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Residential · Backup power

Whole-Home Generator Installation in St. Charles & St. Louis County

A whole-home standby generator is a permanent Generac unit, fed by natural gas or propane, that starts on its own within 10-30 seconds of an outage through an automatic transfer switch. It suits homes that cannot go without a sump pump, medical equipment or heating and cooling through long outages. We size it with a load analysis, then handle the pad, gas line, permits and inspection. We install generators but do not service them, and for many homes whole-home battery backup is the quieter, fuel-free option.

MO License #20250016884.9 Star Average. 410+ Reviews.In Business Since 2010Cottleville, MO

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Pick what you're noticing. We'll tell you what it usually means, how urgent it is, and what fixes it.

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Power Outages Leave You Stranded

If storms or grid outages keep taking out heat, sump pumps or medical equipment, backup power can keep the essentials running.

Old overhead service entrance on a brown-sided house in St. Charles
Before: aged overhead service on a St. Charles home, mast and meter past their life.

Common causes

  • Storm-prone service area
  • Critical loads like sump pumps
  • Working from home

Signs You Need This

Recent extended power outage
Missouri storms can cause multi-day outages. If you've experienced one, you know the value of backup power.
Sump pump in basement
A power outage during heavy rain means no sump pump and potential flooding. Generators keep pumps running.
Medical equipment at home
CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, and other medical devices need reliable power. A generator could be life-saving.
Work from home frequently
Power outages disrupt income and deadlines. A generator ensures you can work through any outage.
Food spoilage concerns
A well-stocked freezer can lose hundreds of dollars of food in a multi-day outage. Generators protect your investment.
Elderly family members
Loss of heating/cooling is dangerous for elderly or health-compromised individuals. Generators maintain comfort and safety.
Rural or end-of-line power service
Homes at the end of power lines often experience longer outages. Generators provide independence.
Using portable generator currently
Portable generators are noisy, require manual starting, and present carbon monoxide risks. Automatic standby generators are safer and more convenient.
Pricing

What It Costs

An estimate, not a quote. Estimates for installs and upgrades are free; your exact flat price comes after we see the job, and it's the price you pay.

Essential Coverage (10-14kW)

$5,000–$8,000

  • 10-14kW Generac generator
  • Automatic transfer switch (load-shedding)
  • Concrete pad installation
  • Gas line connection (up to 25 feet)
  • Electrical connection to panel
  • All permits and inspections
  • Owner training and startup

Powers essential circuits: fridge, lights, sump pump, furnace, select outlets

Whole-Home (18-24kW)

$10,000–$16,000

  • 18-24kW Generac Guardian
  • Whole-home automatic transfer switch
  • Concrete pad installation
  • Gas line connection (up to 50 feet)
  • 200A panel connection
  • All permits and inspections
  • WiFi monitoring setup
  • Owner training and documentation

Powers entire home including A/C, electric appliances

Large Home (26-48kW)

$18,000–$30,000

  • 26-48kW commercial-grade generator
  • Whole-home transfer switch
  • Reinforced concrete pad
  • Extended gas line installation
  • Potential service upgrade
  • Remote monitoring system
  • Extended warranty options

All-electric homes, large properties, pools, workshops

Equipment we install: Generac Guardian 22kW, Generac PWRcell.

How It Works

From First Visit to Final Inspection

Typical job: 1-2 days.

  1. Load Analysis

    We calculate your power needs by listing everything you want to keep running during an outage: HVAC, refrigerators, sump pump, lights, medical equipment, garage doors, etc. This determines the generator size you need.

  2. Site Survey

    A technician visits your home to determine optimal generator placement (meeting code setback requirements from windows and property lines), plan gas line routing from your meter, and assess electrical connection to your panel.

  3. Detailed Quote

    You receive a comprehensive quote covering the generator, transfer switch, concrete pad, gas line installation, electrical connection, and all permits. We explain options for whole-home vs. essential coverage.

  4. Permits & Coordination

    We pull electrical and gas permits from your municipality. Generator installations require permits and inspection. We coordinate with your gas utility for the new gas line connection.

