Power outages lasting more than a few hours happen at least once or twice a year at your address
Electrical · Greater Seattle
Standby Generator Installation — Greater Seattle
Standby generator installation typically runs $4,500–$12,000 installed, depending on generator size and electrical panel work needed. This covers equipment, a transfer switch, gas or propane hookup, permitting, and startup testing for homes across King and Snohomish counties.
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A professionally installed standby generator keeps your furnace, well pump, sump pump, refrigerator, and lights running automatically during a power outage. Installation includes sizing the unit to your home's electrical load, setting the generator on a concrete pad, wiring an automatic transfer switch to your panel, connecting to natural gas or propane, and pulling the required electrical permit. Homeowners in wind-prone or tree-lined neighborhoods around Puget Sound often add a generator after their first multi-day outage.
Symptoms we see daily
Signs you need generator installation
Your neighborhood sits under mature evergreens or along overhead PSE or Snohomish PUD lines prone to storm damage
You rely on a well pump, medical equipment, or a sump pump that fails without backup power
You've been running a portable generator with extension cords through a window or door
Your home's electrical panel is older and needs upgrading anyway before adding backup power
No surprises
How a generator installation visit works
1
Load assessment and sizing
An electrician reviews your panel, square footage, and which circuits you want backed up (whole-home or essential-circuits only) to recommend the right generator size.
2
Site evaluation and permitting
We check clearances from windows, gas meters, and property lines per Washington fire code, then pull the required city or county electrical and mechanical permits.
3
Pad and equipment placement
The generator is set on a level concrete or composite pad outside the home, positioned for airflow and easy service access.
4
Electrical and fuel connections
An automatic transfer switch is wired into your main panel, and the unit is connected to natural gas or a propane tank depending on what's available at your property.
5
Startup, testing, and inspection
We run the generator through a simulated outage to confirm automatic transfer works correctly, then schedule the local inspection required to close out the permit.
Why quotes range from $4,500 to $12,000
These factors decide where your job lands in the range — and we walk you through each one on the written quote.
- Generator size, ranging from 10kW units for essential circuits to 22kW-plus for whole-home coverage
- Whether your electrical panel needs upgrading or a new sub-panel to support the transfer switch
- Distance and difficulty of running gas or propane line from the meter or tank to the generator pad
- Permit and inspection requirements, which vary between King County and Snohomish County jurisdictions
Flat-rate pricing
Generator Installation — what it costs
Conservative ranges for the Seattle metro. Your written quote is exact before work begins.
| Job | Typical price |
|---|---|
| In-home estimateExact flat quote for your home | Free |
| Standard generator installationTypical single-system job | $4,500–$7,000 |
| Mid-range generator installationHigher-capacity or multi-zone equipment | $7,000–$9,500 |
| Complex generator installationPremium equipment or difficult access | $9,500–$12,000 |
Prices reviewed by Sergei Petrov · July 2026. Parts availability can shift ranges — the quote you sign is final.
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Straight answers
Generator Installation questions we hear most
How long does generator installation take?
Most installations take one to two days once permits are approved, though the permitting process itself can add one to three weeks depending on the city. We handle the paperwork so you're not tracking down inspectors yourself.
Do I need a permit to install a standby generator in Washington?
Yes. Both electrical and mechanical permits are typically required, along with an inspection before the system is signed off. This applies whether you're in Seattle, Bellevue, Everett, or unincorporated King or Snohomish County.
Can I run my whole house or just certain circuits?
Both options exist. A smaller unit backs up essentials like the furnace, refrigerator, and a few outlets, while a larger 20kW-plus generator can carry your whole home including AC or heat pumps. Sizing depends on your electrical load, which we calculate during the assessment.
Natural gas or propane, which is better?
If natural gas already reaches your home through PSE or another utility, it's usually simpler and avoids refueling. Propane works well for homes without gas service but requires tank space and periodic refills, especially during extended outages.
Senior Electrician, SPS Pro Services
Washington 01 Journey Level Electrician12+ years in the trade
Reviews the pricing and service guidance on this page against SPS Pro Services's actual job records across King and Snohomish counties.
Prices reviewed July 2026
Need generator installation? Get a straight answer today.
Call (206) 427-8907 to schedule a generator sizing assessment for your home.