Both generators and solar are useful to have. The genset is nice to have for regular power outages in snow country. But I believe in having a backup in solar. Mine consists of USB AA chargers that run directly off solar, and also larger panels that will charge a 12v agm battery, that can in turn power some small led lights, or run a aa battery charger. If you are interested in solar, goal zero, solarpaneltalk, and modernoutpost are a few good sites.