Automatic backup power, always ready.
When you need guaranteed backup beyond batteries, a standby generator keeps everything running automatically — for days if you need it.
Standby power that just works
For homes and businesses that need uninterrupted power, we size, install and service standby generators with automatic transfer — professionally installed and inspected.
- Whole-home and commercial sizing (typically 8–26 kW residential)
- Natural gas or propane, with automatic transfer switch
- Licensed install + ongoing service
Generator, battery, or both?
A generator and a battery both keep your home running in an outage — they just do it differently. A battery is silent, needs no fuel or maintenance, and recharges from your solar every day, but its runtime is finite. A standby generator runs as long as it has fuel, which makes it the tool for rare multi-day outages — at the cost of fuel, noise and upkeep. For many Minnesota homes the best answer is both: solar + battery for everyday resilience, and a generator standing by for the worst storms.
Tools & resources for backup power
Free tools and resources for your project — no email wall.
EV, battery & electrical — close to home.
For EV chargers, battery backup and electrical work we stay local to our east- and south-metro home base in Saint Paul Park, so we're fast and responsive.
Three Rivers Electric
Generators and standby power are electrical work — our sister company Three Rivers Electric handles full-service electrical too.
Frequently asked.
Should I get a generator or a battery?
They solve the same problem differently. A standby generator runs indefinitely on natural gas or propane — ideal for very long outages — but it burns fuel, needs maintenance and only makes power when the grid's down. A battery is silent, maintenance-free and recharges from your solar each day, but its runtime is finite. Many Minnesota homes that want true resilience pair solar + battery for everyday use and a generator for rare multi-day events. We'll help you choose.
What size standby generator do I need?
Residential standby units typically run 8–26 kW. Essentials-only sizing covers the furnace, fridge, well pump and key circuits; whole-home sizing runs everything including HVAC. We size to your actual loads and panel.
Natural gas or propane?
Natural gas is preferred where you have a line — effectively unlimited runtime and no tank. Propane is the answer where there's no gas service, with runtime depending on tank size (a 500–1000 gallon tank can run for days). We'll recommend based on your property.
Does it start automatically?
Yes. A standby generator with an automatic transfer switch senses the outage and starts within seconds, then switches back when grid power returns — no action needed from you.
What maintenance does a generator need?
Periodic oil changes (based on run hours) and an annual professional inspection. We install and service them, so it's handled.
Can I combine solar, battery and a generator?
Absolutely — that's the most resilient setup. Solar and battery cover everyday use and most outages cleanly and quietly; the generator is there for the rare long event. We design the whole system to work together.
Are generators noisy, and do they need a permit?
Modern standby units are reasonably quiet and are sited to meet setback and noise requirements. Yes — installs are permitted and inspected, with proper gas and electrical connections by licensed pros.
Do you do generators for businesses too?
Yes. We size and install standby power for both homes and commercial properties that need guaranteed uptime.
Ready to lock in your energy costs?
Family-owned, Minnesota-based, here for the long haul. Free, no-pressure assessment.