Solar panels and a big battery would be a better choice.

I absolutely agree that in the long term they’re a much better option. But my drag-around gas generator cost 500 bucks, while my solar system was $22k and I got quoted $18k for a single battery.

If we're talking long-term, the generator will easily outlast the solar panel and/or battery if you maintain it properly (which is honestly very trivial as upkeep goes).

He already has a battery, a Honda EU2200i to supplement it during blackouts would only be $1,200. Outrageously cheap compared to installing a 2nd home battery.

You can probably buy a brand new generator every single time you need it for cheaper than a big battery

Or... Leave California?

I'm honestly not trying to be a jerk, but it's really hard for me to understand why anyone would want to live like that.

The government there is just so... intrusive.

I lived in SoCal for six years in the 90s and absolutely loved it.

But now? I've lived all over the country, and experienced a lot of different state governments and local cultures.

I just don't think I could tolerate living in a state with that much regulation.

Does it ever bother you?

Oh, there's a lot about California that makes it completely intolerable. Unfortunately there's a lot about other states that make them completely intolerable as well. Pick your poison.

NY is about the only one with roughly sknklarish levels of draconian control.

Unfortunately idiots run the state but IMO California has the greatest geography in the world. It has the most amount of experiences one can get than any other state, some countries even. There a great variety of people and cultures here, only rivaled by NYC. Despite the fires the weather is fantastic most of the time.

It's definitely gotten worse to live in these days (homeless, dumb politicians, rent, traffic, etc) but it's something I would put up with because it's truly a great location. I really wish someday someone competent would come to office there, but alas.

Not saying California is perfect, absolutely not. A shithole some might say, but there's so much Cali offers that you can't get anywhere else.

source: I'm from California, grew up SoCal, went to uni in NorCal. Went and seen it all. Unfortunately now I live in Seattle due to job reasons.