Table of Contents:
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Whole-house generators like Generac are permanent backup systems that power your full home automatically using natural gas or diesel.
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Battery and solar generators like BLUETTI offer quiet, clean power for essentials like CPAP machines, Wi-Fi, and fridges.
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Generator size depends on home size and wattage: most 2,000 to 3,000 sq ft homes need a 22kW whole-house unit costing around $9,000 to $12,000 installed.
Grid power is great (until it goes out). Whether you need to keep medical devices running or stay connected while working from home, a generator for your house can provide backup power. Read on to learn about whole-house, portable, solar, and battery generators to choose the right option.
Why use a generator for your home?
A generator keeps your home going when outages from wildfire activity, aging infrastructure, hurricanes, or winter storms cut everything off. At PowerOutage.us, we’ve seen how major power outages like Hurricanes Milton and Helene, along with winter events in 2023 and 2022, have affected millions. If you’ve been without power for an extended period, you know how important it is.
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A backup generator prevents food spoilage by powering refrigerators and freezers
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Home power backup avoids basement flooding by running sump pumps
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A standby generator helps you keep working by supplying power to routers and laptops
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Emergency power system prevents medical risk by supporting oxygen machines and CPAPs
With a residential generator, your family remains connected, protected, and fully functional, even during prolonged blackouts.
Types of home backup generators
The major types of generators include standby, portable, and inverter generators. We’re also including solar plus battery generators along with battery-only backup systems, since you can use these to power a home during an outage to some degree. Here’s an overview of these types:
| Feature | Standby generator | Portable generator | Inverter generator | Solar+battery system | Battery energy storage system |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power output range | 7.5 to 150+ kW | 2 to 12 kW | 1 to 7 kW | 3 to 20+ kW (battery); scalable w/solar | 5 to 20+ kWh (energy storage) |
| Fuel type | Natural gas, propane, diesel | Gasoline, propane | Gasoline, propane | Solar+Lithium battery | Electricity (charged from the grid) |
| Automatic startup | Yes (with transfer switch) | No | No | Yes (some systems like Tesla Powerwall) | Yes |
| Noise level | Moderate | Loud | Quiet | Silent | Silent |
| Maintenance needs | Moderate (engine service, fuel) | High (frequent oil/fuel changes) | Low to moderate | Low (panel cleaning, battery checks) | Low |
| Run time | Unlimited (with fuel supply) | 8 to 24 hrs per tank, depending on load | 6 to 20 hrs | Continuous (sun+battery capacity) | Hours to days (depends on size) |
| Grid independence | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Installation cost | $7,000 to $20,000+ | $500 to $3,000 | $400 to $2,000 | $10,000 to $40,000+ | $7,000 to $15,000+ |
| Best for | Whole-house backup | Emergency use, lower budgets | Quiet generation, sensitive electronics | Sustainable, long-term backup | Quiet, grid-tied homes |
| Wi-Fi/smart integration | Often included | Rare | Rare | Yes (monitoring+automation) | Yes |
Standby (whole-house) generators
A standby generator is a permanently installed home backup power system that automatically activates when the utility grid fails. It connects to your home’s electrical panel via an automatic transfer switch, delivering seamless backup for the entire house.
Main components:
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Standby generator unit
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Automatic transfer switch
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Concrete or composite mounting pad
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Fuel connection (natural gas, propane, or diesel)
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Electrical panel integration
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Load management module (optional)
Fuel sources: Typically powered by natural gas, propane (LPG), or diesel. These fuels support continuous runtime as long as the supply is available.
