Generac Quote Review | What does it cost?

[@richardbenson4048]

My experience in New Jersey. Cost of installation was 3 times the cost of the generator. Getting local government approvals took weeks. The mobile link does not work because I can't get connection. Requested help from installer, mobile link, and Generac but no response. Paying for service that doesn't work. Neighbor has same setup with similar problems. Any service form Install company of Generac is excessive in cost. Everything displayed is accurate as far as I can tell looking at my contract. My COPD requires oxygen that I get from respirator machines that I need 24 hrs a day. Since I don't think I can rely on the utility company. I bought the Generac. All three of the companies involved in the installation and Maintenace will not respond to any calls for help. I can't say if the other vendors of systems like this are any better or worse. Such have our companies become in this country. We are left with recourse but to accept the situation.

[@MooGary1]

Wow! We ultimately decided against doing this after going through the quote, but reviews like this would have certainly helped us make our decision. We put in a backfeed plug ourselves (I need to do a video on that) and can run a portable generator to serve our purpose (and our budget), but we don't have the medical issues like you described either... We also didn't have to get approvals, so that would be another cost/headache for folks to consider. I hate to hear it's gone badly for you, but thanks for commenting and helping others!

[@blackrifle6736]

*Once again New Jersey living down to its reputation. In your case and that of many others, "You get what you vote for" can be a life-threatening experience. Cheers and best wishes from a happy Florida 26K Generac 7291 owner.*

[@gandalfgreyhame3425]

Just installed a 22kW Generac with transfer switch panel for $11k total cost, by a major local Generac dealer- installer, after a tornado went through north Houston and wiped out power to half the city for four days. This guy had a Special Sale going with the HOA president and half the houses on our street got one. We had gotten another quote for $15k from another local electrician company when we found out about this special. It would not connect to wifi initially, even though my phone could see the wifi fine outside the house, so I called Generac, they said these generators had very weak wifis and needed a wifi extender. Bought a wifi extender on Amazon, put it inside the garage near the Generac, voila, it connected! But that process somehow messed up the time zone setting. Called Generac again, they could now see the generator since it was linked on wifi, and they said it was a software glitch, so they got their software tech guys to fix the time zone glitch in our generator remotely. That part took about 15 minutes. Got the Mobil Link app to work. You don't need to pay a fee for the basic link to see if your generator is healthy. The paid Mobil Link service just has added features like allowing you to turn the generator on remotely from your phone. All in all, I would say your problems are with the state of New Jersey and your local utilities and local installers, not with Generac.

[@gibblespascack1418]

Ours was similar to yours in upstate NY. The 14KW unit was $3600, that included the 200A transfer switch. The electrical install cost totaled $10,000 and the propane connection was extra. However, this was for my parents and after Hurricane Fran(?), and a week without power, it gives me peace of mind to know that it is ready to go. And ever since, it has worked fine. Every 2 years, I do the maintenance kit(filter and oil change), which is not too bad and after 10 years, I changed the spark plugs. It gets periodic use and there has been only one time that the unit had to run for more than 3 days. (Mom is 85 now....)

[@nhojcam]

we were without power after a hurricane for 8 days. we checked into a generac whole-house standby generator afterwards and absolutely could NOT cost-justify it. $18k. absolutely rip off on installation. i decided to put in a 10-circuit transfer switch myself ($400) and a portable 6500 watt generac ($500) gasoline generator for a grand total of less than $1000 (2023 pricing). did the 30 amp outlet and everything myself. sure, i've got to cart around and go get gas for the generator, but the hassle factor is well worth the $17k difference.

[@MooGary1]

Yeah I agree. In my other video I show my set up which is pretty similar to what you are describing kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3zGipimZtmqoK8si=5oqnRrH6fzKwY18A

[@saintmichael7252]

What happens when the gas stations run out of fuel? Last outage I dealt with in Houston, gas stations were tapped in 48hrs

[@bfranks77]

@@saintmichael7252 If you are referring to the freeze in 2021, then you were screwed either way. One of the biggest reasons so many people lost power for so long was that the natural gas production and refining got froze in. Production per day was slashed in half while consumption sky rocketed. We had tons of people in our neighborhood with useless Generac units, as the gas pressure was either too low, or non existent at times. You take risks either way, but I'd rather do some planning / preparation and be in control of those risks.

