Keep your lights on and appliances running through grid failures and weather-related outages with a whole-home generator installation from Fisher Electric.
Google | HomeAdvisor | Yelp | Facebook
A whole-home generator — also known as a standby generator, since it fires up automatically when the power cuts out — is a smart investment for most homeowners. For Capitola residents, though, there are a few specific reasons they’re particularly worth having:
Our Aptos office is just about four miles from Capitola, a quick ten-minute run along Soquel Drive and Highway 1, so Capitola is right in our home territory for generator work and follow-up service. Being minutes away means a fast assessment, an easy install, and simple return trips for the maintenance these units need to keep starting reliably by the water. That means fast assessments, easy installs, and local support. We’ve powered this coast since 1991 as a licensed C-10 contractor, and a standby generator is one of the most valuable systems we install, because it keeps a home running when the grid goes down.
Capitola sees outages from the same coastal storms and PG&E Public Safety Power Shutoffs that hit the rest of the region, and the low-lying Village along Soquel Creek carries real flood risk, the 2023 storms hit it hard, that can knock out power when it’s needed most. For a compact beach town, Capitola goes without power more than its share.
The town’s housing and setting shape the work. Capitola is full of small, close-set beach cottages and a lot of vacation rentals, so backup power here has to fit tight lots and, in the Village, account for flood exposure, while the salt-air environment near the water is hard on outdoor equipment. A whole-home standby generator, placed and protected correctly, keeps a cottage or rental running through any outage the coast delivers. For a small beach town like Capitola, the challenge is fitting that reliability into tight lots, flood exposure, and salt air, which is exactly what we plan around. A generator squeezed onto a cottage lot, kept clear of Village flooding, and protected against the marine environment can still deliver seamless backup power, it just takes a coastal-savvy install. Done right, a Capitola home or vacation rental rides out a storm or shutoff without its occupants, or guests, ever losing power.
We install permanently mounted standby generators that start automatically through an automatic transfer switch and run on natural gas or propane. For Capitola we plan placement to fit small lots, keep the unit clear of flood exposure in the Village, and protect it against salt air, and we size it from a load assessment for whole-home or essential-circuits coverage.
From there we set the pad with proper clearances, make the fuel and electrical connections, and wire the transfer switch to your panel, permitted through the City of Capitola and inspected. For the town’s many vacation rentals, an automatic system keeps a guest-occupied property powered without anyone on site, and we provide the periodic maintenance these units need to start reliably by the water.
Capitola is a small town and we’re a short drive away, so our generator work here is seen by neighbors we’ll see again, which keeps us honest. We start with a real load assessment, plan placement for a tight coastal lot, and give you an itemized estimate before we begin. The install is clean, permitted, and protected against salt air and flooding, and we keep the generator maintained so it starts reliably by the water. Sensible sizing, a clean install, and dependable local service. Consultations are free, and financing is available for whole-home generator projects.
Many properties on the outskirts of Capitola rely on private wells — and without electricity, those wells stop working, leaving you without running water for drinking, showering, or flushing toilets.
Capitola’s coastal location makes it no stranger to powerful winter storms — heavy rain, strong winds, and downed trees can all knock out power for extended periods.
During the dry, windy stretch of late summer and fall, PG&E regularly cuts power — sometimes for days at a time — as a precaution against wildfires.
You contact our team or schedule a service visit using our online scheduler.
One of our technicians will visit your home and perform an assessment.
We’ll develop a customized plan and provide an itemized estimate.
We’ll get to work quickly and provide the code-compliant services needed.
We’ll review the work with you and ensure your complete satisfaction.
We’ll clean up and leave your home as beautiful as it was when we began.
Google | HomeAdvisor | Yelp | Facebook
The entire Fisher Electric team is committed to providing unmatched electrical services and customer care for homeowners and commercial property managers across Capitola and the rest of Santa Cruz County. And if you consider the reviews we’ve earned across Google, HomeAdvisor, and Facebook, it appears we’ve achieved this goal.
A few things have helped us become a trusted electrical contractor in Capitola:
We always recommend products and services based on what our customers actually need, not what's best for our bottom line.
We always keep our customers informed throughout the entire process, from the original service inquiry through to the final walkthrough.
