Whether you live in a storm-prone location or dream of living off the grid, a generator may be a lifesaver when you need electricity quickly.
It may mean the difference between a rotten refrigerator, a very chilly house, and a home without running water due to an electric well pump.
You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re looking for a generator.
We’ll address the question, “How much does a generator cost?” and discuss the many generator kinds available.
What Is the Price of a Generator?
The most powerful generator you can purchase is a complete home generator.
It’s hooked into your home’s electric panel and turns on automatically when the power goes off.
Cost of Generators by Size
However, not all generators are whole-house generators.
If the expensive cost of a whole-home generator is too much for your budget, there are numerous different kinds of generators to consider.
We’ve included a table below that displays generator pricing by size as well as the amount of area they can manage.
| Generator Size | Coverage Area |
|---|---|
| 2 to 5 kW | One appliance, few lights |
| 7 to 10 kW | Ten lights, several appliances, sump pump |
| 13 to 16 kW | Up to 1,500 sq ft home |
| 17 to 20 kW | 1,500 to 3,000 sq ft home |
| 22 to 25 kW | 3,000 to 5,000 sq ft home |
| 30 to 48 kW | Large luxury home or commercial applications |
Generators of Various Types
Your generator will be portable unless you choose a whole-house wired generator or a solar generator, which is best for small spaces.
Portable generators, on the other hand, all operate on gas or propane.
That, of course, is still another aspect that affects the price of a generator.
We’ll go through numerous distinct kinds of portable generators in this article.
#1. Cost of a Gas-Powered Generator
This sort of generator is usually a good choice if you just need it for a short period of time and don’t want to spend as much as you would for a whole-house generator.
However, there are a few disadvantages, like the loud noise they create when operating and the fact that you’ll need a place to keep it when it’s not in use.
It’s also worth noting that gas generators must always be situated at least 20 feet away from your house to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
#2. Cost of a Liquid Propane Generator
Liquid propane is more costly than other forms of fuel since it burns slower and cleaner.
#3. Cost of a Natural Gas Generator
(depending on its size, of course).
Natural gas is a fantastic alternative for generators since it is less expensive than gas or propane and can be connected to your home’s existing gas line.
#4. Cost of a Diesel Generator
A diesel generator is another common option to explore.
Despite the cost, there are other advantages to consider: these generators are more dependable and efficient than other varieties.
However, bear in mind that you’ll need to recharge from time to time.
You’ll also need a stable supply of fuel if you want to live off the grid.
How Much Does It Cost To Put Up A Generator?
Portable generators don’t need to be hooked up to anything. If you’re wondering how much a generator that can power a whole house costs, there are a few things to consider. We’ll go through each expenditure in detail below:
- Permits: You’ll have to consider this fee into the generator cost if you live in a HOA or municipality that needs permits to install a generator.
- Concrete pad: A concrete pad will protect a big generator, such as a whole-house type, from erosion and changing ground.
- Fuel: Remember to add in the cost of gasoline when calculating your generator expenses. The majority of portable generators use around a third of a gallon of petrol each hour. Of course, the real cost of gas (or diesel, or natural gas) as well as the capacity of your generator will influence this.
FAQs
How big of a generator should I get?
There are several various sizes of generators to select from.
The best one for you will be determined by how frequently you will use it.
If you just need a little electricity for an overnight camping excursion, the smallest sort of generator (and one that is quiet) would suffice.
Even if you just need to keep your refrigerator cold during a temporary power outage, a portable generator will suffice.
A whole-house generator, on the other hand, is the best option if you want to have no power interruptions, even during a huge severe weather event.
If you have a long power outage, it will be well worth the money.
What exactly is a Generac?
Many people mix up the terms Generac and generator, but they are not interchangeable.
Generac is a well-known generator brand, much like Kleenex is a well-known tissue brand.
They invented the whole-house generator idea and are still a trusted brand in power generators, delivering generators in a variety of sizes and fuel kinds.
