Table of Contents
For many homeowners in 2025, a whole-house solar generator is the best way to protect their family from blackouts caused by natural disasters like wildfires and blizzards and slash or eliminate electricity bills.
Are you one of them?
Many factors determine whether a whole house solar power system makes sense for energy security — and for your bank account.
If you’re considering a residential photovoltaic system that generates electricity from clean, renewable solar power, you need to read this article.
We cover all the bases, so you don’t have to spend any more time than necessary doing research.
First things first…
What Is a Whole House Solar Generator?
A whole-home solar generator is a hybrid photovoltaic (PV) system that produces sufficient electricity to operate all the appliances you wish to run simultaneously without consuming energy from the utility grid.
Unlike grid-tied PV systems, solar generators must include a solar battery to store power for use when electricity generation is insufficient to meet your needs — for example, solar panels don’t work at night.
All clean, renewable energy sources — like wind or solar — are intermittent.
Wind turbines don’t generate electricity on still days.
Solar panels generate their full rated power output in direct sunlight.
For example, a 400W rigid solar panel may only produce 300W of electricity on cloudy days.
Numerous other factors can cause solar panels to generate less than their full rated power output during certain hours of the day.
It’s essential to understand that the rated power of PV modules indicates the maximum amount of power it can produce under ideal conditions.
All reputable solar panel manufacturers determine specifications like rated power and efficiency under Standard Test Conditions in a laboratory — conditions that rarely (if ever) exist in the real world.
Learn how to calculate solar panel output.
Hybrid solar + battery storage solutions have numerous benefits over grid-connected renewable energy systems, which we’ll explore in more detail below.
Solar generators include all the balance of system components required to power your home, including:
- Solar inverter
- Solar battery
- PWM or MPPT charge controller
- Battery management system (BMS)
The number of solar panels or other PV modules, like shingles, you purchase should be determined by how much power you need.
Learn how to calculate home electricity usage in kilowatt-hours.
Benefits of Whole House Solar Generators
Whole home solar generators have numerous advantages over grid-tied solar panel systems and traditional standby generators that burn natural gas or other fossil fuels.
Let’s briefly explore the benefits.
Reliable Home Backup Power
Depending on how many solar panels you purchase and other factors like the amount of direct sunlight your location receives, the right photovoltaic system empowers you to generate all the electricity you need off-grid.
However, grid-tied PV systems can’t operate without an active bidirectional connection to utility power.
On-grid solar systems DO NOT work during blackouts or extended power outages.
By law and design, grid-connected systems must automatically shut down the moment a blackout occurs.
PV systems without storage must switch between on-grid power and solar to provide your home with electricity when consumption exceeds the supply from your PV module installation — such as during peak demand hours and after the sun goes down every night.
Grid-dependent solar power systems are designed to supplement — not replace — electricity from the grid.
Automatic shutdown is required to prevent islanding, which can cause :
- Injury or fatalities of line workers
- Unstable power that threatens the safety of your home and connected appliances
- Further infrastructure damage from back-feeding to the grid
(Source: Vermont.gov)
In states that offer net metering, you may be able to sell electricity that your grid-tied solar power system generates in excess of your household consumption…
If so, you’ll be compensated with credits against your electricity bill.
However, you’ll almost always pay a higher price for the grid power you use than what you get for any electricity you sell back to your utility or power company.
Solar generators with battery storage, on the other hand, provide reliable home backup power during blackouts and give you the option to live partially or completely off-grid.
Home Energy Independence
Not only do solar generators provide home backup battery power, but they also reduce or eliminate your dependency on aging utility grid infrastructure and fluctuating energy prices.
According to the EIA, about 60% of electricity generation in the US comes from burning fossil fuels like natural gas, oil, and coal.
Great strides have been made in transitioning to renewable energy sources like wind turbines and solar farms at the utility-scale.
Still, energy prices remain highly vulnerable to fluctuations in supply and demand — and price.
(Source: EIA)
The average price of residential electricity has trended upwards for decades…
Unforeseen events like geopolitical conflicts and natural disasters can lead to extreme spikes in the cost of fossil fuels.
Decreasing or eliminating your household’s reliance on grid power is the best way to achieve home energy independence and security.
After all, there are no ongoing fuel costs for sunshine.
Once you achieve solar payback, the money you save on power bills becomes money earned.
