Generac license installer/repair or do HVAC

[hillbilly1]

We tried the Generac dealer route for two years. No longer doing it. Lots of competition in our area, and the big box stores are selling whole home generators cheaper than our cost. Generac is a great product and they have great support. Generac classes are required (or used to be) to maintain status and tech support. We were typically getting between $10k-$11k for a 24kW installation with transfer switch. Annual maintenance is very easy and takes roughly 30-40 minutes. That's been our experience, in a nutshell.

I install Cummins/Onan, the local supply house stocks them, so I don’t have to keep any inventory. No having to pay Generac for classes. So far in 25 years, I’ve only had to replace a transferswitch. Can’t say that about the Generac’s I’ve installed. They are a little harder to install because they are not made for homeowners like Generac. I’ve had to do the controls for other EC’s. Also no having to connect to the internet for startup.

 

[VE Inc.]

I install Cummins/Onan, the local supply house stocks them, so I don’t have to keep any inventory. No having to pay Generac for classes. So far in 25 years, I’ve only had to replace a transferswitch. Can’t say that about the Generac’s I’ve installed. They are a little harder to install because they are not made for homeowners like Generac. I’ve had to do the controls for other EC’s. Also no having to connect to the internet for startup.

Yeah, we definitely prefer Cummins / Onan for all of our commercial installations. I think the perception in my area is that they're a better product for commercial applications. I'll investigate residential generators from those guys. Thanks for the info HillBilly1.

 

[JohnE]

About 7-8 years ago I got into Generac and became an authorized service dealer, or whatever they call it. IASS is the acronym, I think. I took the training because I didn't want to install a unit I couldn't service. I have probably supplied and installed 20 - 30. Every one was through a current contact. Prior to that, I referred them to a friend/ colleague. This friend/ colleague services hundreds, if not thousands of Generac generators in a 1 or 2 hour radius. He does well at that, with several employees. He does so well that he prefers to just service them, doesn't even want the installs. Ironically I got into the installs BC he didn't have time to install (3) that were lined up for my customers.

While the training was great, and I learned the units inside and out at the time, it was never meant to be a mainstream of my business. (the service, I continue to install some). If you're going to do generator service well, you need to do it every week, if not most days, IMO.

This is for home standby. Commercial generators are a different beast.