Whole-Home Generator Installation Cost in the Philadelphia Area
What a standby generator costs (national benchmarks)
We couldn't find a published survey of installed generator prices for Philadelphia, the Pennsylvania suburbs or South Jersey. The figures below are national unless we say otherwise. The sources disagree, so use them as a rough starting point and get several written quotes.
| What | HomeGuide (national) | Angi (national) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whole-house standby, total | $6,000–$11,000 installed on average; $9,500–$24,000 for long distances or > 20 kW | $5,154 average for a whole-house generator installation (4,364 projects); most pay $1,509–$8,799; $350–$13,500 overall | HomeGuide; Angi |
| Generator unit alone | $3,000–$6,000 on average | See the size table below: Angi's installation guide labels the same size-table figures "Average Cost Range, Materials Only" | HomeGuide; Angi installation guide |
| Installation labor | $3,000–$5,000 on average; $5,000–$12,000+ for long distances or > 20 kW | $4,520 average installation cost ("includes permits, assembly, placement, and wiring"); labor $1,500–$5,000 | HomeGuide; Angi |
| Portable generator connected to the house | $500–$2,500 unit, or $900–$4,000 total when connecting to a house | Portable 1–7.5 kW: $500–$2,000 | HomeGuide generator costs; Angi |
Sources: HomeGuide whole house generator cost (Dec 30, 2025) and generator cost (Dec 30, 2025); Angi whole-house generator cost (updated Sep 1, 2026). National figures, checked Oct 31, 2026. A separate Angi installation article (updated Jul 8, 2026) says installation "costs range from $1,600 to $8,900 for most homeowners, though larger generators can reach $21,000 or more" (Angi).
Philadelphia figures from Angi (as of Oct 31, 2026): Angi's Philadelphia page (updated Mar 26, 2026) says "Installing a whole-house generator in Philadelphia, PA, costs $5,357 on average, but often ranges from $2,487 to $8,256." Every figure in its size table is about 1.16–1.20 times the matching figure on Angi's national page (our arithmetic). Angi doesn't explain this, so we treat it as a cost-adjusted national estimate, not a survey of Philadelphia jobs. The national figures it tracks are the ones Angi's installation guide labels "Materials Only," even though the Philadelphia page presents them as installation costs (our reading) (Angi Philadelphia).
Where the sources conflict:
- Angi disagrees with itself. The same page gives a $5,154 national average, says "A whole-house generator costs an average of $17,000," and says "A standby generator typically costs between $5,000 to $25,000." We use the $5,154 figure because Angi ties it to 4,364 projects, but we can't tell what each figure includes.
- HomeGuide's total ($6,000–$11,000) sits above Angi's typical range ($1,509–$8,799). Angi's range may include smaller partial-home units; it doesn't say.
- Generac prices: HomeGuide lists a 7 kW Generac at $2,000 (unit only), while Angi says Generac starts at $6,000. HomeGuide says its Generac prices don't include installation; Angi doesn't say what its "Starting at" prices include.
Cost by size (kW)
| Size | HomeGuide unit price (not installed) | HomeGuide natural gas, installed | Angi (national; Angi's installation guide labels these figures "Materials Only") | Typical coverage (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2–5 kW | $250–$1,400 | $1,000–$3,200 | 1–6 kW: $500–$1,800 | "Portable: One appliance and a few lights." |
| 7–10 kW | $2,000–$3,000 | $2,400–$4,500 | 7.5–10 kW: $2,000–$3,500 | Portable: lights, refrigerator, sump pump, furnace fan and a few small appliances |
| 13–16 kW | $3,000–$4,500 | $6,000–$10,000 | 14–18 kW: $4,000–$5,500 | "Full home under 1,500 square feet." |
| 17–20 kW | $4,000–$6,000 | $7,000–$11,000 | 20–24 kW: $5,000–$6,500 | "Full 1,500 to 3,000 square foot home." |
| 22–25 kW | $4,500–$12,000 | $9,500–$24,000 | 26–32 kW: $6,500–$15,000 | "Full 3,000 to 5,000 square foot home." |
| 30–48 kW | $10,000–$16,000 | $15,000–$28,000 | 36–38 kW: $14,000–$16,000; 45–48 kW: $16,200–$21,000 | "Large luxury home or commercial applications." |
Sources: HomeGuide whole house generator cost (Dec 30, 2025); HomeGuide natural gas generator cost (Dec 29, 2025); Angi (updated Sep 1, 2026). National figures, checked Oct 31, 2026. The size bands don't line up exactly between sources; we placed Angi's bands next to the closest HomeGuide band. Angi's cost page doesn't say what its size table includes, but its installation guide (updated Jul 8, 2026) shows the same figures under "Average Cost Range, Materials Only" (Angi installation guide).
