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When the lights go out at dinner time, the choice is between silent battery power that can run inside and a fuel engine that can carry a whole house. This comparison looks at solar generator vs gas generator home backup through listings from both sides, with the verdict up front: pick battery power for quiet indoor use and small loads, and pick a fuel generator for whole-home loads and long outages.
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Solar vs Gas: side by side
| Solar vs Gas | DuroMax XP13000HX | UDPOWER S2400 | DuroStar DS13000MX | Westinghouse iGen400s | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power type | Gasoline / propane | Battery powered | Gasoline and propane | Battery powered | |
| Starting watts | 13000 watts | 2400 watts | 13000 watts | 400 watts | |
| Running watts | 13000 watts | 2400 watts | 10500 watts | 200 watts | |
| Capacity | Not stated | 2083Wh | Not stated | 183Wh | |
| Runtime stated | 17 hours | Not stated | 17 hours | Not stated | |
| Weight | 245 pounds | 41 pounds | 220 pounds | 5 pounds | |
| Warranty | 5 Year Manufacturer | 3-Year Product Warranty | 3-Year Limited Factory Warranty | 2 Year Limited Warranty |
Specifications are manufacturer rated as listed, collected 25 October 2026.
Power and capacity
Watts separate the two sides most clearly. The DuroMax and DuroStar gas listings both state 13000 watts starting, with the DuroStar listing stating 10500 watts running and the DuroMax listing stating 13000 watts running. On the battery side, the UDPOWER listing states 2400 watts rated output with 3000 watts surge and 2083Wh capacity, while the Westinghouse listing states 400 watts peak, 200 watts running and 183Wh capacity. The gas listings state no watt-hour capacity, so compare them on watts and on the 17 hours runtime each gas listing states, not on capacity.
Fuel and recharging
The gas side runs on fuel the battery side does not need. Both gas listings state dual fuel operation on gasoline and propane, and both state a 17 hours runtime. The battery side recharges from an outlet or from solar: the UDPOWER listing states recharge from 0 percent to 100 percent in 1.3 hours with 1600W AC input and solar charging up to 440W, and states compatibility with the UDPOWER 210W solar panel. The Westinghouse listing states solar panel readiness without a panel watt figure, and states charging to 80 percent in 2 hours from a 120V outlet.
Weight and outlets
Weight follows the same split. The Westinghouse listing states 5 pounds, the UDPOWER listing states 41 pounds, the DuroStar listing states 220 pounds and the DuroMax listing states 245 pounds. Outlets differ by listing rather than by side: the UDPOWER listing states 6 AC outlets plus USB, DC, car and solar connections, and the Westinghouse bullets list 9 outlets in total. The DuroMax bullets list four 120V GFCI household outlets plus 30 amp and 50 amp outlets, and both gas listings state a transfer switch ready 50 amp outlet.
What the listings leave unclear
Two listings contradict themselves on outlets, and the comparison follows the bullets over the spec table in both cases. The Westinghouse bullets list 9 outlets, while its spec table states a total of 2 power outlets. The DuroMax bullets list four household outlets plus 30 amp and 50 amp outlets, while its spec table states a total of 4 power outlets. The DuroMax spec table also states a tank volume of 0.5 gallons beside a 17 hours runtime, which leaves fuel use unclear, and its warranty is stated only as 5 Year Manufacturer, without further wording.
Four examples
| # | Product | Solar Score | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |  DuroMax XP13000HX | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |  UDPOWER S2400 | 9.7/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |  DuroStar DS13000MX | 9.6/10 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |  Westinghouse iGen400s | 9.5/10 | Buy on Amazon |
DuroMax XP13000HX
For a homeowner who wants whole-home watts on gasoline or propane, with a transfer switch ready outlet.
Pros
- 13000 watts starting and running, as listed.
- Dual fuel operation on gasoline or propane.
- Runtime of 17 hours stated.
- Transfer switch ready with a 50 amp outlet.
Cons
- 245 pounds, the heaviest pick.
- Tank volume stated as 0.5 gallons, unclear beside a 17 hours runtime.
- Outlet count differs between the bullets and the spec table total of 4.
- No watt-hour capacity is stated, so compare on watts and runtime instead.
Detailed Review
The listing states 13000 watts, dual fuel operation, a 500cc engine and a 17 hours runtime, with a front facing fuel selector and a 50 amp transfer switch ready outlet. Its bullets list four 120V GFCI household outlets plus 30 amp and 50 amp outlets, while its spec table states a total of 4 power outlets, so the comparison follows the bullets on outlets. Its spec table also states a tank volume of 0.5 gallons beside the 17 hours runtime, which leaves fuel use unclear.
Who it's for: a homeowner who needs whole-home watts and a transfer switch ready outlet. Who should skip it: a reader who needs quiet indoor power or a unit that can be carried easily.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 30/35, build 21/25, value 20/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 3/5: 81 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Output | 13000 watts |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Gasoline / propane |
| Runtime | 17 hours |
| Weight | 245 pounds |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. CO Alert carbon monoxide detection stated, so safety scores 7 of 10. 5 Year Manufacturer warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 3 of 5. See How We Pick.
