Backup Generators for Homes and Businesses

Generator systems from Cromwell Solar offer secure, reliable power, independent of the energy grid in Kansas and Missouri.

A backup generator from Generac is a great way to ensure that when the power goes out, you continue to have electricity. These are sometimes called “home standby” generators because when the grid goes down, the generator, fueled by propane or natural gas, detects the outage within seconds and automatically powers on. It doesn't matter if you are asleep or awake, home or away. Your home, farm, or business will continue to have backup power to keep it secure and functioning with a generator.

A power outage during hot or freezing temperatures can be dangerous for your family (pets included) and can cause property damage like frozen pipes, water damage, flooded basements, mold, spoiled food, and more. A backup generator system from Cromwell Solar can keep the sump pump, furnace, and AC working and the power on for safety, security, communication, entertainment, and critical school and work tasks. 

At your place of business, power losses can bring the same risks of property damage, and potentially even more. Losing phones and internet connections, ruining productivity, and spoiling stock can all bring significant costs. Even a 10-minute power interruption can cost hours of business and potentially lose customers: if you are not open or answering phones your customers will go elsewhere.

Cromwell Solar has years of experience installing backup generators in Kansas and Missouri. We handle home generator installations, as well as farms and commercial buildings. We use top-tier equipment from suppliers like Generac, and use only licensed and insured electricians for all generator installations.

Want to learn more? Download Cromwell’s FREE Guide to Generators.

Find the Guide here

Whole home generator systems

While a home or business generator installation can power only select “essential loads,” we’ve found through years of experience that whole-home generators (or whole-business generators) typically cost about the same. The work of installing additional equipment and configuring load separation for essential generator systems typically equates to the cost of simply installing a larger generator that can power your whole home or business.

Having a whole-home generator installed brings you superior peace of mind, and ensures you can live your life like normal, even when power fails.

Backup generator system maintenance

A backup generator is a combustion engine and, like your car, will need some minor service to keep it running at its best to always be ready when needed. Regular oil changes and new spark plugs are recommended as part of a periodic home generator maintenance program. Cromwell Solar has the certified personnel to not just install your generator, but to provide generator service on an ongoing basis.

A permanently installed backup generator from Cromwell Solar protects your home or business automatically. It runs on natural gas or propane fuel, and sits outside just like a central air conditioning unit. A backup generator delivers power directly to your electrical system, backing up your entire property or just the most essential items.

Generators Offer Automatic Operation

Don't worry about having to be there to turn off or on your backup generator because it does that automatically, whether you're home or away. If the grid goes down, you might not even realize it as you will have seamless, uninterrupted power from your generator system — no matter what. 

Do I Need to Refuel My Generator?

Your backup generator runs on your existing natural gas or LP fuel supply. There is no need to install or refill a separate tank for your generator.

Insurance Savings

A standby generator protects your building from damage from flooding or mold that could occur when your power is out. Generators keeping furnaces on can avoid even more serious, costly, and dangerous consequences from fires resulting from disastrous attempts to heat a home during an outage.

Considering the potential costs of insurance claims resulting from power outages, it’s no wonder that insurance companies often offer discounts for homes with standby generators installed. Most insurers offer a discount of around 5-10% on the property portion of a homeowners policy with proof of a standby generator permanently installed by a licensed professional.

Home Standby Generator Placement

Where we install a standby generator onsite is an important consideration. Cromwell Solar will conduct a site visit and discuss where we can install your standby generator according to local laws, and pair that with practical, financial, aesthetic, and acoustic considerations.

Some restrictions on generator placement exist, such as code typically requiring a generator be no closer than five feet to a property line. Safety mandates placement be at least 5 feet from any doors or windows. Another concern affecting generator location is access from the generator to your main electrical service panel, meaning longer distances can be more costly.

Modern standby generators are quieter than older models, but the noise they make when operating should be considered when discussing generator placement. You might prefer that a standby generator not be placed right outside your primary bedroom, for instance. Landscaping and site selection can minimize noise issues and properly maintaining the generator will reduce operating noise.

Typical Generator Cost

The installed cost for an automatic backup generator depends on the size of the generator needed and any complexities of the installation (like service upgrades and plumbing). 

To determine your generator system cost, Cromwell performs a free site visit — we look at where the generator would sit, talk about what your backup power needs are (everything or just the basics?), and answer any questions you might have, before following up with a free estimate.

To learn more about buying a generator for your home or business contact us today online or call us at 785-371-1429.