Standby generator installation, always-on power.

If a full standby system is more than the project calls for right now, we can also wire a manual transfer switch to let you safely run a portable generator into specific circuits — no back-feeding the grid. It’s a legal, permitted interim step. See our panel upgrade page for how that fits into a broader electrical plan.

The single most important decision in a generator project is sizing. Undersized and it overloads in a storm, tripping on the loads you need most. Oversized and you’re paying thousands more than necessary. We calculate your home’s connected load from your panel schedule — every circuit, every motor-start surge — and match the generator to that number with a real safety margin. Here’s how the ranges break down for typical Palm Beach County homes:

• 11–14 kW (essential circuits) — runs the most critical loads: central AC (one zone), refrigerator, lights, outlets, and a well pump or sump pump. Paired with a managed-load ATS that cycles heavy appliances, this is the most cost-effective entry point for most homes.
• 22–26 kW (full-home air-cooled) — the most common choice for a 1,500–2,500 sq-ft home with one central AC system. Runs everything simultaneously, including an electric range or dryer.
• 36–48 kW (larger homes, multiple AC systems) — estates with two or more AC zones, a pool heater, or large shop equipment need a liquid-cooled unit in this range. Runtime and duty-cycle are superior to air-cooled units at sustained high load.

Natural gas vs. propane: If you have natural gas service at the house, that’s almost always the right fuel — no storage tank, no resupply logistics, and no risk of running dry during a prolonged outage. Where natural gas isn’t available (a large part of Palm Beach County), we coordinate a buried propane tank sized for your expected runtime. A 250-gallon tank gives roughly 3–5 days of full-home operation; 500+ gallons is a common choice for extended hurricane resilience. Explore estimated fuel costs on our electrical cost estimator.

Transfer switch options: A whole-house ATS connects the generator directly to the main service entrance and switches every circuit at once. A managed-load ATS (load-shedding) uses sensors to cycle high-draw appliances (AC, water heater) so a smaller generator can power the full house without overloading. We’ll recommend the right option for your load and budget during your on-site estimate — schedule one here.

The spread between an $8,000 install and a $20,000+ install is real, and it comes down to five variables. Understanding them lets you have a smarter conversation with any contractor you talk to — including us:

• Generator kilowatt capacity — the single largest cost driver. An 11 kW air-cooled unit costs significantly less than a 26 kW or a 36 kW liquid-cooled machine. Right-sizing matters.
• Fuel type and new infrastructure — if a new gas line or a propane tank installation is needed, add $500–$3,000+ to the project depending on distance and tank size. Existing natural gas service is the most economical path.
• Transfer switch type — a full-house ATS costs more than a managed-load unit but eliminates complexity. For some homes the managed-load approach is the smarter choice for both cost and reliability.
• Electrical panel condition — if your main panel is undersized, has double-tapped breakers, or is an older Federal Pacific / Zinsco unit that should be replaced, that work is logically done in the same project. See our panel upgrade page.
• Conduit run length and site conditions — a generator located 50 feet from the panel in a crawl space costs more to wire than one 10 feet away on a concrete slab. We scope this at the free estimate so there are no surprises.

Every quote we give is written, itemized, and all-in — generator, ATS, pad, wiring, and the permit fee. Use the electrical cost estimator to get a quick range, then request a free on-site estimate for the number that actually fits your home.

A generator project often surfaces other electrical needs: a panel that’s too small to carry the added load, wiring that’s too old to trust, or circuits that should be on their own breaker before you add generator power. We handle all of it under one roof — a panel upgrade before or alongside the generator install, rewiring for older homes, and EV charger installation for homeowners who want a complete energy-independence setup. Every project is permitted and inspected.

We also offer 24/7 emergency electrical service across all 11 communities we serve in Palm Beach County — because electrical problems don’t keep business hours, and neither do we. If you need a licensed electrician right now, call (561) 919-9037.

Ready to price out your generator project? Start with the electrical cost estimator, or go straight to a free on-site estimate and we’ll scope the system, size it to your load, and put a clear written number in your hands — no pressure, no call center.