I have always wondered are there generators that can run off (for those that have it) natural gas or propane? If it is plumed into the homes gas supply it could, in theory, run indefinitely and would be much cleaner (and probably cheaper) than gasoline or diesel.
What about running the exhaust into the chimney? That way you could have the generator in your basement rather than an out building.

So far this winter makes it look like a generator is something we should consider for a permanent installation.

That's a bit cynical. While it's unlikely this thing is as autonomous as they would like us to believe there may be an explanation for the "detailed" description of the objects. Perhaps it was taught that an object of that height/width is a "wooden chair". And, much as a young child will run around and point at any small animal and say "doggy!" no matter what type of animal it is, anything about that size and shape is recognized as a "wooden chair".

Without more information it's hard to say for sure.

How do you collect the reward if you report it anonymously?

You might be correct (and super paranoid;-) if you rephrase it that the company frames someone they don't like and claim that there was an anonymous tip. That way the company gets free publicity by offering a reward but doesn't have to actually pay the $1M.

Besides I'm sure anyone trying to claim $1M will be thoroughly investigated as well.