A Colts Neck, NJ homeowner enrolled their existing Generac 20 kW standby generator in a PowerBase Silver Plan in April of 2018. The generator was not originally installed by Green Sun Energy Services, but it was brought into the maintenance program at that time.
A PowerBase Silver Plan with scheduled maintenance
The Generac unit covered under this plan is a 7000 Series generator, model 7038-1, rated at 20 kW on liquid propane or 18 kW on natural gas. This home is served by natural gas, so the unit operates at its natural gas rating. It is connected to the home through a 90-amp transfer switch, which automatically shifts the house load to the generator when utility power from JCP&L is interrupted.
A standby generator of this type is wired permanently to the home and starts on its own within seconds of a power outage, without any action required from the homeowner. Scheduled maintenance visits keep the engine, oil, air filter, spark plugs, and battery in condition to start reliably after sitting unused, which is the scenario that causes most generator failures. The PowerBase Silver Plan structures those visits on a regular schedule rather than leaving service to the homeowner to arrange.
Green Sun Energy Services last serviced this account in September of 2026.
Project Facts
- Location
- Colts Neck, NJ
- Service
- Standby Generator Service
- Client since
- April 2018
- Manufacturer
- Generac Model # 7038-1
- Rated output
- 20 kW LP / 18 kW NG
- Fuel
- Natural Gas
- Transfer switch
- 90 amp
Standby generator questions from Colts Neck homeowners
Can a generator sit on compacted stone?
Certain air-cooled models can, on a properly prepared compacted aggregate base, where the applicable installation manual permits it. The base has to be stable, level, and resistant to settling and erosion, and the preparation comes from the model's own manual rather than from general practice.
Which fuel-gas code applies?
New Jersey currently adopts the 2024 International Fuel Gas Code as its Fuel Gas Subcode, which is what governs the piping, testing and shutoff arrangements on a natural-gas generator installation.
Will a 20 kW generator run an entire Colts Neck house?
For many homes, yes, but that does not mean every load can run at the same moment. Houses with two central air conditioners, electric heat, EV charging, pool equipment or electric cooking may need load management or a larger machine. The answer comes from a load calculation rather than from the phrase whole house.