This paper presents the results of an effort to develop and test a piezo-based high voltage generator (HVG). A theoretical model was developed and, in order to verify this model, quasi-static measurements were conducted using a 15 mm diameter and 20 mm long cylindrical PZR-5A piezoelectric element and an electric press driven by a rotating screw. Measurements were made using various load capacitances and resistances and using single and multiple piezo elements. The results of these measurements will be presented. A prototype piezo-based HVG with a diameter of 65 mm and a length of 275 mm was also built and tested and the results will be presented in a follow-on paper. This generator produced almost 400 kV with 3 J of energy stored in the generator.