I just stumbled across this thread - after finishing laughing, I offer the following.
I started with two Delta Pros connected together and plugged into a generator inlet box beside my panel. I used the appropriate interlock kit to prevent backfeeding to the grid. We ran our whole house on this setup for months until I finally pulled the trigger for a "real" solar solution. We learned a lot about our power consumption and what loads were really important.
We're in Texas, also, so we kept the garage door propped open a bit and even ran a fan to keep the air circulating.
We lost our interlock kit and inlet box when we upgraded our system for solar. Now, the Delta Pros sit in the closet awaiting the next emergency when our inverter craps out or we need power in the shop.