(Source: NIST)
More Ways to Save on Electricity Bills
Whole house solar generators offer other ways to slash your energy bills, primarily by increasing self-consumption of the power your PV modules generate and the ability to avoid Time-of-Use rates and electricity demand charges.
Opting for home battery storage may cost more upfront, but it helps maximize your solar return on investment over the mid-to-long-term.
For example, EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra is a modular whole-home solar generator that can generate and store more than enough electricity to run all your high-wattage appliances and HVAC systems.
It’s also easy to program and monitor from anywhere with an internet connection using the EcoFlow app.
You can easily set DELTA Pro Ultra to use grid power only during off-peak hours when the cost of electricity per kilowatt-hour is significantly less.
On-peak and off-peak hours vary by location and utility provider but are ubiquitous throughout the US.
For example, the cheapest hours for electricity in Massachusetts are typically 8 pm – 6 am on weekdays.
Simply program EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra to only recharge with grid power during off-peak hours and auto-switch to LFP battery storage during mid-peak or on-peak billing.
In addition to solar panels and grid power, EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 and DELTA Pro Ultra have multiple charging options to help ensure you’re never without cheap, reliable electricity when you need it most.
Smart Home Integration
It’s possible to plug essential appliances directly into a solar generator, but to get the most out of your system, integration with your home circuit board and wiring is a must.
Many standby generators rely on a manual transfer switch — an affordable option that any licensed electrician can install.
However, you must manually switch between the generator, home backup battery, or portable power station to utility grid electricity.
EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 2 is a much more convenient solution that empowers you to maximize the ROI from your solar generator system.
With the ultimate in monitoring and control, you can make your Smart Home truly intelligent and blackout-proof.
Ease of Installation
Conventional standby generators must be operated at least 20 feet away from your home and often require the construction of a concrete pad for installation.
DIY solar panel systems comprised of components from different manufacturers are time-consuming to build, and cross-compatibility issues are common.
EcoFlow’s whole-house solar generators have all the necessary components — eliminating compatibility issues.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 and DELTA Pro Ultra are durable enough for sheltered outdoor use and portable enough for the road — offering industry-leading whole-home solar and off-grid generator power.
Quiet and Safe for Indoor Use
Conventional gas and inverter generators emit deadly carbon monoxide and noxious fumes and MUST NEVER be used indoors.
Standby generators are noisy, and their emissions are so hazardous that they must be installed outdoors at least 20 feet from your home.
EcoFlow’s whole-house solar generators are whisper-quiet and 100% safe for indoor use.
What Is the Average Cost of a Whole House Solar Generator?
According to the most recent Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), the average American household has a square footage of 1,818 and consumes 10,566kWh of electricity annually at a cost of $1,380.
Obviously, electricity consumption and cost vary widely based on numerous factors — as does the square footage of homes.
Let’s take a look at the cost of a whole-house solar generator for a 2,000-square-foot home.
It’s estimated that the average 2000-3000 sq. ft. dwelling requires 5 to 10 kilowatts (kW) of operating power to run appliances, HVAC systems, and consumer electronic devices throughout the home.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra offers 7.2kW of continuous AC output, which can be expanded to 14.4kW or 21.6kW by chaining up to 3 x DPU Inverters in parallel — enough to power almost any home.
Modular home battery storage is scalable up to 90kWh by connecting up to 5 x EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra Home Batteries (6kWh) per inverter (15 x 6kWh = 90kWh max.)
Here is the current pricing and vital stats for 3 common configurations.*
1 x EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra + 1 x Battery (AC Output: 7,200W/30A Storage Capacity: 6kWh)
| Device or Appliance | Average Wattage |
| Light | 10W |
| Television | 110W |
| Washing Machine | 1000W |
| Microwave Oven | 1000W |
| Refrigerator | 300W |
| Central AC | (3 Tons/3.6kW) |
| Total | 7,200W |
| Estimated Cost | $5,199 |
2 x EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra + 3 x Battery (AC Output: 14,400W/60A Storage Capacity: 18kWh)
| Device or Appliance | Average Wattage |
| Light | 10W |
| Television | 110W |
| Washing Machine | 1000W |
| Refrigerator | 300W |
| Central AC | (3 Tons/3.6kW) |
| Electric Oven | 4kW |
| Dishwasher | 1.3kW |
| Induction Cooker | 3kW |
| Total | 15,500W |
| Estimated Cost | $13,500 |
3 x EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra + 6 x Battery (AC Output: 21,600W/90A Storage Capacity: 36kWh)
| Device or Appliance | Average Wattage |
| Light | 10W |
| Television | 110W |
| Washing Machine | 1000W |
| Refrigerator | 300W |
| Central AC | (3 Tons/3.6kW) |
| Electric Oven | 4kW |
| Dishwasher | 1.3kW |
| Induction Cooker | 3kW |
| Electric Car | 6kW |
| Coffee Maker | 1.5kW |
| Total | 20,820W |
| Estimated Cost | $24,000 |
The pricing above is for reference, you can check out the cost for your custom configuration with the DELTA Pro Ultra calculator here.
