If you’re considering investing in a standby generator to keep your home running during power outages, you’re probably looking for a system that offers more than just backup electricity—you want confidence, convenience, and control. One of the most common questions today’s homeowners ask is: Does a standby generator come with remote monitoring or smart controls?
The short answer: Yes. Many of today’s best whole-house standby generators come equipped with—or are compatible with—remote monitoring and smart control systems. These features let you track your generator’s performance, receive maintenance alerts, and control settings directly from your smartphone or computer.
In this article, we’ll break down what remote monitoring and smart controls are, which generator brands offer the best systems, how these tools work in emergencies, and why having smart features is a major advantage for modern homeowners.
What Are Smart Controls and Remote Monitoring for Standby Generators?
Remote monitoring and smart controls refer to the technologies that allow you to observe, manage, and receive notifications about your generator’s status without being physically near it. These tools give you the ability to:
- 📱 Check the generator’s operational status remotely
- 🔋 Monitor battery health, oil level, and run time
- 🚨 Receive real-time alerts for maintenance needs or fault codes
- 🧠 Schedule exercise cycles (weekly self-tests)
- 🔄 Track generator performance during outages
Most systems use Wi-Fi, cellular, or Ethernet connections to sync data between your generator and a cloud-based dashboard or mobile app. These features are especially valuable for:
- 🏠 Homeowners with vacation homes or rental properties
- 🌪️ Households in storm-prone or outage-prone regions
- 📅 Anyone who wants proactive maintenance alerts and peace of mind
Do All Standby Generators Come with Smart Controls?
Not all models include smart monitoring out of the box, but most major brands either include it standard or offer it as an optional add-on. Here’s how it typically breaks down:
- Premium models (20kW+): Often include Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity by default
- Mid-range models: May offer optional monitoring hardware (sold separately)
- Entry-level units: May not support remote monitoring without upgrade kits
Good news: Most whole-house generators sold today are smart-ready, meaning you can easily add remote access features during or after installation.
Top Generator Brands Offering Smart Monitoring
🛡️ Generac – Mobile Link™
Mobile Link™ is Generac’s official remote monitoring platform. It connects your standby generator to your smartphone, tablet, or desktop via Wi-Fi, LTE, or Ethernet.
Key Features:
- Monitor generator status 24/7
- Receive maintenance alerts and error codes
- Schedule weekly exercise tests
- Compatible with Alexa and Google Assistant
- Optional LTE add-on for areas without Wi-Fi
Mobile Link comes standard with most Guardian Series 16kW–26kW generators and is compatible with older models via a Wi-Fi accessory module.
⚡ Kohler – OnCue® Plus
OnCue® Plus is Kohler’s advanced generator monitoring system. It connects via Ethernet or Wi-Fi and provides a detailed view of your generator’s performance.
Key Features:
- Monitor real-time generator status and event history
- Get maintenance notifications and test schedules
- Remote start/stop options (on select models)
- Monitor multiple generators on one account (great for property managers)
Kohler’s smart system is available on most 14kW to 26kW standby units and requires a factory-installed controller (included in newer models).
🔥 Champion – ATS200 and Generator Controller App
Champion’s home standby generators come equipped with a digital controller and optional integration with their mobile app for real-time alerts and diagnostics.
Key Features:
- Local and remote monitoring options
- Bluetooth setup with optional Wi-Fi monitoring
- Maintenance reminders and error notifications
- Compatible with select ATS models
While not as robust as Generac or Kohler, Champion offers a solid entry-level smart system for budget-conscious buyers.
How Remote Monitoring Works During an Outage
One of the biggest advantages of smart controls is knowing what’s happening when the power is out—especially if you’re not home. Here’s how most systems work:
1. ⚠️ Outage Detected
Your automatic transfer switch senses utility loss and starts the generator within 10–30 seconds.
2. 📲 Notification Sent
You receive a push notification, email, or text letting you know the generator has turned on (and why).
3. 🔋 Live Monitoring Begins
You can open your mobile app or dashboard to see:
- Current generator output
- Estimated fuel consumption
- Elapsed runtime
- Any warnings or faults
4. 🔄 Power Restored
When the utility grid comes back online, the generator shuts down automatically. You receive another alert confirming power status and shutdown.
This remote visibility means no guesswork during blackouts, especially useful if you’re away from home or managing multiple properties.
Benefits of Smart Generator Monitoring
- ✅
Know your system is ready even when you’re not home - ✅ Proactive maintenance: Get alerts before small issues become major problems
- ✅ Remote diagnostics: Some installers can access error codes remotely for faster service
- ✅ Improved reliability: Identify and fix problems before they prevent startup during an outage
- ✅ Smart home integration: Works with Alexa, Google Home, or home automation platforms
What You Need for Remote Monitoring
To use smart controls, you’ll typically need:
- 📶 Wi-Fi or LTE connectivity: Most systems use your home network (LTE options available for areas without internet)
- 📲 Mobile app or browser login: Apps are available for iOS, Android, and web access
- 🔌 Compatible generator controller: Newer models include these by default; older ones may need an upgrade kit
Installation of smart modules is typically included in the generator installation, or you can request it as an add-on during a retrofit.
FAQs About Generator Smart Controls
Q: Do standby generators come with apps?
Yes—many do. Generac offers the Mobile Link app, Kohler has OnCue Plus, and Champion provides a controller-based app with select models.
Q: Can I monitor generator status while away from home?
Yes. With Wi-Fi or LTE connectivity, you can check generator performance and receive alerts from anywhere in the world.
Q: What if I don’t have Wi-Fi?
Some systems offer LTE-enabled monitoring modules (like Generac’s Mobile Link LTE), or you can hardwire Ethernet into the generator.
Q: Will I get alerts if something goes wrong?
Yes. You’ll receive push notifications, emails, or texts for low battery, oil issues, missed self-tests, or system faults.
Q: Can I start or stop my generator remotely?
Some advanced systems (especially from Kohler) offer remote start/stop. Most systems are for monitoring only, not control—check your model’s specs.
Conclusion: Smart Monitoring Makes Your Generator Even Smarter
Standby generators have come a long way from simple backup systems. Today’s models offer remote access, smart alerts, and mobile apps that let you stay in control of your home’s emergency power—whether you’re across town or across the country.
If you want peace of mind, better performance, and early warning of issues before they cause failure, choosing a generator with remote monitoring or smart controls is a no-brainer. It’s not just about powering your home—it’s about knowing your home will stay powered, no matter what.
Ready to Choose the Right Smart Generator?
Start here: What Size Standby Generator Do I Need for My Entire Home? — our expert guide to generator sizing, smart features, and installation tips for whole-home coverage.