Whole-Home Generator Cost Breakdown

At NW Generator Pros, we strive for transparency with all of our projects. One of the most common questions we know people have is how much a whole-home standby generator costs - we get it!  Here's the thing: every home is different which means every installation is different and so are costs. The low end of the range on average is about $10,000 for a smaller standby generator and minimal amount of installation work needed.  The average of the higher of the range is about $25,000. Again, please understand that this is an average range and there's room for exceptions. Our goal is to make installing a whole-home generator attainable for anyone. With our financing options, most projects start as low as $400 a month or go with the popular 18 month 0% APR offer. Learn more about financing options.

If you're not interested in financing, and a whole-home generator isn't in your current budget, you may want to consider a portable generator instead.

Here's something a lot of our competitors won't tell you - if you're planning to use natural gas with your standby generator, we'll almost always have you call your natural gas company as one of the first steps in the process to see if there is any upgrade work needed. Some of our customers don't need anything done while others need a couple hundred dollars worth of work done. And sometimes there can be significant (very costly) work needed from the gas company in order for a standby generator to work effectively. Unfortunately we've often seen some competitors rush to get customers to commit to a project, sign a contract, and break ground, only for the customer to get a very unexpected notice that they need to pay a significant amount of money to the gas company to complete the project. After we come out to give you an estimate at your home or business, we'll give you the exact language to use to reach out to your gas company with to ensure there are zero unexpected additional costs.

Below you'll find a detailed breakdown of the factors that impact the total price of a whole-home generator installation.

🔌 Equipment

• Generator size (kw) — larger units cost more, but the average home typically requires between 18kw and 26kw
• Brand/model — Generac, Kohler, Honeywell
• Fuel type — natural gas, propane, or diesel
• Transfer switch — type (manual vs. automatic), amperage, service vs non-service rated
• Optional accessories — 4G modules, cold weather kits, whole-home surge suppression/protection

🛠️ Installation Factors

• Distance from electrical panel and gas meter
• Concrete pad or composite pad for the generator to sit on
• Trenching or conduit run length
• Mounting surface needs — concrete pad, stand,  composite pads
• Electrical upgrades — panel changes, subpanels, rewiring
• Permits & inspections — city or county fees
• Local utility coordination — especially for gas meter upsizing

📍 Site-Specific Conditions

• Soil type and landscape — rocky soil, slope, or tree removal can increase cost
• Accessibility — crane/lift access or confined areas
• Zoning or HOA restrictions — may require sound enclosures or special permitting

👷‍♂️ Labor Costs

• Number of technicians required
• Time on site — standard install vs. complex, multi-day project
• Specialty Subcontractor use — ex: directional drilling, excavation

📝 Other Factors

• Location/region — labor costs vary by state/county, along with permitting
• Warranties & service packages — extended warranties, maintenance plans
• Travel fees — if a job site is on the edge of our service area or outside of it, we may have to add additional travel fees (always discussed)
• Lead time or rush installation — expedited timelines can add cost

Want to Chat More or Schedule a Free Estimate?

When you choose NW Generator Pros, you're choosing knowledgeable and experienced professionals who work tirelessly to provide exceptional service. From the moment you contact us until long after we install your generator, we'll be there to answer your questions and address any concerns you may have. Our licensed experts will guide you through the entire process, ensuring that you feel confident every step of the way.

Don't wait for the next power outage to leave you in the dark. Contact NW Generator Pros today for a free estimate and take the first step toward reliable power and peace of mind for your home.