[@hungtsan9733]

@@saintmichael7252get a weeks worth of gas prep ahead

[@TananBaboo]

@@saintmichael7252well, you’re no worse off than not having a generator at that point.

[@kenherrera2819]

Your information is spot-on! We had an 18KW system installed two years ago, we have natural gas everything so didn't need as much power, the Generac-authorized dealer handled everything, from permits to supplies to complete install and our price was just a few dollars over 14K. We just wrote a check and they did everything else, it was a complete turn-key transaction! Here is something that was a pleasant surprise for us. Shortly after the install we had the house re-appraised and the appraisal sheet gave us an additional 7-thousand dollars in value for the Generac generator! When considering comparables our home was given a 7-thousand dollars credit for having a generator when the comparables had no such back up power system. In effect, while the generator cost 14-thousand thanks to the added value of our home I feel as though we got the whole thing done for 7-thosuand! I know, We DID pay 14k, but it was wonderful to see that half of that price was tacked onto the value of our home. Everything works perfectly, including Mobile Link and the generator has served us well during several blackouts!

[@MooGary1]

You know I hadn't thought about the appraisal value of the home being affected by the installation. Thats a good point. If you are going to have one installed that would help ease the pain. Thanks for the comment!

[@magooracing]

10 years ago we had a 22kw Generac with ATS installed in Houston for $9500. Our neighborhood experiences random power outages a few times a month. After hurricane Harvey we decided to get a whole house generator. We had a small Yamaha 3k watt inverter generator, but setting it up and refueling it was a bit of a hassle. We never thought we would need the generator for winter, but the ice storm a few years ago with a 2 week power outage, proved that wrong.

[@MooGary1]

You never know

[@mongo1982]

We put in a 26 kW Generac about a year and a half ago. It was a fairly complex installation given that we already had a number of underground utilities in the area (french drain, power, cable, well, irrigation line) and wanted everything perfect. Generator, ATS, a dedicated 1000-gallon propane tank, heat pump soft-start, backup propane lines (in case we wanted to run anything from the house off the big propane tank), trenching, underground and above-ground propane lines and tie-ins), permits, inspections, a big, beautiful cedar fence to hide the big propane tank from my wife’s disapproving eye…and fixing the landscaping to make it look as if none of the installation side-effects had ever occurred). I would’ve buried the big propane tank, but I didn’t want to deal with the excavation. $43,000. I shit you not. But it is perfect. Absolutely perfect. And if it ever goes TU and I want to move to a Kohler or Cummins or whatever I can just swap in the new generator easy-peasy.

[@MooGary1]

Wow, yeah yall put in a lot of additional work to really make it nice. That's definitely some things to consider on top of what they quote you! Have yall used the generator since then?

[@mongo1982]

@@MooGary1 I think we lost power three times in the past 18 months for more than 15 seconds, the longest of which was about 5 hours. We also have a 6,500W portable that we use as a backup now. But I’m in my 60s now and schlepping it out of storage when the power goes out isn’t getting any easier. And my wife wouldn’t want to deal with that once I’ve passed. Buy once, cry once. If I had another $20,000 to throw on it, I would’ve gotten a higher-quality liquid-cooled version…but I was pushing the budget as it was. And we could not have used the increased capacity, as the 26 kW version supplies more power than we ever could use, even with everything turned on. We tried it… the most we could get running and on time was about 16 kW. As is, we could easily run a 50 amp cable over to my neighbor and never notice the loss. After I’m gone I just want things to work for my wife. I guess it’s an investment of sorts.

[@mattc4153]

Estimated Costs Generac 26KW Generator: $5,000 - $6,000 200 Amp ATS: $500 - $800 Concrete Pad: $200 - $400 Wiring and Conduit: $400 - $700 Connectors and Fittings: $50 - $100 Flexible Conduit: $50 - $100 Grounding Rods and Wire: $50 - $100 Generator Battery: $100 - $150 Fuel Supply Components: $200 - $400 Total Estimated Cost Low End: $6,550 High End: $8,750

[@MooGary1]

Good thoughts. Mine did have 2 ATSs due to having 2 panels home run fed from the meter.

