Solar panel costs in Boston, MA, vary based on the system size, panel type, and wattage you need. Learn about solar panel installation costs in Boston so you can budget with ease.
How Much Does Whole-House Generator Installation Cost in Boston, MA? [2026 Data]
Generator install costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
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Cost Insights
You’ll spend $80 to $200 per day to run a 15-to-20-kW whole-house generator in Boston, MA.
Natural gas is the most cost-effective fuel option compared to propane or diesel.
Sizing your generator to cover only critical loads rather than your entire home can significantly cut costs.
Hiring a local generator installer can ensure your power stays up and running during emergencies.
Installing a generator that powers your entire home in Boston, MA, runs $3,954 on average, but often ranges from $1,063 to $6,845. Power outages in the area are a real and recurring problem, regardless of their cause. Before investing in a whole-house generator, getting a clear picture of the total cost is key to making a decision that fits your home and budget.
Whole-Home Generator Installation Cost Factors
Northeast winters put serious demands on home backup power, and the cost of a whole-home generator in Boston, MA, varies widely by output capacity and fuel type. A modest gas-powered 10kW unit is a very different investment than a heavy-duty diesel system pushing 45kW or more. Work with a local pro to figure out what your home actually needs in terms of kilowatt-hours, and which whole-house generator fuel makes the most sense for your situation.
Size
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 | $450–$1,550 | Refrigerator, freezer, sump pump, lighting, and a few small appliances |
| 7.5–10kW | $1,800–$3,100 | All essential appliances plus a well pump, furnace fan, and additional lighting and outlets |
| 14–18kW | $3,500–$4,800 | All essential appliances plus air conditioning, hot water heater, and additional appliances |
| 20–24kW | $4,300–$5,600 | All essential and non-essential appliances, including multiple air conditioners and electric ranges |
| 26–32kW | $5,600–$13,100 | All home appliances and systems, including larger HVAC systems and multiple hot water heaters |
| 36–38kW | $12,250–$14,050 | All home appliances and systems, including commercial-grade equipment |
| 45–48kW | $14,100–$18,200 | All home appliances and systems, including multiple air conditioners, electric ranges, and commercial-grade equipment |
Generator Type
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 | $450–$1,700 |
| Partial generators | 9kW–20kW | $1,800–$5,200 |
| Whole-house generators | 22kW–48kW | $4,200–$15,600 |
Power Type
On average, you’ll spend about $80 to $200 daily to run a 15-to-20-kW whole-house generator in Boston, MA. 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 | $1,500–$16,350 per year |
| Liquid propane | $1,500–$16,350 per year |
| Diesel | $2,300–$15,600 per year |
| Gasoline | $350–$2,300 per year |
| Solar generators | $1,550–$19,500 (unit price) |
| Battery back-up | $7,150–$19,500 (unit price) |
Whole-House Generator Installation Pro Costs
Generator installation pros in Boston, MA, typically charge $40 to $90 per hour for labor, which is about three times the cost of the unit itself. For example, a $1,000 generator will cost $3,000 after professional installation.
Because of this, it might be tempting to DIY home generator installation, but we don’t advise it—at all. A licensed Boston-area pro knows how to safely connect the unit to your electrical panel, preventing dangerous backfeed. Massachusetts building codes and permit requirements must be followed, and improper installation can void your warranty.
Does Installing a Whole-House Generator Increase Home Value?
One of the pros and cons of installing a whole-house generator in Boston, MA, is its relatively modest return on investment (ROI), typically around 3% to 5%. The city’s harsh winters can make generators more appealing to buyers, who may view them as a valuable feature, though it’s difficult to assign an exact increase in home value.
Rather than treating a generator as a pure equity play, the decision to install one should first be based on necessity and reliability needs, with potential ROI considered as a secondary benefit.
How Angi Gets Its Cost Data
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.
Generator installs reviews from real Angi homeowners in Boston, MA
5.0★ avg. • 1 total reviews
- Barry C.
I hired this company to replace a 75-gallon gas water heater, and the experience was excellent. Scope of work: Removal and disposal of existing unit Installation of new Rheem 75-gallon gas water heater Reconnection of gas, water, and venting The team was prompt, professional, and clearly...
- Andreas M.
Hired him for sourcing and installing of a quartz kitchen countertop. Work came out great and he paid a lot of attention to details! Excellent work. Would definitely use him again or recommend to anyone. He also helped me pick up and deliver a fridge/freezer to my apartment!
Mardey Nascimento - Natalia G.
Mario?s work is undoubtedly the best there is when it comes to tile installation. The precision and perfection with each cut and final look was exactly what we hoped for. Would definitely hire again.
Mario's Tile Construction - John J.
HomeStar designed and installed a stunning stone patio in my backyard. The team was creative, detail-oriented, and finished on time. Itâ s now the highlight of my outdoor space.
HomeStar Masonry and Construction - Istvan R.
Exceptional service provided by All-Tech Electric. Excellent work installing a new lighted switch for my attic light! Highly recommend!
- Manuel S.
Our condo building needed additional lighting installed in our parking area. the difficulty (as I saw it) was in bringing the power out from within the building. I got three (3) electrical contractor referrals thru Angi, contacted all three and had them quote the job. Matt Clark turned out...
- Nancy M.
Best service at immediate request. Excellent service quality at a reasonable cost. They did a great job installing water heater. Keep up guys!!! Thank you for the great work and making in time!
- Frank B.
Fantastic. I can't say enough about Ed and his installers. From the very beginning Ed has been patient through multiple iterations of the work needed done. As well as completely clear as the best way to achieve it. He never tried to oversell the project, in fact, he always was looking for...
- Patty P.
Yago was showed up when he said he would. Installed a new exterior door and lock. Was very happy with the results and would definitely hire him again
TL Construction and Services - Jeffrey C.
Brian and his team showed up on time and did a great job installing our wallpaper. They were flexible to support our request to change the scope of work and complete the job within the same day. Very competitive rates for the South End.
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