NW suburbs here. I am looking at different options for energy backups during uncommon power outages. I want to be sure there are good local contractors in the suburbs that can install and service whatever I decide.
* I don't want roof solar panels.
* I'd prefer not to deal with complicated or frequent maintenance. I average 0-2 power outages per year, and they've never been longer than 2 hours. So I don't think its worth the maintenance for a gas generator, and makes battery backups look prohibitively expensive.
* It seems like besides a battery, the other option is a natural gas backup or a multi-fuel portable generator - but I want something that I don't have to move around and just powers the house so I don't have to think about it.
* There are a few more unusual options like leasing a battery or waiting to buy an electric car with V2H. I haven't ruled those out, but just don't know the prevalence of either in my area.
If you've installed some kind of energy backup, what have you gone with, and any recommendations for reliable servicers?