Generac

The Generac Air-Cooled Standby Generator delivers reliable backup power, advanced remote monitoring, and a compact design—all built in the USA to keep your home safe and running during any outage.

Generac Standby Generators – Finding the Right Size for Your Needs

Choosing the right standby generator isn’t about picking the biggest model on the list—it’s about sizing it correctly for your home or business. In Montana, the most important factors are your energy loads: well pumps, electric heat, kitchen appliances, air conditioning, and other high-demand equipment. An undersized generator can struggle or shut down under load, while an oversized one can waste fuel and add unnecessary cost. That’s why professional sizing is critical.
Here are some of the most common Generac models we install for our customers across Western Montana:

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Generac Air-Cooled Generators (14–26 kW)

These generators are compact and budget-friendly, designed to cover essential circuits or provide full backup for average-sized homes. They use a fan-based cooling system.

Generac Liquid-Cooled Generators (25–150 kW)

These generators are compact and budget-friendly, designed to cover essential circuits or provide full backup for average-sized homes. They use a fan-based cooling system.

Interior view of a Generac generator with the access door open showing the engine

32 kW & 40 kW Liquid-Cooled Generac Generators

Sized for larger residences, estates, or small businesses where heavy loads like large well pumps or multiple HVAC systems come into play.

48 kW, 60 kW, 80 kW, and 100 kW Generac Generators

Heavy-duty systems for farms, commercial properties, or larger homes with electric heat, multiple pumps, or other high-demand equipment where downtime simply isn’t an option.

As Montana’s only Generac Premier Dealer four years in a row, Glacier Power Solutions has the experience to properly size and install your generator so it runs efficiently and reliably. We proudly serve Kalispell, Whitefish, Columbia Falls, Bigfork, Polson, Missoula, Bozeman, Helena, the Bitterroot Valley, Libby, Eureka, and surrounding communities across Western Montana. Wherever you are, our certified team ensures your system is matched to your actual energy needs—keeping you powered through the harshest outages without overspending on equipment.

Generac

The Generac Air-Cooled Standby Generator is a high-performance home backup solution designed to provide uninterrupted power during outages. Compact yet powerful, it delivers enough energy to run all your major home appliances—HVAC systems, refrigerators, lighting, and more—ensuring your home stays safe and functional no matter the circumstances.

Generac standby generator, model 7290
Generac Guardian Series generator installed at a new home construction site

About the Manufacturer

Founded in 1959, Generac Power Systems is a leading American manufacturer of backup power generation products for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Headquartered in Waukesha, Wisconsin, Generac designs and builds its generators and engines in the USA, known for their innovation, quality, and reliability. As a pioneer in home standby generators, Generac continues to be the trusted choice for millions of homeowners seeking dependable backup power solutions.

Whether you’re preparing for hurricane season, winter storms, or unexpected outages, the Generac 26kW Standby Generator offers peace of mind and the power to keep life going—no matter what.

Air-Cooled vs Liquid-Cooled Generac Sizes

The right generator isn’t just about more kW—it’s about the right kW. Start by choosing air-cooled (compact, residential) or liquid-cooled (heavy-duty, commercial/estate). Final sizing is confirmed after a load calculation.

10 kW Air-Cooled

Best for: Small homes/cabins or essentials-only coverage. Typically powers: Lights, Wi-Fi/router, fridge/freezer, furnace blower, a few outlets.

14 kW Air-Cooled

Best for: Essentials + a few comfort loads. Typically powers: Fridge, gas furnace, microwave/coffee, garage door, sump/well (1 hp).

18 kW Air-Cooled

Best for: Mid-size homes wanting more comfort. Typically powers: Essentials above + well pump (up to 1.5 hp), laundry or small mini-split.

24 kW Air-Cooled

Best for: Whole-home coverage in many homes. Typically powers: Most circuits, kitchen essentials, multiple freezers, 2–3 ton A/C (with load mgmt).

26 kW Air-Cooled

Best for: Larger homes or higher-amp start loads. Typically powers: Whole-home in many cases, larger A/C, multiple pumps, shop circuits.

32 kW Liquid-Cooled

Best for: Large homes/shops with higher start loads. Typically powers: Whole-home + 3–4 ton A/C, multiple fridges/freezers, well/booster pumps.

38 kW Liquid-Cooled

Best for: Estates or small commercial offices. Typically powers: HVAC up to ~5 ton (with management), multiple pumps, server/IT loads.

40 kW Liquid-Cooled

Best for: Residences with high surge loads or small shops. Typically powers: Larger HVAC, shop tools, gates/lighting, cold storage.

48 kW Liquid-Cooled

Best for: Farms/shops needing dependable uptime. Typically powers: Multi-pump irrigation, compressed air, HVAC, freezers, lighting.

60 kW Liquid-Cooled

Best for: Mid-size commercial or large estates. Typically powers: HVAC banks, well systems, walk-in coolers, POS/IT.

80 kW Liquid-Cooled

Best for: Larger commercial, multi-building sites. Typically powers: HVAC + production equipment, lifts, lighting, pumps.

100 kW Liquid-Cooled

Best for: High-demand agricultural/industrial and critical operations. Typically powers: Multiple HVAC units, refrigeration banks, high-amp machinery.

