Serving Portland & Surrounding AreasWHOLE HOUSE GENERATOR INSTALLERS
We want to keep the lights on for you!
Portland’s Generator Experts
With our regional electrical grid becoming increasingly unstable, a generator is no longer a luxury; it’s an easy, cost effective way to protect your entire home or essential appliances during an outage. At Falcon Electric, we don’t just “install units”; we provide the expertise needed to navigate complex electrical codes and ensure your family’s safety.
Whether you need a Generac home standby system that runs on natural gas or a modern solar generator from brands like EcoFlow, Bluetti, or Anker, we specialize in the critical wiring and transfer switch integration that makes these systems work.
Why Choose Falcon Electric for Your Backup Power?
- Traditional ICE Expertise: We provide turnkey installation for natural gas, propane, and diesel units, ensuring proper venting to keep deadly exhaust gases out of your home.
- Solar & Battery Innovation: We are one of the few local firms qualified to handle entire solar-to-battery installations, including fixed solar arrays that can actually reduce your daily electric bill.
- Custom Transfer Solutions: From seamless automatic transfer switches that restore power in under five minutes to economical manual switches for solar generators, we balance your power load to prevent hazardous overloads.
- Long-Term Reliability: Every project is backed by our industry-leading up to 7-year warranty on services, ensuring your investment is protected.
Read our customer stories below to see how we’ve helped families in SW Portland and rural Oregon achieve total power security through expert engineering and code-compliant excellence.
POWERING PAST THE PORTLAND WEATHER SEAMLESS WHOLE HOME SOLUTION
The Stress of Unpredictable Power Outages
For homeowners Matt and Michael in SW Portland, their commitment to living among the region’s stunning, mature trees came with a stressful downside. Portland, Oregon, experiences frequent storms with high winds often reaching 40 to 50 miles per hour and winter ice events. These weather patterns commonly cause tree limbs and entire trees to fall, leading to power outages that often last for days.
It was a source of recurring annoyance and caused concerns. Every outage meant the risk of spoiled food and discomfort, but their greatest worry was the uncertainty of losing power while visiting friends or attending an event, only to return home to a cold, dark house wondering how long before the food in the refrigerator would spoil.
They decided to install a 22kW automatic whole-home generator to eliminate this. They wanted a turnkey solution that would provide power to their whole house, automatically, with zero effort from them. A guarantee that their home would be protected even when they were away. They chose natural gas for its reliable unlimited fuel source during power outages.
Utility Mandates and Tight Clearances
Falcon Electric, residential electrical specialists known for using commercial-grade parts and providing up to a 7-year warranty, provided their signature end to end service. They handled everything: purchasing the generator, installing the concrete pad, and running the natural gas hookup.
However, during the planning phase, the team had to address two external, complex issues that required their thorough planning and code expertise:
- The Utility Mandate: The local utility company directed that the main electrical service meter had to be moved to the opposite side of the house. This meant the Falcon Electric team needed to run a new, large-gauge feeder cable approximately 80 feet to the main panel in the garage.
- Clearance Challenges: All of the equipment, the generator, the new meter, and the automatic transfer switch, had to be stationed in a relatively small area while still complying with strict national and local electrical codes for clearances.
Thoroughness and Code-Compliant Excellence
Falcon Electric applied its expertise to solve these logistical and code-related challenges in the most economical and visually pleasing way possible:
- Seamless Conduit Management: To manage the 80-foot wire run necessitated by the meter relocation, the team utilized precise measurements to effectively conceal the new feeder cable. They successfully routed the wiring through the attic crawlspace and into the garage wall, a clean and economical solution.
- Optimized Equipment Placement: By carefully checking all national and local codes, the team was able to make, minor modifications to the mounting of the new meter and the automatic transfer switch. This allowed all components to be stationed in the same, compact area, using the least amount of space while keeping the installation fully compliant.
- The Power Payoff: The necessary panel replacement and addition of a new sub-panel were performed to accommodate the new 22kW generator and its key component: the automatic transfer switch. This entire system was able to deliver power to the home in under five minutes of a power failure.
Total, Fast, and Unattended Power Security
With the automatic whole home generator installed, Matt and Michael finally achieved true peace of mind. The ability for their power to restore automatically, even when they are away from home, means they never have to worry about a surprise when they get home again.
Knowing their power will be back on in less than five minutes, backed by Falcon Electric’s up to 7-year warranty on their services, left the homeowners feeling secure, prepared, and relieved to have the most reliable power solution for their Portland home.
HOW FALCON ELECTRIC’S EXPERTISE TRANSFORMED POWER OUTAGES INTO A NON-ISSUE
The Problem
A family living in rural Oregon faced the constant stress of unreliable power. In their remote location, outages were frequent—occurring weekly or bi-weekly for periods lasting from thirty minutes to several hours, and often extending for multiple days after high winds or snow. They needed a reliable, fuel-free backup solution, as natural gas was unavailable in their area. Their ultimate goal was a system that provided continuous, self-sustaining power without the hassle of refueling. For this reason, they selected Falcon Electric to install a solar generator solution.
