Winter Storm Prep: Generator & Backup Power Options for 2026
St. Louis area winters can be unpredictable. Ice storms, heavy snow, and strong winds can knock out power for hours or even days. For homeowners in St. Charles and St. Louis County, having a backup power plan isn't a luxury—it's a necessity.
Why Backup Power Matters in the St. Louis Area
Our region faces unique challenges:
- Ice storms: Heavy ice buildup can bring down power lines for days
- Summer storms: Severe thunderstorms and tornadoes cause extended outages
- Aging infrastructure: Some areas have older power grid infrastructure
- Extreme temperatures: Both summer heat and winter cold can strain the grid
According to Ameren Missouri data, the average St. Louis area home experiences 1-3 outages per year, with some lasting 8+ hours.
Backup Power Options Compared
Option 1: Portable Generators
Best for: Occasional short outages, budget-conscious homeowners
How it works: Gas or propane-powered generator that you wheel out and connect to extension cords or a transfer switch during outages.
Pros: - Lowest upfront cost ($400-$2,000) - No installation required - Portable—can take to job sites, camping, etc. - Easy to store when not needed
Cons: - Requires manual setup during outage (often in bad weather) - Limited power output (3,000-12,000 watts typical) - Fuel storage and management required - Carbon monoxide risk (MUST be used outdoors, 20+ feet from home) - Loud operation - Requires extension cords unless transfer switch installed
Running costs: $15-30/day in fuel for moderate use
Option 2: Whole-Home Standby Generators
Best for: Families with medical equipment, home offices, frequent outages, larger homes
How it works: Permanently installed generator (usually natural gas or propane) with automatic transfer switch. Turns on automatically within seconds of power loss.
Pros: - Automatic operation—works even when you're away - Powers entire home or selected circuits - Runs on natural gas (no fuel storage) or propane - Can run for days with adequate fuel supply - Increases home value
Cons: - Higher cost ($1,540-$8,740 plus installation) - Requires professional installation - Needs regular maintenance (oil changes, exercise runs) - Permit required in most St. Louis area municipalities - Takes up yard space
| Sizing guide: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Home Size | Generator Size | Typical Cost (Installed) |
| Essential circuits only | 7-10 kW | $3,000-$5,000 |
| Small home (1,500 sq ft) | 10-14 kW | $4,500-$7,000 |
| Medium home (2,500 sq ft) | 14-20 kW | $6,000-$10,000 |
| Large home (3,500+ sq ft) | 20-26 kW | $8,000-$15,000 |
Option 3: Battery Backup Systems
Best for: Solar homeowners, eco-conscious homeowners, quiet operation needs, tech-forward homes
How it works: Large battery (like Tesla Powerwall, Enphase, or Anker SOLIX) stores electricity from solar panels or the grid, then provides power during outages.
Pros: - Silent operation - No fuel required (especially with solar) - No carbon monoxide risk - Can save money through time-of-use arbitrage - May qualify for 30% federal tax credit - Can participate in Virtual Power Plant programs for additional income
Cons: - Higher upfront cost ($10,000-$15,000 per battery after tax credit) - Limited runtime without solar (typically 8-24 hours) - May not power high-draw items (central AC, electric heat) - Requires indoor or protected outdoor installation space
| Popular systems for St. Louis area: | ||
|---|---|---|
| System | Capacity | Cost (After Tax Credit) |
| Tesla Powerwall 3 | 13.5 kWh | ~$10,000 |
| Enphase IQ Battery | 10-15 kWh | ~$12,000 |
| Anker SOLIX X1 | 5-30 kWh | ~$8,000-$20,000 |
| Franklin WholePower | 13.6 kWh | ~$11,000 |
Option 4: Vehicle-to-Home (V2H)
Best for: EV owners (Ford F-150 Lightning, future models), tech-early adopters
How it works: Your electric vehicle's battery powers your home through a special bidirectional charger.
