Backup power
Whole-House Generator Installation
A standby generator runs on natural gas or propane and starts on its own through an automatic transfer switch when the grid goes down. Danville-area contractor Fitch Electric publishes $16,000–$28,000+ installed for the 22–28 kW units common on larger homes here.
Standby generator, portable with interlock, or battery?
Three ways to keep power on, with very different cost, noise and convenience.
| Standby generator | Portable generator + interlock | Battery backup | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starts automatically | Yes, via automatic transfer switch | No; you wheel it out and start it | Yes |
| Fuel | Natural gas or propane | Usually gasoline | None; recharges from grid or solar |
| Covers | Whole home, if sized for it | Selected circuits | Usually essential circuits |
| Runs for | As long as fuel lasts | Until you refuel | Until the charge runs down |
| Noise | Engine noise; check local rules | Loud | Silent |
| Permit | Yes (electrical, often gas) | Yes, for the interlock and inlet | Yes |
| Cost | $16,000–$28,000+ for 22–28 kW (Fitch Electric) | Quoted per job | Quoted per job |
What goes into a standby install
- Sizing: from a load calculation of what must run in an outage: whole home, or a set of essential circuits. Manufacturer sizing guides weigh motor starting loads heavily.
- Gas supply: a natural gas unit needs enough gas at the meter. If the meter is too small, the gas side can involve PG&E as well (how PG&E requests work).
- Automatic transfer switch: separates your home from the grid and switches over when power drops.
- Placement: setback, noise and placement rules vary by city and County. Confirm them with the permit office before you pick a spot.
- HOA review: Blackhawk's HOA requires architectural approval for exterior changes; other associations may too.
- Maintenance: standby units exercise themselves on a schedule and need periodic service per the manufacturer.
Why outages come up here
PG&E may turn off power during dangerous wildfire weather through Public Safety Power Shutoffs, and winter storms bring their own outages. Whether your circuit has been affected is something PG&E's address lookup can show; we don't guess which neighborhoods will be shut off.
Wooded hillside areas in Orinda, Lafayette and the Danville foothills are where backup power questions come up most. Danville, Alamo & Blackhawk · Orinda & Moraga
Battery backup
A home battery stores energy and switches over when the grid drops. It's silent, needs no fuel and is often paired with solar, which can recharge it during a multi-day outage. Most systems are set up to cover essential circuits, like refrigeration, lights, internet and a few outlets, rather than the whole house. Large loads like a heat pump or EV charging need more storage.
Not sure your panel can take a generator or battery? Start with the load calculation.
Generator questions
How much does a whole house generator cost?
Danville-area contractor Fitch Electric publishes $16,000–$28,000+ installed for 22–28 kW units (contractor-published). Gas line work, the transfer switch, the pad and HOA screening all affect the final number.
Is a permit needed for a standby generator in California?
Yes. A permanently installed generator is electrical work that needs a permit from your city or the County, and a gas connection adds to it. Danville runs its own permit center; Alamo, Blackhawk and Diablo go through Contra Costa County; Walnut Creek takes applications online only.
What size generator does a 2,000 sq ft house need?
Square footage doesn't decide it; the loads you want running do, especially air conditioning or heat pump starting loads. An electrician sizes it from a load calculation. Fitch Electric's 22–28 kW figure is for larger homes in Danville and Alamo.
Generator or battery backup?
A generator runs as long as it has fuel and can carry a whole home. A battery is silent and needs no fuel, but covers essential circuits for a limited time unless it is recharged, often by solar.
Sources
- Fitch Electric: Generator installation, Danville & Alamo (contractor-published)
- PG&E: Public Safety Power Shutoff fact sheet (PDF)
- PG&E: Address lookup
- Town of Danville: Permit Center
- Contra Costa County: Building permit overview
- City of Walnut Creek: Building permit FAQs
- Blackhawk HOA: Architectural review application
Next step
Plan your backup power
Tell us what you want running in an outage. A local electrician can size a generator or battery and price the install.
Fill in the formOr call (925) 722-6103