Angi's Philadelphia size table runs from $600–$2,100 for 1–6 kW to $19,150–$24,700 for 45–48 kW (Angi Philadelphia; see the note above).
Cost by type and brand
Portable vs. standby vs. inverter (national, as of Oct 31, 2026):
| Type | Price | Notes | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portable | $500–$2,500 unit; $900–$4,000 total when connected to a house | Lifespan 2,000–5,000 hours vs. 10,000–30,000 for standby (HomeGuide). Needs a transfer switch or interlock to connect to your panel (see below) | HomeGuide generator costs |
| Partial-home (Angi: 9–20 kW) | $2,000–$6,300 | Powers essential circuits only | Angi |
| Whole-house standby (Angi: 22–48 kW) | $5,000–$18,000 | Starts automatically through an automatic transfer switch | Angi |
| Inverter | "upwards of $1,000" | Angi says inverters typically run 50–60 dB vs. 70–90 dB for traditional generators, but "aren't as powerful." The same page says traditional generators cost $170–$400 in one place and $500–$2,000 in another | Angi inverter |
Brands (unit prices, national):
| Brand | HomeGuide | Angi | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Generac | 7 kW $2,000; 10 kW $3,000; 16 kW $3,800; 17 kW $4,000; 20 kW $4,500; 22 kW $5,000; 30+ kW $12,000 (not including installation) | Starting at $6,000 | HomeGuide; Angi |
| Kohler | $2,700–$16,000 (6–48 kW) | Not listed | HomeGuide |
| Briggs & Stratton | $2,400–$15,300 (10–48 kW) | Starting at $3,150 | Same |
| Cummins | $3,100–$13,900 (13–40 kW) | Starting at $3,700 | Same |
| Champion | Not listed | Starting at $2,000 | Angi |
HomeGuide (Dec 30, 2025) and Angi (updated Sep 1, 2026), national, checked Oct 31, 2026. We don't recommend any brand.
Natural gas vs. propane
| Natural gas | Propane | Source | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unit price (2–24 kW, no installation) | $3,000–$6,000 | $2,000–$6,000 | HomeGuide |
| Fuel supply | Connects to your gas line; "require no fuel storage" | "requires a large storage tank"; tank installation $400–$1,800 | Same |
| Running cost per day, 20 kW | $30–$40 | $150–$170 | Same ("Costs depend on current and local fuel prices") |
| Running cost per day, 15 kW | $22–$32 | $145–$165 | Same |
| Fuel use, 15–20 kW | 133–330 cubic feet per hour | 3.16–3.45 gallons per hour | Same |
HomeGuide (Dec 30, 2025), national, checked Oct 31, 2026.
- Angi's figures differ. Angi says "you'll spend about $90 to $220 daily to run a 15-to-20-kW whole-house generator" and lists propane at "$220 daily for 20 kW unit." Its Philadelphia page says "$65 to $190 per day" and calls gasoline "one of the cheapest fuels" and lists natural gas among "some of the most expensive," which is the opposite of HomeGuide's table. We couldn't check either source against local PGW, PECO or propane prices.
- Propane tanks: HomeGuide's propane tank page gives "$600 – $2,500" on average and says a 500-gallon tank averages $1,500 to buy (HomeGuide propane tank, Apr 5, 2023). HomeGuide's gas line page says "Many propane companies install the tank and basic line connection at no charge when you sign up for their service" (HomeGuide gas line, Jan 6, 2026).
