In Illinois, most home generator projects cost between $5,000 and $15,000 per installation, with a typical price near $10,000. Local labour, permits and materials move the final price, so treat the range below as a planning guide.
Typical home generator cost
$5,000 – $15,000
per installation · typical $10,000
A general planning range, not a quotation.
Home generator cost breakdown
- Portable generator$500 – $2,000typical $1,000
- Standby 10kW$5,000 – $8,000typical $6,500
- Whole-home 20kW$10,000 – $15,000typical $12,000
At a glance
- Typical range$5,000 – $15,000
- Unitper installation
- Cities covered50
What Home Generators costs
Includes generator, transfer switch, and installation. Costs vary by size, fuel type (natural gas/propane), and electrical load. Professional installation is recommended.
By city in Illinois
- Addison
- Alton
- Arlington Heights
- Belleville
- Berwyn
- Bolingbrook
- Buffalo Grove
- Calumet City
- Carbondale
- Carol Stream
- Carpentersville
- Champaign
- Chicago
- Cicero
- Crystal Lake
- DeKalb
- Decatur
- Des Plaines
- Downers Grove
- Elgin
- Elmhurst
- Evanston
- Glenview
- Hanover Park
- Hoffman Estates
- Joliet
- Kankakee
- Lombard
- Moline
- Mount Prospect
- Naperville
- Normal
- Oak Lawn
- Oak Park
- Orland Park
- Palatine
- Park Ridge
- Peoria
- Rock Island
- Rockford
- Romeoville
- Round Lake Beach
- Schaumburg
- Skokie
- Springfield
- Streamwood
- Tinley Park
- Urbana
- Waukegan
- Wheaton
Frequently asked questions
What size generator do I need?
Depends on essential circuits (lights, fridge, HVAC). A 10kW covers basics; 20kW runs most of the home.
Why is installation so expensive?
Requires electrical work, gas plumbing, and permits. Transfer switch alone costs $500-$1,500.
Are there cheaper alternatives?
Battery backup systems or portable generators with extension cords are cheaper but limited.