I have considered using an old Lister diesel engine in a genset. I don't have the links handy but search for Lister or Listeroid. They used to be made in England but now a company in India has started production. They come in 1 and 2 cylinder models with VERY large flywheels. The flywheels are what makes them work well as they handle high starting loads with no stalling. When I was growing up in West Texas they were used extensively in the oil fields. Some ran natural gas, others diesel. VERY simple engines that are made to be self-serviced. A Lister suitable for whole house needs can be had for around $2,500 as I recall. They easily run on SVO, WVO, bioD, Kerosene, and even waste motor oil. I hope to have something like this within the year. The fuel usage is low enough that I believe that I can run my whole house for about $200/month.
clint

__________________
81 300D N/A 130K miles (Nelly)
87 300D Turbo 80K miles (The Scalded Dog...because it runs like a scalded dog)
95 e320 Wagon 104K
2003 Sprinter 47K miles.
1999 Tandem Bicycle
One beautiful low miles wife (who likes diesels) (that's my wife holding the sign)

My son and I fixing Nelly's odometer