Home Generator & ATS Installation.
A standby generator with an Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) detects a utility outage and switches your home to generator power within seconds — automatically, without any action from you. We install the generator, run the gas line coordination, connect the ATS to your panel, and pull the permit.
What is an ATS?
An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) is the device that monitors your utility power and automatically switches your home to generator power the moment an outage is detected. It then switches back to utility power when power is restored — without any manual intervention.
< 30 sec
ATS switchover time
ATS required
For automatic backup power
C-10 #1144031
Licensed CA electrician
Permit-required
All generator installs
- C-10 #1144031Licensed
- Bonded& Insured
- 15+ YearsExperience
- Santa Clara CountyService Area
Manual vs. Standby Generator
Why a Standby Generator with ATS Is Different
A portable generator requires you to be home, start it manually, and run extension cords. A standby generator with ATS does none of that — it switches automatically, runs on natural gas, and covers your whole home.
| Feature | Portable / Manual | Standby + ATS ★ |
|---|---|---|
| Switchover | Manual — you run an extension cord | Automatic — within 30 seconds |
| Fuel type | Gasoline — must be stored and rotated | Natural gas or propane — continuous supply |
| Coverage | Selected circuits via extension cord | Whole home or selected critical circuits |
| Run time | Limited by fuel tank | As long as gas supply continues |
| Noise | High — portable units are loud | Lower — standby units quieter, farther from home |
| Permit required | No (portable unit) | Yes — electrical and sometimes gas |
| Resale value | Minimal | Home improvement — adds value |
The ATS Advantage
Without ATS
You have to be home
Manual start, extension cords, gasoline on hand
With ATS
Automatic. Every time.
Transfers in under 30 seconds. No action required.
Load assessment included. We size the generator before recommending equipment.
What to Budget
Generator Installation Cost in San Jose
A standby generator installation has two main cost components: the generator equipment and the electrical installation. We handle the electrical scope — ATS connection to your panel, transfer testing, load assessment, and permit. Generator equipment can be customer-supplied or sourced through our vendors.
If your home runs on natural gas, the generator connects to your existing gas line. If a new gas line is needed, we coordinate with a licensed plumber — that work is a separate scope and separate contract.
Critical circuit installations (refrigerator, HVAC, key outlets, lights) run on smaller generators and cost less than whole-home backup. If you want the lights to stay on and the HVAC to run, a critical circuit setup is often the right call.
Load Assessment
Determine generator size based on critical vs. whole-home load. Panel capacity evaluated.
Permit & Gas Coordination
Electrical permit filed. Gas line installation coordinated with licensed plumber if new line needed.
ATS & Generator Install
ATS connected to panel. Generator placed and connected. Transfer tested.
Inspection & Commissioning
City electrical inspection. Generator load test run. Operation documented.
Generator Installation Costs — Santa Clara County
| Scope | Range |
|---|---|
| ATS installation — transfer switch only (generator already supplied) | $2,500 – $5,000 |
| Standby generator + ATS — whole home (7.5–22 kW) | $8,000 – $18,000 |
| Standby generator + ATS — critical circuits only | $6,000 – $12,000 |
| Subpanel addition for generator transfer | $1,200 – $2,000 |
| Gas line coordination (customer arranges, we connect) | Included in scope |
| Permit (electrical — varies by SCC city) | $500 – $1,000 depending on jurisdiction |
Written quote provided before any work begins.
Get a Written QuoteWhy Cali Rollin Electric
The ATS Connection Has to Work When It Matters
Generator installation involves your electrical panel, your home's grounding system, and — if natural gas — coordination with another licensed trade. Getting the ATS connection wrong means your generator doesn't switch over when you need it. Our team pulls the permit, performs the electrical connection, and tests the transfer under load before the permit closes.
C-10 #1144031. Permit on every install.
Common Questions
Home Generator Installation FAQ
What size generator do I need for my home?
A 7.5–12 kW generator covers critical circuits — refrigerator, HVAC, a few outlets, and lights. A 14–22 kW unit covers most of a typical 2,000–3,000 sq ft home. We perform a load assessment before recommending a generator size.
What is an Automatic Transfer Switch and do I need one?
An Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) monitors your utility power and switches your home to generator power within seconds of an outage — automatically. Without an ATS, you manually connect your generator, which requires you to be home, know how to do it safely, and deal with extension cords. For a standby generator, an ATS is not optional — it is how the system works.
Do I need a permit for a generator installation?
Yes. Any generator installation that involves connecting to your home's electrical panel requires an electrical permit in San Jose and all Santa Clara County cities. We pull permits on every installation — this protects your home and ensures the install is code-compliant.
What generator brands do you install?
We install Generac, Kohler, and Briggs & Stratton standby generators. We also install ATS equipment from those manufacturers and third-party transfer switch brands. Customer-supplied generators are accepted — we connect and commission.
How long does generator installation take?
A standard standby generator + ATS installation takes 1–2 days for the electrical work. Gas line installation (if a new line is needed) is coordinated separately with a licensed plumber — add 1–2 days. Permit approval is typically 1–5 business days.
Ready to get started?
Load assessment included. Written quote before any work begins. We respond same day during business hours.
Schedule an AssessmentCall 408-614-4451Contact
Phone
408-614-4451Hours
Mon–Fri 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Emergency electrical services available 24/7
Schedule a Generator Assessment
We respond same day during business hours. No call center. No voicemail.
Ready to Stop Relying on Utility Power During Outages?
Load assessment included. Written quote before any work begins. Permit and inspection on every installation.
Schedule a Generator AssessmentService Area
Home generator installation across 12 cities in Santa Clara County