You mostly want to power essentials (fridge, outlets, internet)
- You prefer something clean and quiet
- You don’t want to deal with fuel or engine maintenance
When Should You Choose a Generator?
Go this route if:
- You need to power your whole home, including HVAC
- You live in an area with frequent, longer outages
- You don’t have or want solar
- You’re okay with a little maintenance and fuel delivery
Can You Use Both?
Yes — and some folks in Loomis do exactly that.
They run on battery for short outages or everyday use and switch to a generator for longer emergencies. It’s a “best of both worlds” setup if your budget allows.
Final Thoughts
Power outages in Loomis aren’t going away anytime soon. Whether it’s a rolling blackout or wildfire season, being ready is just smart.
If you want something quiet and clean, and you already have solar, a battery backup is the way to go. If you need something that can run your whole house for days, especially during longer shutoffs, go with a standby generator.
Still unsure? That’s normal. Start by thinking about what absolutely needs to stay on in your home. Then you can figure out what system will cover those needs — without overpaying or overbuilding.
Need Help?
At Prime Electric, we help Loomis homeowners find and install the best backup power systems for their needs. Whether it’s a sleek new battery or a rugged generator, we’ve got the tools and experience to set you up right.
Call us today for a free consultation. We’ll make sure your home is ready for whatever hits the grid next.