Whole House Generator Cost Installed
The all-in installed cost of a whole house generator — what the labor, transfer switch, gas hookup and permit add on top of the unit, and how to keep the install price down.
The “installed” price is the one that matters — a whole-house generator’s unit cost is only part of the job. Installed, a whole-house standby generator typically runs $7,000–$15,000 all-in, and the installation itself — pad, transfer switch, electrical, gas hookup and permit — usually adds $3,500–$7,000 on top of the $3,500–$6,000 unit.
What the installed cost includes
| Line item | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Generator unit (by kW) | $3,500–$6,000 |
| Automatic transfer switch | $400–$900 |
| Installation labor (pad, electrical, gas) | $3,000–$5,000 |
| Fuel hookup (gas line / propane tank) | $0–$2,500 |
| Permit & inspection | $100–$500 |
| All-in installed | $7,000–$15,000 |
Why installation is 40–50% of the cost
A standby generator is wired permanently into your home by a licensed electrician — mounting and leveling the pad, installing an automatic transfer switch at the panel, running conduit, connecting natural gas or propane, and passing a permit inspection. That skilled labor and materials, not the generator, is why installation is often nearly half the total, and why an online unit price always lands lower than a real installed quote.
How to lower the installed price
- Site the generator close to the panel and gas meter to shorten the runs.
- Use natural gas if you have a line — a new propane tank adds cost.
- Size the unit correctly with the sizing calculator instead of overbuying.
- Get at least three itemized quotes from licensed installers.
Price your own setup with the cost estimator, or see the full whole house generator cost picture and installation cost detail.
Estimates only; regional pricing and site conditions vary. A whole-house standby must be installed by a licensed electrician.
Frequently asked questions
What is the installed cost of a whole house generator?
Installed, a whole-house generator typically runs $7,000–$15,000 all-in. Installation alone — the pad, automatic transfer switch, electrical wiring, gas or propane hookup, and permit — usually adds $3,500–$7,000 on top of the $3,500–$6,000 unit. The exact figure depends on your kW, fuel, and how far the unit sits from your panel and gas supply.
Why is installation so much of the cost?
A standby generator has to be permanently wired into your home by a licensed electrician: mounting and leveling the pad, installing an automatic transfer switch at the panel, running conduit, connecting natural gas or propane, and passing a permit inspection. That skilled labor and materials — not the generator itself — is why installation is often 40–50% of the total. It’s also what keeps the system safe and code-compliant.
How can I lower the installed cost?
Site the generator close to the electrical panel and the gas meter to shorten the runs, use natural gas if you already have a line (a new propane tank adds cost), pick the right kW rather than oversizing, and get at least three itemized quotes from licensed installers. Avoid a panel upgrade if your service can handle the load. The estimator’s complexity setting shows how much a long or difficult run adds.