Generator Installation Services

Whole-Home Generator Installation — Boca Raton & South Florida

South Florida’s hurricane season brings extended power outages that can last days or even weeks. HMG Electrical installs whole-home standby generators that keep your lights on, AC running, and refrigerator cold — automatically, even when you’re not home. As a Florida-licensed electrical contractor (EC-13010199) and authorized Generac and Kohler installer, Patrick Harris and the HMG Electrical team have installed generators throughout Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, Coral Springs, and communities across Palm Beach and Broward counties.

A whole-home standby generator is the ultimate protection against power outages. Unlike portable generators that require manual setup, fuel runs, and extension cords, a standby generator connects directly to your electrical panel and starts automatically within 10 seconds of detecting a power loss. Call (561) 403-8759 for a free generator installation consultation.

Why You Need a Standby Generator in South Florida

South Florida is the lightning capital of the United States and sits directly in the path of Atlantic hurricanes. Power outages aren’t a matter of if — they’re a matter of when. Here’s why a standby generator is essential for South Florida homeowners:

Hurricane Season Protection: Hurricane season runs from June through November. Major storms like Irma (2017) and Ian (2022) left hundreds of thousands of homes without power for days or weeks. A standby generator keeps your home fully operational throughout any storm.
Protect Your HVAC System: Florida’s heat and humidity make air conditioning a health necessity, not a luxury. Extended power outages during summer months can make your home uninhabitable and create dangerous conditions for elderly residents, children, and pets.
Prevent Food Spoilage: A typical family has $500-$800 worth of food in their refrigerator and freezer. Without power, food begins spoiling within 4 hours. A generator keeps your refrigerator and freezer running continuously.
Home Security: Power outages disable security systems, garage door openers, and exterior lighting — making your home vulnerable. A standby generator keeps all security systems operational.
Medical Equipment: Many South Florida residents depend on CPAP machines, oxygen concentrators, medication refrigeration, and other electrically powered medical devices. A power outage can be life-threatening.
Sump Pumps & Pool Equipment: Florida’s high water table and heavy rains mean many homes rely on sump pumps. Without power, flooding can cause thousands in damage. A generator keeps your sump pump and pool equipment running.

How Much Does Generator Installation Cost in Boca Raton?

Generator installation costs vary based on generator size, fuel type, installation complexity, and permit requirements. Here are typical price ranges for our South Florida service area:

10-14 kW generator (essential circuits): $5,000 – $8,000 installed
20-22 kW generator (whole-home, most popular): $8,000 – $14,000 installed
24-26 kW generator (large homes): $12,000 – $18,000 installed
Transfer switch installation only: $1,500 – $3,000
Generator pad/concrete base: $500 – $1,200

These prices include the generator unit, automatic transfer switch, concrete pad, gas line connection (by a licensed plumber), all electrical connections, permit fees, and final inspection. HMG Electrical provides transparent, upfront pricing with no hidden costs.

Financing options: Many generator manufacturers including Generac offer financing programs with approved credit. We can help you explore your options during your free consultation. Call (561) 403-8759 for a detailed quote.

Generators We Install

HMG Electrical installs generators from the most trusted manufacturers in the industry. We help you select the right generator based on your home’s square footage, electrical load requirements, fuel availability, and budget:

Our Generator Installation Process

Free Home Assessment: Patrick Harris visits your home to evaluate your electrical system, measure your load requirements, determine the best generator location (must meet setback requirements), and assess fuel line routing. We provide a detailed written proposal within 48 hours.
Generator Selection: Based on your assessment, we recommend the right generator size. A home with central AC, pool pump, and standard appliances typically needs a 20-24 kW unit. We help you choose between Generac, Kohler, and other brands based on features, warranty, and budget.
Permitting: We handle all electrical and building permits with your local building department. Generator installations in Boca Raton and Palm Beach County require both an electrical permit and a building permit. Most permits are approved within 3-5 business days.
Concrete Pad: We pour or place a level concrete pad per manufacturer specifications. The pad must support the generator weight (typically 400-600 lbs) and meet setback requirements from windows, doors, and property lines.
Gas Line: A licensed plumber installs the natural gas or propane line from your meter to the generator. We coordinate this work to align with the electrical installation schedule.
Electrical Installation: HMG Electrical installs the automatic transfer switch at your main panel, runs all electrical connections to the generator, and programs the transfer switch for your specific load priorities.
Testing & Commissioning: We run the generator through a full load test, verify the automatic transfer sequence, test all circuits, and program the weekly exercise schedule. We also schedule the required building and electrical inspections.
Owner Training: We walk you through the generator operation, maintenance schedule, mobile monitoring app setup, and what to expect during a real outage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Generator Installation

What size generator do I need for my home?

For most South Florida homes (2,000-3,500 sq ft) with central AC, a 20-24 kW standby generator is recommended. This covers your air conditioning, refrigerator, lights, outlets, and essential equipment. Smaller homes or partial-home coverage may be served by a 10-14 kW unit. During your free assessment, we calculate your exact load requirements to recommend the right size.

How long does generator installation take?

A typical whole-home generator installation takes 1-2 days for the electrical work once the concrete pad is set and the gas line is connected. The entire process from consultation to commissioning typically takes 2-4 weeks, depending on permit processing times and generator availability.

Do I need a permit for a generator in Boca Raton?

Yes. Generator installations in Boca Raton, Deerfield Beach, Delray Beach, and throughout Palm Beach and Broward counties require both an electrical permit and a building permit. HMG Electrical handles the entire permit process. The generator must also meet local setback requirements (typically 5 feet from windows/doors and 18 inches from the house).

Natural gas or propane — which is better?

If your home has a natural gas line, we recommend natural gas — it provides unlimited fuel supply and you never need to worry about refilling tanks. If natural gas is not available, propane (LP) is an excellent alternative. We install a properly sized propane tank (typically 250-500 gallons) that can power your generator for days. Both fuel types work with Generac and Kohler generators.

How loud is a standby generator?

Modern standby generators from Generac and Kohler operate at 62-67 decibels — about the volume of a normal conversation. They’re significantly quieter than portable generators (which can exceed 80 dB). Placement strategy also matters — we position generators to minimize noise impact on your home and neighbors.

What maintenance does a standby generator need?

Standby generators require minimal maintenance: an oil and filter change every 200 hours or annually, air filter replacement, spark plug inspection, and battery check. Most modern Generac and Kohler generators have built-in maintenance reminders and can be monitored via smartphone app. HMG Electrical offers maintenance plans to keep your generator ready when you need it.