How Much Does An Electrician Charge To Install A Generac?

Home standby power is no longer a luxury in Charlotte, NC. Between summer storms, fast-growing neighborhoods, and a grid that gets stretched on hot afternoons, power flickers and full outages are part of local life. If you’re pricing a Generac home standby generator, you’re probably asking two questions: what does the equipment cost, and what will an electrician charge to install it? The short answer is that installation often equals or exceeds the generator price. The long answer gives you a clear range, line by line, so you can budget with confidence and avoid surprises.

At Ewing Electric Co., we install and service Generac systems across Charlotte and nearby communities like Matthews, Huntersville, Lake Norman, Steele Creek, Ballantyne, and Plaza Midwood. What follows reflects real projects in our area, current permitting rules, and the way a licensed Generac service technician approaches a safe, code-compliant install.

What drives the installation price in Charlotte

Two homes on the same street can pay very different install costs. The wiring layout, gas supply, and placement options change the scope more than Click for source people expect. In Mecklenburg County and surrounding jurisdictions, a typical Generac installation involves electrical work, gas work, concrete or composite pad work, trenching, permits, and startup by a qualified Generac service technician. Each element has a range. Your final number comes from how these pieces stack.

For a turnkey professional installation in the Charlotte market, most homeowners pay between $4,500 and $9,500 for labor and materials beyond the generator itself. Simple installs land near the bottom of that range. Complex layouts or upgrades can reach $12,000 or more. Generator size and fuel type also move the needle. A 10–13 kW unit is simpler and lighter. A 22–26 kW unit needs heavier conductors, a larger automatic transfer switch, and a stronger fuel supply.

Here’s how the work breaks down in the real world.

Electrical scope: transfer switch, conductors, and panel work

Every standby system needs an automatic transfer switch (ATS). It senses an outage and moves your home from utility power to generator power and back. Many Generac models bundle an ATS. If not, a compatible ATS runs from $700 to $2,000 depending on amperage and load-management features. Installation labor for the ATS and feeder conductors is a major cost driver. In Charlotte homes with attached garages and short runs, labor can be 8 to 16 hours. Where the main panel sits on the opposite side of the house or the generator must be placed far from the panel, we plan for longer conduit runs, wall penetrations, and attic or crawlspace work. That can stretch to 24–30 labor hours.

Electricians also evaluate your main panel. Older 100-amp services may need an upgrade to 200 amps to support a whole-home ATS and a larger generator. Service upgrades, including new meter base, mast, grounding, and inspection, often land between $2,500 and $4,500. If the panel is modern and has space, the cost to integrate the ATS is much lower. Expect $1,200 to $2,500 for panel integration when no upgrade is required.

Load management matters in Charlotte because many homes have electric heat pumps, EV chargers, and pool equipment. We often install load-shed modules or a smart switch to keep the generator from overloading. These modules add a few hundred dollars in parts and about two to three hours of labor. A Generac service technician will also set breaker priorities during startup so your essential loads stay on and non-essentials drop first.

Gas supply: natural gas vs. propane and what the code requires

Fuel work is where many DIY estimates fall short. A generator that can produce 20–26 kW at the house needs plenty of fuel delivered at the correct pressure. Natural gas is common in Charlotte, but not universal. Propane is a solid choice for homes without gas service or for sites where gas line capacity is limited.

For natural gas, a common step is upsizing the meter and sometimes running a new dedicated line from the meter to the generator location. Piedmont Natural Gas often changes meters at no charge if the line requires more capacity, but the timing varies. The piping from the meter to the generator is on the homeowner’s side. We size CSST or black iron piping to meet the generator’s BTU demands. For a 22 kW unit, plan on a 3/4-inch to 1 1/4-inch line depending on distance and routing. Installed cost in Charlotte typically ranges from $1,200 to $2,800 for straightforward runs. Longer or complicated routes can add a thousand or two.

For propane, you need a tank, regulator, trenching for underground lines, and the same attention to pipe sizing. Tank rental and fuel are separate line items. A 250- to 500-gallon tank suits most homes. Site conditions, distance, and permit rules for setbacks matter. Propane line installation and tank setup usually runs $1,800 to $4,000. If you already have a tank for appliances, we assess whether the regulator and piping can support the generator’s draw without starving your other equipment.

Either way, we coordinate with the fuel provider for pressure testing and final tie-in. This prevents the finger-pointing that happens when different contractors split the job.

Site work and placement: pads, clearances, and noise

Generac units must sit on a stable, level base with the right clearances. In our area, most residential installs use a precast pad or compacted gravel with a composite pad. Concrete pads are common for larger units or sloped yards. Budget $300 to $900 for pad and placement when the site is close and level. If grading, retaining, or fence modification is necessary, costs rise.

