Skip to content Generator Installations in the Black Hills
When the powers out, we keep your life moving!
A standby generator is one of the most convenient upgrades you can add to your home. Especially when storms or outages hit and you don’t want to worry about losing heat, refrigeration, lights, or Wi-Fi.
We’re known for delivering top-tier, code-compliant electrical work while keeping projects moving. Our crews work efficiently, stay organized, and consistently hit deadlines without sacrificing quality.
Standby generator sizing estimator
Pick what you want running when the power goes out. This gives you a working range to bring to the conversation. Final sizing comes from a load calculation on your actual service.
- 1Coverage
- 2Your loads
- 3Estimate
How much of the house do you want backed up?
You can change any of it on the next step.
What needs to keep running?
What this number is and is not
Running watts are what your selections draw once they are going. Starting watts are the surge when a motor kicks on, and that surge is what actually determines the unit you need. A well pump or an air conditioner can pull two or three times its running load for a second or two.
This estimate assumes typical equipment. It does not know your service size, your panel, how far the unit sits from it, or whether load management can bring you down a size and save you real money. That is what the load calculation settles, and it is why we do it on site rather than online.
See the breakdown
Bring this number to us and we will tell you whether it holds up.
Book a sizing visit
Generac Pros & cons
- Widest size range, small units to large liquid-cooled
- Largest parts and service network
- Remote monitoring included on most models
- Strong cold-weather kit options
- Premium pricing on parts
- Some models run louder
Kohler Pros & cons
- Corrosion-resistant enclosures built for outdoors
- Among the quietest units at load
- Strong standard warranty
- Higher upfront cost
- Smaller local service footprint
Cummins Pros & cons
- Rugged engines built for long run times
- Excellent for large liquid-cooled demand
- Trusted reliability reputation
- Fewer small air-cooled options
- Pricing skews high, thinner local dealers
Champion Pros & cons
- Aggressive pricing for the coverage
- Dual-fuel options on many units
- Good warranty for the price point
- Newer to home standby
- Fewer large-capacity models
Westinghouse Pros & cons
- Competitive pricing and a decent warranty
- Steadily expanding standby lineup
- Solid mid-range value
- Limited large whole-home options
- Less established in standby
How much does a whole-home standby generator cost to install?
Installed jobs in our area generally land between $12,000 and $18,000, depending on the unit size, the gas line, and your panel. We give a firm price after a load calculation. See the full generator FAQ for a cost breakdown.
What size generator do I need?
It depends on the load you want to cover, not square footage alone. Most whole-home jobs land between 18 and 24 kW, confirmed with a load calculation.
Can I hook a generator up to my house myself?
No. Backfeeding a wall outlet can kill utility crews and start fires. A standby unit needs a transfer switch and a licensed, permitted install.
Do I need a transfer switch?
Yes. It keeps your home and the grid from ever being live at the same time. It is required, and it is what makes the system safe.
Is a standby generator worth it in the Black Hills?
For most homes here, yes. Winter outages threaten frozen pipes, and homes on a well lose water pressure the moment the power drops.
How far from the house does it go?
Portables run at least 20 feet away with exhaust pointed away, per the CPSC. Standby units sit closer but must clear windows, doors, and vents per code.
Natural gas or propane?
Natural gas is cheaper to run and never needs refilling. Propane frees you from the grid, which suits rural properties without a gas line.
How long can it run?
On natural gas, effectively as long as the supply lasts. On propane, days to over a week depending on tank size and load.
How long will a standby generator last?
A well-maintained standby unit commonly lasts 20 to 30 years. Maintenance matters more than anything else for lifespan.
What maintenance does it need?
An annual service, oil and filter changes on schedule, a battery check, and the weekly self-test. We can handle service and show you the basics.
Do I need a permit in Rapid City?
Yes. It is licensed, permitted electrical work under the NEC, with inspection. We pull the permit and see the inspection through.
Portable or standby generator?
Portable covers a few essentials on a budget. Standby covers the whole home automatically. Compare both in the full generator FAQ.
Wires R Us is Built On
Our Core Values
Leave the Space Clean
We treat every job site with respect and leave it better than we found it.
Show Up On Schedule
We show up on time, take responsibility and do our job.
Above the Average
Clean wires is not just a gimmick, it reflects the quality throughout.
Quality Efficient Work
The balance of precision, and speed. We've mastered our trade.
What Builders &
Homeowners Say
"I highly recommend Caulder. He surpassed our expectations. Punctual, extremely polite, and his vast knowledge quickly impressed us. He diagnosed our problem very quickly and with great professionalism."
"We enjoy having Wires R Us do the electrical on the custom homes we build. Their organization and wiring is both pristine!"
"The very first job WRU did was our job so many years ago. I have no idea how many jobs they have done for us since. They are the most efficient and proficient electrical company around. Highly recommended!"
Making the process better
Efficient Crews = Faster Timelines
We focus on trust, communication, and dependability. GCs work with us long-term because we make their jobs easier, keep schedules tight, and solve problems before they become issues.
We serve the entire Black Hills region, including
- Hot Springs, SD
Residential and commercial electrical services in Hot Springs, including panel upgrades, wiring, generators, and solar systems built for long-term reliability.
- Hermosa, SD
Professional electrical installations and repairs in Hermosa, with experience in generators and solar solutions for residential and rural properties.
- Rapid City, SD
Electrical services in Rapid City, supporting residential and commercial projects with generators, solar systems, and code-compliant workmanship.
- Black Hawk, SD
Trusted electrical contractors serving Black Hawk with efficient wiring, service upgrades, generator installations, and solar energy systems.
- Piedmont, SD
Full-service residential and commercial electrical work in Piedmont, including wiring, panel upgrades, generators, and solar installations.
- Sturgis, SD
Electrical services for homes, shops, and facilities in Sturgis, including generator systems and solar solutions for year-round energy needs.
- Spearfish, SD
Licensed electricians providing residential and commercial electrical services in Spearfish, including panel upgrades, generators, and solar installations.
- Belle Fourche, SD
Complete electrical services for Belle Fourche properties, from everyday electrical work to generator backup systems and solar integration.
