How Much Does a Whole House Generator Cost?
In This Guide
If you are pricing backup power, the big number to understand is how much does a whole house generator cost, because it is far more than the sticker price of the unit. A whole house standby generator is a complete electrical system that an electrician installs, so the installed total, not the box price, is what you actually pay. For most homes that lands between $7,000 and $15,000. This guide breaks the cost into its parts so no line item catches you off guard.
The Installed Cost, Broken Down
| Part of the job | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Standby generator unit | About $3,000 to $6,000 |
| Automatic transfer switch | About $1,800 to $5,500 |
| Concrete or composite pad | About $350 to $1,000 |
| Electrical and fuel hookup, permits | Adds several thousand |
| Total installed, typical home | About $7,000 to $15,000 |
Size Drives Most of the Price
The generator's size in kilowatts is the biggest single factor, and most homes need somewhere between 13 and 22 kilowatts. A bigger unit to run more of the house at once costs more to buy and to install. An electrician sizes it from your actual electrical load, since oversizing wastes money and fuel.
Installation Is Most of the Cost
Fuel and Site Conditions
Cost also depends on your site. A home with a natural gas line at the meter and a short run to the panel is cheaper than one needing a new gas line or a propane tank. Panel upgrades, long conduit runs, and difficult placement all push the total up.
Ongoing Costs After Installation
Get Several Quotes
Because installed prices vary so widely, get quotes from a few licensed installers and make sure each covers the same scope: unit, transfer switch, pad, hookups, permits, and startup. A cheap quote that leaves out the transfer switch or permit is not really cheaper.
Generator Service From Wildwood
Whatever generator you buy, Wildwood keeps it running. A technician comes to your driveway, services or repairs it on site, and quotes a flat rate before any work. More than 10,000 repairs since 2019, generator service from $75. Call 888-594-5516.