Typical installed cost ranges
These are typical national ranges for professionally installed residential standby systems — not a quote for your home, but honest orientation. Essential-circuit systems (7–14 kW): roughly $7,000–$11,000 installed. Mid-size whole-home (16–22 kW): roughly $10,000–$15,000 installed. Large whole-home (24 kW+): roughly $14,000–$20,000+ installed. Commercial systems vary widely by size.
What's in the number
A real quote isn't just the generator. It includes: the generator itself, the automatic transfer switch, the concrete pad and placement, all electrical wiring and conduit, the fuel hookup (gas line work or propane tank and lines), permits and inspections, and startup testing. If a quote seems oddly cheap, check what's missing — the transfer switch alone is a significant part.
What moves the price
Size is the biggest driver — more kilowatts cost more. Electrical panel condition: an old or undersized panel may need upgrading first. Distance: the farther the generator sits from your panel and fuel source, the more trenching, conduit, and wire. Fuel: propane installations include the tank; natural gas may need a meter upgrade. Site work: difficult access, grading, or landscaping restoration add cost.
What it costs to run
Two ongoing costs: fuel during outages (natural gas shows up on your gas bill; propane gets refilled by your supplier) and annual maintenance (oil, filters, battery, inspection). The weekly self-test sips fuel — a few dollars a year. Budget a few hundred dollars annually for maintenance; it's what keeps a $12,000 investment ready.
How to read a quote
A good quote lists every component with its price, names the generator model and size, specifies the transfer switch type, and includes permits. Vague lump sums ("generator system: $13,500") make it impossible to compare. Get two or three itemized quotes and compare line by line — and be suspicious of anyone who quotes a size without doing a load calculation. Our assessment and quote are free.