Real capacity. Real decisions on whole-home power.
Technical analysis for whole-home backup power systems — standby generators, automatic transfer switches, fuel-type selection, load management, and integration with battery storage. Every score is a weighted aggregate of measured specs, not sponsored placement.
See all 12 systems analyzed and top 3 matches
6 scoring dimensions
Power Capacity
Continuous + surge kW vs your connected load; sizing margin for motor start-up (AC, well pump).
Transfer Switch & Automation
Auto vs manual transfer, switchover time, whole-home vs load-shedding panels.
Fuel Flexibility
Natural gas, propane, diesel, or dual-fuel; runtime per tank and local fuel availability.
Load Management
Smart load-shedding modules, managed circuits, prioritizing critical loads when capacity is tight.
Battery & Solar Integration
Compatibility with hybrid inverters and storage for combined solar + generator + battery setups.
Installation Value
Typical installed cost, permit/code complexity, and $/kW installed vs comparable systems.
Database in progress. Methodology defined.
Dataset: 12 / ~45 systems
Illustrative — not yet verified| SKU | Brand | Capacity | Fuel | Score | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| GEN-22K-A | Model A | 22 kW | NG / LP | — | Planned |
| GEN-14K-B | Model B | 14 kW | NG / LP | — | Planned |
| GEN-26K-A+ | Model A+ | 26 kW | NG / LP / Diesel | — | Planned |
| GEN-11K-C | Model C | 11 kW | NG / LP | — | Planned |
| GEN-08K-C | Model C | 8 kW | NG / LP | — | Planned |
| GEN-20K-D | Model D | 20 kW | Diesel | — | Planned |
How we'll compare systems.
Once the dataset is live, every comparison will be sourced from manufacturer datasheets and verified runtime tests. Below is a sample of the comparison format using illustrative figures.
Sample — illustrative figuresMethodology, defined before the data.
We publish the scoring methodology before the dataset goes live, so the framework is auditable from day one — no retrofitted criteria.
What a verdict will look like.
Every verdict — once published — ships with both halves of the trade-off. Below is the format using a representative 22kW whole-home system.
- +Whole-home coverage — 22kW handles central AC, well pump and electric range simultaneously.
- +Automatic transfer switch included — restores power within seconds of an outage.
- +Runs on natural gas — effectively unlimited runtime on piped supply.
- +Smart load management — sheds non-critical circuits automatically if demand exceeds capacity.
- −65 dB at 23ft — audible at property line, check local noise ordinances.
- −410 kg — concrete pad and professional installation required.
- −Natural gas dependency — no autonomy if gas supply is interrupted (consider dual-fuel).
- −$9,500 installed — higher upfront cost than essential-circuit-only systems.
What we'll investigate first.
6 planned threads · dataset construction in progress
Standby generator sizing accuracy
Nameplate kW vs measured sustained load
Transfer switch reliability
Automatic vs manual failure rates
Fuel consumption comparison
Natural gas vs propane runtime per system size
Noise at property line
23ft dB readings across brands and load levels
Generator + battery hybrid savings
Fuel savings when paired with home battery storage
Installation cost survey
Permit + electrician + unit cost across regions
- Scoring framework designed
- Evaluation criteria defined
- Product database — 12 systems live (45-system target)
- Dataset 12 / ~45 systems
- Decision engine — live, ranks 12 systems by goal/load/fuel/solar
- Standby Generator Sizing Guide: How Many kW Do You Need?Coming soon
- Natural Gas vs Propane Generators: Which Fuel Type?Coming soon
- Transfer Switch Types Explained: Automatic vs ManualComing soon
- Generator + Battery Hybrid Systems: Whole-Home Backup GuideComing soon
Recommendations use a weighted scoring algorithm across 6 use-case dimensions, based on manufacturer specs and field-tested data where available. Each data point shows confidence level: verified / claimed / estimated.