* Direct from EcoFlow pricing as of January 2025. Check out the EcoFlow website or third-party retailers for current pricing.
Factors That Influence the Costs of Whole House Solar Generators
The primary factors influencing the cost of a solar generator that powers your entire home don’t require much explanation.
- Size of your house
- Number of occupants
- Electricity consumption and usage patterns
- Available sunlight
Knowing the answer to those “big picture” questions will enable you to determine how to meet the following requirements.
Power Output
When shopping for a whole home generator, you must ensure that the model you choose can supply enough starting and running watts to power all the appliances and systems — such as heating or air conditioning— that you want to run simultaneously.
Whether you’re looking to go fully off-grid or for whole-house backup during blackouts, if your generator doesn’t output enough AC power, you’ll have to compromise and work around which appliances you can and can’t run at the same time.
Solar generators typically measure AC output in watts (W) and kilowatts (kW), while conventional generators use volt-amperes (VA) and kilovolt-amps (kVA).
You may be unfamiliar with the difference between starting watts (surge power) and running or operating watts.
Many high-wattage home appliances—especially those with motors like refrigerators and HVAC systems—require significantly more power to start up than they do to run.
Thanks to EcoFlow’s proprietary X-Boost technology, solar generators like DELTA Pro 3 provide double their continuous output as surge power and can operate appliances up to 50% higher than the rated output for extended periods (4000W continuous/6000W X-Boost/8000W surge power.
On the other hand, conventional generators that run on fossil fuels rarely deliver more than 10% above their maximum output wattage as surge power.
When calculating how much AC output you need to run your home, don’t forget to take starting wattage into account.
Because it’s largely irrelevant when plugging into grid power, surge power required to start appliances often isn’t included on the manufacturer’s label.
Storage Capacity
Once you’ve determined the amount of AC output you need to start and run your appliances, you must decide how long you want to be able to operate them between charges.
Solar generators and batteries measure storage capacity in watt-hours (Wh) and kilowatt-hours (kWh) — the same metric used on your electricity bills.
Exactly how much solar battery storage capacity you need is quite difficult to determine.
Because sunlight is intermittent, you’ll never be able to predict precisely how much electricity your solar panel array will produce in real-world conditions on any given day.
We’ll get into how to estimate solar generation potential below…
When making a purchase decision on a solar generator or battery, it’s wise to add at least 20% on top of how much storage capacity you think you’ll need.
Other smart choices include picking a modular, expandable system that offers multiple charging options in addition to solar panels — like EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 or DELTA Pro Ultra.
That way, you can easily add more storage if you underestimate or if your electricity consumption requirements grow.
Number and Type of Solar Panels
Now that you know roughly how much output power you need and how long you want to be able to operate your house without recharging the solar battery, you can move on to determining how many and what type of PV modules — like solar panels or shingles — you should purchase.
Begin by determining how much available rooftop, balcony, or ground surface area you have to work with for solar panel installation.
To achieve optimal performance from PV modules, it’s crucial to install as many units as possible where they are positioned to receive the maximum amount of direct sunlight each day.
Peak sunlight hours vary by location and the time of year.
Many people choose to work with a professional.
A reputable local solar panel installer should have the knowledge and experience to advise you on the right type of PV modules to purchase and how many you need to achieve your goals.
However, it’s possible to figure it out yourself.
Learn about the different types of solar panels.
Learn how to calculate how many solar panels you need.
Type of Solar Battery
There are a million different solar battery models, but three main categories are currently in common use for residential applications.