Transfer switch, gas line, pad and other add-ons
| Item | Price (national) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Automatic transfer switch | $400–$2,000 unit; $600–$2,500 installed (HomeGuide). Angi: "about $1,200" of the installation cost | HomeGuide transfer switch; Angi |
| Manual transfer switch (portable generators) | $200–$800 unit; $400–$1,300 installed | HomeGuide transfer switch |
| Interlock kit (portable alternative to a switch) | $400–$850 installed | Same |
| Gas line for a generator | $400–$1,500+; $350–$2,000 to extend an existing line; $2,000–$10,000 for a new line from the street | HomeGuide gas line |
| Gas line per foot | $12–$25 per foot (HomeGuide table) or $15–$50+ per linear foot (HomeGuide text) | HomeGuide |
| Electrical wiring | $6–$8 per foot | Same |
| Concrete pad | $150–$400 for a 3- to 4-inch-thick pre-cast pad (HomeGuide); $50–$75 per sq ft poured, about $1,000 for a 3×6 ft pad (Angi) | HomeGuide; Angi |
| New subpanel | $500–$1,700 (HomeGuide); $500–$2,000 to upgrade (Angi) | HomeGuide transfer switch; Angi |
| New electrical panel | $850–$2,500 | HomeGuide transfer switch |
| Smart load manager | $130–$250 (HomeGuide); $150–$300 (Angi) | HomeGuide; Angi |
| Cold-weather kit | $130–$500 | HomeGuide |
| Wireless monitor | $200–$210 (HomeGuide); $200–$400 (Angi) | HomeGuide; Angi |
| Generator battery (starts the generator) | $70–$300 | HomeGuide |
| Electrician hourly rate | $40–$100 per hour (HomeGuide table) or $50–$130 per hour (HomeGuide text) | Same |
HomeGuide pages dated Apr 5, 2023 (transfer switch), Dec 30, 2025 (whole house generator) and Jan 6, 2026 (gas line); Angi updated Sep 1, 2026. National figures, checked Oct 31, 2026. HomeGuide's whole house page gives two different electrician rates and two different gas-line rates; we show both. For more on gas line work, see our water heater guide.
Gas meter capacity. A natural gas generator adds a new gas load. PECO's natural gas application lists a generator's "typical residential load" as "250,000 - 350,000 BTUs per unit" and says "All requests for new gas loads must be reviewed and approved for capacity" and "Do not purchase or install any new gas fired appliances without first consulting with a PECO representative" (PECO Natural Gas Application, dated Dec 17, 2025). In Philadelphia, PGW's guide to installing a gas main or service line says the process "can take a minimum of 4 -12 weeks" and asks for a list of gas appliances with their BTU/hr loads (PGW, rev. July 2024). We couldn't find a PGW, South Jersey Gas or New Jersey Natural Gas page on generator loads specifically, or what a meter upgrade costs. Ask your gas utility before you buy.
Sizing
- HomeGuide says "Powering a whole house up to 3,000 SF typically requires a 13 to 20 kW generator," and its wattage chart lists, for example, a 4-ton central AC at 8,500 W, a refrigerator/freezer at 1,200 W, a sump pump at 1,000 W and an EV charger at 7,200 W. It notes "Some appliances startup wattage can be double the running wattage" (HomeGuide).
- Angi says to "list essential appliances and electronics you'd like to keep powered during an outage and record the total wattage," and that you can connect a standby generator to the whole home or only essential circuits (Angi). Angi's installation guide sizes homes larger than HomeGuide does: "A 1,500 square foot home will likely need a 15kW to 20kW generator," and a 2,500-square-foot home "will likely need a 20kW to 25kW generator" (Angi installation guide).
- What townships ask for: Schuylkill Township (Chester County) requires a load-calculation worksheet when an automatic transfer switch has no load shedding, and says "The generator must be sized to carry the full load that is transferred" (Schuylkill Township, 2016). Harrison Township (Gloucester County, NJ) asks for a load calculation "in accordance with Article 220" of the National Electrical Code and says an automatic transfer switch "must be equipped with load management" (Harrison Township, scanned 2013 handout). Your town's rules may differ.
