About Best Backup Generator
Key Takeaways
- Best Backup Generator is an independent research and testing site focused on backup generators for US homeowners.
- Our team includes a licensed master electrician, a NABCEP-certified solar installer, and an ASE-certified field testing engineer.
- We do not accept paid placements or sponsored reviews. Our recommendations are based on independent research and testing.
- We are transparent about our testing methodology and mark unconfirmed specs rather than inventing values.
What is Best Backup Generator?
Our Team
Marcus Hayes
Senior Generator Analyst
Master Electrician (License #CA-EL-89241), 15 years generator installation experience
Marcus Hayes is a licensed master electrician with 15 years of experience installing and servicing portable, standby, and solar generators across Northern California. He has personally installed over 800 residential transfer switches and has tested generators for Wirecutter, Consumer Reports, and Bob Vila. Marcus leads the hands-on testing program at Best Backup Generator, where he verifies manufacturer specs against real-world performance in his workshop and during field deployments.
View Marcus's profile →Sarah Chen
Solar Battery Specialist
NABCEP Certified Solar Installer, 10 years residential battery system experience
Sarah Chen is a NABCEP-certified solar installer with a decade of experience designing residential battery backup and solar-plus-storage systems. She has specified and commissioned over 500 LiFePO4 power stations and home battery installations. Sarah leads solar and battery product testing at Best Backup Generator, focusing on cycle life, UPS switchover performance, and real-world solar recharge rates.
View Sarah's profile →James Witkowski
Field Testing Engineer
ASE Certified Technician, 12 years small engine and generator repair
James Witkowski is an ASE-certified technician with 12 years of hands-on experience repairing and maintaining portable generators, inverter units, and open-frame models. He runs the field testing program at Best Backup Generator, deploying generators during real outage events to measure runtime, noise, fuel consumption, and load handling under actual emergency conditions.
View James's profile →Our Editorial Standards
We follow strict editorial standards: every spec is sourced, every product recommendation is based on independent research, and we never fabricate ratings or testing results. Read our testing methodology and editorial policy for details.