Solar battery type is primarily determined by chemistry.
Here are the most frequently used battery chemistries for photovoltaic applications in ascending order of lifespan and performance (from worst to best).
- Flooded lead-acid
- Sealed lead-acid (SLA)/Valve-regulated lead-acid (VRLA)
SLA and VRLA solar batteries are frequently marketed as deep-cycle, dry, or maintenance-free. Two primary subtypes differ chemically but offer similar performance.
- Gel cell (gel)
- Absorbent glass mat (AGM)
- Lithium-ion (Li-ion)
- Lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxides (NMC, Li-NMC, LNMC, or NCM)
- Lithium iron phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4)
Click here for a solar battery chemistry deep dive.
Installation Costs
Installation costs vary substantially based on the following considerations.
- DIY or professional
- Number and type of PV modules
- Level of difficulty and working time
It’s simple to set up small solar generators yourself.
For whole-house solar panel arrays, it typically pays off to work with a professional if you want to install four PV modules or more.
Tax Credits and Solar Incentives
Residential solar panel installations and home batteries (over 3kWh) are eligible for the Residential Clean Energy Credit, which covers 30% of the total purchase and installation costs for eligible US taxpayers and qualified systems.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3, DELTA Pro Ultra, and 400W rigid solar panels meet the system eligibility requirements for the 30% Solar Tax Credit.
Depending on where you live, additional state, private, and local government incentives may be available for your primary or secondary home.
Learn how to apply for the 30% tax credit here.
Brand and Manufacturing
There are many grey market manufacturers in the residential solar power space.
When you Google the brand name, you find out they don’t have a website or phone number.
If you’re lucky, you might track down an Alibaba page or an address in Guangdong.
Like most things in life, you get what you pay for when it comes to home solar power systems.
By purchasing from established brands with a global presence, solid Trustpilot reviews, and offices in multiple countries, you can help assure the long-term viability of your solar investment.
EcoFlow is a US and China-based solar and backup battery manufacturer that provides home energy security to consumers in over 100 countries worldwide.
It’s won multiple international design and manufacturing awards and is constantly pushing the envelope when it comes to affordable and reliable solar generators.
Here’s what customers say about EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra whole house solar generator.
Whole home solar requires a significant investment, no matter what manufacturer you choose.
The best way to see a solid return over the mid-to-long term is to buy from an established brand.
Let the buyer beware.
What to Consider When Choosing a Whole House Solar Generator For Your Home?
Beyond what we’ve covered above, there are other essential considerations to take into account when choosing the right solar generator for your home.
Unless you’re looking to move to another state, most of these factors aren’t under your immediate control.
But it’s essential to consider them nonetheless.
Geographical Location
Your geographical location impacts many aspects of the viability of whole-house solar for your home, including:
- Outdoor temperature
- Hours of direct sunlight per day
- Seasonality
- Electricity cost per kWh from your power company
- Eligibility for local and state tax breaks
Carefully evaluate how your home’s physical location impacts solar viability.
Solar Potential
The hours of direct sunlight your house receives per day is the primary determiner of how much electricity your solar panel array can generate by converting solar energy into electricity using the photovoltaic effect.
All currently available solar energy systems that generate electricity utilize photovoltaic cells to capture photons from visible light.
There’s no way of knowing exactly how many hours of direct sunlight your solar panel array will receive each day.
However, you can consult historical data to estimate your location’s solar irradiance and electricity generation potential.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) offers a free online calculator to help you estimate your home’s solar potential.
Available Surface Area That Receives Direct Sunlight
All photovoltaic modules require visible light to generate electricity.
The solar spectrum includes other types of light, like infrared (IR) and ultraviolet (UV), but these have a negligible impact on electricity generation potential.
Ambient, diffused, or indirect sunlight does produce electricity, but not enough to make a whole house solar generator viable.
If you don’t have access to an installation surface area — such as a rooftop, yard, or terrace — that receives direct sunlight for over three hours a day, it’s unlikely that home solar will be a worthwhile investment.
If installation space is at a premium, solar panel efficiency becomes crucial.
Efficiency measures how much electricity photovoltaic cells generate per square meter in direct sunlight under ideal conditions.
The more efficient your PV modules are, the less surface area you need.
