Reliable Power for Homes, Cabins, Estates, and Light Commercial Properties
Power outages across Utah can occur during winter storms, high winds, wildfire events, or unexpected grid failures. For homeowners, cabin owners, and rural property owners, losing power can quickly become more than an inconvenience—it can affect heating systems, water systems, refrigeration, and safety.
Colonial Building Supply provides complete whole-home backup generator solutions throughout Utah. Our team helps customers maintain reliable power whether they are connected to the electrical grid or operating completely off‑grid.
Colonial is also an authorized Kohler generator dealer, providing trusted commercial‑grade generators known for durability and long service life.
Our generator services include:
•Generator sales
• Professional generator installation
• System troubleshooting and diagnostics
• Generator repairs
• Long‑term generator maintenance and service
From mountain cabins to estate homes and light commercial properties, Colonial helps property owners design backup power systems that work when it matters most.
A Real Utah Generator Project: Monte Cristo Lodge
A recent project highlights how backup power systems can transform reliability for remote properties.
High in the mountains near Monte Cristo on Ant Flat Road sits a privately owned 20‑room recreation lodge used for family gatherings and events. The property is completely off‑grid and must generate all of its own electricity.For years the lodge relied on aging under sized generators that ran nearly 24 hours a day to keep the property powered. In 2019, solar panels and battery storage were added to the system in an attempt to reduce generator usage.
However, the systems were never properly integrated. The solar system, batteries, and generators were not communicating effectively. As a result, the generators continued running around the clock, creating excessive fuel consumption and unnecessary wear on the equipment.
The property owner needed a more reliable and efficient solution.
Installing a Generator That Works with Solar
After evaluating the property’s electrical system, Colonial installed a 30 kW commercial‑grade generator designed to integrate with the existing solar and battery infrastructure.
Working alongside the property’s electrical engineer, the generator was configured to communicate with the solar array and battery bank so the system could operate as a coordinated power source.
The system now works like this:
- Solar panels generate electricity during daylight hours
- Battery banks store excess power
- When battery levels drop or sunlight is unavailable, the generator automatically starts
- The generator recharges the battery bank and powers the property
Instead of running continuously, the generator now operates only when needed. This dramatically reduces runtime, fuel consumption, and mechanical wear while maintaining reliable power for the lodge.
Installation Challenges in Utah’s Snow Country
Monte Cristo is one of the snowiest regions in Utah, which makes generator installation and transportation challenging during winter months.
Colonial coordinated the project carefully, delivering the generator and removing the aging equipment just before a major snowstorm arrived. The installation also required working within an already crowded generator room, where space was limited and equipment had to be carefully positioned.
Despite the logistical challenges, the system was installed successfully and brought online before winter conditions worsened.
Remote Monitoring and Peace of Mind
With the new system in place, the property owner can now monitor the entire power system remotely using a mobile application.
The system allows the owner to:
• Monitor generator performance • Track battery charge levels • Confirm solar production • Receive alerts if the system requires attention
For remote properties and cabins, this level of monitoring provides peace of mind, especially during winter when a power failure could lead to frozen pipes or property damage.
Generator Maintenance, Repairs, and Long‑Term Service
Providing and Installing a generator is only part of the solution. Reliable backup power requires ongoing maintenance and support.
Colonial provides long‑term generator support including:
• Scheduled generator maintenance
• Oil and filter changes
• Spark plug replacement
• Firmware updates and system cleaning
• Generator troubleshooting
• Generator repairs
For standby generators used during outages, maintenance is typically scheduled every six months with annual inspections. For off‑grid or prime power systems that run more frequently, service intervals are shorter to ensure dependable performance.
Generator Systems for Cabins, Homes, Estates, and Light Commercial Properties
Backup power needs vary depending on the type of property. Colonial designs generator systems for: Cabins and remote mountain properties • Residential homes • Large estate properties • Light commercial buildings • Recreation lodges and event properties • Solar‑integrated off‑grid systems
Whether the goal is emergency backup power or full off‑grid energy production, generator systems can be tailored to meet the unique energy demands of each property.
Areas We Serve Across Utah
Colonial Building Supply provides generator sales, installation, troubleshooting, repairs, and long‑term service throughout the entire state of Utah. We regularly install and service generators for residential homes, mountain cabins, estate properties, and light commercial buildings.
Our team frequently works with homeowners and property owners across every county in Utah, including:
• Beaver County
• Box Elder County
• Cache Count
• Carbon County
• Daggett County
• Davis County
• Duchesne County
• Emery County
• Garfield County
• Grand County
• Iron County
• Juab County
• Kane County
• Millard County
• Morgan County
• Piute County
• Rich County
• Salt Lake County
• San Juan County
• Sanpete County
• Sevier County
• Summit County
• Tooele County
• Uintah County
• Utah County
• Wasatch County
• Washington County
• Wayne County
• Weber County
Many of our projects involve backup power systems for:
• Residential homes
• Remote mountain cabins
• Estate properties
• Recreation lodges
• Light commercial buildings
Because many generator projects occur in rural and mountain areas, our team will also travel outside Utah when needed. Colonial frequently supports generator installations and service calls in nearby regions of Idaho and Wyoming as well.
Backup Power You Can Count On
Power outages and off‑grid energy challenges require reliable equipment and experienced service.
Colonial Building Supply helps customers protect their homes, cabins, estates, and businesses with dependable backup power solutions designed for Utah’s climate and terrain.
If you are considering a whole home backup generator installation in Utah, Colonial can help design, install, and maintain a system that keeps your property powered year‑round.
Contact Colonial Building Supply to learn more about generator sales, installation, troubleshooting, repairs, and long‑term service.
Frequently Asked Questions About Whole Home Backup Generators
How does a whole home backup generator work?
A whole home backup generator automatically turns on when utility power is lost. The generator supplies electricity to your home, cabin, or building through an automatic transfer switch so essential systems like heating, refrigeration, lighting, and well pumps continue operating.
What size generator do I need for my home or cabin?
Generator size depends on the electrical load of the property. Homes may require anywhere from 14 kW to 30+ kW depending on HVAC systems, appliances, and well pumps. Colonial evaluates each property and recommends the correct generator capacity.
Can a generator work with solar panels and battery systems?
Yes. Modern generators can be integrated with solar arrays and battery banks. In these setups, solar provides power during the day, batteries store energy, and the generator starts automatically when batteries are low or sunlight is unavailable.
Do you offer generator servicing and maintenance?
Yes. Colonial offers full generator servicing to keep systems reliable and ready for action. Our maintenance programs include generator testing, oil changes, spark plug replacement, air and fuel filter service, inspections, and system diagnostics. Regular servicing ensures your generator starts and performs properly when power outages occur.
Do you provide generator repairs and troubleshooting?
Yes. Colonial provides full generator troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repairs. As an authorized Kohler dealer, our technicians can service and repair generators up to 150 kW.
What types of properties install backup generators?
Whole home generators are commonly installed for residential homes, mountain cabins, estate properties, and light commercial buildings. They are also frequently used for off‑grid lodges and recreation properties throughout Utah.
What areas of Utah do you serve?
Colonial Building Supply provides generator sales, installation, repairs, and service across Utah, including Northern Utah counties such as Cache, Box Elder, Weber, Davis, Salt Lake, Summit, Morgan, and Rich counties.
Ready to Protect Your Home or Cabin with Reliable Backup Power?
Whether you need a new generator installation, repairs, or long‑term maintenance, the team at Colonial Building Supply can help.