We regularly survey BuyerZone users to ask how their purchases went. We've used their responses to provide a sampling of actual prices paid for electric generators.

Most of these quotes are for standby generators, the type that are installed at your business or home to provide electricity in case of a power outage. Portable generators, designed to be transported to remote job sites or campgrounds, are generally much less expensive but provide less power.

When buying a standby generator, remember that your budget has to include installation and a transfer switch, which can add several thousand dollars to your costs. Get the vendors you work with to provide complete quotes on the entire system so you can make accurate comparisons.

• Business generator prices
• Home generator prices

Business generator prices

"The price for the particular generator we requested was $2,500." [10 kw portable generator, gasoline]
-- Government office, Las Cruces, New Mexico

"I paid $803 for a 5,600 watt generator made by Briggs and Stratton." [portable, propane]
-- Utility provider, Jacksonville, Florida

"$19,000 including transfer switch and breakers." [100+ kw, diesel]
-- Resort, St. Augustine, Florida

"Generator & automatic transfer switch for a total of $14,470." [50-100 kw, natural gas]
-- Insurance agency, Hallettsville, Texas

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Home generator prices

These buyers all purchased generators for home use. Except as noted, they all chose propane-powered generators; some commented that the ability to store fuel for long periods of time and have access even after a power interruption is important to their peace of mind.

"15kw, ats, installed, $6,250."
-- Manchester, New Hampshire

"$10,000
Boca Raton, Florida

"$5,200. Included complete installation and setup. 15 kw."
-- Plant City, Florida, 12kw generator, transfer switch, installation."

"I paid $12,000 for a house generator that: 1) Includes air conditioning, 2) runs on propane 3) automatically kicks in during any power failure. Included hookup, 500 gal propane tank buried in yard, service contract."
- Davie, Florida

"$5,060: Briggs & Stratton 12KW standby generator with 50 amp indoor automatic transfer switch with complete installation." [natural gas]
- Farmington Hills, Michigan

"$4,100 for 10kw Powermate generator and Asco automatic transfer switch."
-- Camden, New York

"$6,000 – 15,000 watt generator, pad, transfer switch, installation of all components, follow-up service, training in use." [natural gas]
-- Gainesville, Florida

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Want more information on choosing a generator? Read our Generators Buyer’s Guide.

Information was provided by BuyerZone users. Quotes have been edited for clarity only.