Living in Ottawa, you’ve likely experienced your fair share of power outages, ice storms, high winds, and heavy snow can knock out the grid in a heartbeat. When that happens, the lights go off, the heat cuts out, and your daily routine hits a wall.
That’s where a backup power source comes in.
But now you’ve got a choice: standby generator or portable generator? They both do the same job, keep the power on but they work in very different ways. Depending on your needs, lifestyle, and budget, one might make a lot more sense than the other.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key differences, real-life use cases, and how each one stacks up in an Ottawa home. And if you’re also thinking long-term about clean energy solutions, we’ll touch on how solar and batteries fit into the backup power conversation.
Types of Generators For Backup: A Quick Look
Before diving into the pros and cons, let’s go over what each type does.
Standby Generators
These are large, fixed units that sit outside your home, kind of like a central air conditioner. They hook right into your home’s wiring and switch on by themselves when the power cuts out. Most run on natural gas or propane. If the system is sized right, it can run your entire house including HVAC, kitchen, and internet as seen with models like this 22kW standby unit.
Best for:
- Running the whole house
- Long blackouts
- People who want something automatic that works without fuss
Portable Generators
These are smaller, movable machines you can grab from the garage when the lights go out. You have to start them by hand, either with a pull cord or a button. To use them, you’ll need extension cords or a transfer switch to hook up to your home. Most models use gas and require manual setup, often relying on extension cords or transfer switches. However, it’s important to operate them safely; they’re a top cause of non-fire carbon monoxide deaths in the U.S., with an average of 70 deaths per year, mainly due to improper indoor use.
Best for:
- Once-in-a-while use
- Smaller budgets
- Running only the basics like a fridge or a few outlets
Standby vs. Portable Backup Generators: Side-by-Side Comparison
| Feature | Standby Generator | Portable Generator |
|---|---|---|
| Installation | A licensed electrician installs it and connects it to your home’s electrical panel. | No setup needed. Just plug it into key appliances or a transfer switch when needed. |
| Ease of Use | Starts up on its own the moment the power goes out. You don’t have to touch a thing. | You’ll need to bring it outside, fuel it up, and start it by hand. |
| Power Capacity | Can power your whole home or just certain rooms, depending on what you choose. | Usually handles only the basics like your fridge, a few lights, and the sump pump. |
| Fuel Source | Uses natural gas or propane that’s piped in, so there’s no need to refill it. | Runs on gasoline or propane, which you’ll need to refill often. |
| Maintenance | Best to have it looked at by a pro once a year to keep it running smoothly. | Needs more hands-on care, frequent fueling, oil changes, and proper storage. |
| Noise Level | Quieter when running, usually around 60–70 decibels. | Louder machines most run between 70 and 100 decibels depending on size. |
| Price Range | Costs more upfront usually between $7,000 and $15,000 with install. | Much cheaper, often between $500 and $2,500 depending on brand and size. |
| Best For | Great for folks who want their whole house to stay powered during blackouts. | Works well for short outages or for people looking to save money. |
| Fuel Storage | If it’s hooked up to a gas line, you don’t need to store fuel. | You’ll need to safely store gasoline or propane nearby. |
| Activation Speed | Kicks on by itself just seconds after power cuts out. | You’ll have to go out and start it once the outage happens. |
| Permits & Approvals | Often needs permits and inspections. Your utility company may also need to be involved. | Usually no permits needed unless you’re using a manual transfer switch. |
When to Choose a Standby Generator
A standby generator is the kind you install once and don’t think about again. It turns on by itself, keeps your home powered, and works around the clock. Here’s when it really makes sense to go with one:
Your Home Uses a Lot of Power
If you’ve got things like a furnace, AC unit, a couple of fridges or freezers, sump pumps, or an electric stove, then you probably use a good amount of electricity. A standby generator can handle that. It starts on its own and runs large appliances all at once, something small portable units can’t always do.
