More and more people are deciding to get their own home generator to gain more independence over the national grid. It means being able to keep the lights on, and all your vital appliances running, when storms or other natural occurrences, like earthquakes or a sudden grid crisis, strike and knock out the power. You’ll also enjoy far lower electricity bills, if your generator uses solar power.
The question foremost in many people's minds is how much does a whole home generator cost to buy and have set up in the home? Several factors affect the total cost of the generator and its installation. In this article we'll take a look at what they are so you can get a clear picture of what you should expect to pay.
Whole Home Generator Cost: the Choices
Home generators come in all sorts of sizes and capabilities and are powered in different ways. When looking at various models, you'll see:
- Fuel-Based Generators
These are the traditional type and may use gas, diesel or propane as fuel. While they're invaluable as a back-up when the power grid goes down, they have several drawbacks that may make you think twice about buying one.
The downsides of fuel generators are noise and pollution. The process of burning gas or other fuel to make electricity is not silent and can disturb the harmony of the home, especially if you're running the generator for a long period. You will also have to contend with the pollutants that fuel gives off when it's burned. They're harmful to health as well as the environment, as it adds carbon dioxide to the air, which contributes to climate change.
If you opt for a fuel-based generator, you will have to be mindful of where you place it in the home, due to these drawbacks. And you will have to make sure you buy plenty of fuel for storage, so you don't run out -- another potential issue and adding to the whole home generator cost.
- Solar-Powered Generators
Due to the development of more efficient solar panels, solar-powered generators are increasingly gaining in popularity as a way to power the home when there's a major outage that lasts for hours or even days. The set-up harnesses the power of the sun, meaning energy for your home for free. Beyond the initial purchase, there's nothing else to add to the whole home generator cost.
Models like the BLUETTI EP900 Energy Storage System deliver sustainable energy to your home, so you don't have to worry about harming the environment. Because, unlike with fuel generators, solar models do not give off any pollutants.
Solar generators also operate silently, meaning no one is disturbed in the home when they're running. In addition, you don't have to buy any fuel to keep them going, so that also brings down the cost of a solar generator for the whole home. Instead of spending more, you’re saving money, as your electricity bill will be lower. Additionally, solar-powered generators are typically easier to install than the fuel variety.
Cost Factors for Whole-Home Generators
Working out the cost of a whole-home generator depends on how much power you will need for your home -- measured in the unit's capacity, and kilowatts. The more capacity the generator has, the more appliances and fixtures you'll be able to run at the same time, such as a refrigerator and lighting around the house.
As a general guide:
- A 7-12 kW Generator: Suitable for small to medium homes. You could expect to run a fridge, lighting and potentially any heating or air conditioning in the home.
- A 20-24 kW Generator: For large properties with significant power requirements, necessary to light the home, power a range of appliances and also run heating and cooling without putting a strain on the generator.
You can figure out how much power you'll need by adding up the wattage of the various appliances you'll need to use when there's a power cut. Bear in mind that some systems, like air conditioning, may require high start-up power to get going.
Cost Comparison -- Traditional Generators vs. Solar Power Solutions
You'll have to fork out several hundred dollars or more for a basic fuel or solar generator. That's your initial outlay. With fuel-powered generators, the costs don't end because you'll need to keep buying fuel. And at some stage, you'll have to have maintenance carried out and possibly repairs too, as there are a lot of moving parts.
With solar, the up-front whole home generator cost is all you have to pay. Nothing else is required and there's little maintenance, because the system doesn't have many components, or moving parts that wear down over time or get damaged.
Also look for a solid warranty with the unit you choose. Some offer up to 10 years' coverage, giving you not only back-up electricity but also peace of mind should something go wrong.
FAQs
What Is the Average Cost of Installing a Whole House Generator?
The average cost of installing a generator for your whole house depends on a number of factors, especially how much power you need for your lighting and appliances. Generally, you can expect a good model to cost around $1,000.
What Size Generator Is Needed to Run a Whole House?
The generator you will need to power your entire house varies according to the property's size. Look for a 7-12 kW generator for small to medium homes and a 20-24 kW unit for larger properties.
Can You Run a Whole House Generator Full Time?
It's not recommended to run fuel-based generators indefinitely, only when there's a power outage. A maximum of eight to 12 hours is best, and certainly not for weeks or months. A solar-powered generator can be left running with little concerns, as there's no fuel or moving parts to worry about.