Power output: Ranges from 10 kW to 50 kW+, supporting everything from HVAC systems and refrigerators to smart home devices and medical equipment.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Fully automatic operation with no manual startup ✅ Powers the entire home or critical circuits ✅ Can increase property value and buyer appeal ✅ Integrates with load management systems | ❌ Higher upfront cost for the unit and professional installation ❌ Requires permits, fuel connections, and regular maintenance |
Standby generators are best for: Homeowners needing turnkey, long-term power backup in storm-prone or outage-heavy areas
Top-rated residential generator brands
Below are some highly rated whole-home generator brands. Note that the company lists here and elsewhere in this article are unranked.
| Brand | Known for | Typical use cases |
|---|---|---|
| Generac | Industry leader in residential standby generators | Whole-house backup, automatic systems |
| Kohler/Rehlko | Premium build quality, long warranties | Homes with sensitive electronics, luxury homes |
| Cummins | Commercial-grade durability, quiet operation | Large homes, light commercial, critical loads |
| Briggs & Stratton | Compact, affordable standby units for smaller homes | Budget-friendly whole-home systems |
| Champion Power | Entry-level standby generators with optional ATS | Small homes, DIY installation markets |
| Winco | Industrial-grade reliability, American-made | Custom installs, rural/off-grid homes |
| Canter | Innovative residential generator technology, fast install | Mid-size homes, quick install/setup needs |
Portable Generators
A portable generator is a mobile, manually operated power unit that supplies electricity to select appliances or circuits during short-term outages. It’s typically used for emergency backup, camping, or job sites.
Main components:
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Portable generator unit
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Fuel tank (gasoline, propane, or dual-fuel)
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Manual transfer switch or interlock kit (for home use)
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Extension cords or power strips
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Wheel kit and handles (for mobility)
Fuel sources: Commonly run on gasoline, with some models offering dual-fuel capability using propane or diesel.
Power output: Typically between 2 kW and 12 kW, sufficient for refrigerators, lights, modems, and power tools.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Affordable upfront cost compared to standby models ✅ Easy to store, transport, and deploy ✅ Suitable for multiple locations or outdoor use | ❌ Requires manual fueling and startup ❌ Limited runtime and coverage ❌ Produces noise and must be operated outdoors for safety |
Portable generators are best for: Homeowners seeking a budget-friendly backup, or those needing temporary power on demand
Top-rated portable emergency generator brands
Below are a few of the best portable generator brands:
| Brand | Known for | Typical use cases |
|---|---|---|
| Generac | High-power, dual-fuel options; reliable U.S. brand | Home backup, RV, job sites |
| Honda | Ultra-quiet inverter models; premium build | Camping, electronics, sensitive loads |
| Champion Power | Budget-friendly, dual-fuel options | Residential backup, DIY, recreation |
| Westinghouse | Easy start, inverter tech, mid-range pricing | Emergency home power, outdoor use |
| WEN | Low-cost, compact generators | Tailgating, light-duty needs |
| DuroMax | High-capacity, dual-fuel, rugged build | Construction, whole-house backup |
| Briggs & Stratton | Engine reliability, U.S.-made quality | Home use, job site, moderate backup |
| Pulsar | Compact, dual-fuel, entry-level pricing | Small homes, budget-conscious users |
| Ryobi | Tool integration, portable inverter units | Casual use, DIY projects, small appliance load |
| Predator | Harbor Freight brand, cost-effective performance | Emergency power, occasional use |
Inverter Generators
An inverter generator is a portable generator type that uses advanced electronics to produce clean, stable AC power. This is ideal for sensitive devices like CPAP machines, laptops, and smart TVs.
Main components:
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Inverter generator unit
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Built-in inverter for clean AC output
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Fuel tank (gasoline or propane)
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Control panel with eco/throttle mode
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Parallel connection kit (optional for stacking units)
Fuel sources: Most models run on gasoline, though newer designs may support solar input or dual-fuel operation.
Power output: Typically between 1 kW and 7 kW, with parallel capability for stacking multiple units.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Quiet operation with low total harmonic distortion (THD) ✅ Fuel-efficient thanks to smart throttle control ✅ Lightweight and easy to transport | ❌ More expensive than conventional portables per watt ❌ Often insufficient for whole-house coverage or high-load appliances |
Inverter generators are best for: Urban users, RV travelers, and those needing clean backup power for electronics or low-draw home circuits.
