When storms hit, the last thing you want to worry about is losing power. A smart generator keeps your home running smoothly during outages, but what does it really take to get one installed, and what should you expect in terms of cost, timeline, and capabilities?
We sat down with David Hicks, one of our experts here at Livewire’s electrical division, Lightsource, to break it all down.
How Much Does a Smart Generator Cost?
For a simple 200-amp service, installations start around $15,000. This includes the core components but does not include gas installation, which varies depending on your home’s setup.
What’s Included in a Typical Install?
When you work with Lightsource, our work doesn’t stop at installing your generator. A standard package includes:
- Generator: Sized to fit your home’s needs
- Automatic transfer switch: Switches your home to generator power during an outage with ease
- Electrical panel upgrade: If your panel is outdated, we’ll replace it for optimal safety and performance
- Inspection: Ensuring your system meets all code and safety requirements
- Training: Showing you exactly how to use and maintain your new generator
How Long Does It Take?
From scheduling to completion, installs are typically booked 2–4 weeks out. This gives our team time to plan, source materials, and make sure everything’s ready for a smooth installation day.
Financing Options
We offer third-party financing to make the investment more manageable. While we don’t finance in-house, our trusted partners provide flexible payment plans that fit your budget.
Setting Expectations
One of the most important things to understand:
“A standard smart generator is a backup generator, not a whole-home unit,” says Hicks.
This means it’s designed to run the most essential parts of your home, not every outlet and appliance at once. If you need more coverage, we will size up your generator and optimize the load so you get the most from your system.
We talk about this more in our March Newsletter!
Why Choose a Smart Generator?
With a smart generator your world doesn’t have to stop just because a storm hits. These generators preserve your refrigerated food while powering your internet, security system, and medical devices. The right generator ensures you stay comfortable, connected, and safe.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If you’ve been thinking about a generator, now’s the time to act before the next storm hits. Our team assesses your needs, recommends the right size and features, and handles every part of the install from start to finish.
Getting started only takes 15 minutes of your time. So what are you waiting for?
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