[@ricktrogdon2332]

how bout labor cost?

[@-Primer-]

Just paid $6400 for my 26KW with the 200 AMP ATS. 10% Military discount from Lowes.

[@jmb-cm7mr]

I paid $9,300 with install for a 18k in NY Sate in April 2024

[@Tmw2861]

That is a fair price

[@jmb-cm7mr]

I have a 18k Generac. The nice thing about it is you can shut it off if you don't want it running continuously to save on NG. My husband and I had it installed mostly because when we are not heating with wood we heat with electric and we needed something to come on Automatically when we travel in the winter months, we live in Upstate NY.

[@MooGary1]

Sounds like a good use case.

[@trith72]

That's about spot on for my install cost I had done last September. I only had 1 ATS and I went with the 24kw because I have gas heat and gas hot water heaters and gas dryer so I didn't need the extra few watts. I did have to pay a little extra because my gas and electric were on opposite sides of the house so I had to pay for the cable run across the attic. I have an elderly dad who has dementia, and I work from home in IT so I have to have power at all times, so for me 14k was a solid expense vs having to worry about my dad's health when temps in the home get to 100-120 degrees with no power. We have a lot of power outages down here in Louisiana because our grid is so old and out of date and power companies will not invest in upgrades in this state. Natural gas is dirt cheap and abundant so this was a good trade for the cost, and we've already used it for about 30 hours since install....it's nice to be able to get up, work, and go to bed in a nice warm or cool home while you neighbors are packing everything they own and trying to find a place to stay or a hotel that hasn't filled up. I can see the 14k being a tough pill to swallow if you circumstances don't 100% require it like mine did. I also have no issues with Mobilelink, it works great and never drops or goes down. My Installer is Johnny on the spot too, and they have come by twice since install just to check on things. I think a lot of it is a crap shoot on whether you get a reputable company or a fly by night. The one i went with has been around here for 30 years and is family owned. There are a lot of "pop up" installers unfortunately (especially after bad weather) who disappear like steam after the install is done, and they usually botch several things in the process. I got lucky and did my research.

[@MooGary1]

Yup, perfect scenario for this application. We went all electric (except tankless water heaters and gas logs) so our wattage was higher.

[@magooracing]

I firmly believe that a good installer makes for a trouble free unit. I used a company that’s been around for 30 years. Half their business is generator installs. From the time they came to give us an estimate til the generator was online was a month.

[@danlah1303]

Yep, the companies that specialize in generator installs are making money hand over fist. I got Honeywell-branded Generac at Costco and then found a electrical company that could install it for me including gas hookup which they dug about 6 ft underground using CSST in a conduit. The companies that specialize in generators won't install one if you buy it yourself. So I had to spend a fair amount of time finding a contractor that would. I did the generator sizing myself, which isn't hard if you can do a little bit of research and have a technical-mind. I had to do the work with the gas company to get my meter upgraded, which was a pain. I got 20kw done for about $7-8K back in 2019. I was lucky! I don't know if I could justify $15K.

[@MooGary1]

Yup, I agree.

[@maestrovso]

Because you deprive them with that extra gravy on the generator markup.

[@PeteNice29]

@@maestrovso It's part that, and partly that there's an expectation of post-installation service, which many companies are leery of doing on a device they didn't sell. That's understandable, but yes -- that also tends to increase initial labor costs, because they have that promise of support on the table that you otherwise won't have.

[@roadhammmer]

And the oh we only sell these makes and models.

[@nctrailcam81]

I was wondering how prices had changed. I got my 20kw unit installed about 10 years ago for just under 10k. But that did not include the LP run which for me was ~80ft and cost around 2k because I had the propane people do it. If you have a long LP run you should keep that in mind and if possible get the trench done yourself. Perfect excuse to rent and play with a Ditch Witch.

[@MooGary1]

Always like renting machinery myself... Wish those prices had hung around...

[@williamray8000]

Very informative and helpful for comparison to quoting my installation. Thank you!

[@MooGary1]

Welcome!

[@pedalforsanity]

I’ve had one for 6 years and it’s been great. Money spent well worth it. My install all totaled was $8k and I’d gladly spend it again

[@MooGary1]

Good deal. How much have you used yours?

