Top-rated generator install pros.

Get matched with top generator install pros in Parmelee, SD

Enter your zip and get matched with up to 5 pros

Need a pro for your generator install project in Parmelee, SD?

Select your specific project to find the pro for you.

Find Generator install pros in Parmelee

Schrader Electric & Control
New to Angi
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - RepairGenerator - Install - For Business+3 more

Serving Parmelee, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1985

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

Schrader Electric & Control is your trusted electric company serving the Winner, SD and surrounding areas. We have many years of experience and do high quality work. We are prompt, professional and reliable with an emphasis on excellent customer service.\n\nCall us today!\n

Request Quote
P.Hein Electric
New to Angi
Generator - Install - For BusinessGenerator - Repair - For Business

Serving Parmelee, SD and surrounding areas

In business since 1973

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

P.Hein Electric is an electrical service company owned by Patrick Hein, who grew up in Winner and graduated from Winner High School in 1988. He left home after graduating and joined the Army to get some training and funding for school. He was given several months of electronics theory and repair in Ft. Gordon, Ga. After graduating from training, he became an Electronics and Telecommunications technician. During his tours he received three Army Achievement Medals for his hard work and ability to solve workshop problems. He even developed a test for equipment repair and single-handedly brought his unit to 100% operational, which had never been done before.

Request Quote
Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

Generators run on a variety of fuel types, ranging from natural gas to solar power. Keep in mind that fuel costs varying by type:

  • Natural gas: $2,000–$21,000 per year 

  • Liquid propane: $2,000–$21,000 per year

  • Diesel: $3,000–$20,000 per year

  • Gasoline: $500–$3,000 per year

  • Solar generator: $2,000–$25,000 per unit

  • Battery backup: $10,000–$25,000 per unit

You can determine what size generator you need for a transfer switch by matching the switch to the largest outlet on your generator. Larger generators can power up to 10 circuits, while most 5,000-watt generators can provide power to six circuits. So, if your generator’s largest outlet is 30 amps, you’ll need a 30-amp transfer switch.

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.

Homeowners can often access federal tax credits, such as the Investment Tax Credit (ITC), which covers a percentage of installation costs. Many states and utilities offer additional rebates, grants, or performance-based incentives. These programs can significantly lower your upfront investment. Check the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency (DSIRE) or contact your local energy office for current offers.

The Parmelee, SD homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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

See all articles