Generator installation in Lithia, FL
Hurricane season means real risk of days without power. We install portable generator hookups and permanent standby systems, wired safely into your panel with a proper transfer switch, plus same-day estimates and 24-hour emergency service when a storm is already on the way.
Portable generator vs. standby generator
Both keep the lights on. The right choice depends on your budget and how automatic you want the backup to be.
Portable generator + transfer switch
- Lower upfront cost for the generator itself
- Requires you to manually start it and connect it during an outage
- Powers select essential circuits, not the whole home
- Needs to be stored, fueled, and maintained between uses
Standby generator (automatic)
- Starts automatically within seconds of an outage, no action needed
- Runs on natural gas or propane, so no manual refueling mid-storm
- Can cover essential circuits or the entire home, depending on size
- Higher upfront cost but far less hands-on during an actual emergency
Never run a generator without proper isolation
Connecting a generator directly to your home without a transfer switch, sometimes called back-feeding, is dangerous and illegal. It can send power back through the grid, which can seriously injure or kill utility line workers who assume the lines are dead during a repair.
- A manual transfer switch lets you safely choose which circuits run on generator power
- An automatic transfer switch does this instantly, without you touching anything
- Both isolate your home's wiring from the utility grid while the generator runs
If you already own a portable generator and have been running it without a proper switch, that's worth fixing before the next storm, not during one.
Generator installation pricing guide
Cost depends heavily on whether you're adding a switch to an existing portable, or installing a full standby system.
Manual transfer switch
For connecting an existing portable generator safely to your panel.
Automatic transfer switch
Electrical labor for wiring a standby generator into your panel.
Full standby system
Includes the generator, gas line, pad, transfer switch, and permits.
Familiar with the major backup power brands
Related electrical services
Common questions about generator installation
How much does it cost to install a generator?+
A manual transfer switch for an existing portable generator typically runs $200 to $800. Wiring in a standby system's automatic transfer switch runs $1,200 to $2,000 in labor. A complete standby system, including the unit, gas line, pad, and permits, generally runs $10,000 to $20,000.
Can I just plug a portable generator into an outlet during an outage?+
No. Connecting a generator without a proper transfer switch can back-feed power into the grid, which is dangerous to utility workers and illegal. A transfer switch is required for safe, legal use of any generator connected to your home's wiring.
What size generator do I need for my home?+
This depends on which circuits you want backed up. An 8 to 10 kW unit covers essentials like refrigeration, some lighting, and a well pump. A 14 kW unit handles a small-to-medium home including one central AC unit. We size this based on your actual panel and priorities.
Does a standby generator require a permit?+
Yes, both the electrical work and, for gas-powered standby units, the gas line work require permits. We handle the permit applications and coordinate the required inspections.
How long does generator installation take?+
A manual transfer switch for an existing portable can often be done in a few hours. A full standby system, including the pad, gas line, and electrical work, typically takes one to a few days depending on scheduling and inspections.
Can a generator power my whole house, or just some things?+
Either is possible. A larger standby unit can cover an entire home, including central AC. A smaller unit or a portable typically covers a set of essential circuits you choose in advance, like refrigeration, some lighting, and medical equipment.
Be ready before the next storm
Whether you already own a portable generator or want a full standby system, we'll give you a clear, honest plan. Prefer to reach out online? Visit our contact page.
Serving Lithia and nearby FishHawk, Apollo Beach, and Sun City Center. See our full service area list or learn more about our team.