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Home backup in Texas · Updated October 18, 2026
Generac generator vs a home battery: what Texas homeowners should know
- $13,700–$16,600 vs $0 upfront. That's what local Generac dealers advertise for 22–28 kW packages installed. Solrite is $0 upfront with no installation fee.
- 3 years of service vs 20. Dealer packages include a 3-year service contract; Generac's own warranty is 5 years (labor only in years 1–2). Solrite services the batteries for the full 20-year agreement.
- Backup only vs backup plus savings. A generator sits idle until the power goes out. A battery also stores your solar for the evening, every day.
A standby generator like Generac's 28 kW model burns gas to make power during an outage. A home battery stores energy and uses it during an outage and every night to lower your bill. Here's how a Generac 28 kW standby generator compares with up to 60 kWh of Duracell batteries through the Solrite program.
kW vs kWh: they measure different things
kW is how much power something can deliver at once (a generator's size). kWh is how much energy is stored (a battery's size). A 28 kW generator and a 60 kWh battery aren't "28 vs 60" of the same thing: the generator can run as long as it has fuel, and the battery holds a set amount of energy that recharges from your solar or the grid.
Side by side
| Generac 28 kW standby generator | Solrite home battery (through Watt Hero) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | Gas engine generator: 28 kW on propane (LP), 25 kW on natural gas | Up to 60 kWh of stored energy (Duracell Power Center batteries) |
| Upfront cost | $13,700 (22 kW) to $16,600 (28 kW) installed, as advertised by a local Generac dealer in October 2026. Other Texas dealer estimates run $17,300–$22,100. Unit MSRP from $8,159. Some dealers offer financing. | $0 upfront, $0 installation fee |
| Monthly cost | Fuel when it runs, plus yearly maintenance (oil, filters, spark plugs). Dealer packages may include 3 years of service; after that it's on you. | $20/mo program fee, plus your electricity plan from a Solrite-approved provider (about 14¢/kWh incl. delivery, $9.95/mo base charge) |
| Warranty / service | 5-year limited warranty: years 1–2 parts and labor; year 3 parts only; years 4–5 engine short block and alternator parts only. Requires scheduled maintenance. | Solrite owns, maintains and replaces the batteries for the full 20-year agreement |
| Helps your bill? | No. It only runs during outages (and short weekly self-tests). | Yes. It stores daytime solar for the evening, and the program includes a discounted electricity rate. |
| During an outage | Runs as long as it has fuel. On a natural gas line, that can mean days. | Runs your home on stored energy; solar can recharge it during the day. Backup time depends on usage and system design. |
| Noise and exhaust | Engine noise and exhaust; must be placed outside at required distances | Quiet, no fuel, no exhaust |
| Ownership | You own it | Solrite owns it; 20-year agreement, transfers if you sell |
Over 20 years
| Generac 28 kW package | Solrite battery | |
|---|---|---|
| Day one | $16,600 | $0 |
| Program fee | None | $20/mo × 240 months = $4,800 total |
| Service | Included for 3 years in the dealer package; years 4–20 paid by you | Included for all 20 years |
| Fuel | Natural gas or propane every time it runs | None |
| Lowers your monthly bill? | No | Yes, by storing solar for night and through the program rate |
You pay for electricity either way. With Solrite you enroll with a Solrite-approved provider (about 14¢/kWh incl. delivery, $9.95/mo base charge) and sign a 20-year agreement. Generator prices are dealer-advertised examples; get written quotes.
What it means for a Texas home
Cost
A generator is a $13,700–$16,600+ purchase that only pays off during outages. The battery program is $0 upfront, and the battery works every day to shrink your bill.
Coverage
Generac's warranty is 5 years, with labor covered only for the first 2. Extended service has to be bought from a dealer, so ask exactly what it covers and for how long. Solrite covers service for the full 20-year term.
When a generator still makes sense
If you need to run a large home through a long, multi-day outage with no sun, a natural gas generator can keep going as long as gas flows. Some homes use both. Michael can talk through what your home actually needs.
Sources
- Generac 28 kW standby generator (model 7282), ratings and MSRP: generac.com (retrieved Oct 18, 2026)
- Generac 5-year limited warranty, air-cooled standby generators: warranty PDF
- Generac maintenance contracts sold through dealers: Generac support (Mar 16, 2026)
- 22–28 kW package prices with 3-year service contract: local Generac dealer advertisement, October 2026
- Texas installed cost estimate (Generac dealer): Veteran Electric (Jan 25, 2026)
- Solrite program terms: Solrite agreement and the Solrite-approved provider's EFL (provided at enrollment)
See what a battery would do for your bill
Upload a photo of your electric bill and get an estimate in about a minute. Or call or text Michael at 469-855-0499.
Comparison based on publicly available information as of October 18, 2026; prices and terms change. Rates, fees, eligibility and program terms must be verified for your home; the current EFL and agreement control. Actual savings and backup duration vary. Generac is a trademark of its owner. Watt Hero is not affiliated with or endorsed by Generac. Watt Hero is an Authorized Solrite Dealer.