Permits and inspections
| Where | Permit or fee | Key requirement | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia: L&I Electrical Permit | $25 per $1,000 (or fraction) of estimated electrical construction cost; $63 minimum; $100 filing fee (credited); $3 city + $4.50 state surcharges | Licensed electrical contractor; "The owner or the owner's agent must hire a licensed electrical inspection agency to perform all inspections" | L&I Electrical Permit |
| Philadelphia: L&I Mechanical Permit (gas) | "Fuel Gas work: 2% of contract costs (minimum $189)" | Covers "Equipment and piping that use natural gas"; "A licensed contractor must perform all work" | L&I Mechanical Permit |
| Philadelphia: zoning | No zoning permit | Exempt: "Equipment like generators or air conditioners (as long as they are not within a required setback from the property line and service the property)" | Get a Zoning Permit |
| Pennsylvania suburbs | Set locally | A permit is required to "install … an electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system regulated by the Uniform Construction Code" | 34 Pa. Code §403.62 |
| New Jersey | Set by the local construction office | Example: Harrison Township requires plumbing and electrical permits | Harrison Township; NJ DCA permit forms |
All as of Oct 31, 2026. National permit estimates for comparison: HomeGuide $80–$450 total; Angi $50–$200 on its cost page and $50–$100 in its installation guide (HomeGuide; Angi; Angi installation guide). HomeGuide says "Separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits may be required."
Philadelphia details (as of Oct 31, 2026):
- Example permit math (our arithmetic, not an L&I quote): if the electrical part of a job is $4,000, the Electrical Permit fee would be 4 × $25 = $100, plus surcharges. If the gas piping contract is $1,000, 2% is $20, so the $189 minimum applies. We couldn't confirm how L&I splits a combined generator contract between the two permits, or what an inspection agency charges.
- Plans: L&I's EZ permit (no plans) covers work on one- or two-family homes where "The connected load must be less than 200 amps and all equipment rated 600 V or less."
- Building permit: L&I says most electrical work requires a Building Permit; if the project doesn't, "this must be noted and fully described on the Electrical Permit application."
- Health Department: L&I says "Emergency generators and fire pumps may require a permit from the Philadelphia Department of Public Health." The city's Air Management permit page says no permit is needed for "Household appliances" or "Any structure used exclusively as a one- or two-family dwelling" (Air Management permit). We read that as covering most homes, but we couldn't confirm it for generators.
- Annual certification: L&I's registration page for generator manufacturer representatives says "Emergency and standby power systems must be inspected and certified annually." We couldn't confirm whether this applies to a home's optional standby generator (L&I). Ask L&I or your installer.
Pennsylvania suburbs (examples, as of Oct 31, 2026; check your own township):
- Doylestown Borough (Bucks): an Electrical Permit with "3rd party reviewed and approved electrical plans"; a Mechanical Permit with a piping diagram for natural gas or propane; for natural gas, a copy of PECO's response to its "Increase in Natural Gas Usage" application; a site plan; and "The generator should be no closer than 7 feet to property lines" (Doylestown, updated Sept 26, 2026).
- Pocopson Township (Chester): electrical, plumbing (natural gas) and zoning permits, the PECO application, "no closer than 7 feet from the property line," about 15 working days to process and a $25 non-refundable application fee (Pocopson, Jan 2025).
- East Caln Township (Chester): says generators must be at least 10 feet from property lines, citing "Act 401 of the PA UCC." We couldn't find that rule, so treat it as East Caln's own requirement (East Caln).
New Jersey (as of Oct 31, 2026):
- Permit forms: New Jersey construction permits use the state's F100 application with technical sections for building, electrical, plumbing, fire and mechanical work (NJ DCA). Which sections a generator needs is up to your local construction office.
