Generac Power Systems: Brand Guide for Contractors and Installers
Published July 31, 2026 — PES Supply Brand Guides
Generac Power Systems is the name most American homeowners think of first when the power goes out — and for good reason. Founded in 1959 and headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Generac built its reputation on the residential standby generator, a category it effectively created. Today the company trades on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: GNRC) and employs roughly 9,000 people across its global operations, holding the dominant share of the North American home standby market. For electrical contractors, Generac represents the default specification for residential backup power and an expanding platform in energy storage and clean energy. This guide covers Generac's current product lines, 2025–2026 releases, certifications, warranty terms, popular models at PES Supply, technical comparisons, and installation notes.
At PES Supply, we stock Generac standby generators, transfer switches, and accessories among our 50,000+ SKUs from 169 authorized brands. Browse our complete generators collection and pair every unit with the correct transfer switch and electrical accessories.
1. Company Overview
Generac Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1959 by Robert Kern in Waukesha, Wisconsin, originally building portable generators for residential and recreational use. The company pioneered the engine-driven alternator concept that made home standby power affordable for the mass market. Generac went public in 2010 and has since expanded through acquisitions into energy storage (PWRcell), clean energy (Enbala, Neurio), and commercial mobile power. The company reported $4.6 billion in net sales for fiscal 2024 and continues to invest heavily in air-cooled and liquid-cooled engineering. Generac manufactures the majority of its residential air-cooled units in Waukesha and its liquid-cooled engines in Eagle and Whitewater, Wisconsin.
Generac is publicly traded under the ticker GNRC and is a constituent of the S&P 500. The company operates across three reportable segments — Domestic, International, and Industrial — serving residential, commercial, and telecom/industrial markets. Its authorized dealer network numbers over 7,000 independent dealers in North America, making it the most widely serviced standby brand.
2. Current Product Lines
Generac's standby and power product portfolio is organized into several core lines:
- Guardian Series (Air-Cooled): The flagship residential standby line, ranging from 10 kW to 28 kW. Runs on natural gas or liquid propane, powered by the G-Force or EFIC engine family. Paired with Smart Transfer Switches (RTS/ATS) rated 100A–200A.
- Next Generation (Next Gen) Air-Cooled: The 2025 successor to the Guardian line, updating models up to 28 kW with the PowerZone 200 controller and built-in cellular connectivity.
- Protector Series (Liquid-Cooled Gaseous): Commercial-grade standby from 22 kW to 60 kW (RG022–RG060), diesel and gaseous variants, with the PowerZone 410 controller.
- Industrial & Diesel: Mobile, diesel, and bi-fuel units from 48 kW up to 500+ kW for mission-critical facilities, telecom, and large commercial sites.
- PWRcell Battery Storage: Modular lithium iron phosphate home battery system (up to 36 kWh with cabinet expansion) paired with the PWRcell inverter and smart home ecosystem.
- Mobile Link Remote Monitoring: Free cellular/Wi-Fi monitoring platform included with every Guardian unit, enabling exercise scheduling, status alerts, and oil-level visibility.
- Portable & Pressure Washer: Gas and dual-fuel portables from 800 W to 17.5 kW, plus inverter generators.
3. Recent Releases (2025–2026)
Generac's most significant recent launch is the 28 kW air-cooled home standby generator, unveiled in January 2025 as the most powerful air-cooled home standby on the market. This model expands Generac's air-cooled range from 10 kW to 28 kW, delivering enough starting capacity (230 LRA / 55.2 kVA) to start central air conditioners and large motor loads without a liquid-cooled unit — saving homeowners up to $8,000 in product and installation costs versus comparable liquid-cooled output ([Generac Investor Relations](https://investors.generac.com/news-releases/news-release-details/generac-unveils-most-powerful-air-cooled-home-standby-generator)).
In December 2025, Generac detailed the Next Generation (Next Gen) air-cooled line, which updates the prior Guardian series. Key advances include the PowerZone 200 controller, built-in cellular connectivity, EFIC engines with hydraulic lifters (eliminating valve adjustments), a redesigned enclosure with rear connections, and models scaling to 28 kW. These changes reduce maintenance, simplify installation and service, and enable enhanced Mobile Link features such as Exercise Now, Exercise with Transfer, remote schedule edits, Smart Exercise, and oil-level visibility ([Generac Support](https://support.generac.com/s/article/What-s-new-about-the-Next-Generation-standby-generator)).
On the energy storage side, Generac continues to integrate Next Gen standby with ecobee smart thermostats and PWRcell battery systems, positioning whole-home backup as a unified platform rather than a single appliance. In July 2026, Generac reported its second-quarter 2026 results, reaffirming strong residential standby demand driven by severe weather and grid reliability concerns.
4. Certifications & Listings
Generac standby generators are engineered to meet the following certifications and code requirements:
- UL 2200: Stationary engine generator assemblies listed by Underwriters Laboratories.
- EPA Emissions: Certified to current EPA emission standards for stationary spark-ignited engines.
- CARB: California Air Resources Board compliant, allowing sale and operation in all 50 states.
- CSA: Listed to CSA C22.2 No. 100 (motors and generators) for Canadian installations.
- NEC Article 702: Optional Standby Systems compliance for connection to premises wiring via listed transfer switch.
- IEEE: Power quality within IEEE 519 harmonic limits for sensitive electronic loads.
- NFPA 37: Engineered for clearance-to-combustibles permitting installation as close as 18 inches to a building.
5. Warranty Terms
Generac offers tiered warranty coverage depending on model class and registration:
- Guardian Air-Cooled (Residential): Standard 5-year limited warranty covering parts, labor, and travel (with registration). Covers defects in materials and workmanship under normal residential standby use.