[@NyMari8700]

That price tag is looong gone in 2024.

[@Asidebar]

@@NyMari8700 they are highly overpriced. General is the worse generator ever.

[@yfdfireman2]

We are similar, 4.3k sqft with electric stove, double oven, electric dryer and a 4 ton ac. I was quoted a 26kw generator with similar costs. We went with a 14kw that runs everything including the ac for about 1/2 the cost. The trick is to use a soft start on the ac which drops inrush from just over 100amps to just under 40. We could actually get by with a 6000 watt generator now. Might be something to look into with your current setup if you want ac.

[@MooGary1]

Yup, that's right. I hope folks realize there are lots of options out there and you are not necessarily stuck with the first bid you get.

[@mongo1982]

@@MooGary1 Absolutely right about the soft start

[@oldtimer3180]

Not so install MUST be for anticipated load stove and dryer would require at least a 14 by themselves.

[@09X19]

That is ballpark of what I spent last year in mid-Michigan. Only other add was $700 for a larger gas meter. Nearly a year later, it has ran a total of 56 hours over 3 separate outages. If your individual circumstances can justify the cost...it is a nice luxury. As you would expect with a generator of this size...a power outage is a non-event, power to spare for EVERYTHING. If not for the 'lawn mower' noise outside ...you wouldn't know utilities were down. But yes...very expensive.

[@MooGary1]

56 hours in a year is a lot so sounds like you definitely needed it!

[@anthonydooley3616]

I agree. $15,000 is way too much. I don't know why you would need two ATS. I would buy the generator and ATS. Then get a few quotes from local electricians for installation. You can save a bunch of money on installation this way. They added a lot of small things that aren't necessary. like carbon monoxide detector? The generator is outside. A friend of mine bought a brand new propane generator 22kw on marketplace for about half price. It had never been installed and was still in the box. He hooked it up himself and it works fine.

[@MooGary1]

For me, I have 2 separate panels that have homeruns back to the meter so that is why they quoted me 2. Agree on the shopping around for sure.

[@oldtimer3180]

Remember if not installed by a certified generator installer not just a electrician then NO warranty.

[@jc8247]

We live in Florida and my wife and I are both 79 years old, we decided that we needed a backup generator. Like you say the price is outrageous, but living in florida everything is way way over priced, but what can you do, you either pay or go without. At our age going without was not an option. I wish we did this years ago. I agree with this guy.

[@ronpecinajr]

Price is outrageous? You must not have a clue what labor and materials, not to mention training to get these generators up and running.

[@MooGary1]

Sounds like a perfect use case for a system like this for sure.

[@Asidebar]

@@ronpecinajrThere is no doubt about it, Price is outrageous. General is junk.

[@noeltomas]

Well I had this bright idea that I was going to get a home back up generator like this Generac here, since most of my neighbors have it and the last time we had a hurricane outage, it lasted 21 days. But then my wife has a brighter idea. She says why not go for solar panels instead. So I did. For a net cost of $16,500 I now have a 12 kilowatt system that generates power every day. There are at least four months of the year where my electric bill is negative (I pay zero) and the utility saves the KWHrs for me. I love it. We haven't had a power outage since I got the panels so I'm way ahead. Ha.

[@MooGary1]

Nice! What part of the country are you in?

[@1dartow]

My experience in Tennessee was, the Generator itself was about $5k but the installation was double that.

[@MooGary1]

Seems about in line.

[@Asidebar]

@@MooGary1 Which is a rip off.

[@davelamboley1695]

Seems I'm in agreement with most of ya's, way to expensive for what ya get. A little romex, a receptacle and 15000 watt generator and I power my house for under $3000. True, I gotta be home but factor in everything and I'm still satisfied.

[@MooGary1]

Thats what I ended up doing. Here is that video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3zGipimZtmqoK8

[@Asidebar]

I agree Generac generators are junk and highly overpriced.

[@DJL0455]

I thought about one of there when we moved into our house 27 years ago. Then I came to my senses.

[@MooGary1]

I bet it would have been cheaper then!

