Whole House Backup Generators in San Diego

Stay Powered During Outages with Reliable Backup Solutions
When the lights go out, will your property stay running? With power outages on the rise across California, a whole house backup generator provides critical protection for your home or business. At Upgrade Electric, we install custom backup power systems throughout San Diego that automatically activate when utility service fails — keeping your essentials on and your stress levels down.
Whether you're safeguarding medical equipment, business operations, or household comfort, we deliver reliable generator systems built for real-world emergencies.
Why Install a Backup Generator?
Power outages caused by storms, wildfires, public safety shutoffs, and aging infrastructure are becoming more frequent. A professionally installed generator offers:
- Automatic power during utility outages
- Protection for refrigerated goods, computers, and medical devices
- Uninterrupted HVAC and appliance operation
- Peace of mind for families and businesses
- Added home or commercial property value
Don’t wait until the next blackout to realize you need backup power. Let our experts help you prepare now.
How Whole House Generators Work
Whole home generators are permanently installed outside your property, similar to an HVAC unit. They are connected to your natural gas or propane supply and integrated with your electrical system using a transfer switch.
When a power outage occurs:
- The generator detects the outage in seconds.
- It automatically starts and begins producing electricity.
- The transfer switch safely shifts power from the utility grid to the generator.
- Your home or business continues running without interruption.
- When utility power returns, the generator shuts off and switches power back automatically.
You don’t need to lift a finger — everything happens seamlessly, day or night.
Residential Generator Installation
Protect your home and family during extended outages with a generator tailored to your property’s energy demands.
Common residential systems support:
- Lighting and security systems
- Refrigerators and freezers
- Wi-Fi routers and communication devices
- Medical equipment
- Air conditioning and heating
- Sump pumps and well pumps
- Garage door openers
We install industry-leading generator brands known for performance and reliability in residential applications.

Commercial Generator Solutions
Businesses can’t afford downtime. A commercial generator ensures operations continue during power loss — keeping your customers served, equipment running, and revenue protected.
We install backup power systems for:
- Restaurants and cafes
- Retail and convenience stores
- Offices and coworking spaces
- Warehouses and production facilities
- Medical and dental practices
- Multi-family rental buildings
From load management to code compliance, Upgrade Electric delivers business-ready solutions with minimal disruption.
Our Generator Installation Services Include:
- Load calculation and energy usage analysis
- Generator sizing and equipment selection
- Concrete pad installation (if required)
- Fuel source connection (natural gas or propane)
- Transfer switch installation
- Electrical integration with panel or subpanel
- Full permitting and inspection coordination
- Final testing and walkthrough
All systems are installed to meet or exceed California Building Code and National Electrical Code (NEC) standards.
Generator Brands We Install
We work with high-performance, UL-listed generator brands that are built for reliability:
- Generac
- Kohler
- Briggs & Stratton
- Champion
- Cummins
Need help choosing the right model? We’ll recommend a system based on your building size, usage patterns, and fuel availability.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long will a generator run during an outage?
That depends on the fuel supply and generator size. Most systems can run for days on a full propane tank or indefinitely on natural gas.
Will a generator power my entire home?
Yes, if properly sized. We perform a load analysis to match your generator to your property’s energy needs.
Does the generator start automatically?
Yes. Whole house generators detect outages and switch on/off without manual input.
Do I need permits?
Yes. All generator installations in California require local permitting and inspection. We manage this process from start to finish.
Battery vs. Generator — Which Is Right for You?
While solar battery systems are gaining popularity, generators still offer unmatched reliability during long outages or low-sun conditions. Generators are often:
- Better for longer outages
- More affordable for high-power homes
- Able to support larger appliances and HVAC
- Fuel-flexible with natural gas or propane options
We also install hybrid systems combining solar + battery + generator for maximum resilience.
Get Your Backup Power Solution Started Today
Stay prepared with a whole house generator installed by the licensed experts at Upgrade Electric. From system sizing to final connection, we deliver power you can count on.
