A standby generator includes an engine including an output shaft, an alternator, and an enclosure including a base and a number of walls extending from the base including a front wall, a rear wall, a left wall, and a right wall. The output shaft extends toward the alternator and the left wall. The standby generator includes an intake opening configured to allow air to be drawn into the enclosure and an exhaust opening configured to allow heated air and exhaust gases to be expelled from the enclosure. The intake opening is provided on the rear wall and the exhaust opening is provided on the front wall.