We were in the same situation back up genny and change over switch. I would run the generator for a couple of hours a month under load , that way I knew it would work and the switch gear was ok
. Once a year the change over switch was checked by the hydro board as they didnt want fried engineers on the line . But as time went by the power supply became better so the 17Kw job was sold .
Now its a 6kw one again run once a month ,its portable so I can take it to the distant parts of the croft . And a battery inverter for the TV / PC if needed. otherwise woodburner for cooking and heat, or better still back to bed really warm too