Q: I plan to install a backup generator for power outages. How do I determine what size I need? Would it make economic sense to just use one all the time? A: Smaller portable or large whole-house ...

A home standby generator is a luxury, and for some people a necessity. Also known as whole-house generators or stationary generators, these units cost about $2,000 to $5,000. And the professional ...

Solar panels can only generate electricity; they can’t store it, so you must pair them with a stand-alone battery bank or a power station. For home emergency power (for a few hours of power), we ...

Solar is no longer just a way to trim your utility bill; for many homeowners it is a serious contender to keep the lights on ...

Q: I remember reading an article you wrote last year about standby generators. Well, this winter I lost power during one of the larger storms, and now I'm very interested in having one installed. What ...

Spring is a season of contradictions. The longer days and warmer temperatures mean summer is right around the corner, but harsh storms and late snowfall remind us that there are still a few months of ...

Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. When the power goes out, a generator is the ...