Backup Power
Standby generators, batteries, transfer switches and portable hookups for outages and PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
An hour without power is annoying. Three days in a heat wave or fire-season shutoff means a thawing freezer, no well water, no AC, no medical equipment.
Three ways out. A portable generator with inlet and interlock is cheapest. A standby generator starts itself and can run the whole house for days. A battery is silent and pairs with solar, but runs for a limited time.
Backup power we install
- Standby Generator InstallationPower back on within seconds of an outage.
- Generator BrandsBrands with local parts and service.
- Portable Generator HookupSafely run house circuits from your generator.
- Transfer SwitchesSwitch to generator power safely.
- Generator RepairWon't start, error codes or won't transfer.
- Generator MaintenanceYearly service and a test run.
- Generator Removal & ReplacementSwap an old generator for a new one.
- Home Battery BackupQuiet backup power that charges from solar.
- Battery BrandsThree proven home batteries we install.
- Add a Battery to Existing SolarKeep your solar running during outages.
- Battery Service & RepairBatteries that stop charging or backing up.
- Portable Power StationsPlug-and-play backup for small needs.
- Outage-Ready CheckTest your backup before shutoff season.
Signs you need backup power
- You're in a PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoff area
- A well pump, sump pump or medical equipment
- Outages have cost you food, comfort or work
- Solar that goes dark in an outage
How a backup install goes
- Pick must-haves. Whole house, or just fridge, well, furnace fan, lights, internet and medical gear.
- Size options. Portable, standby and battery, priced side by side.
- Install. Transfer switch or backup subpanel, equipment placed to code, fuel lined up.
- Test and maintain. We run a full transfer test, show you the system, and offer yearly maintenance.
What backup power costs
| Job | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Standby generator (18 to 26 kW) with transfer switch (installed) | $13,500 to $23,000 |
| Home battery with backup subpanel (one 13.5 kWh battery, installed) | $15,500 to $25,000 |
Prices updated October 2026.
Outages around here
PG&E shutoffs hit the foothills hardest: Auburn, Colfax, Foresthill, Grass Valley, Nevada City, Placerville, Pollock Pines and the Highway 49 towns. Valley outages are shorter but hotter. SMUD territory sees fewer, so batteries there are more about time-of-use savings.
Backup power questions
What is the best backup power option for PG&E shutoffs?
Depends on how long and what must run. Portable generator with inlet and interlock: cheapest. Standby: automatic, whole house, well pump included, for days. Battery: silent, solar-friendly, limited run time.
How much does a whole-home generator cost?
Typically $13,500 to $23,000 installed for an 18 to 26 kW standby with automatic transfer switch and pad. Gas line work and distance move it. Prices updated October 2026.
How much does a home battery cost?
Typically $15,500 to $25,000 installed for one 13.5 kWh battery and backup subpanel. More batteries, longer run time. Prices updated October 2026.
Can my solar panels power my house during an outage?
Not by itself. Grid-tied solar shuts off in an outage for safety. Add a battery and it keeps running by day.
Updated October 2026 by the Chief Electric team.