The Expertise That Prevented Challenges
The project required a blend of solar photovoltaic (DC) knowledge and traditional generator transfer switch (AC) expertise—a combination many general electricians cannot provide. The key challenge for the customer was finding a single company willing and qualified to handle the entire solar-to-battery installation, from the roof-mounted panels down to the service panel tie-in. Falcon Electric stepped up, leveraging their extensive experience with whole-home generators and automatic transfer switches. By integrating the DC solar array and the AC backup system themselves, Falcon Electric eliminated the need for a separate, high-cost solar installer. This comprehensive approach saved the customer the markups and high salesperson costs typically associated with contracting two separate firms, delivering a high-capacity, code-compliant solution efficiently.
The Solution and Installation Efficiency
Falcon Electric installed the Anker Solix 15kW system, designed for future upgradeability. We mounted three 400-watt panels on the roof, generating 1200 watts of charging power for the 15kWh high-efficiency battery. Due to their deep background with transfer technology, Falcon Electric had no issues integrating the system’s components, securely tying the battery to the home’s critical circuits. The system uses an Anker smart solar controller to manage a proprietary automatic transfer switch, which immediately and safely isolates the home from the grid and activates backup power the moment an outage occurs. Every step was executed in full accordance with the manufacturer’s specific instructions and current electrical codes, demonstrating efficiency born from years of installation experience.
The Customer Result
The installed system provides the family with immediate, dependable backup power whenever the grid fails. Their essential services—including the well pump, refrigeration, and lighting—now run consistently from the 15kWh battery. Crucially, the generator refills itself constantly via the solar panels, giving the family relief from the burden of needing to store or haul fuel during or after an outage. They now feel secure, prepared, and relieved, knowing their power supply is self-sufficient and reliable. This expertise and seamless installation are backed by Falcon Electric’s guarantee of up to 7 years warranty on their service, ensuring long-term trustworthiness and protection.
Would you like me to write a story about Falcon Electric’s expertise in EV charger installation?
FROM FAULTY BREAKER TO FUTURE PROOF POWER
Matthew’s Generator Upgrade
When Matthew first called Falcon Electric, he faced a persistent, frustrating problem: a section of lights in his home had stopped working. After a level one diagnostic, Falcon Electric’s technician, Jonathan, diagnosed a faulty breaker in his 1980s Murray subpanel.
But a simple repair would have been a temporary fix to an aging system. Matthew’s existing 100-amp service and antiquated panel were clear liabilities. The ultimate goal became finding a comprehensive continuous power solution, especially since Matthew had witnessed the severe consequences of the 2024 ice storm, which left him without power for nearly two weeks, and trees falling on neighbors’ homes, knocking out local power lines and damaging transformers. He needed a reliable solution to protect his home from future outages and secure his electrical infrastructure.
Challenges
Upgrading Matthew’s system required Falcon Electric’s knowledge and coordination. Simply installing a new panel was not enough; the solution involved upgrading his service from 100 amps to 200 amps.
This service upgrade necessitated working directly with the local utility, either PGE. Falcon Electric’s role involved coordinating the process to ensure the utility’s on-site technicians were fully aligned with the plans discussed and approved by the service coordinator. This step was crucial to ensure the home’s main feed from the electrical grid could safely handle the higher capacity. Falcon Electric’s streamlined process handled this utility liaison, ensuring Matthew received the necessary capacity with minimal disruption.
The Solution
Falcon Electric executed a multi-step, integrated solution. First, they replaced the outdated Murray panel and successfully upgraded the home’s service to 200 amps. This increase provides Matthew with robust electrical capacity, future-proofing his home for multiple high-load devices like a hot tub or sauna, without requiring future panel charges.
Next, Jonathan installed the 22 kW Champion Automatic Natural Gas Generator with Axis transfer switch. Falcon Electric chose natural gas because it offers the most efficient and long-term solution, it provides a constant fuel supply that does not require maintenance or delivery, unlike oil or diesel units. The automatic transfer switch detects a utility power failure and immediately starts the generator, seamlessly transferring the home’s electrical load.
The result is a fully integrated, high-capacity system that operates automatically.
The Result
Matthew received more than just working lights; he gained complete power security and operational peace of mind. His home is now protected by a 200-amp service, capable of handling all his current and future electrical demands, and a powerful 22 kW natural gas generator ready to activate the moment an outage occurs.
He feels secure, prepared, and relieved, knowing that even if extreme weather returns and cuts utility power for days, his home will remain functional and safe. This project exemplifies Falcon Electric’s commitment to providing not just a repair, but a long-term, economical, and code-compliant whole-home solution, backed by our deep experience in panel upgrades and comprehensive generator installation.
What A Home Generator Could Mean To You
The customer called inquiring about adding a generator to their home to avoid being without power after another harsh winter storm.
During the consultation, the electrician learned that the customer did not have a specific brand of generator in mind, though Generac is a widely advertised and popular option. The customer shared that in recent years, the area had experienced power outages lasting 4-9 days at a time due to winter storms. These outages had resulted in significant losses and inconveniences, with the customer’s strongest memories being of not having heat for days on end, having all their food spoiled, and being unable to leave for hotels due to pets or closed roads from the weather.
