Buying a Generator Online and Installing Locally
Yes, purchasing your generator equipment online and hiring a local electrician for installation is a smart, common approach that can save you $500 to $2,000 compared to buying through the installer. Many local generator installers mark up equipment prices significantly because the equipment sale is part of their profit model. By purchasing directly from an authorized dealer like IB Lighting and hiring local labor separately, you control both sides of the cost equation.
How the Process Works
Step 1: Size and Select Your Generator
Determine the right generator size for your home using our sizing guides or by calling (800) 674-9019 for a free consultation. We will recommend the correct kilowatt size, transfer switch type, and any accessories (cold weather kit, maintenance kit, Wi-Fi monitoring) based on your home details.
Step 2: Purchase Equipment from IB Lighting
Order the generator and transfer switch kit from our online shop. Every order includes free freight shipping and freight insurance. We ship the generator directly to your home address or, if you prefer, to your installer’s shop or the job site. You receive full manufacturer warranty because we are an authorized dealer for Generac, Kohler, Cummins, and Briggs & Stratton.
Step 3: Hire a Local Licensed Electrician
Contact 2 to 3 licensed electricians in your area who have experience installing standby generators. Ask each for a labor-only quote for installing the generator and transfer switch you have already purchased. Make sure the quote includes the concrete or composite pad, electrical connections (transfer switch to panel, panel to generator), gas line connection (they may subcontract this to a plumber), permits and inspections, and system testing and commissioning.
Step 4: Installation and Inspection
The electrician installs the system, typically in 1 to 2 days. They handle permits, schedule inspections, and ensure everything meets local code requirements. Once the inspector signs off, your generator is operational and protecting your home.
Why This Approach Saves Money
Generator installers who sell equipment as part of a turnkey package typically mark up the generator price by 10% to 30% above what you would pay from an online authorized dealer. On a $6,000 generator kit, that markup is $600 to $1,800. By purchasing equipment at retail pricing from IB Lighting and paying a local electrician for labor only, you eliminate the equipment markup entirely. The electrician still earns their full labor fee, and you get the same equipment at a better price.
Will Electricians Install Equipment I Purchased Elsewhere?
Yes. Most licensed electricians will install customer-supplied generator equipment. This is common practice and electricians are accustomed to it. Some things to clarify upfront: confirm the electrician is comfortable installing the specific brand you purchased, verify their quote is for labor only and does not include equipment you have already bought, ensure they will handle permits and inspections as part of their scope, and confirm they will test and commission the system after installation.
A small number of electricians may decline customer-supplied equipment because they prefer the margin from selling equipment themselves. If this happens, simply move to the next installer on your list. The majority are happy to install customer-provided generators from authorized dealers.
Warranty Protection
Your manufacturer warranty is fully valid when you purchase from an authorized dealer like IB Lighting and have the unit installed by a licensed professional. The warranty is tied to the product and the authorized purchase, not to who performs the installation. Keep your purchase receipt from IB Lighting and your installation documentation from the electrician as proof of both authorized purchase and professional installation.
What About DIY Installation?
We do not recommend DIY generator installation. Generator installation involves 240V electrical connections that present serious shock and electrocution hazards, transfer switch wiring that must prevent backfeed to utility lines (a life safety issue for utility workers), gas line connections that require proper sizing, pressure testing, and code compliance, and permits and inspections that require a licensed professional in most jurisdictions. The equipment purchase is where you save money. The installation is where you invest in professional expertise and safety.
Ready to save on your generator purchase? Call IB Lighting at (800) 674-9019 for sizing, pricing, and ordering. We ship free to your home or your installer. Browse our generator selection online to compare models and see pricing.