The DMV reality
Most DMV outages last 1–8 hours, with occasional multi-day events after major storms. A solution should cover both.
Standby generator (Generac, Kohler, Cummins)
- Indefinite runtime (natural gas or propane)
- 7–22 kW typical residential range
- $7,000–$14,000 installed
- Quarterly maintenance
- Whole-home or essential-circuit
- Cold-start reliable in winter
Home battery (Tesla Powerwall, Enphase, FranklinWH)
- 8–24 hour runtime depending on load
- 13.5 kWh per Powerwall (stackable)
- $13,000–$25,000 installed
- Silent, no fuel, low maintenance
- Pairs with solar for indefinite operation
- Available federal tax credit (30%)
Hybrid
Many Potomac and McLean homes now run battery as primary backup and a smaller generator for extended outages. Cost lands $20,000–$32,000 for a robust system.
What we recommend
- 1–4 hour outages: battery is plenty
- Frequent storm-prone areas (mature tree cover): generator or hybrid
- Net-metering solar homeowners: battery
- Off-grid resilience: hybrid
If you want a written estimate from a licensed electrician in Maryland, Washington DC, or Northern Virginia, call Flash Power LLC at (202) 926-7065 or request a free quote.