How much does a standby generator cost installed?
Generator pricing is about size (how much of the home you back up), fuel, and the transfer switch. Here's the honest installed range in our area.
We're Astral — a licensed C-10 electrical contractor (CSLB #1114918). Honest ranges, permit included, your exact number from a free assessment.
Typical cost in our area
Most whole-home Generac standby installs in our area land around $14,000–$20,000, permitted, with the automatic transfer switch.
| What you're getting | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Essential-circuits standby generator — installed | $8,000 – $13,000 |
| Whole-home standby generator — installed | $13,000 – $22,000 |
| Automatic transfer switch (included in the above) | — |
| Prefer no fuel/noise? Battery backup instead | see the Powerwall guide |
These are typical ranges for our service area, not a quote. Every home is different — the real number comes from a free on-site assessment and a NEC load calculation by a licensed C-10. We never promise a price online we can't stand behind.
A generator is a two-trade job (gas + electrical) plus a permit — which is why a real installed price is well above the bare equipment cost you'll see online. We quote it whole, so there's no surprise gas-line or transfer-switch add-on later.
What moves the price
What a done-right price includes
The cheapest number online usually leaves this out. Ours doesn't.
- Generac standby generator + automatic transfer switch
- Gas and electrical coordinated and permitted
- Sized to your real load and priorities
- Inspection passed
- 1-year workmanship warranty
Certified installer & trusted partners
Questions, answered straight
Generator or battery?+
A generator runs indefinitely on fuel and suits long/frequent outages; a Powerwall is silent, fuel-free, pairs with solar, and may qualify for SGIP. We'll size either around your must-run circuits and tell you honestly which fits your situation.
Is the transfer switch extra?+
No — the automatic transfer switch is part of the installed price above. That's what makes the generator kick in automatically when the grid drops.
Get your exact number — free.
A licensed C-10 comes out, runs the load calc, and gives you a clear, upfront price for your home. No obligation.
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