EcoFlow’s rigid, flexible, and portable solar panels use pure monocrystalline silicon, offering industry-leading efficiency and performance.
Solar Battery Lifespan and Performance
No matter how you slice it, whole house solar power is a long-term investment.
The primary way you see a return on your initial expenses is through achieving solar payback and banking your electricity bill savings over time.
Fortunately, high-quality solar panels last an average of 25-30 years before needing to be replaced — in many cases, longer than the roof they’re installed on.
However, balance of system components — particularly solar batteries — typically last for far shorter periods.
The best way to estimate the longevity of solar batteries is to check the cycle life specifications.
Cycle life measures the number of full charges and discharges a battery can provide before severely diminishing in performance or needing to be replaced.
| Battery Type | Average Cycle Life | Notes |
| Flooded Lead Acid (FLA) | 500 – 1,000 | Requires maintenance. Lifespan is significantly affected by Depth of Discharge (DOD) & Temperature. Quoted at 50% DOD |
| Standard VRLA (Valve Regulated Lead Acid) (often also referred to as SLA) | 300 – 800 | Basic SLA. Maintenance-free. Lifespan significantly affected by DOD. Lower cycle life generally. Usually, the cheapest SLA. Quoted at 50% DOD |
| Absorbed Glass Mat (AGM) | 500 – 1,200 | Maintenance-free. Good tolerance for deeper discharges compared to SLA/FLA. Quoted at 50% DOD |
| Gel Cell | 500 – 1,500 | Maintenance-free; handles deep discharges well. Quoted at 50% DOD |
| Lithium-ion (Generic) | 2,000 – 5,000 | Highly variable depending on sub-chemistry, quoted at 80% DOD |
| Lithium Nickel Manganese Cobalt Oxide (NMC) | 1,000 – 3,000 | Good energy density and power density, quoted at 80% DOD |
| Lithium Iron Phosphate (LFP/LiFePO4) | 3,000 – 6,000+ | Longest cycle life among Lithium-ion family, quoted at 80% DOD |
As you can see, factors like depth of discharge (DOD) and temperature also play a significant role in lifespan, particularly for lead-acid batteries.
Lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) solar batteries — found in EcoFlow’s current DELTA Series of solar generators — offer by far the best cycle life and performance compared to other chemistries.
Budget
Last but not least, how much money do you have to spend?
It’s impossible to put a price on the peace of mind that home energy security can give you, particularly if you live in an area prone to natural disasters and blackouts.
Increasingly, that’s anywhere in the US.
Even in areas that avoided evacuation, the California Wildfire of 2025 left almost half a million people in the Los Angeles area without power.
You can estimate your financial return on solar investment here.
In most cases, buying the cheapest whole-home solar system available isn’t going to work out in your favor in the long term.
Make sure you take advantage of the 30% Solar Tax Credit and any other available state, private, and local government incentives.
Many reputable solar generator manufacturers — like EcoFlow — offer low-to-no financing options when you purchase directly.
In most cases, you can take the full tax credit the year you buy the system — or in subsequent tax years — for the total purchase and installation cost of relevant systems, even if you pay over time.
Think mid-to-long term, and don’t leave money on the table.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost of a generator for a 2,000 sq. ft. house varies based on numerous factors, including fuel type, power output and storage requirements, number of occupants, and electricity usage/consumption patterns. For many consumers, solar generators offer the most energy security and return on investment. Solar generators for a 2,000 sq. ft. house start at about $3,500.
The cost of installing a generator varies from zero to thousands of dollars. You can easily install a small solar generator that powers essential home appliances yourself. For rooftop solar installations with multiple PV modules, you will likely need professional help. The cost will vary based on the size and nature of the installation. Any generator that integrates with your home circuit board and wiring must be installed by a licensed electrician, although it’s a quick and easy job for a professional.
Final Thoughts
If you’re like many homeowners, a whole-house solar generator is the best way to protect your family from power outages and cut down (or eliminate) electricity bills.
Carefully examine all of the crucial considerations listed above before making a purchase decision.
EcoFlow DELTA Pro Ultra is an award-winning whole-home solar generator and backup battery system that’s powerful enough to run almost any home for weeks or even a month off-grid — or indefinitely with the right solar panel array.
Whatever your off-grid, hybrid, or home backup needs, EcoFlow has a solution for you.
Check out our selection today.