Enter generator size, transfer switch type, panel distance, and permit status — get a realistic total installed cost to build your quote from.
Pre-built quote form for generator installs, panel upgrades, and service calls — fill in numbers, print or PDF, hand to the customer.
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Generator installation is one of the more variable electrical jobs. A 22 kW Kohler or Generac standby with automatic transfer switch can run $8,000–$15,000 installed in most US markets. But the spread is wide — and most of it comes from four variables: generator size, transfer switch type, fuel run distance, and your local permit requirements.
A 10 kW generator runs essentials: refrigerator, lights, some outlets, one HVAC circuit. A 22 kW covers a full 2,500 sq ft home including central AC. A 26 kW handles whole-home loads comfortably with room to spare. Customers almost always want to go up a size once they understand the difference — build that upsell into your sales conversation.
A manual transfer switch is cheaper ($300–$800) but requires the homeowner to throw the switch and connect extension cords or a generator inlet. An automatic transfer switch (ATS) detects utility outage and switches power in 10–30 seconds — no action required. Most residential standby installs use ATS; manual is mostly for portable generator connections. Whole-house 200A ATS units run $1,500–$3,000 in material alone.
Every 10 feet of conduit run from generator pad to panel adds roughly 1–2 hours of labor depending on materials and obstacles. Underground runs in conduit are slower and add trenching cost. Price this per-foot rather than treating it as included — customers often assume the generator is going right next to the panel when it's going on the other side of the house.
Generator installs almost always require a permit and inspection in the US. Permit fees range from $75 in rural counties to $600+ in some metro areas. Inspection turnaround affects your schedule. Some jurisdictions also require a gas line permit separately if you're extending or tapping. Build permit cost into every quote — it's not optional and customers respect that you know the rules.
Quote templates, service agreement forms, change order documents, and the pricing worksheets to run a profitable electrical business — not just a busy one.
Standby generator installation is a big-ticket job with a lot of cost variables: generator size, transfer switch type, gas line work, concrete pad, permit fees, and run time to the panel. This calculator captures all of them to build a complete installed cost estimate. Use it to price generator jobs accurately and avoid the surprises that turn a profitable install into a money-loser.