[@REVNUMANEWBERN]

Worked 40+ years for a lawn Mower MFG that was bought out by B&S, one day we got a shipment in our Ga. warehouse straight from the Savannah port, we opened the trailer door and there was OVER 5 well known U.S. brand names on the boxes of ALL generators, and the kicker was they ALL came out of the same MFG plant in CHINA

[@MooGary1]

Wow!

[@rudbeckia885]

@@REVNUMANEWBERN any hondas

[@rupe53]

@@rudbeckia885 Honda does NOT make an automatic standby unit.

[@rudbeckia885]

@@rupe53 there are kits that enable the electric start models to remote start

[@rupe53]

@@rudbeckia885 remote start from 100 feet away is not the same as AutoStart on a power failure, nor does that make it a standby set.

[@NyMari8700]

Yup in 2024 $13k+ and up seems to be the going rate. Then on top of all this you have to maintain it monthly, do the changes, and you must have Generac service it annually or your warranty is void. Then when you actually need it the cost of running it daily is crazy. Watching what others have gone through made me run fast.

[@MooGary1]

Yeah we ultimately got turned off due to the cost of something you hope you never use...

[@jmb-cm7mr]

I have one there is no monthly maintenance only yearly maint of changing oil and filter.

[@mattc4153]

2261.10 for basic install materials? Really? That's BS. The labor is 4K with his quote. The price of the generator is has another 1K added. You can get both the ATS and Generator for under 7K.

[@MooGary1]

Man I know it.

[@BrianD-ds4dx]

If you required two ATS, am I to assume that you have a 400 Amp electrical service? That certainly adds additional work for the individuals who are doing the electrical work but it also makes me wonder if anyone explained to you that you technically probably would have to have load management for your system to work properly. I do see that they bid you on soft starts for your AC. I am a huge fan of those in the south and wish AC companies would push them harder the soft starts can be really good for the compressor

[@MooGary1]

Yes that is correct, very observant. I like the soft starts as well, not sure why they haven't transitioned to installing those on the AC units from the factory by default (other than additional cost).

[@BrianD-ds4dx]

@@MooGary1 it is cost, 100%. I’m In the generator business along the Gulf Coast. One comment I will make as a cautionary one is that if you end up running your genset in a summer outage for more than about 36-48 hours continual run, the engine has a tendency to bog down. You will certainly need to add some oil, which I suggest doing after a manual shutdown early in the AM. Thanks for the vid

[@ThePilotbuzz]

Generac recently quoted us $28K, main reason was distance from generator to service panel, size of generator, and gas plumbing. Hill Country Texas. For $40K (after tax credit) we can get a solar system with battery backup that will power the entire house, and no more electric bill ($350/mo). Solar prices and batteries are dropping fast this Spring, finally getting to where they make sense financially - especially if you take of $28K that it would cost for a generator. I did get 2 other quotes, cheapest was $26K.

[@MooGary1]

Wow! For what size load?

[@Buzz-ep6iu]

32kw, actually needed a bit more but that was the smallest that they said they could install due to our loads. That or rewire house with backup circuits separated.

[@6-Iron]

How long do the solar panels last? My experience with solar landscape lighting has not been very impressive.

[@Buzz-ep6iu]

@@6-Ironthey come with a warranty that has them at 92% of new output at 25 years, at my age I won’t know when they fail.

[@kcgunesq]

In my personal experience, you can save several thousand dollars if you are willing to act as the general contractor, hiring the plumber and electrician. You will save even more if you are willing to install the trench yourself. Even renting a large trencher will likely be at least $1,000 less than having the plumber do it.

[@MooGary1]

That's a really good suggestion to help take the edge off the cost.

[@larrymorris7569]

Our company sells, installs and services generators in KC. Do your research. There are options other than Generac. Some built in the US. As far as cost, like most things, you get what you pay for. It seems fair to expect a competent, trained and licensed person/company to get paid for their work. Older persons and ones with medical needs are usually pretty pretty glad they have their system when the power goes out.

[@MooGary1]

Agreed with the elderly for sure. What other bran of generators would yall recommend?

[@Asidebar]

@@MooGary1 Anything brand is better than Gererac.

[@jmb-cm7mr]

@@Asidebar I have a Generac and know others who have had them for years and have never had problems with them starting in an outage or any other issues.