Power Outages Happen Often Where You Live
In places like Ottawa, storms and icy weather can knock out power more than we’d like. A standby generator gives you peace of mind. As soon as the lights go out, it starts up without you having to do anything. Your house stays up and running.
You Need Power for Health or Remote Work
If someone in your house depends on things like oxygen machines, refrigerated medicine, or stair lifts, losing power isn’t just annoying, it’s dangerous. Maybe you work from home too, and even short outages mess up your day. A standby generator keeps those important things going, no matter what.
When to Choose a Portable Generator
Portable generators are for folks who want backup power but don’t need to keep the whole house running. They’re simple, smaller, and easier on the wallet. Here’s when they make sense:
You Only Need Power Once in a While
If the power rarely goes out where you live, or you just want something for the odd storm, a portable generator might be perfect. It’s also handy if you need power in other spots, like keeping a fridge cold at the cottage or running tools at an outdoor job.
You Don’t Use Much Power
Portable units can handle the basics, some lights, a fridge, a charger, maybe a small heater. They’re not made to run everything at once, but if your needs are low, they do the trick just fine.
You’re On a Smaller Budget
Standby generators are a big investment. Portable ones cost way less; some start at just a few hundred dollars. If you want a backup option but don’t want to spend a lot, this route makes sense and still gives you peace of mind.
What About Solar and Battery Backup?
Here’s where things get really interesting. If you want something quiet, clean, and ready for the long haul, solar plus battery backup is a smart choice. It doesn’t just keep your lights on, it changes the way you think about energy.
A Smarter Way to Power Your Home Long-Term
Instead of burning gas, solar panels pull power straight from the sun. Then your battery stores that energy, so it’s there when you need it during storms, at night, or on high-usage days. Over time, this setup can bring down your hydro bills, help you through blackouts, and cut back how much power you pull from the grid. You’re not just using less, you’re taking control.
No Noise, No Fuel, No Fuss
With a solar and battery setup, there’s no noisy engine outside your house. No smell. No last-minute runs to grab fuel. It switches from grid power to backup all on its own. You won’t even notice it happening. No buttons to push. No startup time. It just works quietly in the background.
How True Beacon Solar Puts It All Together
At True Beacon Solar, we don’t sell cookie-cutter kits. We build solar and battery systems that match the way you live. Our licensed electricians and solar team work with you from the start. Here’s what we do:
- Look at how much power your home actually uses
- Make sure your home’s wiring is ready for backup
- Install the full system with care and precision
- Set you up with easy tools to track your power anytime
We keep it simple, honest, and built for the long run. If you’re thinking about backup, we’re ready to help you make it happen.
How Ottawa Homeowners Can Make the Right Choice
Picking between a standby generator, a portable one, or a solar + battery setup isn’t easy. The best option depends on what your home needs and how you live day to day.
Figure Out What You Need to Power
Start by asking: What really needs to stay on during an outage? Maybe it’s just your fridge, lights, and phone chargers. Or maybe you rely on things like a sump pump, heating system, Wi-Fi, or medical gear.
Make a quick list of the must-haves. Then check how much power they use. This will help you decide if a small generator will do, or if you need a full backup system like solar with batteries.
Think About Your Budget and Daily Routine
Portable generators cost less at first, but you have to set them up and keep them fueled. Standby generators kick in automatically, but they cost more and need regular care. Solar + battery systems are the most expensive upfront, but they can save you money over time.
Ask yourself:
Do I want something simple I can use when the power goes out?
Or do I want a system that turns on by itself?
Am I okay spending more now if it means saving later and not having to think about it?
Planning to Go Solar? Think Ahead
You might not be ready for full solar right now, and that’s okay. A lot of people start small with a battery for backup, then add solar later. If you plan to stay in your home long-term, solar can cut your power bills and help you worry less about outages and rate hikes.
There’s No Single Best Answer
Homes are different. Some need to power everything like heating, office gear, or medical tools. Others are fine, just keeping the basics running during a storm.
