Cost guide · updated November 2026
What a generator installation really costs, line by line.
For a typical whole-home 20 to 24 kW standby generator, published 2026 figures put the equipment at $5,000 to $6,500 and installation labor at $1,500 to $5,000, before the pad, permits and any gas meter or panel upgrade. Bigger homes needing 26 to 48 kW start at $6,500 for the equipment and run past $20,000.
Equipment cost by size
| Generator size | Typical use | Equipment cost |
|---|---|---|
| 7.5–10 kW | A few essential circuits | $2,000–$3,500 |
| 14–18 kW | Essentials plus one small AC | $4,000–$5,500 |
| 20–24 kW | Whole-home, one AC, load managed | $5,000–$6,500 |
| 26–32 kW | Two AC systems or larger home | $6,500–$15,000 |
| 36–38 kW | Large or all-electric home | $14,000–$16,000 |
| 45–48 kW | Estate homes, liquid-cooled range | $16,200–$21,000 |
The rest of the job
| Line item | Published range |
|---|---|
| Installation labor | $1,500–$5,000 |
| Permits | $50–$200 each |
| Concrete pad | $50–$75 / sq ft |
| New subpanel | $500–$2,000 |
| Manual transfer switch | $500–$2,000 |
| Propane tank | $300–$1,500 |
What pushes a quote up
- Long fuel runs. Every foot of gas pipe from meter to unit is material and labor, and long runs need a bigger pipe size to hold pressure.
- Gas meter upgrades. If the utility says the meter can't carry the load, the upgrade and the wait get added.
- Panel condition. An older or full panel may need replacing before a transfer switch can go in.
- Placement. Setbacks from windows and property lines can push the unit farther from the meter and panel than you'd like.
- Access. No gate wide enough for the pallet jack means a crane or hand-carry.
Cost questions
How much does it cost to install a whole-home generator?
HomeAdvisor's 2026 data puts a 20 to 24 kW unit at $5,000 to $6,500 for the equipment, with installation labor of $1,500 to $5,000 on top, plus permits, a pad and fuel piping (HomeAdvisor, updated June 19, 2026). Larger whole-home units (26 to 48 kW) run $6,500 to $21,000 for the equipment alone. Your number depends mostly on generator size, the distance from the unit to the gas meter and electrical panel, and whether the gas meter or electrical service needs an upgrade.
Why do generator installation quotes vary so much?
Because the generator is only part of the job. Distance from the unit to the gas meter and panel, whether the meter needs an upgrade, whether the panel needs replacing to accept a transfer switch, how the pad gets there, and local permit fees all move the number. Two quotes are only comparable when both list the same switch, pad, fuel run and permits.
Is a generator installation quote with no site visit reliable?
As a range, yes. As a price, no. Photos of the panel, meter and yard get a quote close; the gas utility's answer on meter capacity and the permit review settle the last items. Your proposal says which items are confirmed and which depend on those answers.
Are there tax credits for home standby generators?
A fossil-fuel standby generator does not qualify for the federal residential clean energy credit. Some utilities and states offer rebates for specific situations, such as medical need. Check your utility and state energy office before you count on one.
Sources
- HomeAdvisor, updated June 19, 2026: whole-house generator installation cost data.