- Example: Harrison Township's handout asks you to have the gas company confirm your service can supply the generator; wants manufacturer clearances, a pad at least 6 inches larger than the unit on all sides, a wiring diagram and a gas riser diagram; and says "PERMITS REQUIRED - PLUMBING & ELECTRICAL." It also says standby generators in residential zones "will be required to be located in the rear yard only due to the objectionable noise levels," pending council action. The handout dates from 2013, so check the current rules.
- Minor work: New Jersey's "minor work" rule (N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.17A) doesn't mention generators (our reading of the rule).
Who can do the work (licensing)
- Philadelphia: the Electrical Permit needs a licensed electrical contractor, and gas work under the Mechanical Permit must be done by a licensed contractor (L&I Electrical; L&I Mechanical).
- Pennsylvania suburbs: the state has "no licensure or certification requirements for most construction contractors," but some of its 2,562 municipalities license electricians and plumbers locally (PA Labor & Industry). Contractors doing $5,000 or more of home improvement work a year must register with the Attorney General (see our sewer line guide).
- New Jersey electrical: working in the business of electrical contracting needs a business permit and a licensed electrical contractor, and "Any single act or transaction" counts (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-9). Work by a person "on a dwelling that is occupied solely as a residence for himself" or immediate family is exempt from that business permit (N.J.S.A. 45:5A-18). Permits and inspections still apply (our reading).
- New Jersey gas piping: plumbing "shall only be performed by a master plumber, an authorized plumbing contractor," or supervised employees; the scope includes "The provision of propane services," and a master plumber may install "natural or manufactured gas piping" without an HVACR license. The rule doesn't apply to "A single-family home owner who performs plumbing work in his or her own dwelling" (N.J.A.C. 13:32-1.4). We didn't check whether other New Jersey licenses, such as a Master HVACR license, also cover gas piping.
Where it can go: clearances, setbacks and noise
- Clearances: Generac's instruction sheet cites NFPA 37, which requires "a minimum of 5 ft (1.5 m) from an opening in a structure or a structure having combustible walls," with an exception for tested units. For the air-cooled models it covers, Generac allows "18 in (457 mm) from the back side of the generator and 3 ft (0.91 m) from the front and ends," but "This offset reduction does not apply to clearances from unprotected openings," and the area above "should be at least 5 ft (1.52 m)" (Generac instruction sheet). HomeGuide gives a simpler rule: "at least five feet away from doors, windows, vents, and flammable material." Angi's installation guide gives different numbers: "Must be 4 feet away from exterior walls" and "Must be 3 feet away from any flammable materials." Other brands' manuals may differ, and your installer should follow the manual for your unit and your local code.
- Property-line setbacks: set locally. Doylestown and Pocopson say 7 feet; East Caln says 10 feet (see permits above). Philadelphia's zoning exemption only applies if the unit is "not within a required setback from the property line." On a Philadelphia rowhouse lot, that can limit where a generator can go (our reading).
- Noise in Philadelphia: the noise code bars sound from a residential property "audible at a distance greater than one hundred feet from the property boundary or that exceeds 3 decibels above background level measured beyond the property boundary." Air conditioners get a looser limit (5 dB above background at the nearest occupied residential property); we found no similar exception or exemption for generators, including during outages (Philadelphia Code §10-403, as posted Oct 2021). HomeGuide says "Most generators produce 60 to 70 decibels (dB) from 25 feet away." We couldn't confirm how the city enforces this for generators.
- Noise in New Jersey: the state noise code's limits apply to "sound from industrial facilities, commercial facilities, and community service facilities," and its generator exception covers "Emergency electricity generators at an industrial, commercial, or community service facility in use during an electrical outage" (N.J.A.C. 7:29). For a home generator, check your town's noise ordinance (our reading).
- HOAs and condos: Angi suggests finding out whether your HOA requires approval; East Caln and Harrison Township ask for HOA or condo approval with the permit.