While the area typically experienced shorter power outages lasting a few hours, the extended multi-day outages during the winter months were particularly challenging. The customer wanted a generator capable of running most of their standard single-family home’s loads, allowing them to live almost entirely unaffected by any future outages.
The electrician recommended a 24kW Generac whole-home generator, which is commonly used and capable of providing 100 amps of power to the home, making it suitable for most standard single-family homes. This generator was wired into the home using an automatic transfer switch, eliminating the need for any manual intervention from the homeowner. When the power goes out, the generator is started and the power is switched over from street power to the generator automatically.
The installation process was relatively seamless, with coordination between the electrician and the gas company to ensure proper hookup and testing upon completion.
With the new 24kW Generac natural gas whole-home generator installed, the customer can now rest assured that they will be nearly unaffected by any future extended power outages. The generator will automatically turn on, even when the home is unoccupied, providing them with the peace of mind that they will not have to endure the hardships of being without heat, losing food, or being stranded due to impassable roads during harsh winter storms.
ICE GENERATOR
SOLAR GENERATOR
FEATURE
Home Standby (ICE)
Solar Generator (Battery)
BEST FOR
Whole Home Power, Long Outages
Essential Appliances, Indoor Use
FUEL SOURCE
Natural Gas, Propane, Diesel
Renewable Sunlight
MAINTENANCE
Monthly Test Runs & Oil Changes
Zero Maintenance (No Moving Parts)
ADVANTAGE
Unlimited Fuel (If Natural Gas)
Can Reduce Monthly Electric Bills
via Solar Use
The Homeowner’s Essential Checklist for Power Resilience
To ensure your backup system is ready when the next Portland storm hits, follow these expert-backed tips for maintenance and efficiency.
1. Optimize Your Home for “Less is More”
You can significantly improve the performance of any generator by reducing your home’s baseline electrical demand.
- Energy-Efficient Appliances: When it’s time to replace old appliances, choose high-efficiency models to lower the load on your generator.
- LED Lighting Upgrades: Replace traditional bulbs with LEDs. A 13.5-watt LED provides the same light as a 100-watt incandescent bulb, allowing your generator to power more of your home for longer.
2. Maintenance for Internal Combustion (ICE) Generators
Traditional gas or diesel generators require regular care to prevent failure during an emergency.
- Monthly Test Runs: Run your generator every month for 30 to 60 minutes to reach operating temperature and clear the fuel lines.
- Fuel Quality Management: Regularly replenish gasoline to maintain octane levels. For diesel units, watch for water buildup and algae growth that can plug fuel filters.
- Visual & Load Inspections: Check hoses, wires, and air filters for wear. Perform a “load test” by powering actual home circuits to ensure transfer switches and inverters are functioning properly.
3. Safety and Operational Smart-Tips
- Exhaust Awareness: Never run a portable ICE generator near your home; ensure it is far enough away that deadly carbon monoxide cannot enter through windows or vents.
- Solar Battery Care: Unlike gas units, portable solar generators can be fully charged from a standard AC outlet and stored for months without oil changes or maintenance.
- Daily Savings Mode: If you have a solar array and a manual transfer switch, use your excess solar power daily to run small appliances and reduce your monthly electric bill.
Solar Generators or Battery Powered Inverters
In January of 2023 EcoFlow with Costco put solar generators on the map. Many other brands had existed before, but EcoFlow with their 3,500 watt output with boost mode up to 4,500 watts and the ability to recharge with 1,600 watts of solar in 2 1/2 hours made solar generators practical and a more ecologically friendly option with enough power to power a camper or a home refrigerator, lights, cooking plate/microwave and electric heater in a power outage. Best of all you can charge it to full from the A/C in your home and store it away for months, or charge your EV if you run low on power before you can get to the next EV charger. Today the prices of these units are almost half of what they were originally
In 2022 and 2023 whole home solar generators which output 5 to 36 kilowatts at 120v and 240v came on the market, some top name brands are.
- EcoFlow Ultra
- Bluetti EP800 and EP900
- Anker Solix X1
- Anker Solex F3800
- Dakota Lithium Home Backup
Some popular battery based solutions are also available from Tesla, EG4, Growatt and others. These systems use a lithium battery bank that they charge and invert into electrical power and are designed to be attached to fixed solar panels that charge the system daily.
Portable Solar Generators Things To Know
Portable solar generators come in a wider range of output power levels than gas generators, at under 2000 watts they are fine to power a TV, charge phones; 2000-4500 watt portable systems can provide backup power to some of your home systems or power your camper on vacation. The best part of owning a portable solar generator is you can provide power where an extension cord will not reach, and you can fully charge them via the A/C outlets in your home and store them for the day of your power outage, no oil changes, no testing inverters, etc. And when you do need to use them, you can pull out your portable solar panels and recharge them. No deadly exhaust fumes to worry about.
Solar generators are of course eco friendly and renewable. All portable units can be tied via a transfer panel into your home’s electrical system which we can help with using a brand supplied transfer panel or a quality 3rd party transfer panel. And with a fixed solar array outside, they can be used daily to reduce your power consumption on some of your home circuits like refrigerators and lights.
