The cost to install a generator transfer switch in Philadelphia, PA, depends on several factors. Our guide will help you understand all of the costs.
How Much Does Whole-House Generator Installation Cost in Philadelphia, PA? [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
On average, it costs $65 to $190 per day to run a 15-to-20-kW whole-house generator in Philadelphia, PA.
Gasoline is one of the cheapest fuels, while diesel, liquid propane, and natural gas are some of the most expensive.
If you have frequent outages, you shouldn’t rely on a battery-powered setup.
Hiring a local generator installer can ensure the system kicks in properly during an outage.
Installing a whole-house generator in Philadelphia, PA, costs $5,357 on average, but often ranges from $2,487 to $8,256. Power outages hit Philly regularly, whether from summer thunderstorms, winter weather, or an overtaxed grid. Before investing in a whole-house generator, knowing what you're likely to spend helps you find the right fit.
Whole-Home Generator Installation Cost Factors
Philadelphia, PA, winters can be severe, and having reliable backup power isn't something to leave to chance. What you'll pay for a whole-home generator depends heavily on output capacity and fuel type, since a 10kW unit is a very different investment than a 45kW system. You’ll need a pro to help find the right kilowattage for your home and which whole-house generator fuel makes the most sense for your setup.
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 | $600–$2,100 | Refrigerator, freezer, sump pump, lighting, and a few small appliances |
| 7.5–10kW | $2,400–$4,200 | All essential appliances plus a well pump, furnace fan, and additional lighting and outlets |
| 14–18kW | $4,750–$6,500 | All essential appliances plus air conditioning, hot water heater, and additional appliances |
| 20–24kW | $5,800–$7,600 | All essential and non-essential appliances, including multiple air conditioners and electric ranges |
| 26–32kW | $7,600–$17,800 | All home appliances and systems, including larger HVAC systems and multiple hot water heaters |
| 36–38kW | $16,600–$19,050 | All home appliances and systems, including commercial-grade equipment |
| 45–48kW | $19,150–$24,700 | 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 | $600–$2,300 |
| Partial generators | 9kW–20kW | $2,400–$7,050 |
| Whole-house generators | 22kW–48kW | $5,700–$21,200 |
Power Type
On average, you’ll spend about $65 to $190 daily to run a 15-to-20-kW whole-house generator in Philadelphia, PA. 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 | $2,000–$22,200 per year |
| Liquid propane | $2,000–$22,200 per year |
| Diesel | $3,100–$21,200 per year |
| Gasoline | $450–$3,100 per year |
| Solar generators | $2,100–$26,500 (unit price) |
| Battery back-up | $9,700–$26,500 (unit price) |
Whole-House Generator Installation Pro Costs
Pros will charge homeowners hourly rates between $30 and $100 per hour to install a whole-house generator. When hiring a generator installation pro in Philadelphia, PA, there are some extra steps to take to ensure you’re hiring the right person for the job.
Philadelphia, PA, requires permits for generator installations, and a qualified contractor will know local codes and handle the paperwork to keep you compliant and protected. Getting the right person ensures your generator is safely installed with proper intake ventilation, wiring, and carbon monoxide venting. And finally, remember that DIYing a home generator installation likely voids your warranty and can negatively affect your home insurance.
Does Installing a Whole-House Generator Increase Home Value?
When considering the pros and cons of a whole-house generator, Philadelphia, PA, homeowners want to know if their investment will pay off. Homes in certain blocks of the city or in areas outside the center that experience frequent, long-lasting outages may see home values increase by 3% to 5%. On the flip side, homeowners who install whole-house generators when they may only use them once or twice a year for a few hours likely won’t see any value increase at all.
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 Philadelphia, PA
Last update on August 11, 2026
- Esther I.
Lenny came the same day I requested help for my dryer and stove issues. He ordered the parts and came back to install them. He is courteous and kind and knows a lot about everything. He really is a great handyman to have around and give you advice about how to get your home appliances working...
Lenny Handyman LLC - Cindy H.
Jay was amazing and so kind! He installed my TV wonderfully and was very patient. Would definitely hire him again.
J and J Audio and Visual Installation - Thomas D.
I needed new gutters and gutter guards installed. Andrew and Jeremy came out and did a great professional job!!
The Brothers That Just Do Gutters - Richard R.
Mohamed is a sweet, easy to talk to guy. He expertly and efficiently installed two ceiling fans with lights. The downrod for one of them was too short, he volunteered to go to Home Depot to have a longer one cut, and then come back to install it. I would use him again with no hesitation
- Darryl G.
Jake and his team work fast, accurately, and with exceptional professionalism. They're an easy recommendation for general locksmith work, installations and ButterflyMX installations.
The Flying Locksmiths of South Philly & Delaware - James C.
Alex of A to Z Flooring is an expert on exotic wood and was able to procure a rare wood when others could not. He is associated with a master floor installer and they were both excellent to work with: fast yet meticulous. This is the second time we have used A to Z.
A To Z Exotic Hardwoods, LLC - Jason D.
We have worked with Vic several times in the past on projects big and small, and have been extremely pleased each time. This time Vic fixed a leaking toilet that had been improperly installed by another contractor. It was a challenging job because the toilet is in a VERY small bathroom and...
VICC LLC - Sara P.
Contractor and his crew were professional, fast and efficient. Finished the job on time. Installed beautiful cabinetry and counter top. I would recommend Raza for remodeling kitchens.
Hyland Restoration - Andy L.
I wholeheartedly recommend Kevin from @KKID Remodeling. He is very professional and knows how to repair or install stuffs around the house. Mostly importantly he loves what he does and even cares about the quality more than the owner does.
KKID Remodeling - Guohai Z.
Structural Engineering Design & Construction LLC (Michael and his team) is friendly, professional and efficient. They did a lot of excellent work on a Saturday. They jackhammered the property edge, installed hydraulic cement, chipped away all loose parts in the foundation walls and installed...
Structural Engineering Design & Construction LLC
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