Backup power, compared by the numbers
Standby generators & backup power, compared honestly — specs, prices, and sizing math, no hype.
Quick answer
Most homes that want real outage protection land on a 14–24 kW standby generator ($9,500–$16,000 installed) or, for essentials-only backup, a 2–6 kWh portable power station ($500–$4,500). The right choice depends on three things: what you need to keep running, whether you have natural gas or propane, and how long your outages last. The guides below walk through the math with prices attached.
Most compared standby generators
| Model | Size | Approx. price | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generac Guardian 26kW | 26 kW | $6,900 | 5 yrs |
| Generac Guardian 24kW | 24 kW | $6,600 | 5 yrs |
| Generac Guardian 22kW | 22 kW | $6,100 | 5 yrs |
| Generac Guardian 18kW | 18 kW | $5,100 | 5 yrs |
| Generac Guardian 14kW | 14 kW | $4,500 | 5 yrs |
| Kohler 26kW (26RCA) | 26 kW | $7,500 | 5 yrs |
| Kohler 20kW (20RCA) | 20 kW | $6,000 | 5 yrs |
| Kohler 14kW (14RCA) | 14 kW | $4,700 | 5 yrs |
| Cummins QuietConnect 20kW (RS20A) | 20 kW | $5,800 | 5 yrs |
| Cummins QuietConnect 13kW (RS13A) | 13 kW | $4,300 | 5 yrs |
| Champion 14kW Standby | 14 kW | $4,300 | 10 yrs |
Guides & comparisons
The best whole-home standby generators compared on specs, warranty, noise, and price — from 13kW essentials coverage to 26kW whole-house units.
The best portable generators from Honda, Westinghouse, Champion, DuroMax, WEN, and Firman compared on running watts, noise, fuel options, and price.
The best portable power stations from EcoFlow, BLUETTI, and Jackery compared on capacity, output, expandability, charging speed, and price.
The best solar panels for EcoFlow, Jackery, and BLUETTI power stations compared on watts, rigid vs. folding format, weight, compatibility, and price.
Generac Guardian vs Cummins QuietConnect standby generators compared on price, noise, warranty, engines, and dealer networks.
Generac Guardian vs Kohler RCA standby generators compared on price, warranty, noise, engines, service networks, and monitoring apps.
What standby generator maintenance actually involves — exercise cycles, oil and filter intervals, battery life, realistic DIY and dealer costs, and the failures that kill these units.
For a 1,500 sq ft house, a 14 kW standby generator covers most homes whole-house; gas-appliance homes need less, all-electric homes may need 18–20 kW.
For a 2,000 sq ft house, most homes need a 14–18 kW standby generator for essential circuits, or 20–24 kW for whole-home coverage with load management.
A 3,000 sq ft house usually needs a 22–26 kW standby generator for whole-home coverage, or 20 kW with disciplined load management.
Whole house generator costs in 2026 broken down by size — equipment, transfer switch, gas line, permits, and labor — plus running costs and ways to save.