How Much Is a Home Generator?

So, let’s come directly to the point: how much are house generators?

In the US, installing a whole-home generator typically costs between $7,000 and $25,000 or more, including both the generator unit and professional installation. However, this is only a general range. The final price depends on several variables, such as your home’s square footage, electrical demand, fuel type, and how complex the installation process is.

On average, the generator unit itself costs $3,000 to $12,000, while installation usually adds another $3,000 to $12,000. Installation costs include labour, electrical wiring, transfer switches, permits, and fuel line connections. Homes that require trenching, solar panel upgrades, or long cable runs will sit at the higher end of the range.

Then, how much does a generator cost for your house? Here we give a general guideline for the whole-home generator cost with different sizes and types for your reference.

The Whole Home Generator Costs by Size

Generator size is measured in kilowatts (kW) and directly determines how much of your home can be powered during an outage.

Smaller systems can keep lights, refrigeration, heating systems, and Wi-Fi running. Larger units can power central air conditioning, electric ovens, well pumps, and home offices simultaneously.

The Whole Home Generator Costs by Type

Fuel type is another major cost determinant. Each generator type differs in price, maintenance needs, fuel availability, and long-term operating costs.

Natural gas generators are popular in urban areas because they offer a continuous fuel supply. Propane systems are common in rural homes, while diesel units are often chosen for maximum durability and long runtimes, but solar generators are increasingly popular for clean energy and long-term value, despite higher upfront costs.

Key Factors Influencing Home Generator Costs

Several interconnected factors determine the prices on home generators. Understanding these elements helps you budget realistically and avoid unexpected expenses during installation or long-term ownership.

Generator Capacity and Power Demand

The size of the generator has the biggest impact on cost. Homes with electric heating, central air conditioning, or EV chargers require significantly higher output. Oversizing increases costs, while undersizing can lead to power shortages or system strain.

Installation Complexity

Installation is rarely one-size-fits-all. Costs rise if your home needs electrical panel upgrades, gas line extensions, concrete pads, or trenching. Local permitting requirements and inspection fees also influence the final installation price.

Fuel Type and Availability

Fuel choice affects both upfront and long-term costs. Natural gas systems are convenient but depend on local infrastructure. Propane requires tank installation and refills, while diesel offers power density but demands ongoing fuel management.

Automation and Smart Features

Automatic transfer switches, remote monitoring, mobile apps, and load management systems increase convenience but add to the price. For smart solar generators for home, these features improve efficiency and safety by ensuring seamless transitions during outages.

Maintenance and Long-Term Costs

Regular servicing, oil changes, battery replacements, and fuel expenses add up over time. While cheaper units may save money initially, higher maintenance costs can make them more expensive across their lifespan.

Popular Solar Generators for Home 2026

For homeowners looking to avoid fuel dependency, noise, and emissions, solar generators have emerged as a powerful alternative. Below are two standout whole-home-ready solar generator systems for 2026.

Anker SOLIX E10 Solar Generator

The Anker SOLIX E10 Solar Generator is a smart hybrid energy storage system designed for whole-home backup power. With high continuous output, hybrid solar and generator integration, and intelligent energy management, it provides reliable and scalable backup for modern homes during extended outages.

Key Features:

• 7,680 W continuous AC output (up to 10,000 W peak) is powerful enough to support whole-home loads, including central air conditioning and other high-demand appliances.
• 6,144 Wh LFP battery capacity per unit delivers dependable backup power and can be expanded with additional batteries for longer outage coverage.
• Up to 9,000 W maximum solar input enables fast recharging from solar panels, reducing reliance on the grid during daytime operation.
• Provides both 120 V and 240 V split-phase output for compatibility with standard North American household electrical systems.
• High LRA capability supports reliable startup of heavy inductive loads such as HVAC systems and well pumps.
• Hybrid design supports seamless integration with grid power, solar, and generators for extended or virtually unlimited backup duration.
• Weather-resistant NEMA 4 enclosure and smart app control ensure safe, durable, and intelligent energy management for indoor or outdoor installation.

Conclusion

How much does a whole-home generator cost in the US? As this guide shows, most homeowners can expect to spend between $7,000 and $25,000, depending on generator size, fuel type, installation complexity, and long-term needs.

To maximize your investment, it is essential to size the system correctly and choose a generator that matches your household’s energy usage and backup expectations. Taking the time to assess these factors helps prevent overspending on unnecessary capacity while ensuring reliable, uninterrupted power when it matters most.

FAQs

What are the whole house generator installation costs?

Whole house generator installation typically costs between $3,000 and $12,000 in the US. This includes labor, permits, electrical wiring, transfer switches, and fuel connections. Costs increase if panel upgrades, trenching, or extended gas lines are required.

What are the prices on home generator units only?

Home generator units alone generally range from $3,000 to $12,000 for most whole-home systems. Larger or commercial-grade units can exceed $10,000. Pricing varies based on generator size, fuel type, brand, output capacity, and included automation features.

Is there a tax credit for a whole house generator?

Generally no. As of 2026, standard whole-house (standby) generators powered by natural gas, propane, or diesel do not qualify for federal tax credits in the US. While limited incentives previously existed for certain solar and battery systems, those credits must have been claimed before 2026 to apply.

Which is cheaper: solar generators or traditional generators for home?

Solar generators often have lower long-term costs because they avoid fuel expenses and frequent maintenance. Traditional generators are usually cheaper upfront but incur ongoing fuel, servicing, and repair costs.

How expensive is it to run a whole house generator?

Running a whole house generator typically costs $2 to $8 per hour, or $25 to $200 daily, depending on generator size, fuel type, and electrical load. Natural gas units are usually the most affordable to run, while propane and diesel cost more. Solar generators, by comparison, have minimal operating costs once installed.