Power outages in Maine are more than an inconvenience—they’re a way of life. Between heavy winter snowstorms, nor’easters, fallen trees, and unpredictable wind storms, Gorham homeowners often experience outages that last hours or even days. That’s why more families in Gorham, ME are turning to whole-home generator installation to protect their homes, stay safe, and keep life running smoothly.
If you’ve been considering installing a generator for your home, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know—types of generators, installation requirements, costs, permits, safety considerations, and how Cornerstone Powercan help you choose the perfect system.
Why Gorham, Maine Homeowners Need a Generator
Living in Southern Maine means preparing for unpredictable weather. According to energy.gov, the Northeast experiences more outages per year than any other region in the country. In Gorham, outages often occur during winter storms when temperatures can drop dangerously low.
Backup generator protecting a home during a winter storm in Maine.
Here are the top reasons Gorham residents install home generators:
- Winter storm outages lasting 6–48 hours
- Frozen pipes when heat shuts off
- Sump pump failures that cause basement flooding
- Increased remote work requiring uninterrupted power
- Medical equipment that cannot lose power
A generator is not a luxury in Maine—it’s a necessity.
Types of Generators for Gorham Homes
There are two primary options for homeowners in Gorham, ME: portable generators and standby generators (whole-house generators). Here’s how they compare:
1. Standby Generators (Whole-House Generators)
These units automatically turn on when your power goes out and supply energy to your entire home. They run on natural gas or propane, making them ideal for Gorham homes with existing propane tanks.
Standby generator installed with automatic transfer switch — the ideal solution for Southern Maine homeowners.
Benefits:
- Instant automatic power during an outage
- Powers your entire home (heat, lights, appliances, sump pump, etc.)
- Runs on existing natural gas or propane
- Increases home value
- Extremely safe and reliable
Best for: Homeowners who experience frequent outages or rely on heat, well pumps, or medical equipment.
2. Portable Generators
Portable generators cost less but require manual setup, refueling, and cord management.
Portable generator setup — requires manual operation and is not a whole-home solution.
Benefits:
- Lower cost
- Good for emergencies
- Can power essentials only
Best for: Small homes, camps, garages, temporary solutions.
What Size Generator Do You Need?
The right generator size depends on your home’s electrical load. Here are typical sizes for Gorham homes:
- 10–14 kW: Small homes, basic circuits
- 16–20 kW: Average-size Gorham home (most common choice)
- 22–24 kW: Larger homes with electric heat or multiple appliances
Cornerstone Poweroffers free sizing assessments to ensure you get the perfect system for your needs.
How Generator Installation Works
Installing a generator is not a DIY job—Maine law requires licensed electricians to perform all standby generator wiring and transfer switch installation.
Step 1: Site Visit & Load Calculation
Your electrician evaluates your home’s power needs, gas supply, and ideal installation location.
Step 2: Selecting the Right Generator
Cornerstone Powerhelps you choose from top brands like Generac, Briggs & Stratton, and Kohler. Visit: Generac.com
Step 3: Installing the Transfer Switch
The automatic transfer switch (ATS) ensures seamless transition during outages.
Step 4: Electrical & Gas Connections
A licensed electrician and gas technician work together to connect the system safely.
Step 5: Testing & Homeowner Training
We test the generator and show you exactly how everything works.
Do You Need a Permit in Gorham, Maine?
Yes. The Town of Gorham requires an electrical permit for standby generator installation. Your electrician handles all required permits and inspections.
Visit the official Gorham permitting page: https://www.gorham-me.org
How Much Does Generator Installation Cost in Gorham, ME?
Prices vary depending on home size, generator type, and installation needs. Typical costs:
- Portable generator system: $1,000–$3,000
- Whole-house standby generator: $7,500–$15,000 installed
- High-capacity systems: $15,000–$22,000+
Cornerstone Poweralso offers financing options for Gorham residents.
Propane vs Natural Gas Generators
Propane
- Ideal for rural Gorham homes
- Stored on-site
- Cleaner fuel
Natural Gas
- Unlimited supply
- Less maintenance
- Never needs refueling
Where to Place Your Generator
Code requires generators to be:
- At least 5 feet from windows, doors, and vents
- On a stable concrete or composite pad
- At least 3 feet from the home in most cases
- Placed where snow and ice will not block ventilation
Cornerstone Poweralways ensures code-compliant placement for safety and efficiency.
Maintenance Tips for Long-Term Reliability
A generator is an investment—proper maintenance extends lifespan and ensures peak performance.
Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Oil and filter change
- Battery inspection
- Spark plug replacement
- Air filter replacement
- Load testing
- Fuel system inspection
We recommend annual generator tune-ups before winter storms hit Maine.
Why Choose Cornerstone Powerfor Generator Installation in Gorham, ME?
Cornerstone Poweris a trusted local electrician serving Gorham and Southern Maine. We specialize in:
- Standby generator installation
- Electrical panel upgrades
- Transfer switch installation
- Propane and natural gas generator hookups
- Home electrical safety inspections
Our team is fully licensed, insured, and experienced in Maine electrical code requirements.
Local Gorham electricians you can trust for generator installation and safety.
Need generator installation? Contact us today:
Cornerstone Power(Cornerstone)
Phone: (800) 484-0277
Email: info@arcelectricians.com
Website: arcelectricians.com
Final Thoughts
A standby generator is one of the best investments a Gorham homeowner can make for safety, comfort, and peace of mind. Whether you’re preparing for winter outages, looking to protect your sump pump, or keeping your family warm through Maine’s harsh storms, a generator ensures your home stays powered when the grid fails.
For expert generator installation in Gorham, ME—contact the professionals at Cornerstone Powertoday.