Generator install costs depend on your project and location. Check with a local pro for your specific job.
On average, it costs $87 to $267 per day to run a 15-to-20-kW whole-house generator in Raleigh, NC.
Portable generators are the least expensive, followed by partial units and whole-house systems.
Raleigh homeowners can enjoy up to 150% ROI from installing a whole-house generator.
Hiring a local generator installer can provide peace of mind during an outage.
The whole-house generator installation cost in Raleigh, NC, ranges from $662 to $6,934. Most homeowners end up paying around $3,633. Having a generator can give you peace of mind in case of power outages in the city, and keep your home cool during those brutal North Carolina summers. If you're weighing the pros and cons of a whole-house generator, here are the cost factors to consider.
Whole-house generator installation costs in Raleigh, NC, vary by size; you choose the size that matches your household square footage and the power needed to run the space. Fuel is another major consideration that will affect the overall price.
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 | $516–$3,096 | Refrigerator, freezer, sump pump, lighting, and a few small appliances |
| 7.5–10kW | $3,870–$5,160 | All essential appliances plus a well pump, furnace fan, and additional lighting and outlets |
| 14–18kW | $7,224–$91288 | All essential appliances plus air conditioning, hot water heater, and additional appliances |
| 20–24kW | $10,320–$12,384 | All essential and non-essential appliances, including multiple air conditioners and electric ranges |
| 26–32kW | $13,416–$16,512 | All home appliances and systems, including larger HVAC systems and multiple hot water heaters |
| 36–38kW | $18,576–$19,608 | All home appliances and systems, including commercial-grade equipment |
| 45–48kW | $23,220–$24,768 | 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 | $138–$1,101 |
| Partial generators | 9kW–20kW | $2,000–$6,300 |
| Whole-house generators | 22kW–48kW | $8,000–$16,000 |
On average, you’ll spend about $87 to $267 daily to run a 15-to-20-kW whole-house generator in Raleigh, NC. 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 | $8,010–$15,360 per year |
| Liquid propane | $1,365–$2,625 per year |
| Diesel | $1,876–$21,645 per year |
| Gasoline | $1,521–$2,925 per year |
| Solar generators | $2,000–$25,000 (unit price) |
| Battery back-up | $10,000–$20,000 (unit price) |
Local generator installers in Raleigh, NC, charge hourly rates between $110 and $115 per hour. Because home generator installation involves extensive electrical work and fuel handling, it is best left to the experts. That said, pros are a valuable resource and can help you find what size generator you need and the best fuel for a whole-house generator.
Installing a whole-house generator can be a valuable upgrade if you’re planning to sell your home—especially in Raleigh, NC. With the area’s frequent thunderstorms, hurricane season impacts, and occasional ice storms, reliable backup power is a strong selling point for buyers concerned about outages.
In some cases, homeowners in Raleigh, NC, may see a return on investment (ROI) of up to 150%, particularly when the generator adds peace of mind during severe weather. On a national level, generators typically increase home value by about 2% to 3%, but in regions like the Triangle—where rapid population growth and buyer competition are high—desirable features like backup power can stand out even more.
Beyond resale value, a whole-house generator enhances day-to-day reliability and comfort, making it both a practical investment and a potential differentiator when it’s time to list your home.
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.
Dimitri provided top notch customer service. He was very knowledgeable and the installation was quick and easy. Highly recommend.
ID Garage DoorsDid a great job installing and very knowledgeable with EV charging installation! Highly recommend.
Steady Hand Electrical, LLCThe install team Imani L. And William B. were awesome! They were on time and very informative about how the installation would go.
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Models CorporationThe installers arrived as scheduled, were professional and pleasant. AND, did a great job.
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Raleigh Bath Inc.I received several bids to install my generator outlet for emergency use. I hired this electrician because he seemed very professional and his price was lower than the others, so when he came to do the job, I was pleasantly surprised. He went through every detail with me before getting...
Lightbourne's Electric100% satisified from sales to install to follow up !!
Triangle Radiant BarrierEvery step of the way product was delivered on time. Installation was done on time.
First Quality InteriorsFred was a pro. He talked me through what he was doing and even had me go through a test run to make sure I understood how to use my new generator outlet. Highly recommend!
Jason H. Pope Electrical Contractors, LLCFrom average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
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