How much do whole house generators cost: Cost to Install Whole House Generator

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Whole House Generator?

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What can be more inconvenient than a power outage? Nothing. Right? It can also be dangerous depending on the time period of a power outage and your weather as the food can be spoiled and be thrown into the waste bin. Also, your home temperature can become dangerously hot or cold in the summer and winter days. What will happen if the power of your home goes out for days? You might like to move out till it comes back.

Well, a generator can help power your whole home until the electrical grid restores. Run all your household essentials like the heating system, lights, and refrigerator at a minimum power as the power grid never went off.

One common question is how much does it cost to install a whole-house generator when it comes to installing one. This guide covers all the installation costs of a whole-house generator. So, keep reading till the end if you’re about to install one for your home.

How Much Does It Cost to Install a Whole-House Generator – Factors to Consider

Size of the Generator

Of course, the generator size depends on your daily power consumption. The process starts with the visit of the installation team to your house before purchasing. The team will determine the system type of your house and check if your house has a good pump, the power source of the hot water heater, the number of lights, and the home appliances you have.

If you live in an average size home and want to run one large appliance at a time, you can go for a smaller size generator. Take a survey of what appliances, lights, and HVAC systems you will need when the power goes off. Add up all the watts to determine the size you need during a power outage.

Fuel Type Of the Generator

When you own a standby generator, you would like to use natural gas, propane, or other readily available fuel to power it. You can store this fuel in bulky tanks. On the other hand, diesel or gasoline is required for portable generators and you’ll have to purchase a smaller amount of fuel when you need to use the generator.

If you want a portable option but don’t like to store liquid fuel, you can go for a solar-powered generator. It works in a different way and keeps the batteries charged for further use.

Different generators have different pros and cons. But, keep in your mind that the fuel cost and availability should be the core driving force behind your purchase.

Location of the Generator

In general, the generator installation location is determined according to where the home circuit panel is located. You’ll be wiring from the circuit panel to the generator and the transfer switch situated below. Usually, generators are located a few feet away from the circuit breaker outside the home. For facilitating the source of fuel, you are allowed to move it a few feet away in one direction.

Electrical Modifications or Upgrades

1. Battery

Using a battery generator, you can power a few appliances and lights. But, pairing it with a portable generator can help you run other small appliances and charge your phones, leaving the portable generator to power your HVAC system as well as other large appliances.

2. Monitor

Want to get all the status updates of your standby generator when you’re away? Purchasing a wireless monitor can be the best option for you. This will let you know if the generator is running in the power outage when you’re not at home.

3. Smart Load Manager

If your generator is unable to handle the full load, opt for using a smart load manager. It will prioritize the areas powered by your generator and will allow you to switch when needed.

The Contractor You Choose For the Installation

Also, the installation cost of a whole-house generator depends on the contractor you choose to install it. Not all contractors charge the same amount for their service.

The Overall Cost to Install a Whole-House Generator

Generator Unit Installation Cost

The average cost for installing a whole-house generator starts from $5000 that can vary up to $11000 for a complex installation process. In general, people pay between $5000-$6000.

Whole-House Generator Cost

Installing a whole-house generator costs between $5000 including the transfer switch ($1000) and the other materials. This cost also includes setting the generator, delivery, and hooking it to the electric panel and fuel supply. The transfer switch remains installed inside where the other processes are done outside.

Transfer Switch Installation Cost

The transfer switch installation is done indoor and costs roughly $1800- $2800. Installing a transfer switch requires opening the wall that might be opened again for further maintenance.

FAQs

1. Where should a whole house generator be installed?

Ans. The standard regulation is to install generators outside and at least 5-6 feet away from flammable materials, doors, vents, and windows.

2. How long can a generator run continuously?

Ans. The continuous runtime of generators varies. Standby generators run continuously until the power restores which means the time might be days or weeks at a time. On the other hand, portable generators run until the fuel finishes.

3. How much is a generator for a 2,000 sq. ft. house?

Ans. On average, a whole-house generator for a 2000 sq. ft. house costs $6000 to $10000, including all the labor and installation costs.

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About the author

Jamie Masterson

With decade-long experience as a generator technician, Jamie has worked with USA’s top generator manufacturers and suppliers as an independent contractor.

The long years of service to the industry has taught Jamie the ins and outs of troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining all kinds of generators in home, industrial and outdoor settings.

Jamie thinks this platform is a great opportunity to share his tips and tricks with you so you can make the most of such power equipment for better living.