Every job starts with a clear, itemized estimate — and we never sneak in hidden fees after the fact.
Your time matters to us, so we make it a point to schedule service calls promptly and get every job wrapped up without unnecessary delays.
We don't consider a job finished until our customers are satisfied. If something isn't up to par, we'll do whatever it takes to make it right.
We continuously invest in our team's training and professional development — because you deserve the best-trained electricians and technicians in the business.
The Fisher Electric team is proud to offer comprehensive whole-home generator services. Whether you need us to install a complete system, diagnose issues with your current system, or provide upgrades, we’re ready to help.
Our generator specialists will conduct a detailed electrical load analysis to find a unit that can power your specific mix of appliances, HVAC, and medical equipment. They’ll also help you navigate Capitola’s local zoning codes to identify the safest, most compliant placement for the unit on your property.
Installation means setting the unit on a reinforced concrete pad and connecting natural gas or propane fuel lines. Our technicians manage the entire project — from digging the initial trench to making the final electrical connections — making sure everything is properly set up and ready for whatever weather Capitola throws at it.
The ATS is a critical safety component that instantly detects a grid failure and transitions your home to generator power without requiring you to do anything at all. It also prevents “backfeeding,” a dangerous situation in which your generator sends electricity back into the utility lines, potentially resulting in property damage or utility worker injuries.
Our technicians can link your generator to your home’s Wi-Fi network, so you can keep tabs on the system’s status and get real-time maintenance alerts straight to your smartphone. You’ll never be caught off guard by a low battery or a failed weekly self-test — even when you’re not home.
Regular maintenance usually includes oil changes, spark plug replacements, and thorough battery testing to keep the engine in top shape. Keeping up with this routine is often necessary to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty — and to make sure your generator fires up reliably when you need it most.
Our expert technicians can track down issues and swap out worn parts — whether it’s a fuel delivery problem or a failing circuit board. These repairs get your home’s backup power system back in shape so you’re ready when an unexpected outage strikes.
Power outages are inconvenient for everyone, but some Capitola homeowners have more on the line when the lights go out. If any of the following apply to you or your family, reach out to Fisher Electric and get ready before the next disruption hits.
A lot of homeowners underestimate just how much a whole-home generator can do for them. Here are a few of the standout benefits:
Capitola is no stranger to PG&E’s Public Safety Power Shutoffs. A whole-home generator lets you carry on with normal life even when the grid goes down for fire safety reasons.
Winter storms can cut power for days at a stretch. A whole-home backup generator keeps your heat on and your home lit, so your family stays safe and comfortable no matter how long the outage lasts.
Backup power is a sought-after feature in the Santa Cruz County real estate market. A professionally installed standby generator can actually boost your home’s resale value by anywhere from 3% to 5%.
A generator keeps your sump pump running during outages, helping you avoid the massive repair bills that come with a flooded basement.
Power outages can knock out alarm systems and exterior lighting, leaving your home vulnerable. A generator keeps everything running, so your family stays protected no matter what.
Some insurance providers offer discounts on homeowners’ insurance premiums for properties with a permanently installed standby generator system.
The costs for whole-home generator installation vary significantly based on the project specifics, including:
With all of that said, most whole-home generator installation projects cost between $10,000 and $25,000 in the Capitola area.
Fisher Electric is proud to offer electrical repair, installation, and upgrade services across the entire Central Coast area, including the following cities:
To truly get the most out of a whole-home standby generator, you need more than just a reliable unit — you need an installation team that knows what they’re doing. Even the best generator won’t help you if it’s installed incorrectly.
That’s not something you’ll have to worry about with Fisher Electric. Our technicians have the skill, knowledge, and experience to install your new generator properly and make sure you stay safe and comfortable when the next power outage rolls around.
Contact us today to discuss your project, get answers to any questions you may have, or schedule your estimate.
Have more questions about backup generators? We’ve rounded up a few of the most common ones our customers have and answered them below.
Usually, yes. Capitola’s cottages sit on tight lots, but standby generators come in sizes and footprints that can fit a smaller property while still meeting clearance and exhaust requirements. We assess the available space during the consultation and choose a unit and location that work for your cottage, so a small lot doesn’t rule out reliable backup power.