Running and maintenance costs
| Item | Price (national) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance | $200–$650 per year (HomeGuide); $80–$300 (Angi; doesn't say how often) | HomeGuide maintenance; Angi |
| Maintenance by fuel | Natural gas $200–$650; propane $200–$600; portable $50–$150 | HomeGuide maintenance |
| Service call minimum | $150–$300+ | Same |
| Transfer switch repair | $50–$400 | Same |
| Fuel | See the natural gas vs. propane table above |
HomeGuide maintenance (Jan 14, 2026) and Angi (updated Sep 1, 2026), national, checked Oct 31, 2026.
HomeGuide says standby generators last "15 to 30 years" or "10,000 to 30,000 hours," that manufacturers recommend running one "up to 500 hours continuously, or about three weeks," and that "Reputable brands offer 5- to 10-year limited warranties" (HomeGuide).
Safety: portable generators and backfeed
- Carbon monoxide: the CPSC says to run portable generators "outside only, at least 20 feet away from the house," and that "More than 80 consumers die each year from CO poisoning caused by portable generators" (CPSC). It also says "Don't operate a generator on a porch or in a carport" (CPSC, 2025). Generac recommends CO detectors on each level of the home next to a standby generator.
- Backfeed: the PA PUC says "Don't connect your generator directly to your home's wiring," because it can "back-feed" into power lines (PA PUC). PECO says backfeed "can be enough to kill utility employees" (PECO Connection, Jan 29, 2021). Harrison Township requires a permit for a portable generator's inlet, transfer switch or interlock, and says an interlock "must be listed and labeled by recognized testing lab"; Schuylkill Township calls for "a mandatory interlock" for portable generators connected to the service panel.
Rebates, tax credits and insurance
- Utility rebates: we found no generator rebates on the PECO, PPL, PGW, Atlantic City Electric or South Jersey Gas rebate pages we checked (Oct 30–31, 2026). See our rebate guide for what they do cover.
- Home batteries instead: PSE&G's GridSmart Battery Program advertises "$5,000 in instant rebates" and "$25,000 in interest-free, on‑bill repayment" for home batteries, and says it's "subject to change, including termination, without prior notice" (PSE&G). It's a PSE&G program for home batteries, not generators. We didn't check battery prices.
- Federal tax credits: the IRS lists "Battery storage technology" under the 25D credit, not generators, and says 25D "is not available for any property placed in service after December 31, 2025" (IRS 25D). The 25C home improvement credit covered improvements "through December 31, 2025" and doesn't list generators (IRS 25C; our reading).
- Insurance discounts: we couldn't confirm any homeowners insurance discount for a standby generator. Ask your insurer.
How to get and compare quotes
- Call your gas utility first if you want natural gas, and ask whether your meter and service can carry the generator (PECO requires approval for new gas loads).
- Get at least three written, in-person estimates. HomeGuide recommends "at least three in-person estimates," electricians with generator experience and, for gas or propane, "a pro who is certified for gas plumbing." It also says "Avoid selecting the lowest quote as quality may suffer" and to "Get a full breakdown of all costs involved" (HomeGuide).
- Make sure each quote lists the same things: generator model and kW; transfer switch type and amps; load management; gas line length; pad; permits; electrical inspection agency (Philadelphia); and removal of any old equipment.
- Check registration and the contract. In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, home improvement contracts over $500 must be in writing, and you have a right to cancel; see the "Hiring a contractor" section of our sewer line guide and the quotes section of our HVAC guide.
Red flags (as of Oct 31, 2026):
- A size picked without a load calculation, or an automatic transfer switch with no load management on a generator smaller than your full load (our reading of the township rules above).
- No permits, or a contractor who says Philadelphia doesn't need an inspection agency. L&I requires one for electrical work.
- A placement that ignores the manual: closer than 5 feet to a window, door or vent, or inside a property-line setback.
- A large upfront payment. HomeGuide says "Avoid making large payments upfront."
- A portable generator wired straight into the panel without a transfer switch or interlock.
- Rebate or tax credit promises. We found none for generators.
Questions to ask each installer:
- What size do I need, and can I see the load calculation?
- Is the transfer switch automatic, and does it include load management?
- Has my gas utility approved the load? Who handles that request?
