According to Briggs & Stratton, the 10-kW standby generator with Symphony power control system can power the same appliances as larger competing units.
Earlier this year, GE introduced a line of Briggs & Stratton-built standby power generators. Briggs & Stratton marketing officials, who visited ebuild’s Washington, D.C., office today, said the line is unique because each system includes a generator and a transfer switch (usually sold separately); a power management system in the specially designed Symphony transfer switch allows the modestly priced 10-kilowatt system ($2,898) to provide whole-house power during power outages for 73% of American homes. (Officials said the 10-kW is sufficient for 2,400-square-foot houses.)
Nevertheless, Deadra Richelle, assistant marketing manager for Briggs & Stratton, also said that the cost of installation could double the initial system price. Installation of standby generators–GE and all other brands–averages $2,000 to $3,000, but the cost could be significantly higher and varies depending on the installer. “There is no way to normalize the installation costs,” Richelle said, noting that independent electricians and plumbers who install for The Home Depot set their own fees. The GE line is sold through The Home Depot and Briggs & Stratton dealers.
With the launch of the new product line, which also includes 12-kW, 15-kW, and 20-kW models, GE also unveiled a Web site designed to make product selection easier for consumers.—Jean Dimeo
