- HEP
- Innovative Energy Solutions
Innovative Energy Solutions
Innovative Energy Solutions | Generators | Electrical | Hillsboro
When storms roll through Hillsboro or construction booms strain the grid, HEP keeps homes, farms, and fast-growing businesses humming with resilient generators engineered for the Pacific Northwest’s unique demands. Our technicians pair cutting-edge load-management tech with fuel-efficient designs, so you get whisper-quiet standby power that kicks in within seconds, slashes operating costs, and fits seamlessly into tight urban lots or wide-open rural properties.
From the first on-site assessment to remote monitoring and lifetime maintenance, HEP’s turnkey approach makes reliable energy delightfully worry-free. We handle permitting, smart-panel integration, and future-ready upgrades—leaving you free to focus on what matters most while your lights, servers, and essential appliances stay on no matter how hard the wind blows over Washington County.
FAQs
What types of generators do you offer for homes and businesses in Hillsboro?
We carry a full line of permanently installed standby generators (natural-gas or propane), high-efficiency diesel units for commercial and industrial facilities, and portable inverter generators for smaller applications or job sites. For clients focused on sustainability, we also supply bi-fuel and solar-hybrid systems that blend traditional fuel with battery storage and rooftop PV. All models are UL listed, meet Oregon Building Codes, and are sized specifically for Pacific Northwest climate conditions, including wet-weather corrosion protection.
How do I figure out what size generator I need?
Start by listing the appliances, HVAC equipment, medical devices, and IT loads you want to keep running during an outage. Our engineers translate that list into starting (surge) and running wattage, add 15–20 % for future expansion, then match you with the nearest generator capacity. For a typical Hillsboro home, that ranges from 14 kW (essential circuits) to 26 kW (whole-house). Small offices usually require 25–60 kW, while light-industrial sites may need 100 kW or more. We provide a free on-site assessment and load calculation so you know exactly what you’re buying—no guesswork.
Do I need permits or inspections to install a standby generator in Hillsboro?
Yes. The City of Hillsboro (and unincorporated Washington County) requires an electrical permit, and gas permits if you’re tying into a natural-gas line. Depending on the installation, a mechanical or structural permit may also be needed for fuel tanks or concrete pads. We handle the entire permitting process, coordinate utility locates, and schedule final inspections with the city’s Building Department. Typical permit approval takes 5–10 business days, and your project is not considered complete until it passes the final electrical inspection.
What ongoing maintenance does a generator need, and do you offer service plans?
Standby generators should be serviced every 6–12 months or after 200 hours of run-time. Key tasks include oil and filter changes, spark-plug replacement, coolant checks, battery testing, fuel-system inspection, and a full function test under load. We offer three tiered maintenance plans: Basic (annual visit), Plus (bi-annual with remote monitoring), and Premium (quarterly inspections, 24/7 emergency response, and fuel-polishing for diesel systems). Regular maintenance protects your warranty, extends engine life, and ensures the unit starts immediately when the grid fails.
Are there eco-friendly or renewable options that reduce fuel consumption and emissions?
Absolutely. Our bi-fuel models can run up to 70 % on natural gas and 30 % on diesel, cutting particulate emissions by roughly 40 %. We also supply solar-hybrid packages that pair a lithium-ion battery bank with a smaller backup generator; the engine only runs when the batteries reach a low state of charge, trimming fuel use by up to 60 %. For businesses participating in the Energy Trust of Oregon incentive program, these hybrid systems may qualify for cash rebates or state tax credits.
How quickly will a standby generator restore power during an outage, and can it handle my entire house?
Most automatic transfer switches sense a utility failure within one second and signal the generator to start. The engine reaches operating speed in roughly 5–8 seconds, and the ATS transfers your load as soon as voltage and frequency stabilize—usually 10–15 seconds after the lights go out. Whole-house models sized correctly will energize every circuit, including HVAC and electric ranges. If you choose an essential-loads system, only the pre-selected circuits (refrigerator, lighting, furnace fan, internet, etc.) will receive power. We’ll review both options during your assessment so you get the coverage you need without overspending.