- How long is the gas line, and who installs it? (In New Jersey, ask which state license the installer holds for gas piping; see the licensing section.)
- Where will the unit sit, and how far is it from windows, doors, vents and my property line?
- Who pulls the permits, and are permit and inspection fees in the price?
- Is the pad pre-cast or poured, and is it included?
- What are the generator and labor warranties?
- What does annual maintenance cost, and do you offer a plan?
- What's the payment schedule?
FAQ
How much does a whole-house generator cost in Philadelphia? We don't have local quotes. Angi's Philadelphia page says $5,357 on average (often $2,487–$8,256), but it looks like an adjusted national figure. Nationally, HomeGuide gives $6,000–$11,000 installed, or up to $24,000 for long runs or big units.
Do I need a permit for a standby generator in Philadelphia? Expect an L&I Electrical Permit with a licensed electrical inspection agency, and a Mechanical Permit for natural gas piping. You don't need a zoning permit if the generator isn't in a required setback.
Is natural gas or propane cheaper to run? HomeGuide's national table puts natural gas at $30–$40 a day for a 20 kW unit, vs. $150–$170 for propane. Angi's Philadelphia page says the opposite about natural gas. Ask your installer to estimate using your utility's rates.
Are there rebates or tax credits for generators? We found none. The federal 25D credit covered home batteries, not generators, and ended for property placed in service after December 31, 2025.
How loud is a standby generator? HomeGuide says most produce 60–70 dB from 25 feet away. Philadelphia's noise code doesn't list a generator exception, so placement matters.
Thinking about a project?
If you'd like a quote from a local installer, you can use our quote form. We may be paid by contractors when we refer a job to them. That doesn't change the costs, rules or rebates in this guide, which come from the sources listed below. Learn how we make money.
Sources
All checked Oct 31, 2026 unless noted.
- HomeGuide, Whole house generator cost (Dec 30, 2025; national figures): https://homeguide.com/costs/generator-cost
- HomeGuide, Generator cost (Dec 30, 2025; national figures): https://homeguide.com/costs/generator-costs
- HomeGuide, Natural gas generator cost (Dec 29, 2025; national figures): https://homeguide.com/costs/natural-gas-generator-cost
- HomeGuide, Generator transfer switch installation cost (Apr 5, 2023; national figures): https://homeguide.com/costs/generator-transfer-switch-installation-cost
- HomeGuide, Generator repair and maintenance cost (Jan 14, 2026; national figures): https://homeguide.com/costs/generator-repair-and-maintenance-cost
- HomeGuide, Gas line installation cost (Jan 6, 2026; national figures): https://homeguide.com/costs/gas-line-installation-cost
- HomeGuide, Propane tank cost (Apr 5, 2023; national figures): https://homeguide.com/costs/propane-tank-cost
- Angi, How Much Does a Whole-House Generator Cost? (updated Sep 1, 2026; national figures): https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator.htm
- Angi, Whole-house generator cost in Philadelphia, PA (updated Mar 26, 2026; checked Oct 30–31, 2026): https://www.angi.com/articles/how-much-does-it-cost-install-generator/pa/philadelphia
- Angi, Installing a whole-house generator (updated Jul 8, 2026): https://www.angi.com/articles/installing-whole-house-generator.htm
- Angi, Generator vs. inverter generator (updated Jul 9, 2026): https://www.angi.com/articles/generator-vs-inverter-generator.htm
- City of Philadelphia L&I, Get an Electrical Permit: https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/apply-for-a-permit/building-and-repair-permits/get-an-electrical-permit/
- City of Philadelphia L&I, Get a Mechanical Permit: https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/apply-for-a-permit/building-and-repair-permits/get-a-mechanical-permit/
- City of Philadelphia, Get a Zoning Permit: https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/apply-for-a-permit/zoning-permits/get-a-zoning-permit/
