How Much Does It Cost to Install a Whole-Home Generator in South Carolina?

Installing a whole-home generator is one of the best investments you can make in your house. The generator connects directly to your electrical system, allowing you to run essential appliances and devices during a power outage.

When considering a whole-home generator, the first thing most people want to know is how much the installation will cost. On average, most homeowners spend somewhere between $7,000 and $20,000. This includes the cost of the generator itself, all of the associated labor charges for the physical generator installation, and the permitting and inspection fees. The reason that the cost can vary so much is that it depends on the size and model of generator you choose and how complex the installation is.

Average Cost by Generator Size

The generator itself usually accounts for the biggest proportion of the total installation cost. However, this can again depend on the size of the unit, i.e., how many kilowatts of electricity it produces. Most residential backup generators range in size from 10kW to 26kW.

If you have a smaller home and you only want to use the generator to run the most essential appliances, a 10- to 14-kW unit is usually sufficient. For a unit this size, you can normally expect to pay anywhere from $2,000 to $9,000.

If you want to be able to run a central AC system off your generator, you’ll typically need a unit in the 15-20kW range. For this size, you may have to pay anywhere from $8,000 to $12,000. A generator this size is normally sufficient to power most everything in a small to mid-size home, including the HVAC system. That means you should be able to continue going about your daily life as usual without any issues.

If you have a larger house with numerous high-demand appliances, a 22- to 26-kW generator will work best. The price for a unit in this range typically starts at around $12,000, but the cost could be as high as $15,000-$20,000.

There are whole-home generators that produce anywhere from 60 to 100 kilowatts. However, this is far more power than the average home would ever need. Instead, these generators are primarily used in commercial settings or extremely large, luxury homes with multiple separate HVAC systems and numerous other high-demand appliances. A generator sizing calculator can help you get an idea of the size you need before your installation consultation.

Other Associated Costs

The generator cost itself isn’t the only thing to consider. You also have to factor in the labor charges, permit fees, and the price of the automatic transfer switch. Building codes require that a licensed electrician install the generator and connect it to the house’s electrical system. You’ll also need to hire a licensed plumber to run the gas line to the generator. The cost for this can vary, depending on how close the generator is to the fuel source. Whether you’re running it off your home’s natural gas connection or installing a large propane tank can also influence the labor costs.

In most cases, you can expect the total labor costs for the installation to be somewhere between $2,000 and $5,000. However, the cost can be quite a bit higher if you need to upgrade your home’s electrical supply panel.

The automatic transfer switch is what connects the generator to the electrical system and signals the unit to run when the power goes out. The transfer switch itself will typically cost at least $500 but could be as high as $2,000-$2,500.

How to Choose the Right Whole-Home Generator for Your Needs

The fact that a whole-home generator is such a big investment means it’s crucial that you choose the right model for your specific needs. In terms of sizing, the best way to ensure that the generator is powerful enough is to have an experienced electrician perform an evaluation and electrical load calculation.

You also need to consider your priorities. Are you only looking to power your essential appliances, or do you want true whole-home coverage? Knowing this ahead of time makes it easier for an electrician to accurately determine what size generator will work best.

Another thing to consider is whether you want to upgrade to a unit with more premium features, such as Wi-Fi capability and smart monitoring. While these features come at an added cost, they also provide major benefits. For instance, you can set it so that you get an alert on your phone whenever the power goes out and the generator starts running. You can also program it so that you receive maintenance reminders or get a notification if the generator ever fails to start. You can also receive notice if it has any issues while it’s running.

Hire a team that understands these details and has all the expertise in-house to handle every step of the job.

At Generator Services, Inc., we can expertly handle your whole-home generator installation from start to finish. We’ve been providing top-notch installation, repair, and maintenance services since 1991 and will work to ensure your needs are fully met.

To schedule a generator installation consultation in Columbia or the surrounding areas, contact us at Generator Services, Inc. today.