Home Generators
Generators for your home provide reliable backup power during outages. Learn about whole-house, portable, and solar options for uninterrupted electricity.
Annual Guide
Generators for Home Guide 2026
Grid power is great (until it goes out). Whether you need to keep medical devices running or stay connected while working from home, a generator for your house can provide backup power.
Whole house generator cost installed
The cost of getting a generator for your entire home installed starts at around $7,000 and can go much higher depending on a few factors.
| Cost component | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Generator unit | $2,000 to $7,500 |
| Installation labor | $3,000 to $5,000 |
| Electrical equipment | $500 to $2,500 |
| Fuel connections | $500 to $2,000 |
| Permits and inspections | $100 to $500 |
Choose the best home backup generator
Learn how to choose the best home backup generator for your home and energy needs.
Top generator guides
Expert-reviewed articles to help you make the best decision for your home.
Best Generator for Home
No single generator fits every home: discover five real-world options and learn how to choose the best home backup generator for your energy needs.
Best Generator for Home
No single generator fits every home: discover five real-world options and learn how to choose the best home backup generator for your energy needs.
Read moreGenerator safety guide
There are a few safety risks associated with generators you need to be aware of. This guide goes over what those are and what you can do to avoid them.
Best Solar Portable Generators
The EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 is our pick for the best solar portable generator overall, but Goal Zero, Anker, Bluetti, and Jackery also offer great options.
5 Best quiet generators
The Honda EU2200i is our pick for the best quiet generator overall, but it may not be the best solution for your needs. Here’s how to figure out what is.
Generator maintenance guide
Performing routine maintenance on your generator helps ensure you have a source of backup energy you can rely on for many years to come. Here’s what to do.
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to common home generator questions.
That depends on which appliances and systems you want to keep running. Start by adding the wattage for essentials like refrigeration, lights, sump pumps, heating or cooling equipment, and medical devices, then size up for startup surges and extra headroom.
Many homes need somewhere between 5,000 and 10,000 watts for basic backup, but full-home standby systems often start much higher. The right size depends on your home's square footage, fuel type, and how many major circuits you want powered at once.
A whole-house generator for a 2,000 square foot home often lands in the $7,000 to $15,000 installed range, depending on capacity, labor, electrical upgrades, and fuel hookups. Portable options cost less up front but support fewer loads and need manual setup.
Usually not the entire house at once. A 6,500-watt generator can often cover a smaller set of essentials, but central air, electric water heaters, dryers, and other large appliances can quickly exceed that capacity.
More energy solutions
Compare other ways to power your home and manage energy costs.