Pros: - Huge capacity (F-150 Lightning = 98-131 kWh) - No separate backup system cost (if you already own the EV) - Dual-purpose asset
Cons: - Requires specific EV models (limited options in 2026) - Requires special equipment ($3,000-$6,000 for bidirectional charger) - Depletes your vehicle's range - Vehicle must be home during outage
Ford F-150 Lightning example: Can power average home for 3+ days on a full charge.
Transfer Switches: The Critical Component
For any backup power solution (except plug-in portables with extension cords), you need a transfer switch:
Manual Transfer Switch - Cost: $400-$800 installed - You manually flip the switch during outage - Good for: Portable generators, budget installations
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) - Cost: $800-$2,500 installed - Automatically switches when power goes out - Required for: Standby generators, recommended for batteries - Good for: Anyone who travels, hands-off operation
What Should Your Backup Power Run?
When sizing backup power, prioritize:
Essential (Keep These Running) - Refrigerator/freezer (800-1,200 watts startup, 150-400 running) - Sump pump (1,200-2,000 watts startup if you have water issues) - Medical equipment (varies) - Basic lighting - Phone charging - Internet/Wi-Fi router
Important (Nice to Have) - Furnace blower (300-500 watts) - Space heaters or electric heat (1,500 watts each) - Garage door opener - Security system
Comfort (If Capacity Allows) - Air conditioning (3,000-5,000 watts startup) - Electric water heater (4,500 watts) - TV/entertainment - Laundry
Generator Safety: Critical Information
Every year, generators cause deaths from carbon monoxide poisoning and electrocution. Follow these rules:
Carbon Monoxide Prevention - NEVER run a generator indoors, in garage, or under covered porch - Keep generator 20+ feet from any door, window, or vent - Install battery-powered CO detectors on every level - If you feel dizzy, headachy, or nauseous, get outside immediately
Electrical Safety - Never backfeed through your panel (use transfer switch) - Keep generator dry—use canopy if needed - Don't overload—add up wattages before connecting - Let generator cool before refueling - Store fuel safely, away from generator and home
Professional Installation For whole-home generators and battery systems, always use licensed electricians: - Proper transfer switch installation - Code-compliant connections - Permit and inspection (required in St. Charles and St. Louis County) - Warranty protection
Maintenance Tips
Portable Generators - Run monthly for 15-30 minutes with a load - Change oil annually or per manufacturer spec - Check fuel freshness—use stabilizer or drain for long storage - Inspect spark plugs, air filter annually
Standby Generators - Most run weekly self-test automatically - Annual professional service recommended - Change oil per manufacturer schedule - Check coolant level (liquid-cooled units) - Keep area around generator clear
Battery Systems - Usually require minimal maintenance - Monitor health through app - Ensure adequate ventilation - Keep firmware updated
Cost Comparison Summary
| Solution | Upfront Cost | Installation | Running Cost | Maintenance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portable Generator | $400-$2,000 | $0-$800 (transfer switch) | $15-30/day fuel | Low |
| Standby Generator | $1,500-$8,000 | $1,000-$3,000 | $2-10/day fuel | $200-400/year |
| Battery Backup | $10,000-$20,000 | Included | $0 (solar) to minimal | Very low |
| V2H (F-150 Lightning) | $0 (if owned) | $3,000-$6,000 | Electricity cost | None |
Making Your Decision
Choose a portable generator if: - Outages are rare and short - Budget is primary concern - You're physically able to set up in bad weather - You're comfortable with fuel management
Choose a standby generator if: - You have medical equipment or work from home - You travel frequently - You want hands-off protection - You have natural gas service
Choose battery backup if: - You have or plan to add solar - You value silent, clean operation - You want to save money through time-of-use rates - You're interested in VPP income opportunities
Choose V2H if: - You own or plan to buy a compatible EV - You want dual-purpose capability - Your outages are typically short (under 24 hours)
Ready to add backup power to your St. Charles or St. Louis County home? First Choice Electric installs generators and battery backup systems with proper permitting and transfer switches. Contact us for a free assessment and quote.