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How Much Do Natural Gas Generators Cost? Find Out Here

Natural gas generator sets vary in cost depending on a number of factors including whether it’s a standby or portable, the electrical capacity (kW or kVa), manufacturer, air cooled or liquid cooled, and other features of the unit.

Unlike their gasoline or diesel-powered counterparts, generators that run strictly on natural gas don’t come in small, portable models. If you’re looking for natural gas generator, you’re looking at either a standby generator as a backup to your utility electricity, or a prime or continuous power generator that provides power in lieu of a public utility. The former may be for either residential or commercial purposes, while the latter is usually industrial or oil and gas applications.

Let’s take a look at these two main options and see what consumers can expect to spend over the course of the generator’s lifetime in four main categories.

Browse Our Natural Gas Generator Inventory

WPP offers an extensive collection of new and used natural gas generators in sizes ranging from 20 kW to 2000 kW.

Our technical team can assist gas analysis, sizing, and custom power solutions.

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Generator Purchase Price

Unsurprisingly, the best way to get a feel for natural gas generator prices (and find the best deal) is to shop around. Once you do you’ll find the sticker price of whole-house generators typically ranges from $4,000-$15,000 (before tax) and are commonly sized between 6 kW and 20 kW. Twenty kW is typically large enough to power virtually everything in a home of up to 3,000 square feet, but is largely dependent upon how many a/c units and electric heaters (if not a gas heater) are at the home. Homes between 3,000 – 6,000 square feet typically require a 40-50 kW, which ranges in price from $20,000 – $25,000.

With small portable residential generators, it is possible to save a couple hundred dollars by using a manual transfer switch rather than an automatic switch (all generators used to power home appliances or rated 5 kW or above are required to have a transfer switch). But an automatic transfer switch (ATS) is highly recommended as it will automatically kick on your backup power without you having to manually flip the switch in bad weather or an emergency, and it doesn’t add that much to your final bill.

Luckily, only the biggest, most power-intensive enterprises will ever approach a need that big. A good rule of thumb in sizing the generator is 50 kW plus 10 watts per square foot. So a small retail shop might need 65 kW, while a Kroger might need 1000 kW. The former can be had for $30,000-$40,000 new, while the latter retails for anywhere from $100,000 to $500,000 or more.

It’s important to note that prime power generators will be more expensive than standby generators because they have to be able to run for much longer lengths of time and handle sustained heat generation without breaking down.

Installation Cost

A shoddily installed generator is a dangerous hazard. Incorrect wiring can back feed power into the grid and be fatal for linemen, firefighters, and anyone else working on the lines during an outage. So while you should get quotes from several installers before selecting one, it’s always recommended to let the professionals handle the installation.

According to HomeAdvisor, the average installation cost of a 20 kW standby home generator is about $5,000, although the range can exceed $10,0000 depending on a number of factors such as location from the gas meter and main electrical panel. Obviously, the more complicated a job is for the installer, the longer it will take them to complete, and the more they’re likely to charge. For example, a property where the electric meter is on one side of the house and the gas meter is on the opposite side creates more work for the electrician or plumber.

These are some of the factors that play into stationary home generator installation costs, which may or may not be included in the total price (so be sure to check):

Preparing the site and pouring the concrete pad: $75-100 per square foot
Connecting to existing utility lines: $100-150 per hour
Wiring to electrical panel and installing transfer switch: $100-150 per hour
City permits and inspections: $250-$500 each, typically one for plumbing and one for electrical
Materials: $1. 000-$3,000

Commercial generators are inherently more complicated than smaller residential models because they’re so much larger and retrofitting is often necessary in older buildings. Some dealers estimate $1,000/kW for buying, installing, and one year of maintenance for the generator; so a 65 kW natural gas generator would cost $65,000 with installation.

Separating out purchase price from installation, small businesses can probably expect to pay between $3,000-$6,000 to set up the generator. Of course, what costs $6,000 in Alabama may cost $12,000 in Connecticut; that’s just the nature of the economy. So in places like New York City, for example, installation prices for apartment buildings can soar into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Fuel Expenses

How much you spend on natural gas for your generator is a function of how many kW it is, what size loads you’re carrying, and how often you’re running it. Your generator’s spec sheet will tell you what kind of fuel usage to expect at ½ load and full load.

