Emergency electrician in Southeast Wisconsin

affordable generators for homes and businesses

Wisconsin's #1 Home Standby Generator Dealer

Name: Ideal Electric, Inc.
Brand: Ideal Electric
Rating: 4.8 (246 reviews)

Standby Power up to $4K Cheaper Than Local Competitors

Ideal Electric installs reliable whole-home generators across Southeastern Wisconsin. As a Generac-authorized dealer, we offer units up to $4,000 less than other Milwaukee-area providers. Faster response time and turnaround included.

With 500+ generator installations completed since 1985, our team handles everything from system sizing to installation, service and maintenance. Stay powered through every outage by requesting your free quote today.

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Home Generator Installation: How It Works

FREE consultations: Our licensed electricians visit your home to assess layout, power usage and system requirements.
Detailed recommendations: We match you with the best-fit generator based on square footage, load needs and budget.
Professional installation: From permitting and utility coordination to wiring and transfer switch setup, our in-house team handles the entire installation and final testing.

Get Quality Service

Why Choose Ideal Electric for Home Generator Installation?

Generac EliteDealer

BestLocal Prices

BBB A+Accredited Rating

35 Years +Of Experience

Ideal Electric vs The Rest


Licensed & Insured	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Experienced In-House Installers	Yes	No	No	No
Generac Pricing Advantage	Yes – up to $4K cheaper	No	No	No
Proven Maintenance Plans	Yes	No	No	No
Fast Response Time	Yes	No	No	No
Senior & Military Discount	Yes	No	No

Why Buy a Home Generator?

One of the main reasons to buy a home generator is never to be left in the dark again. Power outages leave your home's most important appliances idle, such as your furnace or air conditioner, refrigerator and freezer. A Generac home generator can supply backup power to appliances during outages, ensuring your critical appliances and devices keep functioning.

The 4 Largest Benefits of Installing a Home Generator

Peace of Mind: Home generators automatically power key appliances and systems during outages, keeping your family safe and comfortable without the stress.
Damage Prevention: By activating immediately when the power goes out, a generator prevents damage that can occur to appliances from sudden power loss.
Improved Safety: Generators protect your family during outages by keeping lights and security systems on. They’re also safer than portable units due to permanent outdoor installation.
Increased Home Value: Installing a home generator can boost your property’s value by at least half its cost, especially in severe weather areas.

Power Outages in Southeastern Wisconsin

Power outages are a regular occurrence across Southeastern Wisconsin, especially during severe weather events impacting the region multiple times each year.

Large-scale outages are common: Wisconsin has experienced dozens of major outages since 2000, with many storms impacting 50,000 to 200,000 or more customers at once
Recent outages show ongoing risk: Severe storms in 2026 left over 60,000 customers without power statewide, including significant outages in Milwaukee-area communities
Outage duration can be extended: Smaller outages may last a few hours, while storm-related outages often last 8 to 24 hours or longer, with multi-day outages possible after major events
Weather is the primary cause: Thunderstorms, high winds, fallen trees, heavy snow and ice buildup regularly disrupt power across Southeastern Wisconsin

Why Backup Generators Are Recommended in Wisconsin

Frequent storms, freezing temperatures and heavy precipitation increase the risk of power loss throughout the year. A standby generator keeps heating systems, sump pumps, refrigeration and essential electrical systems running, helping homeowners avoid costly damage and unsafe conditions during extended outages.

What Size Home Generator Do I Need?

The right size for your home typically ranges from 5kW to 8kW for powering basic essentials, and 17kW to 20kW for full-home backup. Your ideal generator size depends on several factors, including the size and age of your home, as well as local weather concerns.

Common Household Items that Affect Generator Size

Refrigerator and freezer

Sump pump or well pump

Furnace or boiler

Central air conditioning or space heaters

Lights in key rooms (kitchen, bathrooms, living area)

Internet router and phone chargers

Garage door opener

How Much Does a Home Generator Cost?

Generator installation pricing depends on power requirements and home setup. Most generator installations in the Milwaukee area cost between $5,500 and $12,600, with many homes using systems between 14kW and 24kW.

Flexible Generator Financing Through Generac

Considering a Generac generator for your home, but worried about the upfront cost? See available financing with the option to pay over time using Generac's credit card. Other financing options are available.

