"Absolutely outstanding and professional service. Artem and Max go above and beyond your average electrical contractor. I would not hesitate recommending Pacific Electrical to anyone with electrical needs!"
"He came right over on a Sunday and helped drain the crawl space then set up schedule to dry out, replace wet insulation and fix broken pipes. Ordered and later installed new water heater. It was a process but Matt and his associates were super helpful, professional and nice."
If you have a transfer switch properly installed, the generator and main electrical power cannot feed the system at the same time. However, you should still shut off the power at your main circuit breaker panel before activating the generator. If you do that, you’ll simply need to shut off the generator and reset your circuit breaker once the local power comes back on.
The average cost to install a home generator is $5,200, but total costs can range from $500 to $18,000 or more. The final price depends on several factors, including the generator's size, type, brand, fuel source, and the cost of labor and assembly. The generator's size is the most significant cost factor, as units that can power larger homes with higher energy demands cost more.
Cost breakdowns by generator type are typically as follows:
Portable or Emergency Backup Generators (1kW–7.5kW): $500–$2,000
To ensure you get the right size unit for your needs without overpaying, consider hiring an electrician to calculate the electrical load of your essential appliances. It is also recommended to get at least three quotes from qualified installers to find the best fit for your budget.
Generators run on a variety of fuel types, ranging from natural gas to solar power. Keep in mind that fuel costs varying by type:
Natural gas: $2,000–$21,000 per year
Liquid propane: $2,000–$21,000 per year
Diesel: $3,000–$20,000 per year
Gasoline: $500–$3,000 per year
Solar generator: $2,000–$25,000 per unit
Battery backup: $10,000–$25,000 per unit
While natural gas generators are costly, they’re a great option for standby power due to the reliability of natural gas as a fuel source. Unlike other fuels, natural gas is delivered through underground pipes, making outages extremely rare and less likely to be affected by the elements. As long as the area isn’t prone to earthquakes, they offer an unlimited supply of natural gas that doesn’t degrade over time or require storage in tanks.
Most homeowners won't be able to claim a home generator as a tax write-off. However, a whole-house generator may be tax-deductible in certain situations depending on its purpose. For instance, if it's needed to power essential medical equipment, it may qualify as a medical expense deduction. Also, in some cases, businesses can deduct a generator as a business expense if it supports operations. Always consult a tax professional to determine eligibility based on your specific circumstances and the applicable IRS regulations.
The Craig, AK homeowners’ guide to generator installs
From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.
Natural gas generators are whole-home standby generators that are connected to your home’s natural gas line. The average cost for a natural gas generator is $12,000.
Generators should give you peace of mind, but you’ll only get that if your installer knows what they’re doing. Learn how to hire a pro and what red flags to look for.
Thinking about a generator installation? Learn about backup power options, costs to expect, and how to hire the right local pro to keep your home running.