150 kW Electric

Best for: Heavy commercial or campus-style properties. Typically powers: Large HVAC plants, process loads, full-building backup.

Key Features

Going on standby isn’t a weekend project. Mistakes can cost thousands.

/01

Automatic Power Transfer

Generac generators detect outages instantly and switch on automatically, keeping your home or business running without interruption.

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Whole-Home or Essential Load Coverage

Options range from smaller models for critical circuits to larger liquid-cooled units capable of powering your entire property.

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Quiet, Reliable Operation

Engineered for residential neighborhoods and commercial sites, Generac generators operate at low noise levels while delivering dependable performance.

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Fuel Flexibility

Runs on natural gas or propane, giving you reliable options based on your property and location. Diesel models are also available for added versatility.

/05

Mobile Link™ Remote Monitoring

Monitor your generator’s status and performance from anywhere with Generac’s app, ensuring you’re always in control.

/06

Proven Durability

Built and tested in the U.S., Generac generators are designed to handle harsh weather, heavy loads, and long runtimes common in Montana.

Our Experience Is Your Advantage

Hear what our incredible customers have to say!

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Ronnie Sue “Bagdon” Ambrosino
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BJ West came out to give us an estimate for our Generac generator. He was on time, knowledgeable and answered all our questions. Due to a long delay in the time from ordering to install, we were fortunate to have BJ call us to tell us he would be doing the full install. Based on our previous experience with him, we were very pleased to hear that. The day of the install went very smoothly, again-thanks to BJ’s knowledge and professionalism. He came exactly on time and the install was done in a clean and efficient manner. BJ was our first and last person from Glacier Power Solutions to help us with our generator and we couldn’t be more pleased. Thanks to him for a job well done !
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RJ-HLN-MT
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BJ and Trevor were very impressive in their professionalism when installing our home backup generator system. They provided a neat and orderly arrangement as well as leaving the area in a clean condition. Along with this, working with Donald to set up the purchase agreement and scheduling to our needs, gave us the confidence that we were in good hands. Glacier Power is top notch.
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Richard O'Connor profile picture
Richard O'Connor
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Glacier Power Solutions installed a 28kW generator at our home that will help us rest easier when we are away from our home in the winter. The work was done on time and at the price that was previously agreed upon through Costco. Although our somewhat complicated system had to seamlessly integrate with a large solar array, the two men from GPS did the installation in one afternoon, they never stopped working due to it being a hot summer day, and their workmanship was professionally done. I could not be happier with what they accomplished. I highly recommend GPS!
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Drew Dawson profile picture
Drew Dawson
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Whole home generator (Generac). After a wind outage in Boulder Montana months ago, I realized that I should have a whole house generator. I am older and live alone so starting a manual generator during a power outage would be out-of-the-question. I contacted Glacier Power Solutions (GPS) for assistance in evaluating my needs. Everyone one of the staff was outstanding! They patiently answered my innumerable questions through phone calls, text messages, email and finally via an on-site visit. They could not have been more pleasant. After purchasing the Generator, they assisted with every detail of planning and installation including permitting, coordination with Northwestern Energy for a modification of my gas meter and installation. The installation went off without a hitch. The office kept me aware of the date of installation, ensuring it was convenient for me. On the day of installation, the crew keep me posted of their arrival time. The two-member installation crew were delightful and very competent. Although I had just had surgery and could not go outside. They came in the house with regular updates of their progress ....and even played a bit with Tucker, my Golden Doodle. The installation is perfect. They provided an overview of its operation to my nephew. They reviewed the available 10-year Warranty and optional VIP package. Perfect service, perfectly executed. I would highly recommend Glacier Power Solutions to anyone even potentially interested in a whole house generator ...or other Power Solutions. Today, I am lying in my home hospital bed, looking out the picture window at some very stormy weather. Now, I don't have to worry. My house and garage are protected by a permanently, professionally installed 24 KW Generac automatic standby generator, fueled by natural gas. It was installed by the best! (see pictures)
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Michael Menke profile picture
Michael Menke
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The whole experience with Glacier Power Solutions was straight forward and exactly as they promised. Neat, friendly, professionally installed and started. They did the job in a better and more efficient way than a different installer had designed for a quote. G.P.S. was also more economically friendly to me.
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Kerry Yates profile picture
Kerry Yates
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Glacier Power Solutions installed my whole house generator yesterday. They showed up on the day they said and the installation took just over 4 hours. They ran the gas lines were I wanted them and walked we through the operation of everything. The installation crew was great to work with.
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Daniel Smith profile picture
Daniel Smith
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Your service Tech was great and personal
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Carolyn profile picture
Carolyn
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Quick, courteous and complete installation.
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Rob B profile picture
Rob B
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From start to finish Glacier Power Solutions were wonderful to work with. Even with a hiccup, I think created by me, it was dealt with promptly and professionally.
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Betty Willman profile picture
Betty Willman
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Because of their workload and the wet weather, it took some time to get to my install. Also, my post was rotted at ground level. The installers took care of it all. They worked steady, even in pouring rain. They were knowledgeable and friendly. I do recommend Glacier Power Solutions to anyone in the market for a whole house generator system.