  5. Site Preparation

    We pour a concrete pad (or install a composite pad) sized for your generator, ensuring proper drainage and level installation. The pad must cure before generator placement.

  6. Gas Line Installation

    A licensed gas technician runs the gas line from your meter to the generator location, installs the shut-off valve, and makes the connection. The gas line is pressure-tested for leaks.

  7. Electrical Installation

    We install the automatic transfer switch at your panel, run the power connection to the generator, and wire the monitoring/control systems. For whole-home coverage, we install a service-rated transfer switch.

  8. Inspection & Testing

    Electrical and gas inspections are scheduled. After passing, we start the generator, verify automatic transfer operation by simulating an outage, test all protected circuits, and configure the WiFi monitoring system.

Verified Reviews

What Homeowners Say About Our Whole-Home Generator Installation

Reviews that mention this work first.

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google review

Larry H.

google

“We had a switch installed to allow us to run a generator if the power goes out. Sam was quick, polite, and kept us informed all the way through the project. From the first estimate to the finished project was less than 7 days. I will use this company again.”

08/16/2023
google review

Michael L.

google

“Sam and his assistant diagnosed an issue with non working light and fan switches. They were polite and did conscientious work as always”

11/10/2026
google review

Dan W.

google

“The guys did a great job and the estimate was fair. I would definitely use them again in the future.”

11/01/2026

4.9 Star Average. 410+ Reviews. Google, Facebook, BBB and Angi.

Fully licensed and insured in Missouri:MO State License #2025001688,St. Charles County #E25-000008,St. Louis County #ES4501.Lifetime workmanship warranty on installed work.

Recent work

Photos From Recent Jobs

  • the panel before the generator transfer switch in St. Charles, MO
    transfer switch installed beside the panel for a backup generator in St. Charles, MO

    After: transfer switch installed beside the panel for a backup generator in St. Charles, MO.

    St. Charles
Service area + officeMon-Fri · 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Licensed Electricians Across St. Charles & St. Louis Counties

Flat-rate pricing before work begins, from an office in Cottleville.

LincolnWarrenSt. LouisSt. CharlesSt. Albans
PrimaryAlso served

First Choice Electric

5377 State Route N. Suite 437, Cottleville, MO 63304

Mon-Fri 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM

(636) 240-2966

FAQ

Questions About Whole-Home Generator Installation

What size generator do I need?

It depends on what you want to power. A 22kW generator typically covers most homes. We'll perform a load analysis to recommend the right size.

How quickly does it start?

Automatic standby generators start within 10-30 seconds of detecting a power outage, before your refrigerator even knows the power went out.

What fuel type is best?

Natural gas is most convenient if available: unlimited fuel during extended outages. Propane is excellent if you don't have natural gas service.

Do generators require maintenance?

Yes. Generators need annual maintenance: oil changes, filter replacement and testing. We install generators but don't service them, so we'll point you to the manufacturer's authorized service dealer for maintenance.

How loud are whole-home generators?

Modern Generac generators operate at about 66 decibels, similar to a normal conversation. Much quieter than portable generators.

Can a generator power my whole house?

Yes, with proper sizing. A 22kW generator handles most homes. Larger homes or all-electric homes may need 24-48kW units.

Do I need to be home for automatic start?

No. The generator monitors utility power 24/7 and starts automatically whether you're home, at work, or on vacation.

What about existing solar panels?

Generators work alongside solar systems. During outages, the generator powers your home while solar may be grid-tied and offline. We can integrate both systems.

Not sure a generator is the right fit?

Compare Whole-Home Battery Backup

No fuel, no noise, no yearly service. Paired with solar, the battery recharges during an outage instead of running down. And if you want fuel-powered backup as well, Anker makes a standby generator that runs on three fuel types and works alongside the battery. We install all of it and will tell you straight which setup fits your home.

See battery backup
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Get Your Flat Price for Whole-Home Generator Installation

Most estimates booked within 1-3 business days.