Power station limits. Stay within the stated continuous output and solar input limits, keep the unit ventilated and dry, charge within the stated temperature range, and never connect it to home wiring except through equipment a licensed electrician installs.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
UDPOWER S2400
For a homeowner who wants a large battery station with instant backup switching and solar recharging.
Pros
- 2083Wh capacity with 2400 watts rated output and 3000 watts surge.
- LiFePO4 battery with over 4000 cycles stated.
- UPS switching within 0.01 seconds when power goes out.
- Solar charging up to 440W and AC recharge in 1.3 hours at 1600W input.
Cons
- 41 pounds, heavier than the Westinghouse pick.
- No battery management system is named in the listing.
- Solar compatibility stated only for the UDPOWER 210W solar panel.
- No runtime figure is stated, so compare on watt-hours instead.
Detailed Review
The listing states 2083Wh capacity, 2400 watts rated output, 3000 watts surge, 6 AC outlets and LiFePO4 cells, with UPS switching within 0.01 seconds and solar charging up to 440W. It states over 4000 cycles and up to 15 years of use as the maker's claim, and states compatibility with the UDPOWER 210W solar panel for solar recharging. No battery management system is named in the listing, and no runtime figure is stated.
Who it's for: a homeowner who wants a large battery station for home backup, RV use or camping. Who should skip it: a reader who needs whole-home watts above 2400 watts rated output.
Its Solar Score of 9.7/10 comes from performance 32/35, build 21/25, value 21/25, safety 7/10 and warranty 2/5: 83 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 2083Wh |
|---|---|
| Output | 2400 watts, 3000 watts surge |
| Solar charging | Up to 440W |
| Weight | 41 pounds |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. UPS switching within 0.01 seconds and a LiFePO4 battery the listing describes as stable and safe, so safety scores 7 of 10. 3-Year Product Warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 2 of 5. See How We Pick.
Power station limits. Stay within the stated continuous output and solar input limits, keep the unit ventilated and dry, charge within the stated temperature range, and never connect it to home wiring except through equipment a licensed electrician installs.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
DuroStar DS13000MX
For a homeowner who wants dual fuel whole-home watts with carbon monoxide detection and remote starting.
Pros
- 13000 watts starting with 10500 watts running.
- Dual fuel operation on gasoline or propane.
- CO sensor with automatic shutdown and low oil shutdown stated.
- Transfer switch ready with a 50 amp outlet and remote control included.
Cons
- 220 pounds, the second heaviest pick.
- Running watts of 10500, below the 13000 watts starting figure.
- No watt-hour capacity is stated, so compare on watts and runtime instead.
- The 17 hours runtime is not separated by fuel type in the listing.
Detailed Review
The listing states 13000 watts starting, 10500 watts running, a 500cc engine, dual fuel operation and a 17 hours runtime, with a steel frame and reinforced power panel. Its spec table states 5 total power outlets and a tank volume of 8.3 gallons, and its included components list a remote control. The runtime figure is not separated by fuel type, so compare it as a single stated figure.
Who it's for: a homeowner who wants whole-home watts with carbon monoxide detection. Who should skip it: a reader who needs quiet indoor power or a light unit.
Its Solar Score of 9.6/10 comes from performance 29/35, build 20/25, value 20/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 2/5: 79 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Output | 13000 watts starting, 10500 watts running |
|---|---|
| Fuel | Gasoline and propane |
| Runtime | 17 hours |
| Weight | 220 pounds |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. CO Sensor and Low Oil Shutdown stated, so safety scores 8 of 10. 3-Year Limited Factory Warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 2 of 5. See How We Pick.
Power station limits. Stay within the stated continuous output and solar input limits, keep the unit ventilated and dry, charge within the stated temperature range, and never connect it to home wiring except through equipment a licensed electrician installs.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
Westinghouse iGen400s
For a reader who wants a light, quiet battery station for phones, laptops and small home devices.
Pros
- Only 5 pounds, the lightest pick.
- Nine outlets as listed in the bullets, including AC, USB-C and DC.
- Protection from overcharging, overloading, overheating and low voltage.
- Charges to 80 percent in 2 hours from a 120V outlet.
Cons
- Only 183Wh capacity and 200 watts running, the smallest of the picks.
- No AC power adapter is included, per the listing.
- Outlet count in the spec table is 2, not the 9 listed in the bullets.
- Solar panel watt figure is not stated, only solar panel readiness.
Detailed Review
The listing states 400 watts peak, 200 watts running, 183Wh capacity and a 5 pound weight, with quiet, fume-free power for indoor use and a tri mode flashlight. Its bullets list 9 outlets, while its spec table states a total of 2 power outlets, so the comparison follows the bullets on outlets, as the brief directs. It also states that no AC power adapter is included, and states solar panel readiness without a panel watt figure.
