Generac Generator Cost: Average Prices & Cost Factors

Generac is one of the best-known makers of home standby generators, which are permanently installed units that start automatically when the power goes out. Generac also sells portable and inverter models, but most searches about cost refer to the standby line. This guide describes standby generator pricing and uses the manufacturer's own range alongside independent sources.

Figures come from Generac and other published guides, with a check date of Oct 11, 2026. Several of the independent sources describe standby generators in general rather than one brand, so they are used here as a reference for the category.

The generator's output, measured in kilowatts, is the main factor. A small unit can run essential circuits such as the refrigerator, lights, and a few outlets. A larger unit can carry much of a home, including central air.

Larger generators cost more to buy, need more fuel, and often require heavier electrical and gas work. Pick a size based on the loads you want to keep running. An installer or a dealer can run a load calculation to avoid buying too much or too little.

The unit itself is often only part of the project. The table shows prices for the generator before installation.

Installation includes setting the pad, running the electrical connection to the home, hooking up the fuel supply, installing a transfer switch, and starting up the unit. A transfer switch is the device that safely switches the home between utility and generator power.

The fee above covers a smaller unit with a straightforward setup. Longer gas lines, trenching, a panel upgrade, or a difficult site cost more. Permits and inspections are often required by the local authority and by the utility.

• Generator size. Larger output costs more to buy and to connect.
• Fuel type. Natural gas and propane are both common, and each has its own connection requirements.
• Transfer switch. An automatic transfer switch is standard on a standby system, and some are sized for the whole home.
• Distance. The farther the generator is from the gas meter and the electrical panel, the more pipe and wire you need.
• Site work. A concrete or composite pad, trenching, and landscaping add labor.
• Permits and inspections. Rules vary by city and county.
• Local labor rates. Electricians and gas fitters charge different rates in different regions.
• Accessories. Options include remote monitoring, cold weather kits, and extended warranties.

Sources measure different things. The manufacturer's figure covers a typical installed home standby generator, while another site's range includes small units at the low end and whole-house units at the high end.

Two of the sources agree on a similar range. The third covers a much broader spread, which suggests it includes a wider mix of sizes and installation types. Match the size you need to the size tables above, and compare quotes for the same output and fuel type.

A portable generator costs far less up front but has to be set up by hand, refueled often, and kept outdoors at a safe distance from the house. A standby unit starts automatically, runs on the home's natural gas or propane supply, and can cover more of the house. Standby units cost more but save effort during an outage. If you only need to run a few items briefly, a portable may be enough.

A standby generator needs periodic maintenance, such as oil and filter changes, battery checks, and a regular self test. Fuel use depends on the load and the unit size. Ask your dealer about maintenance plans and warranty terms.

Standby generators involve gas lines, high voltage electrical work, and permits. Installation by a licensed electrician and gas fitter is the norm, and improper work can create fire, carbon monoxide, or backfeed hazards. Many manufacturers also require authorized installation for the warranty to apply. Generators must always be placed outside and away from windows and doors.

• What size generator is quoted, and was a load calculation done?
• Does the price include the transfer switch, pad, permits, and startup?
• Which fuel type does it use, and does the gas line need to be upgraded?
• Who is the authorized dealer, and what are the warranty and service terms?
• What maintenance plan is offered?