Do I Still Need a Generator If I Have Solar?

System Design & EquipmentEnergy Resilience
Written By Katrina Kramer
Side of a house with solar panels on the roof, a Tesla Powerwall battery mounted on the wall, and a Generac standby generator nearby

Battery or generator? Some California homeowners choose both. A solar + storage system paired with a generator offers flexibility, comfort, and peace of mind.

A lot of homeowners are surprised to learn that their solar panels won’t keep the lights on during a power outage—at least not on their own. With California’s frequent outages, Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and rising grid instability, it’s a fair question:

If I already have solar, do I still need a generator?

The short answer: Maybe. It depends on your setup, your goals, and your tolerance for being without power. Let’s break it down.

Why Solar Alone Doesn’t Work During a Blackout

Here’s the thing—when the grid goes down, your solar system shuts off too. This is a built-in safety feature called anti-islanding, which prevents solar panels from sending power back into the grid and potentially injuring utility workers making repairs.

So unless your system includes battery storage or a generator, your solar panels can’t help during an outage.

Batteries Can Help—To a Point

Adding a battery (like a Tesla Powerwall or Enphase IQ Battery) changes the equation. During a blackout, the battery automatically kicks in and powers your home using stored solar energy.

But there are tradeoffs:

  • You’ll only be able to back up certain circuits, not your whole home.

  • If the outage lasts more than a day or two, your battery may drain faster than solar can refill it—especially during storms or winter.

  • Batteries are quiet and clean, but also more expensive upfront.

When You Might Still Want a Generator

A generator can provide more sustained backup power, particularly for:

  • Extended outages

  • Homes with well pumps, freezers, or medical equipment

  • Customers who don’t yet have solar or batteries

  • People who want whole-home backup without investing in multiple batteries

  • Off-grid homes that need a backup charging source when solar can’t meet demand

Geoff Kramer, CFO & Senior Engineer at Viva Energy, explains:

“We’re starting to see more customers who want total energy resilience—especially in rural areas or places hit hard by blackouts. A battery is great for short-term outages and peak-hour savings, but a generator gives you long-duration backup when the grid is down for days. And for true off-grid homes, you always want a generator—it’s your safety net when solar production drops or usage spikes unexpectedly.”

So… Do You Still Need a Generator?

It depends on your priorities:

  • Want quiet, clean, automatic backup for a few hours or a day? A battery’s probably enough.

  • Need to run a well pump, AC, or appliances for multiple days? You may want to add a generator.

  • Live in an area prone to frequent or prolonged outages? Consider both.

At Viva Energy, we design solar + storage systems that fit your life—not just your roof. And as we expand into generator services, we’ll be able to offer even more custom solutions for California homeowners.

Need Help Choosing the Right Backup Power Setup?

We’ll walk you through your options—solar, batteries, generators, or all of the above—based on your home’s layout, budget, and backup goals.

References

This article was drafted with the assistance of AI and reviewed by the Viva Energy team for accuracy and clarity. If you spot an error or have a suggestion, please let us know at vivainsider@gmail.com.
Katrina Kramer
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