What Really Matters to You: Cost, Reliability, or Ease?
Portable units are budget-friendly and easy to move, but they need your time and effort.
Standby units cost more but come on automatically and are less of a hassle.
Solar + battery setups are quiet and clean. They run on sunlight and need less care. Over the years, they could save you the most.
Each has its ups and downs. It just depends on what you care about most.
Solar + Battery Might Be the Best Long-Term Pick
If you’re thinking about future savings, lowering your power use, and using cleaner energy, solar with battery backup could be your best bet. And with options like the Canada Greener Homes Loan or Ontario rebates, it’s getting easier to afford..
Not Sure What Backup System You Need?
Book a Free Power Backup Consultation with True Beacon Solar
We’ll go over the choices with you. No pressure. No pushy sales talk. Just clear answers from folks who’ve done this before.
Call 613-701-1028 or visit www.truebeacon.ca to book your free consultation. We’ll help you find the setup that makes sense for your home, your needs, and your peace of mind.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which is better for power outages: a standby or a portable generator?
It depends on what you need. Standby generators are great if you want the power to come on by itself when the grid goes down. They can run your whole house and don’t need you to flip any switches. Portable ones cost less and are good for just a few things, but you’ll have to start and hook them up by hand.
2. How much does it cost to install a standby generator in Ottawa?
Most people in Ottawa spend between $8,000 and $15,000 CAD for a full install. That price includes the generator itself, a transfer switch, all the wiring, and a licensed electrician to do the job. Bigger homes or trickier installs may cost more.
3. Can I plug a portable generator into my home’s panel?
Only if it’s set up right, you’ll need a manual transfer switch put in by a licensed electrician. That switch lets you run your home’s circuits safely. Don’t ever plug a generator into a wall outlet, it’s dangerous and can send power back into the grid, which puts workers at risk.
4. Are standby generators quieter than portable ones?
Yes, they are. Standby units sit outside your home in a sound-dampening case, so they make less noise. Portable models are louder, especially when they’re close by. If you live in a neighborhood, the quieter standby option is usually a better fit.
5. Can solar and battery systems replace generators in Ottawa?
Yes, they can. A solar system with battery backup can keep your lights and fridge on during an outage. It runs quietly, needs less upkeep, and doesn’t burn fuel. It works best if your energy use isn’t too high, your roof gets sun, and you’re ready to invest upfront.
6. What size generator do I need for my house?
That depends on what you want to run. A small portable unit (3,000–6,000 watts) can keep a fridge going, run some lights, and charge your devices. A bigger standby unit (10,000–22,000 watts) can power the whole house. True Beacon Solar can help you figure out what size fits your setup.
7. Are there rebates or loans for solar and battery backup in Ontario?
Yes, there are. The Canada Greener Homes Loan gives up to $40,000 with no interest for 10 years if you’re adding solar or batteries. You could also get a grant of up to $5,000 through government programs, depending on what you’re installing.
8. Can a home standby generator power my entire home during an outage?
Yes, a home standby generator can run your entire home if it’s sized properly. The key is to match the power output of the generator to your home’s power requirements which includes your heating system, fridge, lights, and essential electronics. Most homeowners opt for models between 14kW and 22kW for full coverage.
9. What fuel options are available for generators, and how do they differ?
Generators can run on liquid propane, diesel, or natural gas. Diesel is often used for larger units due to its energy density, but it tends to be louder and produce more emissions. Liquid propane burns cleaner and is easier to store in tanks, though it’s measured in gallons and runs out faster than natural gas if you don’t have regular deliveries set up.
10. Are portable generators dangerous if not used properly?
Yes, there’s a real risk of carbon monoxide exposure if a portable generator is run indoors or too close to your home. This can lead to poisoning, which can be fatal. Always run generators outside, far from doors and windows, and never in garages or enclosed spaces, even with the door open.