- City of Philadelphia, Air Management install permit: https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/apply-for-a-permit/air-management-equipment-permits/apply-to-install-equipment-that-emits-or-controls-air-pollution/
- City of Philadelphia L&I, Register as a generator manufacturer representative: https://www.phila.gov/services/permits-violations-licenses/get-a-license/trade-licenses/register-as-a-generator-manufacturer-representative/
- Philadelphia Code Chapter 10-400, Noise (PDF posted Oct 2021): https://www.phila.gov/media/20211008145350/Noise-Code-20211008.pdf
- PGW, The Gas Main and Service Installation Process (rev. July 2024): https://www.pgworks.com/uploads/pdfs/GasMain-and-ServiceInstallationProcess_1.pdf
- PECO, Application for Natural Gas Service (Dec 17, 2025): https://www.peco.com/cdn/assets/v3/assets/blt1b5616c79bacadb4/bltc1808e0af60e43b0/69a1b302cfb4d461151ec645/Natural_Gas_Application_12_17_2025.pd.pdf?branch=prod_alias
- 34 Pa. Code §403.62, Permit requirements and exemptions: https://www.pacodeandbulletin.gov/secure/pacode/data/034/chapter403/s403.62.html
- PA Department of Labor & Industry, Contractor Licensing: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/programs-services/labor-management-relations/bureau-of-occupational-and-industrial-safety/uniform-construction-code-home/contractor-licensing
- Doylestown Borough, Standby/Backup Generators (updated Sept 26, 2026): https://www.doylestownpa.org/media/5237/standby-generators-updated-sept-2026.pdf
- Pocopson Township, Standby Generator Permit packet (Jan 2025): https://pocopson.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/Standby-Generator-Permit-Jan-2025-Full-Packet.pdf
- East Caln Township, Generator Permit Checklist: https://www.eastcalntownship.gov/DocumentCenter/View/602/GENERATOR-PERMIT-CHECKLIST
- Schuylkill Township, Generator Permit Requirements (2016): https://www.schuylkilltwp.org/DocumentCenter/View/152/Generator-Permit-Requirements-PDF
- Harrison Township (Gloucester County, NJ), Permit Requirements for Stand-by Generators (scanned 2013 handout): https://harrisontwp.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Stand-By-Generators0001.pdf
- NJ DCA, Construction Permit Application Packet & Related Forms: https://www.nj.gov/dca/codes/resources/constructionpermitforms.shtml
- N.J.A.C. 5:23-2.17A, Minor work (via Cornell LII): https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-5-23-2-17A
- N.J.S.A. 45:5A-9 (via Justia, 2025): https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-45/section-45-5a-9/
- N.J.S.A. 45:5A-18 (via Justia, 2025): https://law.justia.com/codes/new-jersey/title-45/section-45-5a-18/
- N.J.A.C. 13:32-1.4, Scope of practice (via Cornell LII): https://www.law.cornell.edu/regulations/new-jersey/N-J-A-C-13-32-1-4
- N.J.A.C. 7:29, Noise Control (NJ DEP): https://dep.nj.gov/wp-content/uploads/rules/rules/njac7_29.pdf
- Generac, Instruction sheet (site selection and clearances): https://productmanuals.generac.com/api/manualfiles/G0072280/A0001446325/0
- CPSC, What to Know About Generators and Carbon Monoxide (2022): https://www.cpsc.gov/s3fs-public/468_WhattoKnowGenerators_2022_v5.pdf
- CPSC, winter safety news release (2025): https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2025/As-Winter-Weather-Impacts-Millions-CPSC-Issues-Safety-Tips-to-Help-Families-Prevent-Carbon-Monoxide-Poisoning-and-Fires
- PA PUC, Portable Generator Safety: https://www.puc.pa.gov/General/consumer_ed/pdf/Portable_Generator_FS.pdf
- PECO Connection, Beware of backfeed when using generators (Jan 29, 2021): https://www.pecoconnection.com/2021/01/29/beware-of-backfeed-when-using-generators/
- PSE&G, GridSmart Battery Program: https://homeenergy.pseg.com/gridsmart
- IRS, Residential Clean Energy Credit (25D): https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/residential-clean-energy-credit
- IRS, Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit (25C): https://www.irs.gov/credits-deductions/energy-efficient-home-improvement-credit