Talking about a powerwall? That + solar is the best setup IMO.

Depending on what electricity costs/tax credits it basically pays for itself over a few years and it gives you the automatic power transfer during a power outage. Depending on the size of array/electricity use you could get by with just one powerwall weather permitting.

If you need a little more power you could always use a portable generator like others have mentioned.

You basically would have a self sufficient on/off grid power backup that could pay for itself.

I have a 16kw generac on nat gas like asked about in OP. Previous owners had it installed for $9k 5 years ago, they were elderly and wanted a no fuss system.

It runs well but it's only been necessary once or twice in 5 years. The power grid used to be spotty but now is damn near flawless.

Maintenance is easy, it has a computer so it exercises itself 15 minutes per week. I believe the rotor/stator lose magnetism if unused too long and need to be regaussed which why it exercises. Change the oil and filters, check the battery when the service light comes on.

It's an air cooled natural gas engine, so very simple. Natural gas engines run very clean, low emissions and the oil doesn't really get dirty. Still change it though, keep oil and filters on hand in case you need to run it for weeks in an emergency.

I have a second big freezer instead that can stay cold for hell long, only cost 150 gives me spsce to stock up which i like and if lose power i add my fridge food to that. If lose power i dont mind the change of pace and lighting candle for light and other adventure stuff, usually it creates memories

My neighbor was telling me he went to his brothrs house in the last blackout and he was bragging about his 15k generator etc etc hes saying i had to leave i wanted to punch him in the head - then power comes back on, was only off for about 36 hours


My child bearer is not a good at home camping partner though so i have to tell her to calm down with that **** or go t her moms

Both of my neighbors have them. We considered getting one when we first moved in and got quoted right around 10k. I bought a portable with a transfer switch and have been using that for the time being. Total was like 2k. Ive only had to hook up the portable twice in the past 4 years and both times we were without power for roughly 3 days or so. Im not sure if its worth it yet. I can't run the whole house on the portable, but can easily get by on what it can give me.