Typical Installed Price Ranges
For most Hays County homes, a permanently installed standby generator with an automatic transfer switch falls in these ranges, fully installed (equipment, pad, electrical, gas work, and permits):
| System Size | Typical Fit | Installed Range |
|---|
| 14–18kW | Smaller homes, essential circuits plus one AC unit | $8,500–$12,500 |
| 22–26kW | Most homes: whole-house coverage including central AC | $10,000–$18,000 |
| 30kW+ | Large homes, multiple AC units, shops or casitas | $17,000–$30,000+ |
Ranges are general market guidance for the Central Texas area, not a quote. Your home's specifics drive the real number.
What Moves the Price
- Fuel type: Natural gas hookups are usually cheapest to install. Propane requires a tank — a buried 250–500 gallon tank can add roughly $2,000–$4,500 including trenching and regulators.
- Distance: The farther the generator sits from your electrical panel and gas meter, the more trenching, conduit, and wire the job needs.
- Panel condition: Older or full panels may need an upgrade ($1,500–$3,500) before a transfer switch can be added.
- Concrete pad and placement: Most installs include a pad; sloped or difficult placements add labor.
- Permits and inspections: City of Kyle, Buda, and San Marcos each have permit and inspection requirements for electrical and gas work. Fees are modest but should appear on the quote.
- Load management: Smart load-shedding modules can let a smaller (cheaper) generator cover a bigger home by pausing non-essential loads briefly.
What a good written quote itemizes: generator model and kW, transfer switch, pad, gas line work and by whom, electrical work, permits, start-up and testing, and the manufacturer's warranty terms. If a quote is a single lump number, ask for the breakdown.
Ongoing Costs
- Maintenance: Like a car engine, standby generators need oil, filters, and periodic service — typically $300–$500/year through a service plan, less if you do basics yourself.
- Fuel during outages: A 22kW unit at half load uses roughly 2–3 gallons of propane per hour; natural gas cost is comparatively minor on your gas bill.
- Exercise cycles: The unit runs itself briefly each week to stay ready — a small, normal fuel cost.