As an example, a 20 kW Generac home standby generator uses 204 cubic feet of natural gas per hour at 50% load, and 301 cubic feet at full load. With natural gas averaging about $11.00 nationally for 1,000 cubic feet, that puts fuel expenses at $2.50/hour at half-load, and $3.65/hour for a full load. So a five-hour outage would cost about the price of a movie ticket to cover with generator power.

Of course, once you go up in size to commercial generators, fuel demands rise. A 60 kW natural gas generator burns nearly 800 cubic feet at full load, and a 100 kW unit burns more than 1300 cubic feet. Natural gas prices for commercial and industrial customers are significantly lower than residential gas, so business owners get some relief there, but it’s important to recognize how fuel consumption impacts the bottom line with large natural gas generators.

Maintenance Costs

Certain preventative maintenance needs to be performed on your unit on at least a semi-annual, but preferably monthly basis. You probably know if you’re the type of person who’s comfortable performing this upkeep yourself. If you are, you can save hundreds of dollars over the generator’s lifetime…assuming you know what you’re doing.

You’ll be responsible for tasks like:

Changing the oil and filter, including cold weather kit for cooler regions
Inspecting (and replacing when necessary) belts, connections, clamps, and bolts
Repairing coolant leaks
Checking battery and alternator voltage and exerciser circuits

Generac and other brands offer maintenance kits and accessories for DIY-ers, and there are countless tutorials and resources on the web covering virtually every task you’ll come across as a generator owner.

If you’re not comfortable (or interested in) doing the upkeep on your generator, your dealer and/or installer likely offers maintenance plans of one to 10 years, with discounts for committing to longer terms. A home standby generator up to 20 kW may cost around $500 per year to service. Moving up into the commercial sizes, service plans can run from $1,0000 per year to $2,000+. Especially if you’re using them for prime power, heavy-duty commercial generators that see dozens of hours of usage per week are best entrusted to professional maintenance personnel.

How to choose a diesel generator for a private house

A diesel generator generates electricity by burning fuel, which allows you to power both household appliances and professional equipment. The station is an indispensable thing if you need uninterrupted power supply. Such a need arises at industrial facilities, construction sites, retail outlets, etc. Without a generator, in the event of a power outage, all equipment will turn off at once, which will lead to loss of profit and missed deadlines.

The basic design of the station includes the following main parts: engine, fuel tank, starting system with control unit, bearing base, protective frame, air filter, and engine cooling system. The latter is extremely important to consider when choosing a generator. In total there are 2 types of cooling: air and liquid. If you need a device for everyday tasks, then consider the first option, and if you need powerful equipment, then the second.

Choosing a model is not an easy task. you need to first understand all the technical characteristics and differences between the models. That is why we have compiled a guide that will help even a beginner to choose the right station.

Operating mode

Depending on the specific model, the generator may be suitable for long-term or short-term operation. This parameter is easy to determine on your own. First of all, you need to look at the specified mode of operation: backup power, long continuous loads or work in difficult conditions. If there is no information in the characteristics, then you can always navigate by the volume of the tank. For example, the Champion DG6501E model with a 4-stroke engine has a maximum fuel consumption of 1. 7 l/h. The volume of the tank is 12.5 liters. Accordingly, you can count on a minimum of 7 hours of operation with a rated load (12.5 / 1.7 \u003d 7.4 hours).

Selection of the number of phases

The number of phases will tell you what task the installation is intended for. For example, to power a single-phase household network, a station with both one and three phases is suitable.

If you are faced with the task of determining which diesel generator to choose for your home or summer cottage, then you are unlikely to want to dwell on a model that will lead to an overpayment.

In addition to cost, when using a three-phase generator, you will have to monitor the uniformity of phase loads. You will no longer be able to connect a consumer with a power exceeding 1/3 of the converter power. Therefore, it is better to give preference to a single-phase device. But if there is a load with a voltage of 380 V, for example, when connecting industrial equipment or charging an electric vehicle, a three-phase generator is definitely needed.

How to calculate power

For the correct and efficient operation of the diesel station, it is necessary to take into account all electrical appliances that will be powered at the same time. In this case, not the nominal, but the starting power, which must be indicated on the rating plate, is taken into account. This does not apply to media, lighting and heating devices that do not have motors. In the absence of the necessary information, the nominal value is multiplied by the safety factor.

