Generator install costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
On average, it costs $100 to $280 per day to run a 15- to 20-kW whole-house generator in Washington, D.C.
The biggest expense will be the labor hours required for installation.
Gas generators cost much less to run than those fueled by liquid propane or diesel.
Hiring a generator installation pro near you will ensure your system kicks in during an outage.
Whole-house generator installation costs in Washington, D.C, run $7,128 on average, but often range from $4,490 to $10,162. Whole-house generators are an increasingly popular investment for Washington D.C. homeowners dealing with storm-related outages and an aging power grid. But before committing, understanding the full cost is essential to making the right decision for your home and budget.
The cost of installing a whole-home generator in Washington, D.C., depends on several factors, but is primarily determined by the generator’s required output and fuel type. For example, a gas generator outputting 10kW will cost less than a diesel generator pumping out 45kW or more. Work with a pro to determine the size for your home and which whole-house generator fuel is the best choice.
Use this chart to help you estimate the total cost of your whole-house generator by size and capacity.
| Size in kW | Average Cost Range | Home Size |
|---|---|---|
| 1–6kW | $675–$2,430 | Refrigerator, freezer, sump pump, lighting, and a few small appliances |
| 7.5–10kW | $2,700–$4,750 | All essential appliances plus a well pump, furnace fan, and additional lighting and outlets |
| 14–18kW | $5,400–$7,400 | All essential appliances plus air conditioning, hot water heater, and additional appliances |
| 20–24kW | $6,750–$8,700 | All essential and non-essential appliances, including multiple air conditioners and electric ranges |
| 26–32kW | $8,700–$20,250 | All home appliances and systems, including larger HVAC systems and multiple hot water heaters |
| 36–38kW | $18,900–$21,600 | All home appliances and systems, including commercial-grade equipment |
| 45–48kW | $21,800–$28,100 | All home appliances and systems, including multiple air conditioners, electric ranges, and commercial-grade equipment |
There are several types of generators worth considering when determining whether a whole-house generator is right for you.
| Generator Type | Generator Capacity | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Portable generators | 1kW–7.5kW | $675–$2,700 |
| Partial generators | 9kW–20kW | $2,700–$8,500 |
| Whole-house generators | 22kW–48kW | $6,750–$24,300 |
On average, you’ll spend about $100 to $280 daily to run a 15-to-20-kW whole-house generator in Washington, D.C. But not all fuels are alike, and depending on the brand and fuel you choose, you might spend far more than you expected in fuel costs.
Here is how much each fuel type costs per year or unit:
| Fuel Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Natural gas | $2,400–$25,200 per year |
| Liquid propane | $2,400–$25,200 per year |
| Diesel | $3,600–$24,000 per year |
| Gasoline | $600–$3,600 per year |
| Solar generators | $2,400–$30,000 (unit price) |
| Battery back-up | $11,000–$30,000 (unit price) |
A whole-house generator installation pro in Washington, D.C, will cost homeowners a combination of hourly labor charges and material costs. Expect labor fees to cost about three times as much as the generator itself. In Washington, D.C., a $1,500 generator will incur installation charges of around $4,500.
Home generator installation is not a DIY job. A licensed electrician knows how to safely connect the unit to your electrical panel, preventing dangerous backfeed that can injure utility workers or damage your home. Professionals understand local building codes and permit requirements, and improper installation can void your manufacturer's warranty. Getting it done right the first time also means the system will actually perform when the power goes out.
In markets like Washington, D.C., where a generator could be genuinely valuable, a 3% increase in home value is common. Buyers see it as a genuine asset and will pay accordingly, though it’s difficult to assign an exact value. Weighing the pros and cons of a whole-house generator should come down to whether you need one, followed by the potential return on investment (ROI).
Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects.
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