I’ve looked for a “whole house” battery backup system. This would be my preferred method if it wasn’t for the cost. One could purchase two Generac systems for one comparable whole house battery backup system. Then becomes the issue of charging the batteries. You have an additional expense for the solar panels. My understanding is the solar panels put on your roof by/for the utility companies cannot be connected to battery backup systems.

I have a friend with a Generac generator. It is not noisy. But as others have said, extended power outages are rare here in The Villages. Unless needed for a medical reason, I would take a very hard look before purchasing.

I haven't looked at the numbers yet but a few things to consider:

1. How long will the batteries last if they are running the entire house? Is that number of days/hours/minutes worth the cost?

2. Assuming a bright clear day, how much additional time do the panels give you? Are they sufficient to run the whole house while also charging the batteries? If you used power sparingly could they charge the batteries enough to last through the night? And in a situation where the power is out, will you have a bright clear day?

3. It might be possible to charge the batteries without the solar panels. The panels may be a nice feature but might not be necessary.

I'm not saying the batteries aren't worth looking into. I'm glad to see the links so I can evaluate the systems for myself. I'm just not clear on the balance of benefit to cost.

We have been here (village of Pinellas) since 2013, I can count the number of outages on one hand, and even when IRMA and IAN hit, we never lost power. I think the longest outage was well under 2 hours, probably around 1 hour.

Now if you are still worried, I would get a small say 2 kW INVERTER generator, find a suitable location OUTSIDE the house away from openings, and have a suitable power entrance installed. Then you can use an extension cord for your absolutely equipment. We actually have 2 and shortly a 3rd UPS to cover critical equipment.

I see commercials all time says government will install solar panels for free.:beer3:

As far as whole house backup generators go, Gererac is one of the best.

That said, if you have SECO as your power company (Sumter County), your really don't need one. In the 3.5 years we've owned out home, power has gone out 2-3 times, for a few minutes each time...

Duke Electric is less stable with more (and longer) power outages...

Although the electric utilities are underground...the feeders bringing them into TV is above ground. Lose the feeder during a storm, you're out of business.

Been just south of 44 for 3 years and have had about 30 minutes of outage. Not worth it for us.

At a previous home I was always loosing power and in the winter months, sometimes for days. Generac is a great brand and reliable. Been here in the villages a bit less than two years now and never lost power more than a few minutes. Not worth putting in a stand alone generator but did buy a small portable Honda just for basic power if needed

Generac is a good brand. They had issues with a certain size generator years ago. I think it was their 11KW or 14KW. Don’t quote me on which size had the problem but do some research on that issue prior to buying one. Good luck!

Had one up north. Excellent. ESP in winter months. Not sure you need one here. Very expensive if you also hook up AC. Did not do that up north

Irma
 

IRMA 2017 - Pine Hills lost Leesburg power 19 hours Seco never lost it

Generators weekly testing noise
 

By far, the BIGGER problem with whole house gas generators is the weekly self test noise. Imagine if every house in your neighborhood had a generator that cycled on and off weekly on a random time and date!

You are much better off looking for a battery backup system that can manage specific lighting and refrigerator.... Although some threads here might be old, they tell the same story....It's a very rare occurrence to lose power for an extended period......

I would suggest to have them come out to give you an estimate. As many have mentioned that we hardly lose power in TVLG but if you have medical equipment or really just want the piece of mind then it can’t hurt to see what it would cost and if it’s worth it.
Gone are the days of some folks out here that are really willing to help those that ask questions out here.
Good luck on your search.

General are reliable generator bit
 

Florida has spent massively on electrical infrastructure. With transmission and underground local distribution I see no need for backup. Been here 5 years with no interruptions. Worked 45 years for electrical utility.