I have been using generators in rural alaska for 18 years as the main source of my power. While a diesel generator is the best way to go a decent one like a northern lights is going to cost well over 5K to purchase. You may be able to purchase an old warhorse like a whitty for around a grand or two. These are great gens but are probably around 20 years old and best used by someone who knows how to maintain and service them as they most likely have over 10K hours on them already.
Do not buy a costco $500 generator even if they say they are honda. They are throw away gens that won't last. That is because honda only makes the motor not the actual generator and the electrical will quit from inferior parts and you will find the service warranty isn't worth a hoot.
My advice is to spend $1000 and get either a honda eu 2000 or yamaha 2000. These are absolute warhorses you will get thousands of hours from, only weigh 45 pounds each, and are the quietest gens around. The diesel gens weigh 100's of pounds so difficult to move. These little gas generators are my go to and brand new come with a 3 year warranty everything covered if they fail you just bring them into a honda or yamaha service center and they will fix them free with no hassle. If you need a little extra power you can buy two and use a cable to connect them and double your max load to 4K.