Table of indicative values of the safety factor

Consumer type	Power factor
Fridge	3.5-7
Air conditioner	3.5
washing machine	3.5-4
Vacuum cleaner	1.2
Perforator	1.2-3
Electric drill	1. 2-3
A circular saw	1.3-3
Water pump	3.5-7
Boiler	3.4

In order for the diesel power plant to operate in the optimal mode (i.e. up to 80% of the nominal), another 20% is added to the sum of the capacities of all consumers. If some of the devices that are taken into account in the calculations are turned on only from time to time, and the order of their start-up is easy to regulate, then you need to reduce the margin to 10%. At the same time, keep in mind that the minimum load on the diesel generator must be at least 40% of its capacity.

If you find it difficult to determine the required generator power,
You can always use our handy calculator. With it, you can easily calculate
the entire load and calculate the most suitable value.

Simply select the desired technique from the list and correct the data,
to be
meet the needs of your customers. Our calculator will do the rest for you.
The result will help not to overpay for excess power.

Calculator

Consumer	Power unit (W)	On alternately	Number of devices
Bulb
Refrigerator
Cooktop
Heater

As backup power station

As a permanent source of electricity

Total:

Including power reserve (10%)

The power bar for diesel generators is much higher than for gasoline ones, so they are used not only for domestic, but also for industrial purposes. In order to avoid buying a power plant that is too expensive, time out, with an interval of 1-2 minutes, the launch of equipment with high starting currents. In this way, you will reduce the peak load and will be able to use the generator efficiently.

Alternator type

The synchronous converter generates a smooth and high-quality current with minimal deviations. Additionally, the output voltage is stabilized by the automatic control system AVR (do not confuse with AVR – automatic starting system). A certain inconvenience during operation is created by brushes that are designed to remove current. They heat up from friction, wear out, and need to be replaced from time to time. Brushless synchronous diesel generators are more complex and therefore more expensive.

An asynchronous alternator is simpler in design, cheaper and less sensitive to external conditions. It has no brushes and does not overheat. At the same time, it cannot cope with high starting loads, and the quality of the current depends on the operation of the motor. Large power surges are possible, which can damage sensitive equipment and electronic devices. At the same time, keep in mind that the AVR function does not exist in asynchronous machines.

Trigger

There are three ways to start the generator engine:

by hand – by pulling hard on the starter cord;
with electronic start – by turning the key;
automatically – the generator is started by a system that monitors the current drop in the main network.

Manual start is present in low-power models no more than 4 kW. The electric starter turns on the station much faster and easier. you don’t have to pull the starter cable. Automatic start will be available when installing the ATS unit. This feature is important if the connected equipment requires uninterruptible power.

Safety version

Diesel generators come with open or closed housings. Each implementation has its own advantages:

The frame of tubular elements performs a load-bearing and protective function at the same time. Usually its upper part is made in the form of handles for carrying or transporting the generator. Wheels or support legs can be attached to the bottom. This is usually what low-power devices for domestic use or connecting tools on the job site look like. In them, only individual nodes are closed with sheathing.
Powerful diesel power plants designed for long-term operation and which are most often installed outdoors are equipped with a closed casing. This is a cardinal protection against mechanical damage, rain, wind and dust. In addition, the casing provides a certain anti-noise effect.

Elitech DES 8000EM

Power (kW) 6.5
Synchronous alternator
Casing type open

More details

Hyundai DHY 6000SE-3

Power (kW) 5
Synchronous alternator
Enclosure type closed

Engine cooling

The internal combustion engine overheats during intensive operation, which can lead to a decrease in the efficiency of the diesel generator set and even breakdowns. And if a portable diesel generator can be cooled in a natural way, then this will not work with an industrial machine.

There are 2 solutions to this issue:

Air cooling can be either natural or forced. The first option provides for the removal of heat to the environment through the ventilation ducts and ribs on the body of the heated parts. The second is implemented using a fan. In this case, the created air flow circulates inside the closed casing, cooling the internal elements of the installation.
Liquid cooling is much more efficient and is used in diesel generator sets with power from 5-6 kW and above. Such a system allows you to receive current from the generator for many tens of hours. The principle of operation of such a system is that the liquid, constantly circulating under the action of the pump, removes heat directly from the walls of the engine cylinders and removes it to the radiator. It is worth considering that you will need to additionally service this system and constantly monitor the level of coolant.

Conclusion

If you need a backup power source for domestic use, then choose a single-phase synchronous machine with an alternative start (manual / electric starter) and air-cooled in an open design. If you have not yet decided which generator is better – diesel or gasoline, keep in mind that a gasoline power plant is cheaper to purchase.