Clearances affect placement more than homeowners expect. Windows, doors, gas meters, and vents have minimum distances that vary by model and local code. Your neighbor’s property line matters too. Charlotte inspectors check these clearances during the final. We also consider sound. Generac home standby units are quiet as generators go, but placement near bedrooms or neighbors can be a quality-of-life issue. A thoughtful location avoids complaints and keeps you happier with your investment.

If the generator sits far from the electrical panel or gas meter, trenching adds cost. Typical shallow trenching for conduit and gas can add $20 to $40 per foot with straightforward soil. Tree roots, irrigation lines, and hardscape lift that number.

Permits, inspections, and coordination

Mecklenburg County requires electrical and, when applicable, mechanical permits for generator installations. If a service upgrade is involved, that gets its own permit. Good coordination avoids delays. Permit fees for a standard residential generator usually total $150 to $350. If the project adds a new concrete pad, some townships request zoning review to confirm setbacks. In neighborhoods with HOAs, we submit a simple packet with location and spec sheets. Allow a week or two for HOA approval, though many boards turn these around faster.

Expect two to four inspections across the job: rough electrical, rough gas if applicable, and final inspections after startup. Ewing Electric Co. handles scheduling and meets the inspector on site. This keeps timelines tight and clarifies any questions immediately.

Typical Charlotte price scenarios

Numbers get clear when you picture real homes. Here are three common scenarios we see in Charlotte.

A ranch home in Madison Park with gas service and a modern 200-amp panel: The homeowner chooses a 14 kW Generac with a bundled 200-amp ATS. The generator sits 12 feet from the panel with a straight conduit run and easy attic access. Natural gas line is 25 feet, sized for load. Pad is composite on compacted gravel. No panel upgrade. Total installation labor and materials: about $4,800 to $6,200. Permits add around $200. Startup and registration included.

A two-story in Ballantyne with partial basement and electric appliances, no gas service: The family opts for a 22 kW Generac with load-shed modules and a 200-amp service that’s near capacity. We keep the existing service but install smart load control for HVAC and water heater. A 500-gallon propane tank goes in the side yard with a 40-foot trench. Pad is concrete due to slope. Total install: $7,500 to $10,500 depending on trenching conditions and tank logistics. Fuel and tank rental are separate.

A lakefront property in Cornelius with an outdated 100-amp service and long runs: The homeowner plans for a 24 kW unit to cover a larger home with a dock lift and pool equipment. We upgrade to 200 amps, install a whole-home ATS, and route 80 feet of conduit from panel to generator around stone hardscape. Natural gas meter upsizing is required, with a 1-inch CSST run of 70 feet. Pad is concrete. Total install: $11,000 to $15,000 including the service upgrade and longer runs.

These examples exclude the price of the generator itself, which typically ranges from $3,000 to $7,500 depending on size and model. Many Charlotte homeowners end up all-in between $8,000 and $20,000 for generator plus installation. The spread comes from site conditions and upgrade needs.

What a Generac service technician actually does on install day

Jobs go smoother when you know the steps. On a standard project, our crew arrives with the ATS, conduit, wire, pad materials, ground rods, and bonding hardware. We set the pad, position the generator with safe clearances, and anchor it. The electrician mounts the ATS near the main panel, reroutes service conductors as required, and pulls new feeders to the generator. If the house needs load modules, we install them near the panel and tie them into controlled circuits.

The gas crew routes piping from the meter or tank to the generator, mounting regulators and drip legs per code. After pressure testing the gas line, we schedule the rough inspection. Backfill and finish grading follow trenching. Then we land conductors at the generator, set bondings, and verify grounding and electrode system requirements are met.

Once finals pass, a Generac service technician performs startup. That includes programming the controller, verifying gas pressure under load, testing transfer in both directions, setting exercise schedules, and updating firmware when available. We register the unit for warranty and review maintenance basics with you. This is where a factory-trained technician matters. Software settings and gas tuning affect performance, noise, and longevity.

How maintenance ties into the installation decision

Installation cost is a one-time hit, but maintenance is ongoing. Generac units need annual service to stay reliable and keep the warranty intact. In Charlotte, many homeowners choose a once-a-year plan that includes oil and filter change, air filter, spark plugs as needed, valve adjustment at recommended intervals, battery test, and controller diagnostics. Expect $250 to $450 per annual visit depending on model and hours. If your unit ran heavily during hurricane season, schedule an extra check. A Generac service technician will also spot issues like rodent nesting, clogged intake louvers, or gas regulator drift that can cause trouble later.

Planning for maintenance during the installation helps. We place the unit where a tech can access the service panels, avoid muddy zones, and keep clearance for safe winter work. We also tie your unit into Wi-Fi monitoring when possible. Alerts about exercise failures or low battery save headaches.

