What does a whole-home generator cost in New Jersey?
A whole-home standby generator in Central NJ costs between $7,000 and $20,000 installed. The average job runs about $12,000.
That includes the generator unit, concrete pad, automatic transfer switch, gas line connection (by a licensed plumber), electrical hookup, permits, and inspection.
| Generator Size | Typical Cost (Installed) | Powers |
|---|---|---|
| 10-14 kW | $7,000 - $10,000 | Essentials: lights, fridge, sump pump, a few outlets |
| 16-22 kW | $10,000 - $15,000 | Most of the house, including AC (one zone) |
| 24-48 kW | $15,000 - $20,000+ | Entire house, central AC, electric range, EV charger |
How to figure out what size you need
Generator sizing is based on your electrical load, not your house size. A 2,000 square foot house with gas heat, gas stove, and no central AC needs far less generator than a similar house with electric heat, an electric range, and a 3-ton AC unit.
Bruce does a full load calculation during the free estimate. He adds up every circuit you want powered during an outage, accounts for motor startup surges (AC compressors and sump pumps draw 3 to 4 times their running watts when they kick on), and recommends a generator sized with 20% headroom.
Oversizing wastes money. Undersizing causes the generator to overload and shut down when your AC compressor starts. Both are avoidable with a proper load calculation.
Generac vs Kohler vs Briggs & Stratton
These are the three brands we install most. Here is the honest comparison.
Generac has the largest market share (about 75% of residential standby generators). Parts are widely available, service is easy to find, and the price is competitive. The Guardian series (10-26 kW) is the most popular line for homeowners. Generac units run on natural gas or propane.
Kohler costs 15 to 25% more than comparable Generac units. The build quality is excellent, and they run quieter. Kohler generators are common in higher-end installations and commercial applications. If noise is a concern (close neighbors, small lot), Kohler is worth the premium.
Briggs & Stratton offers budget-friendly units in the 10-20 kW range. They get the job done. Parts and service are less readily available than Generac, which can be a factor if something breaks at 2 AM during a storm.
For most NJ homeowners, Generac is the best value. If you want quieter operation or have a larger home, look at Kohler.
What affects the price?
Generator size. The unit itself is 50 to 60% of the total cost. A 14 kW Generac Guardian runs about $4,500. A 24 kW unit runs about $7,500.
Gas line work. If your gas meter is close to the generator location, the gas line run is short and inexpensive ($500 to $1,000). If the meter is on the opposite side of the house, a longer gas line run adds cost. This work is done by a licensed plumber.
Distance from panel. The automatic transfer switch installs next to your main electrical panel. The generator sits outside (usually beside the house). A longer wiring run between the two increases cost.
Concrete pad. Every standby generator sits on a concrete or composite pad. A standard pad costs $300 to $600 installed.
Permits. NJ requires both an electrical permit and a gas/plumbing permit for generator installations. Combined permit costs in Middlesex County typically run $200 to $400.
Utility coordination. PSE&G and JCP&L need to approve the transfer switch installation to make sure it isolates your house from the grid during an outage. This prevents backfeeding, which is dangerous for utility workers. Your electrician handles this coordination.
What does installation look like?
The whole process takes 2 to 4 weeks from estimate to final inspection, with 1 to 2 days of actual on-site work.
Week 1: Estimate and load calculation. Bruce comes out, walks your property, identifies the best generator location (considering noise, gas line access, and setback requirements), and runs a load calculation. You get a written quote.
Week 2: Permits and ordering. We pull permits and order the generator. Most units ship within 3 to 7 business days.
Week 3: Installation (1-2 days). Day 1: concrete pad pour, generator placement, gas line connection (plumber), electrical hookup, transfer switch installation. Day 2 (if needed): testing, programming, homeowner walkthrough.
Week 4: Inspection. Township electrical and plumbing inspectors verify everything. Once approved, the generator is live and will start automatically within 10 seconds of a power outage.
How does a standby generator actually work?
The generator monitors your utility power 24/7. When power goes out, the automatic transfer switch disconnects your house from the grid and connects it to the generator. The generator starts and reaches full power within 10 seconds. You might notice a brief flicker, then everything comes back on.
When utility power returns, the process reverses. The transfer switch reconnects you to the grid and the generator shuts down. You do not need to do anything.
The generator runs a self-test once a week (usually for 12 minutes) to keep the engine lubricated and the battery charged. You will hear it cycle on and off. That is normal.
Maintenance costs
Standby generators need annual maintenance, similar to a car. Expect to spend $200 to $400 per year for:
- Oil and filter change
- Air filter replacement
- Spark plug inspection/replacement
- Battery check
- Transfer switch testing
- Load bank test (every 2-3 years)
Do I need a whole-home generator or just a transfer switch?
If you already own a portable generator, you can install a manual transfer switch ($500 to $1,200 installed) that lets you safely connect it to your panel. You still have to go outside, start the generator, run extension cords or flip the transfer switch, and refuel it every 8 to 12 hours.
A standby generator costs more upfront but starts automatically, runs on your existing gas line (no refueling), and powers your whole house without intervention. For families who travel, work from home, or have medical equipment that requires power, the automatic operation is worth it.
Get a free estimate
Call Bruce at (800) 732-0585 for a free generator installation estimate. He will do a load calculation, recommend the right size, and give you a fixed price. No surprises on the invoice.