What is Never Dark Carolinas?

Never Dark Carolinas connects homeowners and businesses with generator services, customer photos, reviews, blog posts, and media across 50 pages.

How long does installation take?

Our typical turnkey installation is completed in about one week from the start of on-site work. Because we stock generators in-house (no waiting on supply chains) and handle the entire process with our own certified technicians, not subcontractors, we can move fast. Your free assessment will give you a precise timeline.

Does a generator increase my home's value?

Yes. A permanently installed standby generator is considered a home improvement that can increase your property value and make your home more attractive to buyers. In areas prone to outages, a standby generator can be a strong selling point. It also may qualify for insurance discounts. Check with your provider.

What size generator do I need for my home?

The right size depends on your home's square footage, the appliances you want to keep running, and whether you want whole-home coverage or essential-circuit coverage. We offer a free power needs assessment where we calculate your exact load requirements and recommend the right generator size. Most whole-home standby systems range from 18kW to 26kW for average homes, but larger properties and homes with well pumps or multiple HVAC zones may need more.

Is there a leasing program?

Yes, our 10/10/10 Leasing Program lets you get a whole-home standby generator with no large upfront cost. It's a simple program designed for homeowners who want the security of backup power without the capital outlay. Visit our [Leasing page](/leasing) for full details on what's included.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. We offer flexible financing options to make backup power affordable for every budget. Monthly payment plans are available so you can protect your home without a large upfront cost. Visit our [Financing page](/financing) to learn more or ask about current plans during your free assessment.

Do you handle the entire installation process?

Yes. Never Dark Carolinas is a fully turnkey dealer. We handle the power needs assessment, equipment selection, permitting, gas/electrical hookup, concrete pad, and final inspection, all with our own team. No subcontractors, no multiple companies to coordinate. One team, start to finish.

How loud is a standby generator?

Modern standby generators operate at roughly 60-70 decibels at 23 feet, about the noise level of a normal conversation. Generac and Kohler units are engineered with sound-dampening enclosures that keep them quiet enough not to disturb you or your neighbors. They're significantly quieter than portable generators.

Will a standby generator run my whole house?

Yes, with the right size unit, a standby generator can power your entire home including HVAC, well pump, water heater, refrigerator, lighting, and electronics. If you prefer a smaller, more affordable system, we can set up essential-circuit coverage that keeps critical loads running (heat, fridge, lights, security) without the cost of whole-home power.

Do I need a permit to install a generator?

Yes, standby generator installations require permits and inspections in most Carolinas municipalities. The good news: we handle all permitting for you. We're a licensed SC electrical contractor (Lic. L.36888) and gas-licensed (Lic. 37402), so we pull the permits, schedule the inspections, and ensure everything meets code. You don't have to deal with the city.

What happens during a power outage: how does the generator know to turn on?

Your standby generator is connected to an automatic transfer switch (ATS) that constantly monitors your utility power. When it detects an outage, the generator starts automatically within seconds, and the ATS safely switches your home to generator power. When utility power is restored, the ATS switches back and the generator shuts down. You don't have to do anything. It's fully automatic.

Will my generator work with my existing propane tank?

In most cases, yes. If you already have a propane tank, we'll evaluate whether it has the capacity to fuel a standby generator. Generators consume more propane during an extended outage, so tank size matters. If you need a new or larger tank, we install and service propane tanks in-house as part of our fuel solutions.

What's included in the 10/10/10 Leasing Program?

The 10/10/10 Leasing Program covers your generator, installation, and ongoing maintenance under one simple arrangement. It's designed for homeowners who want a turnkey backup power solution with predictable terms. See the [Leasing page](/leasing) for the full breakdown of what's included and eligibility.

What fuel do standby generators use?

Whole-home standby generators run on either natural gas or propane (LP). Natural gas connects directly to your utility line for an endless fuel supply. Propane requires a tank but is ideal for homes without gas service. We handle propane tank installation and fuel solutions in-house. No subcontractors.

Can I monitor my generator remotely?

Yes. We install generators with remote monitoring capabilities (such as Generac's Mobile Link) that let you check your generator's status, maintenance alerts, and run history from your smartphone or computer. You'll get notifications if the unit needs service or if it ran during an outage.

How often does my generator need maintenance?

Standby generators should be serviced once a year, similar to an HVAC system. This includes an oil and filter change, spark plug inspection, battery check, air filter replacement, and a full system exercise. We offer maintenance plans so you never miss a service interval. Skipping annual maintenance can void your manufacturer warranty.

What areas do you serve?

We serve the Carolinas from our base in Campobello, SC. Our primary service area covers Upstate South Carolina and surrounding regions. Contact us with your address and we'll confirm service availability for your location.

Where should my generator be placed?