Top-rated inverter generator brands for power backup
Here are some reliable brands for inverter generators:
| Brand | Known for | Typical use cases |
|---|---|---|
| Honda | Top-tier reliability and ultra-quiet performance | Camping, RVs, sensitive electronics |
| Yamaha | Excellent noise control and fuel efficiency | Outdoor recreation, emergency backup |
| Champion Power | Affordable inverter models with dual-fuel options | DIYers, small appliances, RVs |
| Westinghouse | Easy-start inverters with remote start options | Home essentials, travel trailers |
| WEN | Budget-friendly, lightweight models | Tailgating, light tool use, camping |
| Ryobi | Inverter units sold through Home Depot with smart features | Occasional backup, outdoor events |
| Generac | Inverter line with quiet operation and clean power | Light-duty home backup, electronics |
| A-iPower | Cost-effective with decent specs for the price | Small appliances, portable power needs |
Solar+battery backup systems (hybrid generators)
Solar+battery systems combine photovoltaic panels, a lithium battery bank, and a smart inverter to deliver clean, quiet, off-grid-ready backup power. These hybrid energy systems can operate independently or integrate with grid-tied setups, offering resilient, renewable electricity for both short and extended outages.
Main components:
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Solar panels
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Smart inverter
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Charge controller
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Battery system
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Monitoring app or energy dashboard
Fuel source: Powered by solar energy during the day and stored in LiFePO4 or lithium-ion batteries for nighttime or blackout use. Some systems can also recharge from the grid or via a gas generator.
Power output: Ranges from 3 kW for portable stations to 30 kW in whole-home hybrid systems. Modular stacking and smart load controls enhance capacity.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Zero emissions, silent operation, and no fuel costs ✅ Safe for indoor use and ideal for urban or off-grid applications ✅ Can integrate with standby generators for redundancy ✅ Qualifies for energy efficiency tax credits and net metering benefits | ❌ Higher upfront cost for panels, inverter, and battery storage ❌ Limited runtime unless carefully sized to charge battery during the day |
Solar+battery backup is best for: Eco-conscious homeowners, solar enthusiasts, or anyone seeking a silent, renewable backup solution that scales with energy goals.
Top-rated solar+battery backup brands
Below are some reliable solar and battery backup brands.
| Brand | Known for | Typical use cases |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla (Powerwall) | Industry-leading battery with solar integration and app control | Whole-home backup, grid-tied solar systems |
| Enphase | Modular microinverter and battery systems | Residential solar, partial or full home backup |
| LG Energy Solution | High-capacity batteries (RESU line) with strong solar compatibility | Homes with existing solar setups |
| Sonnen | Premium smart energy storage with energy management features | Luxury homes, off-grid, energy independence |
| Panasonic | Durable solar panels + battery bundles | High-efficiency solar and storage integration |
| Bluetti | Expandable battery + solar generator systems (off-grid capable) | RVs, cabins, mobile, and partial home use |
| EcoFlow | Portable solar and battery ecosystems with modular expandability | Emergency power, light off-grid, home essentials |
| Goal Zero (Yeti) | User-friendly portable solar + battery systems | Emergency kits, mobile power, and limited home use |
Battery backup system (non-generating storage units)
A battery backup system is a power storage solution, not a generator. It doesn’t create electricity, but stores energy drawn from the grid for later use during outages. It delivers instant, silent backup power for essential appliances. You can use these without solar panels and charge them from outlets in your garage, for example.
Main components:
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Battery unit
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AC wall charger
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Built-in inverter
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Output panel (AC/DC/USB ports)
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App for real-time monitoring (optional)
Power source: Charged in advance via AC wall outlets. Unlike generators, this doesn’t rely on combustion or fuel.
