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RESIDENTIAL & LIGHT COMMERCIAL

Standby Generator Installation for Upstate SC Homes

Whole-home Generac and Cummins backup systems, installed the way I'd install one at my own house. Transfer switches, load calculations, permits, and inspections — all handled.

Licensed SC Electrician #CLM118131
Generac & Cummins experience
Full permits & inspections
Lake-community preferred
200A Generac automatic transfer switch and utility meter installed by Sunset Electric
STANDBY POWER

Power that's on before you notice it's off.

A whole-home standby generator wired to an automatic transfer switch means you don't wait for the power company, and you don't string extension cords through your kitchen. When utility power drops, the generator is running and the house is back on in about 15 seconds — no human involvement required.

I install Generac Guardian and Cummins QuietConnect systems from roughly 14kW through 26kW — appropriately sized for the homes I see most often in Greenville, Seneca, Westminster, and the Lake Keowee communities. I also handle transfer switch replacements, propane/natural gas connections (coordinating with your gas fitter), and pad preparation.

The install is permitted with your county AHJ, load-calculated against your actual panel, and tested end-to-end before I leave. You also get walked through the monthly exercise cycle and what to do if the unit ever throws an alarm.

WHEN IT'S WORTH IT

Who needs a standby generator?

Not every home needs one. Here's when the math usually works.

Rural or lake-area homes

Lake Keowee, The Cliffs, Keowee Key, and the surrounding rural roads see longer outages than urban Greenville. Standby power is usually justified.

Medically important equipment

CPAP, oxygen concentrator, well pump for drinking water, septic lift station, insulin refrigeration — standby becomes more than convenience.

Freezer/fridge protection & WFH

Extended outages during hurricanes, ice storms, or derechos can destroy a freezer's worth of food and knock out your ability to work remotely.

THE INSTALL

What a generator install actually looks like.

1

Load calc & sizing

I walk the house with you to identify must-have loads (AC, well pump, fridge, office) and right-size the unit. Oversized costs money you don't need to spend; undersized leaves you in the dark.

2

Permits, pad, and gas coordination

Permits pulled with your county AHJ. Concrete pad or composite base sized correctly. I coordinate with your propane supplier or gas fitter for the fuel line. HOA paperwork handled on request.

3

Wiring, transfer switch, and commissioning

Transfer switch wired between utility and panel, generator commissioned, full outage test performed. You get a walk-through of operation, monthly exercise, and what to do if it alarms.

WHY SUNSET ELECTRIC

Installed right by someone who'll answer when it matters.

A standby generator is an eight-to-fifteen year piece of equipment. The install matters more than the brand.

  • Licensed SC Electrical Contractor (#CLM118131), fully insured
  • Generac and Cummins experience — factory-aligned install procedures
  • Honest sizing — I'll talk you out of a unit that's too big
  • All permits, inspections, and HOA coordination handled
  • Load calc matched to your actual panel, not a quick guess
  • Post-install walkthrough — you'll know how to run the thing
  • Reachable after install if something ever alarms
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200A Generac automatic transfer switch and utility meter installed by Sunset Electric
FAQ

Standby generator questions, answered.

Have a question not listed here? Call or text (864) 436-8680 — I'm happy to talk through it.

How much does a whole-home standby generator cost installed?

Most installs land between $9,000 and $18,000 depending on size (14kW–26kW), transfer switch scope, pad work, and fuel line run. I give a fixed written quote before starting — no squishy ranges.

Generac or Cummins — which should I get?

Both are solid. Generac has broader local dealer/service coverage in Upstate SC. Cummins units tend to run quieter at the same kW rating. I'll give you a straight opinion for your specific situation.

Do you run the gas line?

I don't do fuel-line work — that's gas fitter territory. But I coordinate the schedule with your propane supplier or plumber so your install lands in one coordinated effort, not three separate stressors.

Will you handle permits and inspection?

Yes. All permits pulled with the county AHJ in your name. You get the signed inspection paperwork at closeout.

How long does install take?

Most installs wrap in 1–2 days of actual electrical work once permits, pad, and gas are coordinated. The whole project cycle (site visit → unit delivered → installed → inspected) typically runs 3–6 weeks depending on equipment stock.

Do you service generators?

I install, test, and handle electrical troubleshooting. Annual service (oil, filters, firmware) is best left to a factory-authorized service tech. Happy to recommend one.

Ready to stop losing power?

Let's walk your panel, size it right, and get a written quote on your desk this week.

Mon–Fri · 8am–6pm · Same-day emergency service available