Top Home Backup Power Solutions for Every Budget

When the grid goes down, what happens to your home? Whether it's a short outage or a multi-day event, having backup power is becoming more than a luxury; it's peace of mind.

At BC Solar, we specialize in backup power systems that work because your fridge, sump pump, and home office don’t care about excuses.

Let’s break down the most effective home backup options, no fluff, just facts.

Backup Power Options: From Entry-Level to Full Coverage

🔋 1. Portable Generators (Budget-Friendly, Limited Use)

• Cost: $500–$1,500

• Good for: Short outages, powering essentials like a fridge or a few lights

• Limitations:

  • Manual start

  • Gasoline required

  • Noisy and outdoor-only

🔋 2. Standby Generators (Mid-Range, Whole Home Capable)

• Cost: $3,000–$12,000 (installed)

• Good for: Automatic backup of most or all home circuits

• Pros:

  • Kicks on automatically during outages

  • Natural gas or propane fueled

• Cons:

  • Ongoing maintenance

  • Not renewable

⚡ 3. Battery Backup with Solar (Smart, Long-Term Investment)

• Cost: $10,000–$40,000+ depending on size

• Best For: Homes wanting silent, renewable power with no fuel dependency

• Benefits:

  • Powers essentials or entire home

  • Solar recharges batteries, so you’re covered indefinitely

  • Works with or without the grid

• BC Solar Bonus: We design battery-first systems using Sol-Ark inverters that can keep everything running without a flicker.

BC Solar's Backup Power Services

We don’t just install solar. We engineer whole-home energy systems that include:

• Modular solar + battery setups

• Retrofit battery backup for existing solar systems

• Generator integration with solar

• Off-grid or hybrid systems

Whether you're just getting started or you want a fully independent home energy system, we tailor everything to your goals and budget.

Why Backup Power Matters More in Columbus, Ohio

Ohio weather is unpredictable. Ice storms. Thunderstorms. Grid stress. A single outage can cost hundreds or worse, damage your home.

Battery systems don't just power your home. They protect it.

Real Talk from Our Customers

“Brian provided several options based on what we wanted within our budget. We’ve added more panels and batteries over time.” Megan C., BC Solar client

“He’s not pushy. Just straight-up honest. We went with batteries and a Sol-Ark—it’s already helped us during outages.” Paul N.

FAQ: Home Backup Power

How long can battery backup systems power my home?
Depends on what you’re powering. A basic setup may run essentials for a day; larger systems can handle whole-home use for several days with solar recharging.

Can I add battery backup to my existing solar system?
Yes. We specialize in retrofit designs. Some systems integrate easily, others may need upgrades.

What’s better: generator or battery backup?
Generators are cheaper upfront. Batteries are silent, maintenance-free, and renewable. We’ll help you compare based on your needs.

Can I go completely off-grid?
Yes. We design and install off-grid systems for homeowners who want total independence.

Let’s build your custom backup power plan. Give us a call at (614) 442-9700 or visit us at bc.solar.