Payment Options for Generator Installation

We accept check and credit card payments for generator installation, and financing is available for qualified homeowners through Generac programs.

Generator & Installation Warranties

Every generator installation includes manufacturer-backed coverage along with additional protection from Ideal Electric.

The Generac manufacturer warranty is included with all units
1-year workmanship warranty on installation provided by Ideal Electric
Coverage includes installation-related issues after project completion

Available Repair & Maintenance Plans

Routine maintenance keeps your generator ready for unexpected outages. Ideal Electric provides repair services, emergency support and maintenance plans designed to keep your system operating at peak performance.

Home Generator FAQs

How long can a whole-home generator run?

Most standby generators can run for extended periods as long as fuel is available, with many systems designed for multi-day operation.

What size generator do I need for a 2,000 sq ft house?

Many homes of this size require a generator between 18kW and 24kW, depending on electrical usage and appliances.

Is a Generac generator worth it in Wisconsin?

Frequent storms and winter conditions make standby generators a valuable investment for maintaining power and home safety.

How often does a standby generator need maintenance?

Most systems require annual maintenance, along with periodic inspections based on usage.

Does a home generator increase property value?

Yes, standby generators often increase home value and appeal, especially in areas with regular power outages.

Can a generator power my entire house?

Larger systems, such as 24kW generators, can support full-home power during outages.

How loud is a standby generator?

Most standby generators operate at a noise level similar to a central air conditioning unit.

Do generators turn on automatically during outages?

Yes, standby generators activate automatically within seconds of a power outage.

Performing Installations Across Southeastern Wisconsin

Ideal Electric proudly installs Generac backup generators in the cities of:

Don't just take our word for it!

Ideal electric did a great job on the installation of our generator and also the outlets and switches. Great pricing and service and will recommend their services to others I know.

Randy J

Jeremy and his guys from Ideal Electric were great, working in cold weather to get us set up with our new Generac generator. Explained everything we needed to know too. Wonderful experience!

Patty

I am so glad that I had Ideal Electric take a look at my generator, we had two other companies work on the generator and could not figure out the problem. I felt more confident when Jeremy took the time to diagnose the issue and get it up and running again. I would definitely recommend using them and would like for them to do the yearly maintenance on my Generac Generator.

Andre T

Several setbacks on our generator installation but Jeremy and Julian made sure we were informed of next time frame they would be out. Julian completed the initial work of installing the transfer switch as the generator they received for us was damaged in shipping. When the generator arrived, Jeremy came out and installed it and found a bad board in the transfer switch. He took the time to troubleshoot the issue and order the parts needed. Julian came out and finished the installation today and had some minor troubleshooting to do but got us up and running. Great guys to work with and they didn't throw their hands up in the air when things got tough. Kudos on a job well done.

David B

They were here on time, no surprises and stayed on budget. What more could you ask for?

Dave C

The team at Ideal Electric is simply outstanding, and we couldn't be happier with the service they provided. I wanted a Generac standby generator and Jeremy stopped over to walk me through the process. Although I had another quote ($3,000 higher including the coupon), we decided on Ideal Electric. I felt extremely comfortable with Jeremy, he's a honest, solid guy with years of experience and it certainly showed during the installation process. Julian is driven with an excellent work ethic and didn't stop working the entire time. My experience with these guys is why I strongly recommend Ideal Electric.

Robert F

I've had two great experiences with Jeremy and Ideal Electric, the most recent was installing a whole house generator. Not only was Jeremy able to do the job substantially cheaper than some of the bigger names, but he did an excellent job, and I can tell that he really cares about the quality of his work and taking care of his customers. I would 100% trust him for all my future electrical needs - I have total confidence that he'll do the job well, and at a fair price.

Ray K

We had a Generac whole house generator installed by Ideal Electric. Prior to installation, we had questions and communicated via email. Jeremy (the owner) responded quickly and answered all our questions. He and his crew came on the day they said they would. The installation process took a day which is what he had said. They cleaned up everything and even vacuumed in our basement. I would highly recommend Ideal Electric for any of electric needs.

Mike S

I had another electrician install my Generac emergency generator, unfortunately. After 3 weeks of having the other guy back, I found Jeremy. He not only is a generac dealer, he is a certified technician on them. He was able to remedy the issue that has been a headache for me since the original hookup . I would strongly urge and recommend him to my family and friends.

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