Quick answer: Pfitztech Electrical & Data installs and services home backup power in Kelowna and the Okanagan — Generac standby generators, battery backup systems, transfer switches, and generator interlock kits — as a licensed BC electrical contractor. With BC Hydro now warning of proactive outages during wildfire events, an assessed, permitted backup-power system is the difference between an inconvenience and a crisis. Call (250) 575-5721 for a backup power assessment.
Your three backup power options, honestly compared
| Portable generator + interlock | Lowest cost. Powers essentials; manual start and refuelling. Great first step for most homes. |
| Battery backup (e.g. whole-home battery) | Silent, instant, no fuel. Best for short-to-medium outages; can pair with solar. Higher cost per kWh of runtime. |
| Standby generator (Generac) | Automatic, runs for days on natural gas/propane. Best for long outages, rural properties, and medical or well-pump needs. Requires annual service. |
The right answer depends on a load assessment: what must stay on (heat, well pump, fridge, medical equipment, sump), for how long, and what your panel supports. We do that assessment first, then quote fixed prices for the options that actually fit — we install all three, so you get advice, not a sales pitch.
Generac standby generator installation & annual service
We install Generac air-cooled standby generators with automatic transfer switches, coordinate the gas fitting, and handle Technical Safety BC permits and inspection. Already own a generator? We take over orphaned units too: annual maintenance service (oil, filters, plugs, valve check, transfer-switch test, firmware) keeps your warranty valid and your unit ready for fire season — ask about our annual service plan.
Battery backup & EV-era resilience
Modern battery systems back up critical circuits instantly and silently — and they pair naturally with the panel and load-management work we already do for EV chargers and heat pumps. We design battery backup around your actual critical loads, not a one-size kit.
Why Kelowna homes are adding backup power now
- BC Hydro has warned of proactive, province-wide outages during wildfire events — outages are no longer just storm-driven.
- Heat pumps, EVs, well pumps and home offices make outages costlier than they were a decade ago.
- Insurance and vacation-home considerations: sump pumps and freeze protection need power when you’re away.
Frequently asked questions
What does a standby generator cost installed in BC?
Most air-cooled whole-home installations land in the $8,000–$20,000 range depending on generator size, transfer switch, gas run, and siting. A load assessment pins the number before you commit.
Is a battery or a generator better?
For short outages and silent operation, battery. For multi-day wildfire-season outages, a fuelled standby generator still wins. Many properties do best with a hybrid: battery for instant coverage, generator for endurance.
Can I just use a portable generator?
Yes — safely, with a proper interlock or transfer switch installed and permitted. Never backfeed through a dryer plug: it is dangerous, illegal, and can kill line workers.
Do you service generators you didn’t install?
Yes. We service existing Generac and similar air-cooled standby units across the Okanagan, including annual maintenance and repairs.
Book a backup power assessment: (250) 575-5721 — Kelowna, West Kelowna, Lake Country, Vernon, Penticton and rural Okanagan properties.