The cost of the generator is a very important component in the buying process of a generator. The cost depends on various factors such as the brand, performance and build quality, type of generator, and advanced features such as remote start, CO sensor, and economy mode.
In this article, we have done our best to estimate the cost of a 3000-watt generator in terms of both upfront and running costs. For our analysis, we chose the best 3000-watt generator available in the market.
The upfront cost of a 3000-watt generator, which includes the generator, transfer switch, inlet box, cord, and labor installation, will cost you around $2951 for a traditional single fuel, $3388 for a single fuel inverter, $3728 for a dual fuel inverter generator, and $4690 for a power station. The running cost will be $2.74 per day and $82 per month if you run it daily for three hours at half load.
Related Article: How much does a 5000-watt generator cost
Upfront Cost
The upfront cost is the cost of the generator, related accessories, and installation that you have to bear. We calculated the cost of each component involved in the installation process and then summed it up for a total estimated cost.
Generator Cost
The cost of a generator also varies due to various factors, such as single or dual fuel, standby or portable generator, and build quality or extra features such as CO sensor, remote start, etc.
Single Fuel Traditional
| Generators | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Powermate PM3800 | $339 |
| TogoPower Portable RV Generator,3600 | $399 |
| WEN 56352 | $331 |
From the above table, the average cost of a traditional single-fuel generator will be $356, ranging between $331 and $399.
Inverter Single Fuel
| Generators | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Powermate PM3000i P0080601 | $699 |
| Briggs & Stratton 30545 | $1607 |
| Briggs & Stratton 30545 | $793 |
| Craftsman C0010030 3000i 50 | $849 |
From the above table, the average cost of a single-fuel inverter generator will be $987, ranging between $793 and $1607.
Inverter Dual Fuel
| Generators | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel | $2052 |
| DuroMax XP2300iH | $699 |
| Pulsar Products GD400BN | $649 |
From the above table, the average cost of a dual-fuel inverter generator will be $1133, ranging between $649 and $2052.
Power Stations (Battery Powered)
| Generators | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| EGO Power+ PST3041 3000W Nexus | $1389 |
| Goal Zero Yeti 3000X | $3499 |
| MAXOAK Portable Power Station EB240 | $1399 |
From the above table, the average cost of a power station will be $2095, ranging between $1349 and $3499.
Installation Cost
The installation cost of a generator can vary from one location to another, but on average, it costs around $2000.
Inlet box
| Inlet Box | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Connecticut Electric EGSPI50 50A | $68 |
| Reliance Controls PB50 50-Amp | $89 |
| Rophor 50 Amp | $49 |
| ETL listed 50 Amp | $49 |
The inlet box costs an average of $63, which we estimated from the table above. It ranges between $49 and $68.
Transfer Switch
| Transfer Switch | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Progressive dynamics pd52v 50A | $170 |
| Gaeyaele w2r-3p 100A | $80 |
| Reliance Controls Pro/Tran 2 – 50-Amp | $385 |
| Homelink™ 50A Manual Transfer Switch | $619 |
The best available transfer switch costs an average of almost $313, which we calculated from the table above. It ranges between $80 and $619.
High Rated Cord
| Cord | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Best brose 50Ft 50 Amp | $210 |
| CircleCord 5pft 50A | $229 |
| Rvingpro 50Amp | $219 |
The best cord will cost you around $219, which ranges between $210 and $229.
So, the total upfront cost of a 3000-watt generator will be, on average, $2951 for a traditional single fuel, $3388 for a single fuel inverter, $3728 for a dual fuel inverter generator, and $4690 for a power station.
Running Cost
If we assume that you will run the generator for 3 hours on a daily basis at half load, then what will be the fuel cost? Let’s suppose the price of gasoline is $3.84 per gallon.
Fuel Cost
| Generator | Gasoline Runtime | Propane Runtime |
|---|---|---|
| Powermate PM3000i P0080601 | 5.4 hrs/gal at half load | |
| Briggs & Stratton 30545 | 4 hrs/g at half load | |
| WEN 56380i Super quiet | 3.46 hrs/gallon at half load | |
| Craftsman C0010030 3000i 50 | 4 hrs/g at half load | |
| Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel | 4.6 hrs/g at half load | 0.65 hrs/pound at half load |
| DuroMax XP2300iH | 9 hrs/g at half load | 0.65 hrs/pound at half load |
| Pulsar Products GD400BN | 4.5 hrs/g at half load | 0.5 hrs/pound at half load |
| Powermate PM3800 | 2.2 hrs/gallon at half load | |
| TogoPower 3600 | 2.99 hrs/gallon at half load | |
| WEN 56352 | 2.75 hrs/gallon at half load |
According to the table above, on average, a generator will consume 4.2 hrs/gallon at half load. Therefore, the generator will consume 0.7 gallons of fuel per day, which will cost you $2.74 per day and $82 per month if you run the generator for 3 hours daily at half load.
Maintenance Cost
| Generator | Air Filter Cost | Oil Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Powermate PM3000i P0080601 | $17 | 37 fl oz |
| Briggs & Stratton 30545 | $19 | 37.2 fl oz |
| WEN 56380i Super quiet | $10 | 33.92 fl oz |
| Craftsman C0010030 3000i 50 | $9 | 33.92 fl oz |
| Champion 3400-Watt Dual Fuel | $19 | 34 fl oz |
| DuroMax XP2300iH | $23 | 37.2 fl oz |
| Pulsar Products GD400BN | $10 | 34 fl oz |
| Powermate PM3800 | $17 | 38.4 fl oz |
| TogoPower 3600 | $10 | 38.4 fl oz |
| WEN 56352 | $10 | 38.4 fl oz |
Air Filter Cost
On average, air filters cost around $14.4, ranging between $9-$23, whenever you reach the maintenance required after a certain number of usage hours recommended by the manufacturer.
Oil Cost
| Engine Oil | Approximate Cost /fl oz |
|---|---|
| Honda Motor Oil | $0.37 |
| Shell ROTELLA | $0.16 |
| Generac FS Oil | $0.59 |
| Husqvarna XP+ | $1.02 |
| Briggs & Stratton | $0.18 |
On average, the engine oil capacity of a 3000-watt generator is 36.2 fl oz, ranging between 33.92-38.4 fl oz. The average cost of oil is $0.46/fl oz, so the cost of an oil change will be $16.67 when you reach the recommended usage hours threshold set by the manufacturer.
Conclusion
The upfront cost of a 7500-watt generator, which includes the generator, transfer switch, inlet box, cord, and labour installation, will cost you around $2951 for a traditional single fuel, $3388 for a single fuel inverter, $3728 for a dual fuel inverter generator, and $4690 for a power station. The running cost will be $2.74 per day and $82 per month if you run it daily for three hours at half load. The cost of an oil change will be $16.67, and On average, air filters cost around $14.4.