Yes, with the flood risk built into the plan. In the low-lying Village we position and elevate the generator to keep it clear of flood exposure and out of harm’s way, so the backup system itself stays protected when high water is exactly when you need it. We plan placement around the site’s flood history rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Yes. For the town’s many vacation rentals, a standby generator keeps a guest-occupied property powered through an outage automatically, with no one needed on site, protecting refrigeration, heat, and safety systems and sparing guests a dark, powerless stay. We size and install it for the property and handle the permitting, so an outage doesn’t become a guest complaint.
It can over time, which is why we account for it. Salt air corrodes outdoor equipment, so for beachfront Capitola homes we choose units and enclosures suited to a coastal environment and position them to limit direct salt exposure. Paired with the periodic maintenance we provide, that keeps the generator reliable by the water rather than corroding before it’s needed.
Modern standby generators run at a steady, moderate hum, much quieter than the portable units people imagine, and they only run during outages and a brief weekly self-test. On Capitola’s close lots we plan placement to keep noise away from bedrooms and property lines and can suggest quieter models, so the generator stays a good neighbor while still protecting your home.
Unfortunately, many homeowners procrastinate about having a whole-home generator installed, only to find themselves unprepared when the next outage strikes. So, while having a generator installed can be a big decision, it is not one you should put off — particularly for residents in outage-prone regions, such as Capitola.
Whether you are ready to schedule your whole-home generator installation now or you’re still in the research phase and need guidance, the professionals at Fisher Electric are ready to help. Contact us today to arrange for an on-site consultation or speak with one of our customer service specialists.
Posted on Yelp![]()
Greg B.48 days agoVerified
I had a great experience with Fisher Electric and highly recommend them. I needed a 240V plug installed on short notice, and even though I called over the weekend, Jonathon was able to get the job done by Tuesday. They were incredibly easy to schedule, arrived right on time, and offered very fair pricing. Thanks for the excellent service!Posted on Yelp![]()
Mayumi T.54 days agoVerified
Personally, I would give "Fisher Electric" more stars if I could..nowadays it's not easy finding a company with excellent personnel, starting with the owner, Mike and the two electricians who worked with him, Ernesto and Rafael. They were prompt, knowledgeable, professional and personable..Thank you for a great job!! We definitely will recommend you and keep you in our "contacts" for future work!Posted on Google![]()
Tim Appleton67 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Mike and his team are professional, courteous, and safety focused. More than fair on price too!Posted on Google![]()
Angela Brown99 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Mike and Ernesto were awesome. Five stars for their clarity to the customer, because I had no idea what was going on. They were very friendly and efficient with their job. My power sockets are working now, I’m a happy lady!!! Thank you all very much.Posted on Google![]()
Francesca Lopez99 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Wonderful service! Ernesto provided excellent customer service and professionalism. He explained what went wrong and how to prevent it in the future. Mike was great alongside too! They worked efficiently and I appreciate their work! Thank you so much! Highly recommend this company for all your electrical needs!Posted on Google![]()
Steffen Lovell106 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Posted on Yelp![]()
David H.108 days agoVerified
Needed Breaker Panel upgrade and Fisher was able to come out quickly and was easy to work with.Posted on Google![]()
Scott Gustafson120 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Went well. Fisher Electrician did a nice job correcting a code problem, from older installationPosted on Google![]()
Kenny Bowes125 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Mike Fisher and the team at Fisher Electric did an outstanding job on our solar project. From start to finish, they were professional, honest, fast, and very easy to work with. The quality of the installation was excellent, and everything was handled with care and attention to detail. We had 35 solar panels and two batteries installed, and the whole process was smooth and efficient. Mike communicated clearly, followed through on what he promised, and made us feel confident every step of the way. I highly recommend Mike Fisher and Fisher Electric to anyone considering solar or electrical work. Great company, great service, and high-quality work.Posted on Yelp![]()
Donald D.129 days agoVerified
Jonathan Fisher was our technician, and I was very happy with his work. Jonathan was on time for the estimate walk and install. He made sure I understood what I needed and what he was going to do. I am extremely satisfied with the finished work. I will use Fisher Electric again.
Feel free to leave your contact information on our online form. A consultation is always free, and it’s the first step towards finding expert electrical services!