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Portable Generator vs Standby: What’s Best for Your Home?

Having some form of backup power for your home in case of a power outage is a great way to stay prepared for anything life throws your way. When a big storm hits, you don’t want to be left without power for an extended period of time. If you’ve been weighing the pros and cons of a portable generator vs a standby generator, you’ve come to the right place. Read on to learn more about both generator types before making the choice that’s best for your home.

Portable Generator Vs Standby

Below, we’ve compared some key aspects of a portable generator vs a standby generator to help you narrow down which one better suits your needs.

Portable

Standby
Cost  

  • Lower upfront cost.
  • Ranges from $500 to $2,500.
  • Price varies by power capacity and features.
  • No installation cost.
  

  • Higher upfront cost.
  • Ranges from $8,000 to $23,000, depending on the model.
  • Most homeowners can expect to pay between $10,000 and $13,000 for purchase and installation.
Installation  

  • No professional installation required.
  • Plug into a transfer switch for safest operation.
  • Requires professional installation to comply with local regulations and safety codes.
Power load  

  • Generally ranges from 2,000W to 8,500W.
  • Depends on the devices and appliances you want to run.
  

  • Typically ranges from 7.5kW to 26kW.
  • Depends on size and capacity of the unit.
  • Higher than a portable generator.
Mobility  

  • Portable.
  • Easy to bring with you anywhere you might need to generate power.
  

  • Stationary.
  • Requires proper equipment and assistance to move it due to its heavy weight.

First-Time Generator Buyers

For a new buyer, a portable generator can be an ideal choice because of its affordability, ease of use, and versatility. If you’re not ready to make a large investment with an automatic standby generator, you can still power the most essential appliances and electronics in your home with a portable generator. Either way, you’ll be happy to have some form of backup power during a major storm or power outage.

Prepare for Outages with Monyer Electric’s Trusted Services

Whether you’re in the market for a portable generator or an automatic standby generator, Monyer Electric is here for you! As a factory-trained Generac dealer, we’re proud to provide premier generator service to residential and commercial customers across Lancaster, Berks, and surrounding counties. When safety, reliability, and peace of mind matter most, homeowners and businesses trust Monyer Electric to keep the power flowing. Call 610-678-6653 or fill out our contact form to schedule your evaluation today!