Backup Power Options for Arizona Homes: Generators vs Batteries

Power outages are less common in Arizona than in many other states, but when they do occur, the loss of essential air conditioning—especially at the height of summer—can quickly become a serious health and safety concern. At the same time, Arizona’s rapid population growth and the expansion of energy-intensive infrastructure, including data centers, are placing additional strain on the electric grid—while driving electricity rates higher nearly every year.

As a result, more homeowners are thinking about energy security than ever before. No one wants sweltering discomfort, spoiled food, sleepless nights, or disruptions to work, medical devices, or home security. The good news is that there are proven backup power options available—each with its own trade-offs in cost, automation, and peace of mind. Understanding how these solutions differ is the key to choosing the one that truly fits how you live and how you use energy.

Why Power Outages Are Especially Risky in Arizona

Unlike many parts of the country, power outages in Arizona are less common, but whey the occur the aren’t just inconvenient—they can quickly become life threatening. Extended summer heat, overnight temperatures that stay elevated, and reliance on electrically powered cooling systems make consistent access to electricity a critical health and safety issue.

At the same time, Arizona’s grid is being asked to do more than ever. Rapid population growth, widespread electrification, and the expansion of energy-intensive facilities like data centers are increasing peak demand while utilities continue to restructure rate plans and reduce export credits for solar customers.

For homeowners, this combination means two things: outages carry greater risk, and grid power is becoming more expensive and less predictable over time.

Option 1: Standby Gas Generators - Automatic Backup With Fuel Dependency

A standby gas or propane generator is a permanently installed system tied into your home’s electrical panel with an automatic transfer switch. When the grid goes down, it senses the outage and starts instantly — even if you’re not home.

Gas generators are a good fit if you:

• Want a fully automatic response to power outages. Standby generators detect outages and start automatically, though routine maintenance is essential to ensure reliable operation when you need it most.
• Live in an area where fuel is readily available and deliveries are unlikely to be disrupted during extended outages.
• Prioritize keeping your entire home running on extended timeframes, including air conditioning, major appliances, and security or alarm systems

Pros

• Automatically kicks on with no action required.
• Can power a whole home or specific pre-determined loads.
• Great for long or unpredictable outages - just add more fuel.
  

Cons

• Requires continuous fuel (typically natural gas/propane) — which may be unavailable or limited during widespread emergencies.
• Regular maintenance is important to ensure reliable operation when you need it most.
• Strictly blackout protection - doesn’t reduce your utility bills or integrate with your solar panel system.

Typical investment: $8,000 – $25,000+ installed before controls and permitting.

Option 2: Portable Batteries - Affordable & Flexible for Short Outages

Portable power stations (sometimes called solar generators) are compact battery systems with built-in outlets and USB ports that you manually plug into devices or, with the right equipment, backfeed into pre-selected circuits in your home. Common protected loads include lighting, internet, cell phones, refrigerators, medical devices, and/or a small portable AC.

Portable power stations are a good fit if:

• You want a budget-friendly backup option for your most essential devices only.
• You don’t need automatic activation during a blackout - you’ll need to activate the system yourself (depending on configuration).
• You want something you can take with you if you move, or or also use it for camping, job sites, or RV trips.

Pros

• Lower upfront cost.
• No fuel required — recharge by solar, your car, or the grid before the outage.
• Portable and versatile.

Cons

• Must be turned on manually — so if the outage happens while you’re away, nothing stays powered.
• Limited capacity and runtime compared to whole-home solutions.
• Not typically compatible with automatic transfer switches, but may be possible with additional equipment and professional setup.

Typical investment: $1,500 – $5,000 depending on battery size.

Option 3: Home Battery Systems - Automatic Backup + Solar Integration

This is where solar and storage truly shine. A fully-integrated home battery system is permanently installed, connected directly to your electrical panel with an automatic transfer switch, and managed by intelligent software and a user-friendly control app.

Unlike a generator, a battery can recharge from the grid when electricity is cheapest and then discharge during the most expensive peak hours—dramatically reducing monthly utility bills. More importantly for backup power, when paired with solar, a home battery offers near-continuous recharge capability even when the grid is down. As long as the sun is shining, your system can replenish itself each day.

The result is clean, quiet, and reliable backup power without ongoing fuel costs or the logistical challenges of securing a fuel supply. Home batteries produce no emissions, create no fumes, and operate silently—making them a seamless solution for both energy savings and outage protection.

Home batteries are a game changer for Arizona homeowners:

• Automatic outage protection — no flipping switches or dragging the battery out of the closet.
• Stores your solar energy — easily recharged during extended grid outages when paired with solar panels.
• Reduces utility bills — can be programmed to discharge during peak hours when pricing is most expensive.
• Clean, quiet, and emission-free — with warranties that reflect long-term performance.
  

Pros

• Fully automatic and seamless during outages.
• Works every day — recharges from your solar panels without fossil fuels, noise or pollution.
• Can power your essential circuits (or even the whole home with enough capacity).
• Adds resilience and shields you from steadily-rising utility rates.
  

Cons

• Higher upfront cost than a generator alone.
• Multiple batteries may be needed for whole-home backup.
• It may be too costly and complex to move if you decide to sell the home.
  

Typical investment: $15,000 – $30,000+ installed, depending on energy consumption habits, and size of battery needed

Read More: What You Won’t Find Solar & Battery Pricing On Our Website, and Why That’s a Good Thing

Side-By-Side Comparison