[@TexasEngineer]

How do you handle the adequate natural gas supply. Does someone check out the meter to see if the supply is large enough? Also can the gas company supply the gas? I am all electric with 150 amp service and electric strip heat and I have a natural gas line in my easement. I can’t justify the cost savings to convert to gas based on electric cost savings. There is about a $40 minimum charge for gas per month. Is propane a viable option? Gasoline goes bad and hard to purchase during a power outage. Diesel, how long will it last in storage? Are there any diesel generators available?

[@MooGary1]

The guys coming out to do the install will look at the size of your gas meter. I believe in the quote it spells out the flow rate required. With a 150 amp circuit, your generator is going to be smaller than the one I had quoted. Yes they have propane versions and those are very popular. You'll need a tank, but if you are not using natural now (or don't have that available in the first place) then many folks go propane. Diseal is usually used in industrial applications.

[@TexasEngineer]

@@MooGary1 Thanks for the good information. The Texas winter storm, Uri, put a kink in my generator plans. You see my electric heater is on a 100 amp breaker and can pull 82 or 42 amps (high or low speed). Every thing was good to go with my new 5 ton variable speed ac that draws only 16 amps on high. Then I found out I had to compensate for heating too. Plus 4500 w electric water heater, I think I may need a bigger generator. I also need to upgrade my breaker box because of age and the obsolete brand of breakers. The whole thing is in a permanent dilemma over the propane tank. How big, rent or buy, and how to get it refilled especially during a natural disaster. The propane companies are picky on refilling anything but their own tanks. And when you have very low usage during a typical year, things get awkward on refills. Now the unknown question, will propane work in the 20’s F? It is looking like a dual fuel generator, propane and gasoline is the best option. Propane for long term storage and gasoline for refill-ability during an outage. Does Generac come in dual fuel?

[@jptrade8575]

One more cost. we had a power outage here in Houston area due to a small Hurricane. Four days. The natural gas usage came out to $110 a day . $ 450.00 . Our average gas bill is $ 40 a month. We have a gas stove and a water heater. I figured out for Gasoline it would have been $151.00 max. Something to think about.

[@MooGary1]

Yeah thats right. Are you saying gasoline would have spent $151 on gasoline per day max or for that 4 day duration?

[@PeteNice29]

Only catch is gasoline availability if SHTF. NG usually isn't affected, although the recent Texas freeze did. However, that seems to be the exception rather than the rule.

[@tc1739]

Your quote is better than mine 5 years ago the generator I selected was 6k the installation was 13k so 19k total

[@MooGary1]

Wow!

[@bobbray9666]

I'll soon get a quote for a Kohler 20KW unit installed but will probably hire a relative electrician who will wire it on a weekend and then find a plumber for the NG hookup. These generators companies make great margins because they can.

[@MooGary1]

Yeah, several folks have mentioned getting someone local to install or doing yourself. I'm not sure if it would affect the warranty on the unit if not a certified installer.

[@ricktrogdon2332]

@@MooGary1 if you have licensed plumber and electrician install and has passed codes by inspector, generac should still cover their product. hire a generac installer for start up and service unit.

[@jmb-cm7mr]

@@MooGary1 We bought and had ours installed by the same company for simplicity and having it installed quickly. We found buying a Generator ourselves and finding another company to install it and then someone to hookup the gas was more of a hassle than we wanted to deal with. If we have a problem with the Unit or the installation the company that installed it takes care of that. Try to get warranty work done on one you buy yourself and have installed by someone else, I have 2 friends that decide to save money going this route and trying to even get a hold of someone for service under the warranty has been a big problem.

[@jko1578]

What you can expect is a 50% up charge on equipment compared to buying it online plus absurdly ridiculous installation costs essentially doubling what you should pay.

[@MooGary1]

Yup, it's a hard pill to swallow.

[@Beard1787]

I just got a quote also for the same size as yours 26kw. They quoted me over $18,000 but their quote did not breakdown the pricing as yours did for each line item.. 😮🤦‍♂️

[@MooGary1]

I would ask for a detailed breakdown. At least you could see labor vs material.

