Generator Installation Cost in Wisconsin: Full Breakdown

What Does a Home Generator Cost in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin weather does not mess around. Between ice storms, summer thunderstorms, and the occasional high-wind event, power outages are a regular fact of life in Racine, Kenosha, and the surrounding area. If you have experienced a multi-day outage — frozen pipes, a flooded basement from a dead sump pump, or hundreds of dollars in spoiled food — you have probably thought about a whole-house generator.

The total cost for a standby generator in southeastern Wisconsin ranges from $5,000 to $18,000 installed, depending on the generator size, fuel type, and installation complexity. Here is a detailed breakdown so you can plan and budget accurately.

Generator Costs by Size and Brand

The two dominant brands in the residential generator market are Generac (headquartered right here in Waukesha, Wisconsin) and Kohler (based in Kohler, Wisconsin). Both make excellent products. Here is what the equipment alone costs in 2026:

• 10-14 kW (essential circuits): $3,500 – $5,500. Powers critical loads like the furnace, refrigerator, sump pump, lights, and a few outlets. A practical choice for smaller homes or tight budgets.
• 16-22 kW (whole-house for most homes): $5,000 – $8,000. The most popular size range. A 22 kW Generac Guardian, for example, can power a typical 2,000–3,000 square foot home including central air.
• 24-26 kW (large homes): $7,500 – $11,000. For homes with multiple AC units, electric water heaters, large workshops, or other heavy loads.
• 30+ kW (commercial/large estate): $12,000 – $20,000+. Rarely needed for residential, but necessary for very large homes or properties with significant electrical demands.

Installation Costs

The generator itself is only part of the total cost. Installation typically adds $3,000 to $7,000 to the project. Here is what drives installation costs:

Automatic Transfer Switch

Every standby generator needs an automatic transfer switch (ATS) that detects a power outage and switches your home from utility power to generator power within seconds. An ATS costs $500 to $1,500 depending on the amperage and brand. Some generators include the ATS in the package price.

Electrical Work

The transfer switch must be wired into your main electrical panel. If your panel is older, undersized, or a recalled brand (Federal Pacific, Zinsco), you may need a panel upgrade as part of the project — which adds $2,000 to $4,000. Even with a modern panel, the electrician needs to run conduit, make connections, and ensure everything meets Wisconsin electrical code.

Fuel Connection

Standby generators run on either natural gas or propane (LP). The fuel connection is a significant cost variable:

• Natural gas: If you have an existing natural gas line to your home, running a new line to the generator location typically costs $500 to $1,500. The gas line must be sized correctly for the generator's BTU demand — an undersized line will cause the generator to underperform.
• Propane: If you are on propane (common in rural areas of Racine and Kenosha counties), you need a tank large enough to run the generator for an extended period. A 500-gallon tank is the minimum recommended size. If you already have a propane setup for your furnace, the plumber may be able to tie into the existing system. A new propane tank installation adds $1,500 to $3,000.

Concrete Pad

Generators sit on a level concrete pad or composite pad. A poured concrete pad costs $200 to $500. Composite pads (like the GenPad) are lighter, less expensive, and increasingly popular.

Permits

Generator installations require both an electrical permit and often a building permit in Wisconsin municipalities. Combined permit fees typically run $150 to $350 in Racine and Kenosha counties.

Propane vs Natural Gas: Which Is Better for Wisconsin?

Both fuel types work well for generators, but there are trade-offs:

• Natural gas is convenient because the supply is unlimited (as long as the gas utility is functioning). However, natural gas pressure can drop during extreme cold snaps when demand is high, which can affect generator performance during the exact conditions when you need it most.
• Propane is stored on-site, so you are not dependent on utility infrastructure. It also produces more BTUs per cubic foot than natural gas, meaning the generator runs more efficiently. The downside is that you need to monitor your tank level and schedule refills. In a prolonged outage, a 500-gallon tank running a 22 kW generator at moderate load will last approximately five to seven days.

For rural areas of SE Wisconsin without natural gas service, propane is the clear choice. For homes in Racine, Kenosha, or Mount Pleasant with natural gas, either option works well.

Sizing Your Generator Correctly

An undersized generator will not power everything you need. An oversized generator wastes money on equipment you will never fully use. A qualified electrician will perform a load calculation based on your specific home, considering:

• Central air conditioning (the single largest load in most homes)
• Furnace blower, sump pump, and well pump
• Refrigerator and freezer
• Electric range or oven
• Electric water heater
• Lighting, outlets, and garage door openers
• Medical equipment, home office, or other critical loads

Most homes in southeastern Wisconsin with a 200-amp panel are well served by a 20 to 24 kW generator.

How Long Does Installation Take?

From the time you place your order to the time the generator is running and tested, expect four to eight weeks. The equipment lead time is typically two to four weeks (longer for some models during peak demand — do not wait until hurricane season or winter to order). On-site installation takes one to two days for most residential systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How loud is a standby generator?

Modern standby generators from Generac and Kohler run at about 65 to 72 decibels at full load, measured from 23 feet. That is roughly the volume of a normal conversation. Wisconsin does not have statewide noise ordinances for generators, but some municipalities have setback requirements — typically the generator must be at least five feet from the property line and meet certain distance requirements from windows. Your installer will ensure placement meets local codes.

Do I need a whole-house generator, or will a portable generator work?

Portable generators are significantly cheaper ($500 to $2,000) but have major limitations: they must be manually started, manually connected (usually through an interlock kit on your panel), require refueling every 8 to 12 hours, and cannot be run indoors or in an enclosed space due to carbon monoxide risk. For Wisconsin homeowners who experience regular outages or who have critical needs like sump pumps, medical equipment, or home-based businesses, a standby generator is the better long-term investment.

What maintenance does a standby generator need?

Standby generators run a brief self-test cycle weekly (you will hear it kick on for a few minutes). Beyond that, they need an oil and filter change annually, and a more comprehensive service every two to three years. Most manufacturers recommend professional maintenance once a year, which costs $200 to $400. Keeping up with maintenance ensures the generator will perform when you actually need it.

Ready to protect your home from power outages? Call Couillard Electric at (262) 618-2851 for a free estimate on generator installation. We serve Racine, Kenosha, Burlington, Waterford, Union Grove, and the surrounding communities.