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Power cuts don't happen every day, but when they do, they can be incredibly disruptive.

You might be here because you:

• Work from home and can't afford to lose internet access during an outage

• Live in a rural area where power cuts are more common

• Run a holiday let that needs reliable electricity

• Simply want the reassurance that your heating, lighting and fridge will keep running during severe weather

The right generator can provide backup power for anything from a few essential appliances to your entire home.

The cost depends largely on the type of generator you choose, how much power you need and whether you're looking for a portable backup or a permanently installed standby system.

This guide explains typical home generator installation costs, what affects the price, ongoing running costs and whether installing a generator is the right choice for your home.

How much does home generator installation cost?

Professional installation typically costs around £1,000, regardless of the generator size.

The biggest difference in price comes from the generator itself, with larger, more powerful models costing considerably more than smaller portable units.

As a guide, a whole-house standby generator typically costs £2,000–£10,000+ for the unit, plus around £1,000 for professional installation.

That means budgeting approximately £3,000–£11,000 for a permanently installed backup power system.

Generator supply costs

The generator itself is usually the largest part of your budget.

Smaller portable generators suitable for powering a handful of essential appliances start from around £300, while larger standby generators designed to power an entire home can cost £10,000+ or more.

Installation costs

Most standby generators require professional installation by a qualified electrician.

Installation typically costs around £1,000, although more complex projects involving long cable runs, a concrete base or additional electrical work may increase the final price.

Get quotes for home generator installation

Every property is different, so the easiest way to understand what your installation will cost is to compare quotes from checked electricians or generator specialists in your area.

When requesting quotes, it helps to know:

• Whether you want a portable or standby generator

• Which appliances you'd like to keep running during a power cut

• Whether your property has access to natural gas or LPG

• Where you'd like the generator installed

• Whether any additional electrical work may be required

What affects the cost of home generator installation?

Several factors influence the overall cost of installing a home generator.

• Generator size: The larger the generator, the more electricity it can produce, and the more it will cost to buy. A small portable generator designed to keep a few essentials running costs significantly less than a whole-house standby system capable of powering your entire property

• Portable or standby generator: Portable generators are the more affordable option. They're ideal if you only need temporary backup power for essentials such as your fridge, lighting, Wi-Fi router or laptop. Standby generators cost considerably more because they're permanently installed, connected to your home's electrical system and start automatically when there's a power cut

• Installation complexity: Straightforward installations are usually less expensive than projects requiring a concrete base for the generator, long cable runs, underground cabling, consumer unit upgrades or additional electrical work

• Fuel type: Different generators run on different fuels, including petrol, diesel, LPG and natural gas. The fuel you choose affects not only the purchase price, but also the long-term running costs and any additional installation work that may be required

• Property layout: The distance between the generator and your consumer unit, restricted access around the property and the location of existing services can all affect installation time and labour costs

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What size generator do I need?

Choosing the right generator isn't just about buying the biggest model you can afford. It's about matching the generator to how you expect to use it.

Keeping the essentials running

If your priority is staying connected during a short power cut, a small portable generator may be all you need.

It's often enough to keep essentials such as:

• Wi-Fi

• Mobile phone chargers

• A laptop

• A few lights

• A fridge or freezer

For many people working from home, this level of backup power is enough to avoid losing a day's work while waiting for electricity to be restored.

Powering a typical family home

If you'd like to keep several appliances running at the same time, such as lighting, refrigeration, heating controls and some kitchen appliances, you'll need a larger generator with a higher power output.

Many households find this strikes a good balance between installation cost and the level of backup power available.

Whole-house backup power

For larger homes, rural properties, holiday lets or smallholdings, a permanently installed standby generator can provide uninterrupted backup power whenever the mains electricity fails.

This type of system is particularly valuable where losing power would cause significant disruption. For example, if guests are staying in holiday accommodation or your business depends on a reliable electricity supply.

Portable vs standby generators

Both types of generator provide backup power during a power cut, but they're designed for different situations.

Portable generators

Portable generators are the lower-cost option and are ideal if you only need occasional backup power.

You wheel them into position when needed, fill the fuel tank and start the engine manually.

They're well suited to powering a few essential appliances during shorter outages, but they need refuelling and should never be used indoors or in an enclosed space due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

A portable generator could be a good choice if you:

• Work from home and want to keep your laptop and Wi-Fi running

• Want to protect the contents of your fridge and freezer

• Experience only occasional power cuts

• Need temporary power for outdoor projects or events

Standby generators

Standby generators are permanently installed outside your home and connected directly to your electrical system.

If the mains electricity fails, they detect the outage and switch on automatically within seconds.

Most run on natural gas or LPG, so there's no need to store petrol or diesel on site.

Although they're more expensive to install, they provide a much higher level of convenience and peace of mind.

A standby generator may be worth considering if you:

• Live in an area where power cuts are more frequent

• Run a holiday let, home business or smallholding

• Need uninterrupted power for medical equipment

• Want your heating, lighting and appliances to continue working automatically during an outage

How much does it cost to run a generator?

The cost of running a generator depends on its size, fuel type and how often you use it.

As a guide, a typical petrol-powered portable generator costs around £1–£3 per hour to run.

Standby generators powered by LPG or natural gas often cost less per hour, although they have higher installation costs.

Most standby generators also carry out a short self-test every week, usually lasting between five and ten minutes. This uses a small amount of fuel but helps ensure the generator is ready when it's needed.

Generator servicing costs

Like any engine, a standby generator needs regular servicing to keep it running reliably.

