How to Hire a Generator Installer

If you’re interested in installing a whole-home generator, the first step is to hire a local generator installer. An experienced pro will size your generator for your exact needs and consider the risk of blackouts in your area. While it’s possible to buy a portable generator for emergency use and set it up yourself, large, permanent generators require hiring a pro to meet your needs and abide by local building codes.

What Services Does a Generator Installer Offer?

Generator installers often focus on back-up energy and emergency power, but since many of them are electricians, some may offer other services, including the following:

• Installation of remote access technology for easy access and control

• Concrete foundation installation for permanent generators

• Generator tune-ups and inspections

• Generator maintenance and repairs

• Alternative energy back-up systems, including solar batteries

• Other electrical system upgrades, including panel expansions

Can You DIY Generator Installation?

The DIY “installation” of a portable generator usually involves a roll-out generator that you can plug into an extension cord.

On the other hand, proper whole-home generators are linked to your home’s electrical system and can kick on in the event of a power outage. Professionally-installed systems are more reliable and can usually turn on automatically to maintain power in your home. For these systems, you’ll need a generator professional to complete the installation.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Generator Installer?

The average cost to install a whole-home generator is $5,200. The actual labor cost involved ranges from $1,500 to $5,000. The size and type of generator you need, the length of the wiring, and the foundation requirements for your generator will play a major role in your total. Whole home generators (22kW to 48kW) start around $5,000, depending on your electrical needs.

Tips for Hiring a Generator Installer

Hiring a generator installer might seem cut-and-dry, but there are a few things you should carefully consider before deciding on a pro.

1. Confirm If the Pro Is a Licensed Electrician

For a whole-home generator, you ideally want to link the unit to your home’s electrical system for immediate back-up, and doing so demands help from a licensed electrician. Hire a generator installation company that has a licensed electrician on staff to avoid delays and additional charges.

2. Make Sure Your Expert Plans on Pulling Permits

Whole-home generators may require installing an inverter to link your unit to your home and a concrete pad to house the unit. Either or both of these may require a permit, so you should always make sure that your generator installer plans on pulling the necessary permits for your project.

3. Confirm That Your Pro Will Size Your System 

Experienced generator installers understand that they need to size your system accurately for your home and habits. You should make sure that your installer plans on assessing your electricity demands to ensure your generator has the capacity to support you during outages. Most professional installers will also assess the risk of blackouts in your area and take this into consideration when sizing your generator.

4. Ask About Warranty Information and Future Issues

Generator installers should be up-to-date on manufacturer warranties for your system, but the most reliable installers also offer labor warranties to guarantee their workmanship. Ideally, you should find an installer that offers both.

5. Consider Other Home Improvements 

Since many generator installers are licensed electricians, you may want to consider other electrical upgrades at the same time to save money. Some options include upgrading your panel to 200-amp service, installing sub-panels, or even installing solar panels and solar batteries to add back-up capacity to your generator.

Questions to Ask a Generator Installer

Finding a generator installer usually isn’t challenging, but identifying professionals who will provide high-quality and long-term service can be difficult. When interviewing pros for your project, ask the following qualifying questions:

• Do you specialize in generator installation or just offer it as an add-on service?

• How will you size my system and make sure I have enough capacity for off-grid power?

• Are you a licensed electrician?

• Will you pull all necessary permits for the work?

• Are you a certified installer for the brand of generator you’re installing?

• If I run into issues with the generator, how will you resolve them?

• Will you also handle connecting the generator to my fuel source, or is that a separate charge?

• Do you provide a warranty for the installation work?

Choosing the Right Generator Installer

You should aim to get at least three estimates from generator installers near you before deciding which is the best fit for you. Once you have those estimates in hand, rule out quotes that seem unusually low or high compared to the others.

After that, you can rule out installers who don’t have certified electricians on staff, pros that aren’t willing to pull permits for your project, and companies that don’t plan on sizing your system based on your actual demands. Companies that perform in-person inspections and base your generator options on real-world consumption are usually going to be the best fit.

After Your Generator Is Installed

After your installer completes the installation, it’s a good idea to set up a maintenance plan if your provider offers one, and ask your pro what you can do as a homeowner to ensure ongoing functionality. Most installers won’t expect a tip, but you can show your appreciation for their work by offering to write a review online or to become a reference for future customers.