[@dianewilliamsbarbour4336]

Liked your video. One dealer states they would not and was told by Generac to lock out a heat pump because it would cause problem with the generator. They won't even do a delay start for a heat pump. What are your thoughts, was looking to get 24kw? Thanks.

[@MooGary1]

Thanks! Hope it helps. The only problem I could see is if you are undersized on your generator for the loads you are pulling. One thing to consider is that typically you are not starting everything at exactly the same time (start up on motors/compressors being your max current draw) and at full load so you could get away a little less generator than the max load on your panel.

[@TexasEngineer]

@@dianewilliamsbarbour4336 Heat pumps have E-heat that can be electric and combine with the the heat pump electrical load. If you have gas E-heat and install a soft start kit, you should make this work. The auto start feature could switch over at maximum heat pump load and bring down the system if you are also using the electric E-heat. E-heat can also be used during the defrost cycle on some heat pumps. E-heat stands for emergency heat.

[@fritzprints7182]

I’m sorry to say this, but imho the backup generator business is dead, but just doesn’t know it yet… I just finished doing a complete diy hybrid inverter with 30kw battery and a pallet of solar panels. Total cost of equipment was approximately $18k. Subtract a 30% tax credit and it’s considerably less than my neighbors paid for their noisy, inefficient generators. I’m using zero grid power! I now consider it my backup power source…

[@MooGary1]

Nice! Where did you get the system from?

[@fritzprints7182]

@@MooGary1signature solar

[@fritzprints7182]

I’ve learned A LOT in the process. I’m not a professional by any means, but I am retired, so I had plenty of time to work it out on my own with a little help from the tech and sales people…

[@oldtimer3180]

When the power goes out in a snow storm you may be surprised. That battery will not charge and will drain faster than you think. I install these systems and they are not ready for outages yet.

[@garyponder7139]

Does the propane tank come with the Generac? I would need a tank

[@MooGary1]

No. This one was quoted for me as a natural gas Hookup since I had natural at the house. But you can get a propane run generator. Either way, they would quote without the gas supply. They would want you to get the tank and/or the line ran then they would make the connection. So that would be an additional cost.

[@j.mccarthy3008]

Thank you for the information!! We live in Texas where if there’s any kind of natural disaster our elected officials run 🏃🏼 out of the country!! That way they don’t get blamed for (more) deaths and mismanagement of a crisis. We are currently using a portable generator (gas/propane). The biggest problem most folks, who have generators face is 1. Hoping it starts, 2. Enough fuel for said generator, and 3. Finding fuel after power goes out for days! I wondered about the fuel, LPG or natural gas. I looked at adding a line a few years ago and it was in the $5,000 range. Sounds like a lot but if you can’t get gas or propane you are sunk!!! I will revisit that and a large LPG tank. Getting too old to wag 5 gallon LP/gas containers around. Sigh!

[@MooGary1]

Yeah that's a good point. If/when I buy another portable generator it will have trifuel capability so that I can use natural gas (which we have at the house) in scenarios where you can't get gasoline or propane.

[@mabelgambarelli8273]

Just clarification: the only politicians to run out of Texas were democrats. Don’t make a single case the norm on the rest of those who did not.

[@ricktrogdon2332]

if you don't have propane or nat gas i would only buy a portable gen. gas or diesel setting in tank for long periods probably not good.

[@rudbeckia885]

@@j.mccarthy3008 propane doesn't go bad like gas...get it delivered

[@philippusviridi6527]

Maybe I missed something here but 15.000 dollars and I still have to run my own gas line? Screw that keep it I will get a portable for my fridge and freezer.

[@MooGary1]

I know right! That's essentially what I did and ran a plug to backfeed my panel: kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3zGipimZtmqoK8

[@Crooked_Clown]

How big is your house? Do you really need a 26KW unit? You could save a couple thousand if you get a 20KW unit

[@MooGary1]

I would yes (almost everything electric), but you are right, some can get by with smaller depending on size and if they have gas heat or appliances.

[@ronl2463]

Since most involved with the sale and installation of a home generator want to hit a home run each and every time you can expect to pay a small (?) fortune!

[@MooGary1]

I don't mind folks making money, just don't want it ALL made off me!! 😉

[@TheRobWay1]

Were there two breakers in the generator ?