Generators must be placed a minimum distance from your home, windows, doors, and property lines per code and manufacturer specs: typically 18 inches to 5 feet from the house depending on the model. We determine the ideal location during your free assessment, considering fuel access, airflow, noise, and aesthetic placement.

How do I check the oil level?

Power down the generator and wait for all moving parts to stop. Locate the dipstick on the engine, pull it out, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, then pull it again to read the level. Oil should sit between the Add and Full marks. Check the oil before starting after any extended shutdown, and never check oil while the engine is running. Brand-specific guides: [Generac](https://www.generac.com/service-support/product-support-lookup) · [Cummins](https://www.cummins.com/generators/power-suite) · [Kohler](https://www.kohlerpower.com/en/engines/manuals)

What kind of oil should I add?

Nearly all air-cooled and liquid-cooled standby generators take 5W-30 synthetic oil, which handles the temperature swings of Carolina seasons. For extreme cold (below 20°F), a synthetic 5W-30 is especially important for proper lubrication at startup. Avoid conventional oil in standby generators. Synthetic holds up better over the long idle periods between outages.

How much oil should I add?

Always refer to your owner's manual for the exact capacity. Overfilling can cause engine damage. Generac air-cooled units typically take 1.5-2 quarts; liquid-cooled models take more. Add a small amount, check the dipstick, and repeat until you reach the Full mark. Never fill above the full line. Owner's manuals: [Generac](https://www.generac.com/service-support/product-support-lookup) · [Cummins](https://www.cummins.com/generators/power-suite) · [Kohler](https://www.kohlerpower.com/en/engines/manuals) · [Briggs & Stratton](https://www.briggsandstratton.com/na/en_us/support/manuals.html)

The outage has lasted days and my generator is still running. What should I do?

Generators are built for extended run: many can run 100+ hours before needing a service interval. During a multi-day outage: - Check the oil every 24 hours and top up as needed (never overfill) - Keep the area around the unit clear of debris and snow - Listen for unusual sounds or vibrations Once utility power is restored, call us at (864) 457-1409 to schedule a post-outage maintenance check. We'll inspect oil, filters, and spark plugs to ensure your generator is ready for the next event.

My generator has a light on. What does it mean?

Most controllers use a three-color system: - Green: Your generator is ready and in standby mode. No action needed. - Yellow: Attention is needed soon. Often an oil top-up, a filter replacement, or a scheduled service is approaching. - Red: Critical. Your generator may not start on the next outage. Book a service call immediately. When in doubt, call (864) 457-1409 and we'll walk you through it.

How long does installation take?

A typical standby generator installation takes 1-2 days. Electrical and gas connections, the transfer switch, permitting, and the final inspection are all handled by our Carolina-licensed Master Electricians. We keep the most popular Generac, Kohler, and Cummins models in stock, so in many cases we can schedule your install within a week of your assessment.

What size generator does my home need?

Sizing depends on what you want to power: essential circuits only, or true whole-home coverage. A 22 kW unit covers most homes' essentials; a 24-26 kW unit handles full whole-home loads including multiple HVAC zones. During your free assessment, we calculate your starting wattage, survey your electrical panel, and recommend the right size with no guesswork.

Yes, standby generator installations require electrical and gas permits in South Carolina, and most jurisdictions require a final inspection. Never Dark handles all permitting and inspections for you as part of every install. Your project comes fully permitted and inspected, with zero trips to the building department on your end.

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(864) 457-1409 Schedule

Questions Answered

Frequently Asked Questions

Practical answers for generator owners - from oil checks and warning lights to installation and permitting.

Ownership

A quality standby generator from Generac, Kohler, or Cummins typically lasts 20 to 30 years with proper maintenance. The key to longevity is regular service: annual oil changes, battery checks, and exercising the unit. All our installs include a workmanship guarantee, and we offer ongoing maintenance plans to keep your system running for decades.

Installation

Financing

Call Schedule

Frequently Asked Questions

Ownership

How long do standby generators last?

What size generator do I need for my home?

How loud is a standby generator?

Will a standby generator run my whole house?

What happens during a power outage: how does the generator know to turn on?

What fuel do standby generators use?

Can I monitor my generator remotely?

How often does my generator need maintenance?

How do I check the oil level?

What kind of oil should I add?

How much oil should I add?

The outage has lasted days and my generator is still running. What should I do?

My generator has a light on. What does it mean?

Installation

How long does installation take?

Do you handle the entire installation process?

Do I need a permit to install a generator?

Will my generator work with my existing propane tank?

What areas do you serve?

Where should my generator be placed?

How long does installation take?

What size generator does my home need?

Do I need a permit?

Financing

Does a generator increase my home's value?

Is there a leasing program?

Do you offer financing?

What's included in the 10/10/10 Leasing Program?