Permitting and HOA notes specific to Charlotte neighborhoods

Older Charlotte neighborhoods like Dilworth and Plaza Midwood often have tight side yards and historic oversight. We review generator placement with an eye for visibility from the street and setback rules. Newer communities in Ballantyne or Steele Creek frequently have HOA guidelines for exterior equipment. These usually require neutral-color enclosures and plant screening. We help you submit a simple photo plan and factory spec sheets. Approval often takes a week. If your property sits near a floodplain or a lake buffer in Cornelius or Huntersville, extra setbacks can apply. We map those during the site visit.

Mecklenburg County inspectors are consistent about grounding and bonding. If your existing grounding electrode system is weak or missing components, we correct it during the generator install. This can include new ground rods, bonding jumpers, and water pipe bonds. It’s small money compared to the whole project, but it’s essential for safety and for a smooth inspection.

Where homeowners can save and where you should not

There are places to trim costs and places to invest. A short conduit run saves hundreds, so smart placement near the panel is our first move. If you’re on the fence between whole-home coverage and essential circuits, consider a smaller generator with load-shedding instead of a bigger unit with a full upgrade. You’ll still power HVAC, the fridge, lights, and Wi-Fi, which covers the needs in most outages.

Avoid bargain parts. A mismatched ATS or undersized gas line will cause nuisance trips or poor performance. Cutting corners on the pad or clearance can damage the unit or cause a failed inspection. Also beware of splitting the job between multiple contractors with no single point of responsibility. If the gas pressure under load is low, you need one team to diagnose and correct it rather than multiple vendors pointing fingers.

Timeline: from quote to power-on in Charlotte

Most projects run two to five weeks from signed agreement to final startup, assuming normal permitting and no utility delays. The steps are simple: site visit, firm quote, HOA submission if needed, permits, material ordering, install days, inspections, startup. Generator availability sometimes stretches timelines, but most common sizes are back on reliable lead times. We schedule in a way that keeps the trench open the least amount of time and avoids wasted trips for inspections.

If a service upgrade or meter change is required, we coordinate with Duke Energy and Piedmont Natural Gas schedules. This can add a week or two. We plan temporary power if needed during the panel work, though most panel swaps are same-day.

Why a local Generac service technician matters

Generac systems are widespread, and lots of electricians can wire a panel. The difference with a Generac service technician is factory training on current models, access to firmware updates, and practical experience with the units in Charlotte’s climate. Our summers are humid, and pollen loads are heavy. We see clogged filters and corroded battery terminals far sooner than cooler, drier markets. Startup programming, weekly exercise timing, and gas tuning need to account for that. Local experience also shows up in small choices like pad height to ride out heavy rains and where to place the unit so a city inspector signs off the first time.

Working with a team that installs and services Generac units gives you one accountable partner from the first permit to the fifth annual service. It also keeps warranties clean. If a part fails, your tech knows the unit’s history and moves straight to the fix rather than spending time guessing.

Quick reference: typical cost ranges you can expect

• Electrical labor and materials for ATS, conduit, and integration: $1,800 to $5,500 for most homes; add $2,500 to $4,500 if a service upgrade is required.
• Gas line installation or propane setup: $1,200 to $2,800 for natural gas; $1,800 to $4,000 for propane tank and line.
• Pad, placement, and site work: $300 to $1,500 depending on slope and access.
• Permits and inspections: $150 to $350.
• Generator unit (separate from install): $3,000 to $7,500 for common residential sizes.

These are Charlotte-area figures based on current projects. Your exact number depends on distance, access, and panel capacity. A site visit is the only way to turn a range into a firm quote.

What to ask during your estimate visit

Your estimator should walk the route from panel to generator location, measure gas line distance, and open the panel to check space and conductor size. Ask whether the price includes the ATS, permits, pad, and startup by a Generac service technician. Clarify if trenching restoration is basic backfill or includes sod and hardscape repair. Review whether load management is required for your HVAC, water heater, or EV charger. Finally, confirm who coordinates with the gas company for meter upsizing if needed. Clear answers here prevent added charges later.

Ewing Electric Co. makes it simple for Charlotte homeowners

We start with a no-pressure site assessment. If a Generac is a good fit, we give you a written scope with a transparent price that includes permits, ATS, pad, gas coordination, and startup. We manage inspections and program your unit so it runs right the first time. After installation, our maintenance plans keep your generator ready for storm season.

Whether you’re in Myers Park with an older service, in University City with new construction, or out by Lake Wylie with propane, we’ve likely seen your layout before. Our licensed electricians and a dedicated Generac service technician handle the details. You get a dependable system and a single point of contact.

Ready for a clear, local quote? Call Ewing Electric Co. to schedule your on-site assessment. We’ll map your exact installation path, confirm panel and gas needs, and give you a firm price so you can move forward with confidence.