Budget around £100–£250 per year for an annual service, which typically includes:

• Checking the engine

• Testing the automatic transfer switch

• Inspecting electrical connections

• Replacing filters where required

• Topping up fluids

Regular servicing also helps maintain the manufacturer's warranty and reduces the risk of unexpected breakdowns.

Thinking about a solar battery instead?

If you're already planning to install solar panels (or you have an existing solar PV system) a battery storage system is another option worth considering.

Unlike a generator, a solar battery stores electricity for later use, so there's no engine noise, fuel storage or annual servicing.

Depending on the size of the battery and how your system is configured, it can keep essential appliances such as lighting, Wi-Fi and phone chargers running during a power cut.

As a guide:

• A 4kWh solar battery costs around £4,000

• A complete solar panel, inverter and battery storage system typically costs around £12,000

If you'd like to explore this option, read our solar battery storage system cost guide to compare costs, running costs and installation requirements.

What's included in a generator installation quote?

A standard installation quote will usually include:

• Positioning and securing the generator

• Wiring the generator to your consumer unit

• Installing an automatic transfer switch

• Testing and commissioning the system

• Removing packaging and leaving the work area tidy

Additional costs to consider

Alongside the generator itself, there are a few other costs that may apply depending on your property and the type of system you choose.

Concrete base

Standby generators are usually installed on a solid concrete base to provide a stable, level surface.

If one isn't already in place, you'll need to budget for a new base before installation. Our concrete pouring cost guide explains what's involved and typical costs.

Automatic transfer switch

An automatic transfer switch safely changes your home's electricity supply from the grid to the generator during a power cut and switches it back again once mains power returns.

If it isn't included in your quote, this will be an additional cost to factor into your budget.

Consumer unit upgrades

Older consumer units may need upgrading before a standby generator can be connected safely.

If your installer identifies this during their survey, they'll explain the work required before providing a quote.

Underground cabling

If the generator needs to be positioned some distance from your home, underground cabling may be required. The cost depends on the cable run, ground conditions and access around your property.

LPG storage tank

If you're installing an LPG-powered standby generator and don't already have a suitable tank, this will be an additional installation cost.

Soundproof enclosure

Some homeowners choose to install an acoustic enclosure to reduce operating noise, particularly where the generator is close to neighbouring properties.

Extended warranty

Many manufacturers offer extended warranty packages, providing additional cover beyond the standard warranty period for extra peace of mind.

Generator installer hourly rates

Although many installers quote a fixed price for the complete job, it's useful to understand typical labour rates.

Qualified electricians typically charge £40–£70 per hour, with an average hourly rate of around £55.

Electrical work for a standby generator usually takes between four and eight hours, although larger or more complex installations may take longer.

If your consumer unit needs upgrading before the generator can be connected, it's worth reading our fuse box replacement cost guide to understand the potential additional costs.

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How long does generator installation take?

The installation time depends on the type of generator you choose.

• A portable generator is ready to use as soon as it's fuelled and prepared according to the manufacturer's instructions

• A standby generator typically takes one to two days to install

If a concrete base needs to be laid first, allow additional time before installation can begin. Your installer will advise how long the base should cure before the generator is positioned and connected.

Estimate your generator installation cost

The quickest way to estimate your project cost is to consider whether you need a portable or standby generator, the size of generator required, whether additional electrical work is needed and any groundwork, such as a concrete base, before installation.

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This calculator provides a guide price only. For a more accurate estimate, compare quotes from checked electricians or generator specialists working in your area.

Can I install a generator myself?

Whether you can take a DIY approach depends on the type of generator.

Portable generators

You can set up a portable generator yourself because there's no permanent wiring involved.

However, it's important to use it safely:

• Never run it inside your home, garage or any enclosed space

• Position it well away from doors, windows and air vents

• Use a carbon monoxide detector nearby

• Follow the manufacturer's guidance for refuelling and operation

Portable generators should only be connected directly to the appliances you want to power. They should never be plugged into your home's electrical system.

Standby generators

Standby generators should always be installed by a qualified electrician.

Installation involves permanently connecting the generator to your home's electrical system using an automatic transfer switch.

This work will normally fall under Part P of the building regulations and must comply with the relevant electrical safety requirements.

Professional installation also helps ensure your generator operates safely, protects your manufacturer's warranty and gives you confidence it'll work properly when you need it most.

What are the benefits of installing a home generator?

A home generator can provide reassurance as well as practical backup power during an outage.

The main benefits include:

• Keeping essential appliances running during a power cut

• Protecting chilled and frozen food from spoiling

• Helping you continue working from home

• Providing backup power during severe weather

• Supporting homes, holiday lets and businesses where power interruptions would cause significant disruption

• Giving you greater peace of mind if you live in an area where outages are more common

Generator installation checklist

Before requesting quotes:

• Decide whether a portable or standby generator best suits your needs

• Make a list of the appliances you'd like to keep running during a power cut

• Choose a suitable location for the generator with safe access and ventilation

• Check whether a concrete base or additional electrical work may be required

• Compare quotes from checked electricians or generator specialists

• Confirm exactly what's included in each quotation

• Review the warranty and recommended servicing schedule before purchasing

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Up to £1000. Eligibility criteria and T&C’s apply.

Find a checked generator installer near you

Installing a standby generator is a specialist job that requires careful planning and safe electrical connections.

When requesting quotes, tell installers:

• Whether you're interested in a portable or standby generator

• The appliances or areas of your home you'd like to power

• Whether your property has access to natural gas or LPG

• Any access restrictions around the installation area

• If you're considering additional work, such as a consumer unit upgrade or concrete base

Comparing quotes from a selection of checked electricians or generator specialists is the easiest way to understand your options and choose the right installer for your property.

Home generator installation cost FAQs

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