Backup Generator Installation in San Jose & Santa Clara County
Standby Systems & Code-Compliant Interlock Installations by Licensed Electricians
When Backup Power Becomes Part of the Plan
Power reliability in Santa Clara County has shifted.
Public Safety Power Shutoffs.
Wind events.
Equipment strain.
Increased residential demand.
For many homeowners, backup power is no longer reactive — it’s preventative infrastructure planning.
Dollens Electric installs and services standby generators and code-compliant portable generator interlock systems for homeowners who want their electrical systems handled correctly, safely, and professionally.
Generator Installation & Interlock Systems in San Jose
We provide:
Whole home standby generator installation
Portable generator inlet installation
Generator interlock kit installation (panel-specific)
Manual and automatic transfer switch installation
Generator-ready panel upgrades
Critical load sub-panel installation
Ongoing generator maintenance & service
If you are searching for a licensed electrician for generator installation in San Jose or Santa Clara County, we provide full permitting, inspection coordination, and code-compliant electrical integration.
📞 Call (408) 929-6100
Two Approaches to Backup Power
Whole-Home Standby Generator Installation
For homeowners who want automatic backup power.
Our installations include:
Automatic Transfer Switch (ATS) installation
Whole-home or critical load configuration
Load calculation and service evaluation
Panel modifications where required
Permit handling and inspection coordination
PG&E interface when applicable
Electrical integration for Generac, Kohler, Cummins, and customer-supplied systems
We coordinate gas plumbing with licensed partners to ensure proper fuel supply and compliance.
Backup power starts at the electrical panel. That’s where our expertise lies.
Portable Generator Interlock Installation (When Code Compliant)
A properly installed interlock system allows a portable generator to safely energize designated circuits during a power outage.
We install panel-specific interlock kits that:
Prevent dangerous backfeeding
Mechanically isolate utility and generator power
Meet National Electrical Code requirements
Integrate cleanly into compatible panels
Not all panels qualify for interlock systems. We evaluate compatibility and perform necessary upgrades when required.
For many homes, this is the most practical and efficient backup solution.
Generator Maintenance & Service
Installation is only part of responsible backup planning.
We provide:
Standby generator electrical diagnostics
Transfer switch testing
Load testing
Circuit verification
Electrical component troubleshooting
Panel and grounding inspections
Routine maintenance ensures your system operates when it’s actually needed — not just when it’s new.
When a Panel Upgrade Is Required
Some homes require electrical upgrades before generator integration:
Service capacity evaluation
Main panel replacement
Meter/main upgrades
Grounding and bonding corrections
Sub-panel reconfiguration
We perform these upgrades in-house. No subcontracted electrical work. No shortcuts.
Projects Completed:
-Electric water heater installation
-Circuit breaker panel upgrade
-Electric dryer wiring and connection
From the initial consultation, it was clear I was working with a true professional. They took the time to explain each project in detail, answered all my questions patiently, and provided transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
What stood out most:
The water heater installation was flawless. They ensured everything was up to code, properly grounded, and functioning perfectly. The attention to safety details gave me complete peace of mind.
The circuit breaker upgrade was handled expertly. They assessed my home's electrical needs, recommended the right capacity, and completed the work efficiently while keeping the disruption to my daily routine minimal.
For the dryer connection, they ran wiring cleanly and professionally, ensuring proper voltage and a safe, reliable connection. Everything was tested thoroughly before they considered the job complete.
Throughout all three projects, they maintained a clean work area, showed up on time, and demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship. I'll definitely be using them for all future electrical needs!

