Buy a Generator in Northern California
From consultation to installation, OnPoint Generators walks you through every step of choosing and installing the right backup power system for your home or business.
Why Invest in a Standby Generator?
Northern California experiences frequent power shutoffs, wildfire seasons, and winter storms that can leave homes and businesses without electricity for hours or even days. A permanently installed standby generator activates automatically within seconds of an outage, keeping your lights on, your refrigerator running, your medical equipment operational, and your business open.
Unlike portable generators, a whole-home or commercial standby unit connects directly to your electrical panel through an automatic transfer switch. When utility power drops, the generator starts on its own — no manual setup, no extension cords, and no dangerous refueling in the dark. It runs on natural gas or propane, so you never have to worry about storing gasoline.
Beyond convenience, a standby generator protects your property. Sump pumps keep basements dry, HVAC systems maintain safe temperatures for pipes and pets, and security systems stay active. For businesses, uninterrupted power means no lost revenue, no spoiled inventory, and no data loss.
Trusted Generator Brands We Carry
We are authorized dealers for the industry's leading manufacturers. Each brand brings distinct strengths, and we help you match the right one to your requirements and budget.
Kohler
Known for premium build quality and ultra-quiet operation, Kohler generators are a top choice for upscale residential installations. Their corrosion-resistant enclosures and advanced engine technology deliver reliable power in the harshest conditions. Kohler units range from 14kW residential models to industrial-scale systems exceeding 4MW.
Generac
As the number-one selling home standby generator brand in North America, Generac offers a broad range of models at competitive price points. Their Mobile Link remote monitoring system lets you check generator status from your phone. Generac units start at 7.5kW for essential-circuit coverage and scale up to 150kW for commercial applications.
Cummins
Cummins generators are engineered for heavy commercial and industrial use. Backed by over a century of engine manufacturing, Cummins units deliver exceptional durability and fuel efficiency. Their Quiet Connect series also serves residential customers who need robust, long-running backup power with minimal noise.
Residential vs. Commercial Generators
Residential Generators
Home standby generators typically range from 7.5kW to 26kW. Smaller units cover essential circuits — refrigerator, lights, well pump, and a few outlets — while larger models power your entire home including HVAC, electric vehicle chargers, and pool equipment. Residential units run on natural gas or liquid propane, install on a concrete pad beside your home, and connect through a 200-amp automatic transfer switch. Most installations take one to two days once the unit arrives.
Commercial Generators
Businesses, data centers, healthcare facilities, and agricultural operations require generators from 30kW to well over 2MW. Commercial installations often involve diesel fuel systems with day tanks, sound-attenuated enclosures, paralleling switchgear, and compliance with NFPA 110 standards. We handle engineering, permitting, utility coordination, and commissioning so your facility is protected from day one.
The OnPoint Generators 4-Step Process
Buying a generator does not have to be complicated. We guide you through a proven process that ensures you get the right system at the right price with zero surprises.
Consultation
We visit your property, assess your electrical panel, measure your power needs, and discuss your priorities — whole-home coverage, essential circuits only, or critical business loads.
Recommendations
Based on your load analysis, we recommend the best brand, model, and fuel type. You receive a detailed proposal with transparent pricing, including equipment, installation, permits, and warranty.
Ordering & Permitting
Once you approve the proposal, we order your generator, pull all required permits, and coordinate with your utility company for the gas connection and meter upgrade if needed.
Installation & Testing
Our licensed technicians install the concrete pad, generator, transfer switch, and fuel connections. We commission the system with a full load test and walk you through operation and maintenance.
Why Choose OnPoint Generators?
Licensed & Insured
We hold CA License #1106359 and carry full liability and workers' compensation insurance. Every installation meets or exceeds California electrical and building codes.
Factory-Trained Technicians
Our team is factory-certified by Generac, Kohler, Cummins. We stay current on the latest models, diagnostics, and best practices through ongoing manufacturer training.
