The shift in climate change is quite visible from extreme weather events of 2022. Whether it's a hurricane, flood, or forest fire, they charge hefty tolls on aging power infrastructures, making you more vulnerable to power outages. But imagine never having to worry about being left in the dark or outage.
The whole house generator can effortlessly turn this dream into reality. They are your fortress of power, ensuring uninterrupted comfort and security. However, before you venture into this electrifying world, investing should be done after understanding the whole house generator cost and its effects.
This article will explore the whole-house generator costs and its estimates based on different scenarios. Whether you want to upgrade your current setup or provide a backup power solution for your home, we can help you in every case, depending on your needs.
Types of House Generators?
Whole house generators come in multiple variables depending on their specific power requirements, applications, and cost. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly solution or want to invest in a high-power generator, a basic understanding of different whole-house generator types is crucial to opting for the best possible option according to your pocket size and needs.
Usually, House generators are available in three main types that include:
1. Home Standby Generators:
Home standby generators are explicitly designed to keep all necessary items functioning during power outages. As apparent from their name, they can support the electricity needs of a complete house. Though these generators are reliable and have various supporting insurances, their costs are high due to their size and functionality.
Generally, their output ranges from 20 kW to 150 kW. Being quite expensive, these generators also require ample space in your house, making the installation process expensive.
2. Portable Generators:
Portable generators are a useful tool in case you are a frequent traveller. They are efficient machines providing energy in remote locations without a power outlet. Due to their ability to be kept in the back of the car while having wheels, too, they are portable.
Their energy output typically tiers from 1kW to 10kW, making them a valuable addition for remote locations without power outlets. Fueled by gas or propane, they are cost-effective. However, they might only power a part of the house but are a valuable addition to your emergency supply box.
3. Inverter Generators:
Inverter Generators are more recommended for outdoor activities like social events. They offer quiet operation, fuel efficiency, and a special capacity to provide steady current, making them ideal for charging electronic devices like laptops, phones, etc.
In terms of power, they typically range from 1kW to 4kW, making them unsuitable for heavy appliances. Positioning these generators 20 feet from the closest building is better to avoid carbon monoxide.
PRO TIP: Visit our website to browse the product range to find the right generator for your needs.
What Are the Factors Affecting the Whole House Generator Cost?
Access to an uninterrupted power channel is an investment in peace of mind, and generators are the most suitable options to achieve this. However, various factors must be considered when opting for any specific generator type.
These factors go beyond economics. They determine the level of comfort and safety your generator provides during an outage. Knowing these factors that affect generator cost, you can make informed decisions.
Size and Capacity of Generator:
Your choice of generator size and capacity will significantly impact its cost. As bigger the size and power capacity of a generator will be, the more cost it will have. However, all the variables of the whole house generator, whether it standby, portable or inverter, offer power capacity between 1kW-150kW (kW is the power unit).
A common notion is that a standby generator with 25 kW output capacity can easily power an average household. Still below is a cost guide for generators depending on their production capacity in kWh. This will help you understand the costs of different sizes of generators during a power outage.
- A 10 kWh unit has limited power production. This only supports the most necessary plugs like light and mobile charging sockets. Their price varies between $3000 to $4000.
- As apparent from the mentioned power capacity, a 20kWh generator can comparatively support a pack of other appliances like lights and fans, too. Costs for these units lie between $7000 to $12000.
- A bigger-than-usual family can power their home during a power outage with a 38kWh unit. Their price ranges between $13000 to $16000.
- For a household, at last, we have 48-50 kWh units, which are the largest size offered by most big-box hardware stores. Their costs range from $17000 to $20000. This is
Cost Estimates Depending on Fuel Type:
Whole house generators have various fuel options, including diesel, solar, gas and propane. This choice of fuel affects the initial and ongoing operational costs.
Consider the cost and availability of the fuel supply you have chosen when estimating the whole-house generator cost. Below are estimates of various whole-house generators depending on fuel type.
Gas
The initial setup costs of a gas generator could be between $ 500 and $ 3,200. However, considering their running costs is more critical. The shifts in gasoline prices due to ongoing climate and geopolitical factors like the Russia-Ukraine war significantly boost the gas prices, eventually leading to a hike in overall gas generators operational costs.
