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Avatar for SON LIGHT ELECTRIC LLC
SON LIGHT ELECTRIC LLC
5.0(
7
)
Fixed Generator - InstallFixed Generator - Repair

Serving Salem, WV and surrounding areas

Approved

In business since 2022

Free estimates

Credit card accepted

"Very professional and kind, answered all questions. Jamey did a fabulous job, and was very quick. We would recommend him to anyone. Very impressed and such a nice person. We were having a whole kitchen remodel and are contractors were very impressed with Son Light Electrics work."
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+4

Response time6 hrs
Response rate94%
52 neighbors recently requested a quote
Avatar for Worry Free Electric, LLC
Worry Free Electric, LLC
4.9(
18
)
Fixed Generator - InstallGenerator - Install - For Business

Serving Salem, WV and surrounding areas

In business since 2019

Free estimates

Small jobs welcome

"I had used Worry Free Electric in the past and had very good service. I called James Costello again for some outlet relocations, new outlets, and new light fixtures installation/replacement. I was supplying these new light fixtures. I told James what I wanted to achieve, and where I wanted the new outlets and ceiling lighting fixtures located. He made some recommendations and suggestions, did exactly what I wanted and beyond with the addition of some three way switches for the lighting circuits. The whole experience was above my expectations. James Costello will be my first call for any future licensed Electrician project!"
200 amp service entrance
Response time2 days
Response rate96%
Recommended by100%of homeowners
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Generator Install questions, answered by experts

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.

No, you should never plug a generator directly into a wall outlet in your house. This practice is extremely dangerous, often illegal, and can cause "back-feeding," where power from the generator flows back into utility lines, creating a life-threatening hazard for utility workers. It can also damage your home's electrical system, including appliances like pumps and HVAC fans. If the main power is restored while the generator is connected, it can destroy the generator and cause an electrical fire. To safely connect a generator, you must use a professionally installed transfer switch or an interlocking kit, which prevents back-feeding by disconnecting your home from the utility grid before the generator provides power.

Sizing a generator is a careful process that requires calculating the electrical load of your entire house. You have to take into account every device you want to use and their wattage requirements, plus the wattage needed to start them, and look for a generator that can safely run all that at around 80% capacity.

In more practical terms, a small home can run on a 10,000-watt generator (and if you only want to power a few key appliances, much less than that). A mid-sized home may need something between 15,000 and 22,000 watts. Larger homes require 25,000 watts or more. 

Yes, installing a generator usually increases your property value because buyers are getting the added peace of mind knowing they’ll be able to maintain power through blackouts. In most cases, you should see close to a 100% return on investment (ROI). Keep in mind that home generators usually need a permanent foundation, and installing a concrete slab will likely raise your property taxes slightly.

If you’re wondering if you can use your electric vehicle as a backup battery, it depends on whether your EV is compatible with bidirectional charging. This technology allows energy to flow both ways, enabling vehicle-to-home (V2H) backup power, vehicle-to-load (V2L) for appliances and camping, and vehicle-to-grid (V2G) to support the power grid. Compatible EVs convert stored DC energy into usable AC power, helping reduce energy costs and enhance grid stability while providing emergency backup power.

The Salem, WV homeowners’ guide to generator installs

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