150,000 customers in Boulder County lost power last weekend, many for 2-3 days with little advance warning. In the wake of the Marshall Fire, Xcel Energy took the step of preemptively cutting power before a major wind event, then needed time to visually inspect 600 miles of power lines before they could turn power back on for all their customers.
This left many folks wondering about a backup plan— backup generator, that is. A generator can keep an entire household running, sometimes for several days or longer, ensuring your food stays cold in your refrigerator and your heat stays on at night. For those in rural properties with wells, loss of power also means loss of water, so a backup generator can be essential.
What are the main types of backup generators?
Portable Gas Generators - these are the small, noisy units you see at campgrounds. One of the most affordable types of generators, these function well but can require up to 20 gallons of gas PER DAY. They are also noisy and produce carbon monoxide so they need to be outside and a good distance from the home, but also cannot be exposed to the elements. The home occupant also needs to be present to turn it on when the power goes out.
Natural Gas/Propane generator - These units can be installed within 18” of a home and make about the same amount of noise as AC compressor. They can run on natural gas or propane, switch automatically when power is lost, and can be monitored via bluetooth or wifi on a phone. Cost is around $5000 for a 20kW unit and another $1500 - $5000 for installation. They also require some annual maintenance. However, they can power your home indefinitely and you do not need to be home to switch over to it as source of power.
Solar/Battery generator - These units use solar power (and also grid power) to charge batteries at optimal times, then can be engaged when power is lost in the home. They are silent and produce no emissions. The Tesla Powerwall is a prime example of this, but there are several others. Cost is between $9k-$15k for these and sometimes more, however you may be eligible for a 30% federal tax credit after purchasing.
Learn more about the 12 Best Generators for 2024 according to Popular Mechanics.