Diesel
Talking diesel generators, they are more efficient than most fuels. However, their maintenance costs are higher. Additionally, the cold environment also affects the working of diesel, as this converts into a gel shape, which is challenging to utilise for machines. Their general price range lies between 3200$-24000$.
Propane
Propane, considered a relatively clean energy fuel, is gaining popularity as eco-friendly trends are rising. However, this is a bit expensive compared to gasoline. This is a good option in remote areas with limited or unavailable natural gas supply.
The standby propane generators have a price range of 2200$-21000$, while the portable ones have between 600$-2800$.
Solar energy
Solar energy is the best and most recommended fuel for generators. It only requires one-time cost to install solar panels, so refuelling is not required as long as the sun’s energy is available.
It is eco-friendly and can be opted for full-time reliance on generators while quitting the need for grid power.
Related articles: How to Choose The Best Whole House Solar Generator?
Best Whole House Solar Generator: Where to Buy?
Other Factors Influencing the Cost of Whole-House Generators
Besides the type of generator, capacity, and fuel consumption, multiple other factors effectively increase or decrease the price of your desired product. A brief explanation of these factors is discussed below for your better understanding.
Installation Complexity:
The installation process complexity is another point to consider. It usually involves permits and labour. The total cost may increase due to your home’s location, electrical connections, and required permits. Working with a skilled installer is recommended to ensure a safe and secure installation.
Brand and Model:
“The more the sweat, the more the reward” is even true for whole house generators. The brand and model of the generator can effectively sway its price. Opting for deluxe options results in superior performance and reliability but may also mean a steeper price tag. Therefore, it is important to invest in a trustworthy brand.
Extra Features and Equipment:
You must contemplate additional features or accessories that could be useful for your generators, such as automatic transfer switches, remote monitoring, or soundproofing.
Though opting for these extras could enhance your system's convenience, the bar also goes up for final prices.
Why Choose BLUETTI Products?
These machines' reliability and effectiveness are crucial when choosing a whole-house generator. While in a market where each brand utters to provide exceptional services, BLUETTI actually delivers what it promises. It is a brand that stands out for specific reasons. Its products are ideal because of its commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction.
Below is a brief discussion about some products to understand what BLUETTI to offer:
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BLUETTI AC300 + 1*B300:
Being a solar generator combo, BLUETTI AC300 + B300 provides an all-in-one solution for backup power needs. Its 3,000W AC Pure Sine Wave Inverter comes with 6,000W surge power. Expandable to 12,288Wh, it offers a robust LiFePO4 battery, 240V split phase bonding, and seven recharge options, including solar, to ensure reliable energy storage.
A 3000W output can fulfil the power demands during power outages, making it suitable to run specific appliances. But it may need more power to run the entire house. Its estimate starts at $2999.
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BLUETTI AC500 + B300S
BLUETTI AC500+B300S will change the way you get energy from the sun. With a 5000 pure wave inverter that takes up to 10kW surge, it ensures that your every appliance is running smoothly during power outages.
Its input rate is. It packs a massive 18432 Wh of power, ensuring plenty of power for your needs. With 11 output ports, it accommodates multiple devices effortlessly.
Smart control and monitoring are at your fingertips with the BLUETTI App. It recharges quickly, with an 8000 W AC input, all while being eco-friendly, quiet and surprisingly cost-effective.
Final Thoughts
With this current shift of people toward remote jobs, leaving the hasty-busty life of cities and settling in far-flung countryside, the need for whole house generators is increasing every day. Investment in a whole-house generator not only provides peace of mind but could also save you from a lot of potential damage during power outages.
However, estimating the whole house generator cost before diving into the backup power option can help you save some of your hard-earned money. This includes the types of generator, their fuel, installation complexity, and other extra features.
In case of confusion among multiple brands, look no further than BLUETTI products. They are reliable, effective, and, most importantly, are from a reputable brand.
Don’t wait for the next blackout! Contact BLUETTI and take charge instantly.