However, it is worth remembering that diesel consumes less fuel to produce the same amount of energy, and the price difference is leveled out in a short time.

The simplest example of generator selection is described above. If you have a more difficult task or have any questions about how to choose a diesel generator, then we will be happy to help you make the right choice – just write to us in the chat or call the phone number.

Autonomous power plants. We are building a house. Articles about real estate, building and repair. SIBDOM

Any house begins with construction. That being said, there is one problem that is rare for builders and residents in the city, but almost certainly takes place outside of it. This is a power supply problem. Even when the house is built, it turns out that it is impossible to live in it without light and water. Because the pump that pumps water from the well also needs electricity. There is only one way out – to acquire your own autonomous power plant.

They are different in design, power, types of generated voltage and types of engine that rotates the generator. Basically, for a small cottage, small-sized gasoline, diesel or gas-powered sources of single-phase alternating current 220 volts 50 hertz and power from 1.5 to 15 kilowatts are used. And they are used for different purposes.

During the construction phase, it is easiest to purchase a compact and lightweight gasoline generator. To put it into action, just pour fuel into the tank and press the starter button. However, for cheap and low-power models, sometimes a manual start is provided instead of a starter.

It is better to take a professional gasoline generator. Such generators allow short-term overloads, for example, during the operation of a welding machine, and are generally more reliable.

Fuel consumption in a gasoline engine depends not only on the type of generator used, but also on the quality of gasoline, type of load, etc.

Estimated gas consumption data:

If the power of a gasoline generator is not enough, or the cycle is very long, a diesel generator can be purchased. Among them there are also low-power models, but you can buy container or stationary installations of tens or even hundreds of kilowatts, which, in principle, can be used to supply an entire cottage village with energy. Diesel small-sized generators are usually equipped with an electric starter. But even those that do not have it start easily, thanks to the presence of an automatic decompressor. In general, diesel generators are very reliable and do not cause complaints from consumers. In the presence of loads like a powerful electric saw or electric welding, it is also better to take professional generators.

The disadvantage of a diesel engine is that it is not recommended to overload it, and, in addition, long idling is harmful to it, or operation in the power take-off mode of less than 25 percent. Despite this drawback, it is diesel generators that are most often used in backup power supply systems.

Diesel consumption data:

It is more convenient to use a gas generator to organize a constant power supply at home. The advantage of such a power plant is that the electricity it generates is very cheap. If the generator runs on methane coming from the main gas pipeline, the cost of a kilowatt-hour is generally one and a half to two times lower than the tariffs at which we pay for electricity. Such generators work on any type of gas. However, when buying, be sure to ask if this generator is compatible with the type of gas that you have. All gas generators have remote control, including auto start, which makes them indispensable not only for organizing uninterrupted power supply to the cottage, but also as the main source of cheap electricity.

All described generators are environmentally friendly, reliable, easy to operate and almost silent, which allows you to use any of them not only for construction work, but also as a backup source of electricity that makes your life comfortable and safe.

For clarity, brief information about the generators is given in the comparative table:

Generator type	Range power, kW	Type of fuel	Options versions	Alternator assignment
petrol	0.5-15	petrol	mobile, portable ultra-compact	reserve and emergency power supply source
diesel	1-1000 or more	diesel fuel	mobile container stationary	source of backup and emergency power supply, source of guaranteed power supply, main source of electricity
gas	1-1000 or more	propane butane methane	mobile fixed	standby power supply source, guaranteed power supply source, main power source

When buying a gasoline or diesel generator, pay attention to the engine life, the volume of the fuel tank, the quality of the muffler and the presence of an electric starter.
It does not make sense to focus on a specific company; most companies assemble electric generators based on structurally flawless Honda gasoline engines and Mitsubishi diesel engines.

Nevertheless, it is still better to purchase products from companies that began to create their dealer networks in Russia in the early 90s of the last century. These are American Caterpillar, English F.G. Wilson, Swedish Atlas Copco and Japanese Honda.
Many years of practice has shown that today you can trust other European manufacturers from France (SDMO, ROBIN), Spain (ENDRESS), Great Britain (SDMO Cummins, Perkins), Germany (GEKO) and Italy (MOSA).

It is impossible to ignore the generators made in China. Now on the Russian market there are many gasoline and diesel generators, usually of low power, which are not only reliable and have efficient electronic control systems, but also significantly cheaper than their European counterparts. The Chinese company Green Power has recently also produced a whole range of gas generators that are well adapted to our conditions.