Whole-home standby generator installation costs $5,000–$15,000 in the US, including the generator (~$3,000–$8,000), transfer switch, electrical, and gas hookup. Generac and Kohler dominate the residential market. Most installs take 1–3 days. In Poland expect PLN 18,000–55,000; in the Netherlands €5,000–€15,000.
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Generator cost by size
| Capacity | Covers | Installed cost (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| 8–10 kW | Essentials (fridge, lights, well pump) | $5,000–$8,000 |
| 14–18 kW | Whole house, small AC | $7,000–$11,000 |
| 20–24 kW | Whole house, central AC | $9,000–$14,000 |
| 26 kW+ | Large home with multiple AC zones | $12,000–$20,000+ |
What affects the cost?
- Fuel type — natural-gas connections are cheap; propane needs a tank ($1,500–$4,000)
- Transfer switch — automatic (ATS) costs $400–$800 more than manual
- Distance from gas line/panel — long runs add trenching and conduit
- Pad and weather protection — concrete pad and enclosure add $500–$1,200
- Permits and inspection — most municipalities require gas + electrical permits
Costs by country
Cost in the United States
Most US homes pay $8,000–$13,000 for a 20–22 kW Generac or Kohler installed. Demand spiked after Texas's 2021 winter blackout and ongoing hurricane seasons. Many homeowners finance through manufacturer programs or home-equity loans. Annual maintenance contracts run $200–$400.
How to save
- Off-peak install — late winter and early spring offer 10–15% discounts
- Bundle gas hookup with other work if your home isn't on natural gas yet
- Consider battery backup instead for shorter, more frequent outages
- Right-size — most homes don't need the maximum capacity their lot supports
Frequently asked questions
How much does a whole-home generator cost installed?
A standby whole-home generator costs $5,000–$15,000 installed in the US — the generator ($3,000–$6,000) plus the transfer switch, gas hookup, and labor. Size drives the price: a 10–14kW unit covers essentials; 22kW+ powers a whole large home including AC.
Standby vs portable generator — which should I get?
A standby generator starts automatically during an outage, runs on natural gas or propane, and powers the whole home ($5,000–$15,000). A portable is cheaper ($500–$2,000) but must be started and refueled manually and powers only a few circuits. Standby suits frequent or long outages; portable suits occasional backup.
How big a generator do I need for my house?
Essentials (fridge, furnace, lights, outlets) need 7–10kW; adding central AC pushes you to 14–22kW; a large all-electric home may need 22–27kW+. An electrician runs a load calculation before recommending a size — oversizing wastes money, undersizing trips the unit.