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Amplified Electric, Inc.
5.0(
11
)
Generator - Install - For Business

Serving Watkins, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2014

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"High End Professional Service Which one cannot put a Price on! Difficult to find in 2015, many elections set in there ways Don't want to make a Changes or listen to what is Needed. Make Amplified Electric your 1st CALL. Kyle was exceptionally flexible for an initial consultation & Estimate which I hired Him on the Spot. He was willing to speak with a Home Warranty Company so in all I only had a few Hundred dollars out of Pocket to cover a few upgrades to a several thousands in repairs. I'll be refering him Co-Workers Friends & Family always. That is the Biggest Compliment one can give"
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Avatar for Augusta Plumbing LLC
Augusta Plumbing LLC
5.0(
1
)
Fixed Generator - Install

Serving Watkins, MN and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2004

Free estimates

Emergency services offered

"He was very upfront with us and told us exactly how it would go.  We just told him to do what he could and he just did what he could.  He did fix the problem.  He was friendly and professional.  As far as I’m concerned plumbers don’t weigh too much, no matter who they are.  I think the going rate is $100 an hour or so, and so he charge us the same.  He was fine with the appointments and he didn’t damage anything.  We had him out here a year ago to remove an old soft water piston.  I liked him then and that’s why I called him the second time.  He did a good job.  He usually comes out as soon as he can.  Time before last when he did the water softening, I think it took him a day to get out here.  It was the next day after I called.  With this last plumbing faucet thing, he was out the same day; in fact within two hours I think.  He is very responsive.  I don’t think his price is high but I just think plumbers want too much money.  The quality is very good.  I will use his services again in the future."
HVAC
HVAC
2 neighbors recently requested a quote
Recommended by100%of homeowners
H & R Electric, LLC
4.2(
10
)
Fixed Generator - InstallPortable Generator - Install

Serving Watkins, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

"They know whole house generation very well. MN was having historical rain storms and I needed sump pump to run or flooding in the lower level of our house would occur. They responded and discussed what was needed and installed in less than a week. Two days after the install the power went out for 3 hours. the geni turned on and my lake home was fully operational from both AC units, wifi, garage door opener washer and dryer and of course the sump pump. Not cheep at 8,500 clams but I'm done having to think about it. This vendor was perfect in my book."
Recommended by85%of homeowners
Avatar for WM Electric, LLC
WM Electric, LLC
4.2(
5
)
Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For BusinessPortable Generator - Install

Serving Watkins, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 2017

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"William is likeable, easy going, professional and courteous. Went above and beyond the normal. He brought electrical from street to tiny house. Included house, two travel trailers, etc. Worked with city for permits etc. I put all my faith in him and am happy to say I picked the right guy and company WM Electric LLC"
Response time10 mins
Recommended by100%of homeowners
Tamm Electric, LLC
0.5(
1
)
Fixed Generator - InstallPortable Generator - Install

Serving Watkins, MN and surrounding areas

In business since 1989

Free estimates

We can take on a wide range of residential and commercial electrical projects to include; full installation for additions and remodels, wiring, panel upgrades, and a variety of other projects. We take pride in the quality of our work and our commitment to outstanding results. We look forward to building strong, long-term relationships with our clients, and guarantee your satisfaction.

Generator Install questions, answered by experts

Yes, in most municipalities, you will need a permit to install a permanent home generator, including emergency backup, partial-home, and whole-home models. Because these installations involve significant alterations to your home's electrical system and produce exhaust fumes, local governments often require a permit or inspection for safety purposes. A generator permit typically costs between $50 and $250, depending on your location. Your electrician or certified installer can usually handle the permitting process for you, but you will be responsible for the cost. It's a good practice to confirm with your installer that they will pull all necessary permits before work begins.

Here’s what you can run with different wattages and types of generators:

Portable generator:

  • 2,000 watts can handle a large appliance like a freezer or refrigerator, plus a few smaller items like phones or computer chargers. 

  • 4,000 watts will keep two large appliances operating and a few smaller devices.

  • 8,000 watts should power most essential appliances and other devices, including a sump pump, well pump, or your dishwasher.

Partial to whole-house generator:

  • 20,000 watts and above will make it seem like your home’s power is still on.

To determine the right size generator for your house, you should calculate the total wattage of the appliances and devices you want to power during an outage. List all essential items, note their start-up wattages, and add them together.

Here are some typical wattage requirements for common appliances:

  • Refrigerator: 600 watts

  • Large dehumidifier: 700 watts

  • Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts

  • Water heater: 3,000 to 4,500 watts

  • Electric furnace: 5,000 to 25,000 watts

A 7,500-watt generator might be sufficient for essentials like a refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits. However, for high-demand items like a water heater or furnace, a whole-home generator is a better choice. A portable generator may be enough if you only need to power a few critical items.

While home square footage can offer a rough estimate, it is not always a reliable indicator. For reference, here are some typical generator sizes based on square footage:

  • 1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW

  • 1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW

  • 2,000 sq ft: 10–14 kW

  • 2,500 sq ft: 12–16 kW

  • 3,000 sq ft: 16–20 kW+

For the most accurate sizing, consult a professional who can calculate your home's peak and average power consumption and recommend the optimal generator.

If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you’ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.

Costs range from $500 to $2,500, depending on generator type and installation complexity.

The Watkins, MN homeowners’ guide to generator installs

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.