Transparent Pricing
You receive a detailed written estimate before any work begins. No hidden fees, no surprise change orders. The price we quote is the price you pay.
Ongoing Support
Buying a generator is the beginning of the relationship, not the end. We offer comprehensive maintenance programs to keep your investment running reliably for decades.
Local Expertise
Headquartered in Seaside, CA, we understand Northern California's unique power challenges — from PSPS events in the foothills to salt air on the Monterey coast.
1,500+ Satisfied Clients
Homes, hospitals, vineyards, data centers, and retail businesses across Northern California trust OnPoint Generators for their backup power needs.
Flexible Financing Options
A standby generator is a significant investment, and we want to make it accessible. OnPoint Generators partners with leading lenders to offer financing plans with competitive rates and flexible terms. Whether you prefer a low monthly payment spread over several years or a same-as-cash promotional period, we have options that fit your budget.
During your consultation, we will walk you through available financing programs and help you find the plan that works best for your situation. Many homeowners find that the monthly cost of financing a generator is comparable to what they spend on spoiled groceries, hotel stays, and lost productivity during a single extended outage.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How much does a whole-home generator cost?
- Residential standby generators typically range from $5,000 to $25,000 for the equipment alone. Installation adds $3,000 to $10,000 depending on electrical panel upgrades, fuel line runs, concrete pad work, and permitting. During your free consultation, we provide a detailed estimate tailored to your property and power requirements.
- How long does the entire process take from consultation to power-on?
- Most residential installations are completed within four to eight weeks. The timeline includes one to two weeks for consultation and proposal, two to four weeks for equipment delivery (longer for high-demand models), and one to two days for on-site installation. Commercial projects vary based on scope and permitting requirements.
- Which generator brand is best for my home?
- It depends on your priorities. Kohler is ideal if you value quiet operation and premium build quality. Generac offers the widest range of models at competitive prices with excellent remote monitoring. Cummins is the go-to for heavy-duty commercial applications and customers who want industrial-grade reliability. Our technicians will recommend the best fit during your consultation.
- How do I know what size generator I need?
- We perform a detailed load analysis during the consultation. We review your electrical panel, identify the circuits you want to back up, and calculate the total wattage. For whole-home coverage, most homes need 16kW to 24kW. For essential-circuit coverage, 7.5kW to 14kW is often sufficient. Commercial sizing depends on your specific equipment and compliance requirements.
- Do I need permits to install a generator?
- Yes. California requires electrical and building permits for standby generator installations. In some jurisdictions, you also need a mechanical permit for the gas connection and may need planning approval for setback and noise requirements. OnPoint Generators handles all permitting as part of our installation service.
- What kind of warranty comes with the generator?
- Manufacturer warranties vary by brand and model. Kohler offers a five-year or 2,000-hour limited warranty on most residential units. Generac provides five-year limited coverage on residential models. Cummins offers a two- to five-year warranty depending on the product line. OnPoint Generators also warranties our installation workmanship. We can discuss extended warranty options during your consultation.
- Can I run my generator on natural gas or propane?
- Most residential standby generators are available in natural gas, propane, or dual-fuel configurations. If your property has a natural gas line, that is usually the most convenient option since the fuel supply is effectively unlimited. If natural gas is not available, we install a propane tank sized to provide multiple days of runtime.
- Will a generator increase my home value?
- Yes. Studies show that a whole-home standby generator can increase property value by three to five percent. In areas with frequent outages — including much of Northern California — buyers consider backup power a significant selling point. It also makes your home more attractive to insurers.
Related Services
Generator Maintenance
Keep your new generator running reliably with scheduled maintenance programs.
Learn more →Load Bank Testing
Verify your generator performs under real load conditions with professional testing.
Learn more →NFPA 110 Compliance
Ensure your emergency power system meets all NFPA 110 requirements.
Learn more →Ready to Buy a Generator?
Schedule a free consultation with our team. We will assess your property, recommend the right system, and provide a transparent quote.