- Protector Liquid-Cooled: Standard 5-year limited warranty, with extended options up to 7 and 10 years available through authorized dealers.
- Commercial/Industrial: 2-year base warranty with extended coverage up to 5 years.
- PWRcell Battery: 10-year limited warranty guaranteeing minimum 70% retained capacity.
Warranty coverage requires activation by an authorized Generac dealer and registration within the stated timeframe. The warranty start date is the date of successful activation. Extended warranties are transferable to subsequent homeowners, supporting resale value.
6. Popular Products at PES Supply
The following Generac models are among the most specified at PES Supply for residential and light-commercial standby installations:
| Model | Power (LP/NG) | Engine | Transfer Switch | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guardian 26 kW (7291) | 26,000 / 22,500 W | G-Force 1000 | 200A Whole House | 230 LRA starting, aluminum enclosure |
| Next Gen 28 kW | 28,000 / 25,000 W | EFIC w/ hydraulic lifters | 200A Smart | Most powerful air-cooled; PowerZone 200 |
| Guardian 22 kW (7290) | 22,000 / 19,500 W | G-Force 1000 | 200A | Best-selling whole-home size |
| Protector 48 kW (RG048) | 48,000 W | Liquid-cooled gaseous | PowerZone 410 | Light commercial / large estate |
| PWRcell Battery | 9–36 kWh | LFP cells | PWRcell Inverter | Solar self-consumption + backup |
Each Guardian model ships with free Mobile Link remote monitoring. Pair every generator with a compatible Generac Smart Transfer Switch (RTS) or a third-party UL 1008 ATS from our transfer switches collection.
7. Technical Comparison: Generac vs. Competitors
How Generac stacks up against the other major standby brands carried at PES Supply:
| Criteria | Generac | Cummins QuietConnect | Kohler RES | Briggs PowerProtect |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Top air-cooled kW | 28 kW | 20 kW | 26 kW | 26 kW |
| Standard warranty | 5 years | 5 years | 5 years | 10 years |
| Remote monitoring | Mobile Link (free) | Cummins Connect Cloud | OnCue Plus | EnergyTrak |
| Engine family | G-Force / EFIC | Cummins-designed | Kohler OHVI | Vanguard |
| Dealer network | 7,000+ (largest) | 500+ certified | 10,000 dealers | Extensive |
| Battery storage | PWRcell | — | — | — |
Generac's advantage is the broadest dealer network, the highest air-cooled output (28 kW), and the deepest integration between standby generation and battery storage via PWRcell. Its warranty is competitive but shorter than Briggs & Stratton's 10-year comprehensive coverage. See our generators collection to compare all brands side by side.
8. Installation Notes
Proper Generac standby installation requires attention to sizing, fuel, and electrical integration:
- Sizing: Calculate the sum of running watts plus the largest motor starting load. A 22 kW unit handles most 2,500–3,500 sq ft homes with two central AC units; the 26–28 kW units support larger estates and higher motor-starting demands. Use our standby generator sizing calculator for load math.
- Fuel type: Natural gas and liquid propane are field-selectable. Verify gas supply pressure (typically 5–7 in. H₂O NG, 10–12 in. H₂O LP) and pipe sizing with your fuel provider. Derate output ~10% on NG.
- Transfer switch: Match the ATS amp rating to the service (100A, 150A, or 200A). Generac Smart Transfer Switches include load-shedding for managed whole-home backup. See our transfer switch guide.
- Electrical: Install per NEC Article 702 with a listed transfer switch, proper grounding and bonding per Article 250, and a dedicated load center when using load management.
- Placement: Maintain NFPA 37 clearances (as close as 18 inches to building), 5 feet from operable windows and intake vents, and 18 inches minimum clearance on service sides.
- Add surge protection: A Type 2 SPD at the service panel protects the generator controller and home electronics from utility switching transients.
9. Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Generac standby generators last?
With proper maintenance, a Generac air-cooled standby typically delivers 10,000–30,000 hours of run time, equating to 20–30+ years of standby service given typical outage-duty cycles. Liquid-cooled units generally last even longer.
Does Generac require a transfer switch?
Yes. NEC Article 702 requires a listed transfer switch (manual or automatic) to safely isolate the generator from the utility. Generac Smart Transfer Switches are engineered specifically for Guardian units and include load-shedding.
What is Mobile Link and is there a fee?
Mobile Link is Generac's free cellular/Wi-Fi remote monitoring platform included with every Guardian generator. It sends status alerts, exercise notifications, and maintenance reminders directly to the homeowner's phone and the dealer.
Can a Generac run on both natural gas and propane?
Yes. Guardian units are factory-configured for NG and LP, field-convertible. Output is slightly lower on natural gas (e.g., 26 kW LP / 22.5 kW NG on the 7291) due to the lower energy density of NG.
How loud is a Generac standby generator?
Air-cooled Guardian units operate at roughly 57–67 dB(A) at 23 feet (7 m), comparable to normal conversation. Sound-attenuated enclosures and placement away from bedrooms keep nuisance noise low for neighbors.
10. Shop Generac at PES Supply
Generac remains the industry benchmark for residential standby power — and PES Supply stocks the models, transfer switches, and accessories to support every Generac installation. Whether you need a 22 kW Guardian for a typical home or a 48 kW Protector for a light-commercial site, our team can help you size, specify, and source the right unit.
Standard delivery is 7–10 business days nationwide. Every Generac product ships with full manufacturer warranty and is backed by our technical support team for sizing, compatibility, and integration questions.
Ready to spec a Generac? Browse our full Generac inventory:
- Shop All Generac Products
- Standby & Portable Generators
- Transfer Switches
- Battery Storage (PWRcell)
- Surge Protection
By the PES Supply Editorial Team. Specifications and warranty terms are subject to change — verify current details with our sales team before specification.