What Does a Standby Generator Cost to Install?

The honest national average

A turn-key residential standby generator install in 2026 runs $8,500 to $18,000, with most homeowners landing between $11,000 and $14,000. The generator itself is roughly half the total — the rest is installation, transfer switch, gas and electrical work, pad, and permits.

Line items you'll see on the quote

Equipment: $4,000–$9,000 for the generator (14–24 kW air-cooled).

Automatic transfer switch (ATS): $400–$1,200 depending on amperage and whether it's whole-house or service-entrance rated.

Concrete or composite pad: $300–$800.

Electrical labor + materials: $1,500–$3,500 (panel work, conduit, ground rod).

Gas line: $800–$3,000 — wildly variable depending on distance from meter and whether you need an upsized meter.

Permits, inspection, startup, and warranty registration: $400–$900.

Three things that drive cost up

1) Long gas line run from the meter (every extra 30 ft adds material and labor, and may require black iron over CSST).

2) Panel needing a service upgrade to accept a whole-house ATS.

3) HOA or local code requiring acoustic enclosures, taller fences, or specific setbacks.

Ways to save without cutting corners

Bundle the gas line work with the electrical labor under one general contractor. Buy in spring/early summer before hurricane-season demand surges. Ask the dealer about manufacturer rebates — Generac and Kohler both run regular incentive programs.