Power output: Varies by model, ranging from 300 Wh portable units to 13.5 kWh whole-home batteries. Enough for fridges, Wi-Fi routers, lighting, and CPAP machines.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| ✅ Silent, emissions-free, and safe for indoor use ✅ Delivers instant power without startup lag ✅ Ideal for apartments, condos, or noise-restricted zones | ❌ Doesn’t generate power (must be pre-charged) ❌ Requires multiple batteries to run a whole home for long times |
Battery backup systems are best for: Users needing quiet, short-term backup for essential devices and integrating with a grid-tied hybrid system.
Top-rated battery storage system brands
Below are some reliable battery backup system brands. Note that some (like the Tesla Powerwall) overlap with solar+battery systems, since they don’t require solar panel installations.
| Brand | Known for | Typical use cases |
|---|---|---|
| Tesla (Powerwall) | High-capacity battery with smart load shifting | Whole-home backup, grid outage protection |
| LG Energy Solution | RESU batteries with modular design | Partial backup, time-of-use energy savings |
| Enphase IQ Battery | All-in-one storage with microinverter compatibility | Smart energy management, hybrid solar setups |
| Sonnen | Premium battery with home automation and energy management | Luxury homes, demand charge reduction |
| Panasonic EverVolt | Reliable lithium-ion storage with long lifespan | Time-of-use offset, backup for critical loads |
| SimpliPhi | Modular, LFP-based storage with off-grid focus | Clean backup power, off-grid homes |
| Electriq PowerPod | All-in-one battery with utility integration capabilities | Whole-home systems, grid services |
| Fortress Power | High-capacity, scalable storage systems | Custom home systems, off-grid, or large homes |
Which kind of generator for power outages do I need?
The kind of home generator you need depends on your priorities. Choose a standby generator for full-home power, a portable or inverter generator for essentials, or a solar+battery or battery backup system for silent, sustainable, short-term indoor use.
| Generator type | Best use cases |
|---|---|
| Standby generator | Full-home backup, automatic startup, storm-prone areas, powering HVAC and medical devices. Popular options: Generac Guardian, Kohler/Rehlko 20RESCL |
| Portable generator | Emergency power for essentials (fridge, lights), budget setups, camping, and job sites. Popular options: Westinghouse WGen7500, Champion Dual-Fuel 7500 |
| Inverter generator | Quiet, efficient power for sensitive electronics, small appliances, RVs, or urban backup. Popular options: Honda EU2200i, BLUETTI EB3A |
| Solar+battery system | Sustainable, long-duration backup, off-grid use, solar-powered homes, and smart integrations. Popular options: Tesla Powerwall+Solar, Goal Zero Home Backup+Solar |
| Battery backup system | Silent, short-term power for Wi-Fi, CPAP, lights, ideal for condos and indoor use. Popular options: Enphase IQ Battery, Goal Zero Yeti 3000X |
Bottom line on backup power generators for home
Whether you need full-home emergency power, a portable solution for short outages, or an eco-friendly solar setup, there’s a home generator tailored to your lifestyle. Find the right type for your situation and compare top-rated generators to choose the best option.
FAQs about generators for home backup power
Below are a few frequently asked questions about backup generators for homes.
How big of a generator do I need to run my house?
A whole home generator between 18 kW and 24 kW powers most 2,000 to 3,000 sq ft homes. Size depends on appliance wattage, HVAC load, and whether you want full or partial backup coverage.
What size generator is required for a house?
For whole-house backup, most homes need a standby generator sized based on total kW load. Use a generator sizing calculator factoring in sump pump, refrigerator, and central AC usage.
How much is a generator for a 2,000 sq ft house?
A residential standby generator for 2,000 sq ft typically costs $9,000 to $12,000 installed, including a 22 kW Generac or Kohler/Rehlko unit, transfer switch, and licensed electrician labor.
Can I run my whole house with a 6500-watt generator?
No. A 6,500 W portable generator only supports essential circuits, not full-home loads. You’d need load management and won’t be able to power central AC, ovens, or water heaters simultaneously.