Generator install costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
You’ll spend $35 to $190 per day to run a 15-to-20-kW whole-house generator in Chicago, IL.
Installation costs depend mainly on generator size, fuel type, and installation complexity.
You’ll pay more if the project requires electrical panel upgrades, new gas line connections, or additional permitting.
Hiring a local generator installer can ensure your power is up and running when emergencies strike.
Whole-house generator installation costs in Chicago, IL average $5,141 but often range from $3,327 to $6,955. What you’ll pay depends on a variety of factors, including the size of the generator, the fuel you use, and the difficulty of installation.
Chicago, IL, homeowners may install standby generators to protect against outages caused by winter storms, summer thunderstorms, and other electrical issues. While smaller backup systems may cost as little as $1,000, larger whole-home generators and complex installations can reach $9,200 or more.
Several factors influence the total price of installing a whole-house generator in Chicago, IL, including what size generator you need, the type of system you choose, and the fuel source used to power it. Larger generators typically cost more because they can supply electricity to more appliances and systems throughout your home. Installation complexity can also affect the final price, especially if your project requires electrical panel upgrades, new gas line connections, or additional site preparation.
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 | $1,000–$1,590 | Refrigerator, freezer, sump pump, lighting, and a few small appliances |
| 7.5–10kW | $1,770–$3,090 | All essential appliances plus a well pump, furnace fan, and additional lighting and outlets |
| 14–18kW | $3,540–$4,860 | All essential appliances plus air conditioning, hot water heater, and additional appliances |
| 20–24kW | $4,420–$5,740 | All essential and non-essential appliances, including multiple air conditioners and electric ranges |
| 26–32kW | $5,740–$9,200 | All home appliances and systems, including larger HVAC systems and multiple hot water heaters |
| 36–38kW | $8,250–$8,840 | All home appliances and systems, including commercial-grade equipment |
| 45–48kW | $8,840–$9,200 | 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 | $1,000–$1,970 |
| Partial generators | 9kW–20kW | $1,970–$6,200 |
| Whole-house generators | 22kW–48kW | $4,920–$9,200 |
On average, you’ll spend about $35 to $190 daily to run a 15-to-20-kW whole-house generator in Chicago, IL. But the best fuel for generators can vary based on your needs, 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 | $1,100–$9,500 per year |
| Liquid propane | $1,300–$10,000 per year |
| Diesel | $1,500–$8,800 per year |
| Gasoline | $500–$2,200 per year |
| Solar generators | $2,000–$20,000 (unit price) |
| Battery back-up | $8,000–$20,000 (unit price) |
Labor makes up a significant portion of the total cost to install a whole-house generator—between 30% and 50%—because the job requires electrical work, fuel-line connections, and site preparation. In fact, homeowners typically pay $500 to $3,000 in labor for electrical work alone.
Because every home has different electrical needs, getting quotes from Chicago, IL, generator installers is the best way to estimate your exact installation cost.
Installing a whole-house generator can increase your home’s appeal to buyers in Chicago, IL, where winter storms, heavy snowfall, and summer thunderstorms can cause power outages. A standby generator keeps critical systems like heating, sump pumps, refrigeration, and lighting running during outages. While the exact return on investment (ROI) varies, backup power can make a property more attractive to buyers and provide added peace of mind.
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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to [email protected]. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
The installers with the white trucks are amazing and the materials and finish first class, looks like buying a new home, 100% recommended.
LockTight Impact Windows, Doors & RoofingGreat work. Good communication. Thanks for the successful install!
Very professional and on time. Installation time quoted was accurate and installers cleaned up after themselves. Would recommend for thermostat installation.
Nextech Energy Systems, LLCAmazing installers. Easy to work with and extremely capable. These guys went above and beyond when asked to do night work and in field modifications. Looking forward to working with again.
Schim, LLCJack install my composite deck. Great attention to detail, on time and not expensive. I would hire him again and I recommended his firm to two neighbors.
J Sitko ConstructionIt was a custom job and Mario went quite a ways just to get the items needed to do it. He was back the following day and installed within 3 hours. Job came out great... exactly what I requested of him. Nicest guy. I will certainly keep his card on file and up front!
M & C RemodelersGreat installation! Attention to details, on time, nice and clean job at the best price. I will strongly recommend hiring them again!
Lykos Construction, Corp.Fast response. Got a new motor installed for my garage door within couple of hours.
Easy Garage Door, LLCTate did a great job installing my door. He was on time and thanks to him I now have a brand new, fully working garage door. Would highly recommend
South Side Garage Doorsthe installation was very good they are very professional and completed the job and I will call them again if I need them.
ADC Pros, LLCFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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