Who it's for: a reader who needs a light station for phones, laptops and small devices, indoors or out. Who should skip it: a reader who needs large appliances or whole-home watts.
Its Solar Score of 9.5/10 comes from performance 23/35, build 19/25, value 19/25, safety 8/10 and warranty 2/5: 71 of 100 points, placed on our 9.2 to 9.8 scale.
Key Specifications
| Capacity | 183Wh |
|---|---|
| Output | 400 watts peak, 200 watts running |
| Weight | 5 pounds |
| Size | 9.4 x 4.5 x 5.9 in |
Figures as published on the retailer listing, collected 25 October 2026. Performance figures are manufacturer rated.
Safety and Warranty
What this listing states. Protection from overcharging, overloading, overheating and low voltage stated, so safety scores 8 of 10. 2 Year Limited Warranty stated. It does not say everything a buyer needs, such as who pays return shipping, so warranty scores 2 of 5. See How We Pick.
Power station limits. Stay within the stated continuous output and solar input limits, keep the unit ventilated and dry, charge within the stated temperature range, and never connect it to home wiring except through equipment a licensed electrician installs.
This is general buying information, not professional advice. Follow each product manual and local rules, and see our Safety Disclaimer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Where the points went
The Solar Score weighs performance, build, value, safety and warranty. For backup power, safety means carbon monoxide detection, low oil shutdown or battery protections the listing names: the DuroMax listing states CO Alert, the DuroStar listing states a CO sensor and low oil shutdown, the Westinghouse listing states protection from overcharging, overloading, overheating and low voltage, and the UDPOWER listing states UPS switching and a LiFePO4 battery described as stable and safe. All four state a warranty term, from 2 years to 5 years. How we pick explains the weights.
| Product | Solar Score | Perf. /35 | Build /25 | Value /25 | Safety /10 | Warranty /5 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DuroMax XP13000HX | 9.7 | 30 | 21 | 20 | 7 | 3 |
| UDPOWER S2400 | 9.7 | 32 | 21 | 21 | 7 | 2 |
| DuroStar DS13000MX | 9.6 | 29 | 20 | 20 | 8 | 2 |
| Westinghouse iGen400s | 9.5 | 23 | 19 | 19 | 8 | 2 |
Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each product’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score.
Solar generator vs gas generator home backup: which should you choose?
Choose battery power if the loads are small, the unit must run inside, or silence matters: the Westinghouse suits phones, laptops and small home devices, and the UDPOWER suits larger loads with its 2400 watts rated output and 2083Wh capacity. Choose a fuel generator if the loads include whole-home circuits or the outage may run long: both gas listings state 13000 watts starting and a transfer switch ready 50 amp outlet, and both state a 17 hours runtime. Check the stated watts against the loads before choosing either side, and do not assume a battery pick can carry a whole house.
| If you need | Look at |
|---|---|
| Quiet indoor use | Westinghouse iGen400s, 5 pounds, fume-free power stated |
| Largest stated watts | DuroMax XP13000HX, 13000 watts |
| Solar charging watt figure stated | UDPOWER S2400, solar charging up to 440W |
| Transfer switch ready outlet | DuroMax XP13000HX or DuroStar DS13000MX, 50 amp outlet |
Sizing Notes
- Match rated watts to the loads: 200 watts running on the Westinghouse, 2400 watts on the UDPOWER, and 13000 watts starting on both gas listings.
- Match watt-hours to the loads on the battery picks: 2083Wh on the UDPOWER against 183Wh on the Westinghouse.
- Check outlet types and counts against the loads, and note the outlet contradictions on the Westinghouse and DuroMax listings.
- For the transfer switch ready gas listings, a licensed electrician should install any transfer switch connection.
FAQ: power away from the grid
Can a solar generator run a whole home?
Not on the battery listings here. The Westinghouse listing states 200 watts running and the UDPOWER listing states 2400 watts rated output, while both gas listings state 13000 watts starting, so whole-home loads belong on the gas side of this comparison.
Can a gas generator run inside?
The gas listings do not state indoor use. The DuroMax listing states CO Alert and the DuroStar listing states a CO sensor, while the Westinghouse listing states quiet, fume-free power for indoor use.
How fast does the UDPOWER recharge?
The listing states recharge from 0 percent to 100 percent in 1.3 hours with 1600W AC input, and solar charging up to 440W.
What warranty do the picks state?
The Westinghouse states a 2 Year Limited Warranty, the UDPOWER states a 3-Year Product Warranty, the DuroStar states a 3-Year Limited Factory Warranty, and the DuroMax states 5 Year Manufacturer.
Related solar guides
See every Power Stations and Generators guide and all Home Backup Power Stations guides.
More picks: solar generator vs gas generator, power station 2400w, solar generator vs home battery backup.