[@MooGary1]

Not in the generator

[@TheRobWay1]

@@MooGary1 why two transfer switches ?

[@MooGary1]

My panels are separated on two different feeds from the meter.

[@petepyeatt6909]

Can you finance the installation fees?

[@MooGary1]

No idea there.

[@SPARKYTX]

Yes the entire job can be financed. Texas electrician here

[@thomasjacques5286]

I have asked neighbors who had generators installed here in southern IL and they were all over $18K.

[@MooGary1]

Yeah it's a little different across the country. Also depends on the size of your load.

[@patentexperts1675]

This price does not include the cost of the 500 gallon propane tank???????

[@MooGary1]

I have natural gas already so it was quoted for that connection. If you were going with the propane route you'd need to add the tank!

[@PeteNice29]

$2200 for installation materials is excessive. Wire and pipe doesn't cost that much. In my experience in low voltage (30+ years), installation materials are typically at most 10% of the total pre-tax estimate. And generally, this is only for the purposes of the bid. The final bill will reflect the true cost of materials.

[@MooGary1]

I know... I don't know that they would have taken anything off at the end...

[@andrewsquire9892]

15 grand is steep. My tolerance is capping at 10.

[@MooGary1]

Yup. Tough

[@thegolflife7565]

Think I’m going to the liquid cooled 1800rpm Cummins.

[@MooGary1]

What's the cost on those?

[@marsflee3815]

Generac hates you for putting the total cost. But it's better to be upfront with the total. You might not be able to afford all that money. Thank you for making the video.

[@MooGary1]

Prolly so. Thanks! I figured others would be curious to get some ball parks.

[@motorman1710]

Its worth cost. But whatever floats your boat

[@MooGary1]

Especially in an emergency

[@Danielle-m3i]

First name is Danielle thats all you need to know thanks

[@MooGary1]

?

[@oldtimer3180]

A rip off home owner supplies gas install hookup should be included.

[@MooGary1]

Typically, you work with the utility to get a meter installed to make a connection to their system for your service. The quote I received did include the installers making the pipe connection on my side of the meter, but yes, ended up too salty for me.

[@Tmw2861]

This is a total rip-off estimate. People please do your homework. I guess some people have more money than brains. It does not take that much to educate yourself. I live out in the country. I purchased A 22K and stalled it myself, which is very easy to do. I know everybody can't do it themselves. I'm not an electrician, And it only took me 10 hours to install it, transfer and Everything except the extra 500 gallon propane tank that I had buried. And the cost for that was $400. This was last year. Sad so many getting ripped off.

[@MooGary1]

How much was your material?

[@LeonardCooperman]

Get the Kohler. Better generator.

[@MooGary1]

I should have gotten a quote from them as well to compare.

[@LeonardCooperman]

@@MooGary1 it’s more light commercial, has better through put and provides cleaner power. The remote monitoring features by the dealer and auto shut off on low oil are worth the extra for the 26kw.

[@Asidebar]

Anything is MUCH BETTER than Generac

[@MichaelOKeefe2009]

Over $7000 for a Generac???? No thanks!

[@MooGary1]

Thats what we ended up saying.

[@rudbeckia885]

Generac is junk , ridiculously expensive, very loud . Honda is much quieter, Bluetooth starting , and propane conversion. In my opinion a much better option.

[@MooGary1]

👍

[@rudbeckia885]

Very loud, expensive, junk

[@MooGary1]

I think the dBs are listened in the quote 😅

[@The_Critical_Critic]

Generac... is over-rated.....

[@MooGary1]

Who would you say has the best system?

[@Asidebar]

@@MooGary1 Cummings or Kohler. General is junk

[@Asidebar]

General generators are junk. They have the biggest amount of failures of all brands.

[@MooGary1]

Thats interesting. Where can you go to look at the failure rates of each brand? That would be helpful for folks.

[@rudbeckia885]

Overpriced junk

[@MooGary1]

Feels overpriced for sure!

[@callmelarry7499]

Yep about $2k over charged about right .

[@MooGary1]

Yup

[@keytothegate68]

Sickening ripoff

[@MooGary1]

Can feel like that