Came back from out of town on a Friday evening to find the garage without power.
Jason from Dollens walked me step by step through all the trouble shooting over the phone to spot the issue and resolve it within minutes.
I am going back to them for all my Electrical nees!
Still my go to electrical contractor. On time, plenty of communication, professional.
Converting from propane to an electric BBQ (firewise change).
Needed a new outlet on a 20 amp circuit that had an old 15 amp style socket. These are the guys I trust to keep us safe.
Update 9/2020 - Upgraded some thermostat wiring for me with a difficult routing. Professional and quick.
Update - Jason and Josh again came through for me. In the midst of a heat wave, they were able to come to the other end of the county and fix an electrical problem at my mother's house. Got the outlets for the portable AC and lift chair back working and made the wiring safer to boot.
Original - Could not ask for better. Jason installed a new 40 amp circuit and an EVo charger for our car. (No more slow 110 charging. Yeah!) While working in our breaker panel he noted a dangerous situation left by a previous contractor who upgraded our air conditioning.
(Side note kind of disappointing the inspector didn't notice that the other contractor put in a bigger breaker on a wire that was too small. Luckily the wire insulation had just started to bubble and it didn't catch fire.)
Within a week they were able to fit us in to replace the faulty circuit as well as rewire our garage lighting to eliminate some creative but scary runs of extension cords and re-purposed outlets. Now I have bright lights and when I look up, I don't see wires draped everywhere.
We connected with Jason of Dollens Electric through our equally excellent general contractor Dan Mackey. (Who by the way had nothing to do with the faulty circuit or the creative garage lighting.)
Lastly a thank you to Jason's son Josh who got to do the crawling under the house.
Thanks Maggie and Jim!!!
I was pleased when they briefly reviewed an installation manual to make sure they remembered exactly how the brand worked. It was obvious Joshua already knew how to make the installation but he doubled checked anyway. (I'm glad I'm not the only person who still refers to a manual.)
Call/use them; you won't be sorry.

Thank you for your kind words! We're glad to hear that you had a great experience with us. Our team at Dollens Electric is always ready to help with any electrical problems. If you ever need assistance in the future, don't hesitate to give us a call. Thanks again!
Excellent communication and professional!
Highly recommend!
Jason seemed to know the possible cause for the problem when I told him that the parts of the house were losing power gradually, and he was right!! He came out on the same day and fixed the problem (burnt crimp in junction box in the garage) within an hour!! Excellent!

They went above board to make sure every thing was done to perfection !
They give an accurate read on what needs
to be done. They are a safety-first company
that shows up energetic & work...

They answered all our questions, let us know and talk through our options and didn't do any additional work without letting us know and approve the price difference for our requests, rather than telling us at the end of the job.
A+ work!

Fuel Types & System Planning
We work with:
Natural gas standby systems
Propane standby systems
Portable gasoline generators (with safe interlock integration)
We coordinate gas plumbing with licensed professionals when required to ensure safe and compliant installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit for generator installation in San Jose?
Yes. Electrical permits are typically required. We handle permitting and inspections.
Can I connect a generator directly to my panel?
No. Backfeeding a panel is unsafe and illegal. An approved interlock or transfer switch is required.
Do you install Generac generators?
We install Generac and other major brands, as well as customer-supplied systems. Our focus is proper electrical integration.
Do you service generators you didn’t install?
In many cases, yes. We evaluate the existing installation and provide electrical diagnostics and maintenance services.
Do I need to upgrade my panel first?
Sometimes. We evaluate your service capacity and panel condition before recommending integration.
Professional Backup Power Integration
Backup systems should be installed with the same care as a service upgrade.
We approach generator installation as part of your home’s electrical infrastructure — not as an accessory add-on.
If you are considering backup power, we evaluate:
Panel capacity
Service rating
Grounding and bonding
Critical load planning
Permit scope
Fuel coordination
No oversizing.
No unnecessary equipment.
No rushed installations.
Just properly integrated backup power installed by licensed electricians.
Schedule a Generator Consultation
Call (408) 929-6100
Or request an estimate online
Ideal Homes for Backup Power Installation
Backup systems are commonly installed in:
Larger single-family homes
Homes with upgraded 200A+ service
Properties with home offices
Homes with refrigeration, sump pumps, or medical equipment
Older estates undergoing electrical modernization
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