Get matched with top generator install pros in Fort Dodge, IA

If you’re deciding between a solar battery versus a generator for the best backup power solution, you can take a few factors into consideration. Solar batteries are quiet while generators can be quite loud. Generators have a lower up-front cost, but they require fuel and ongoing maintenance while solar batteries are more expensive but don’t have many ongoing costs.

The typical cost of a home generator is around $5,000, but prices range from $400 up to $13,000, depending on a few factors. The most significant cost factor is the generator size, as larger generators that can support more square footage usually cost more. You can install an emergency backup generator for between $500 and $2,000 or a partial-home generator for between $2,000 and $6,500. Whole-home generators usually total between $5,000 and $13,000, with some models climbing as high as $18,000.

Natural gas and electricity rates vary significantly based on location, and pricing can change over time, too. It’s possible that in locations where natural gas is particularly inexpensive, it will cost less than grid-based electricity will. However, you should also factor in the generator’s initial costs and maintenance needs, as well as its noise level and if it can comfortably power all your home appliances.

A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator. When deciding on whole-house generator size, add up the total wattage of the devices that you’d like to continue running during a power outage. That way, you can ensure you purchase a generator that can power your necessary appliances or medical equipment during an electrical emergency.