Ophis

This is probably too obvious an answer, but you could use a small generator (2500 to 5000 Watts depending on your emergency power requirements) and a manual transfer switch. You could probably buy the generator, and have an Electrician install the transfer switch for under $1,500.oo this system could handle your herp heat loads plus a few other loads like a furnace, well pump, refrigerator, a lighting circuit etc...