How Much Does A WhisperPower Piccolo Cost?

Last Updated on March 27, 2025
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

The WhisperPower Piccolo is a hybrid diesel generator engineered for silent, efficient power on boats, RVs, and off-grid homes. In this guide, we’ll break down WhisperPower Piccolo pricing, specs, installation, and alternatives to help determine if it’s the right mobile power investment.

Designed for tight spaces, the Piccolo provides important features like automatic start/stop, smart monitoring, and ultra-quiet operation that make it ideal for marine and RV applications. Let’s get into the costs and capabilities of this innovative generator.

How Much Does A WhisperPower Piccolo Cost?

The WhisperPower Piccolo, a premium marine generator system, with costs starting around $16,000 for the entry-level Piccolo 4 model and ranging up to $45,000 or more for a fully integrated Piccolo 10 installation on a luxury yacht. Total costs vary based on the specific Piccolo model chosen, extent of installation and integration work required, import fees if applicable, and ongoing maintenance and service expenses.

What’s the total installed cost of a new WhisperPower Piccolo marine generator?

Here are typical MSRP pricing ranges:

• WhisperPower Piccolo 4 – $16,000 to $22,000 fully installed
• WhisperPower Piccolo 8 – $20,000 to $32,000 turnkey
• WhisperPower Piccolo 10 – $26,000 to $45,000 installed

Note that complete “turnkey” marine installation prices are often 15-25% above MSRP when including sound enclosures, fuel tanks, extensive electrical wiring, connections, and full integration. Buyers should account for potential additions.

WhisperPower operates a global network of certified dealers and installers for purchasing options. For best results, boat buyers should carefully research experienced local vendors with proven technical competency, customer service records, and existing client referrals and surveys.

When making a major investment like the WhisperPower Piccolo, prioritize reputable installers, multi-year warranties, professional load and power consumption calculations, and responsive after-sales support access. The premium WhisperPower reputation itself may add resale value for future boat or RV transactions as well.

According to MD Island Supply, the WhisperPower Genverter© Piccolo 5, which offers a maximum continuous power of 3 kW (4.4 kVA), is priced at €8,195.25 (approximately $8,800 based on current exchange rates). This model is known for its compact design and quiet operation, making it ideal for marine applications.

On Periwo, the PICCOLO 5 MARINE Diesel Generator with a manual speed control and 4 kW capacity is listed at 33,384.00 zł (approximately $8,500). This model features WhisperPower’s proven genverter technology, which stabilizes power output regardless of the engine speed.

The article on Yacht-Supply24 reports that the Whisper Power 49006105 – M-GV12 Piccolo 12KVA / 10kW generator is priced at €26,675.97 (approximately $28,600). This model is designed for larger marine applications, offering 10 kVA of continuous power with a compact and efficient design.

What Is the WhisperPower Piccolo?

The WhisperPower Piccolo is a state-of-the-art diesel generator optimized for compact marine and mobile uses. Main advantages include:

• Hybrid inverter/charger integration for versatile AC/DC power
• Extremely silent enclosure for low noise
• Intuitive monitoring and control systems
• Automatic starting based on battery voltage
• Powertrain designed for optimal fuel efficiency

With smart technology and simplified installation, the Piccolo provides an advanced power generation solution for off-grid vessels, RVs, cabins, and tiny homes.

Features and Technical Specifications

What specifications and functionality define the Piccolo?

Output ranges from 3.7-10.7kVA across models, supplying 120/240V AC current plus 24V DC via the built-in inverter/charger. This versatility supports multiple appliances and systems.

Battery charging rates up to 70A allow rapid topping off of lithium or AGM banks for extended runtimes. The inverter seamlessly takes over during quiet times.

Intelligent start/stop activates the Piccolo automatically when batteries drop to preset levels so no user intervention is needed. It also shuts down automatically when power is no longer in demand.

The patented sound enclosure provides 45-60 dBA noise levels for smooth, quiet power generation. This is far superior than the typical 65-80 dBA range of comparably sized generators.

Fuel consumption ranges between 0.51 – 1.05 liters/hour depending on load. This enables reliable long-haul cruising or off-grid reliability when paired to sufficient fuel tanks.

For cooling, seawater pumps provide constant circulation for heat dissipation and prevent overheating. Low-profile coolant systems conserve space.

WhisperPower Piccolo Models Compared

WhisperPower offers three Piccolo model variants to match different onboard power needs:

• Piccolo 4 – 3.7kVA output rated for sailboats under 35ft and light-duty applications.
• Piccolo 8 – 7kVA output provides ample power for mid-sized cruising yachts and trawlers.
• Piccolo 10 – 10.7kVA maximum output for large motor yachts and expedition ships.

Typical Applications Include:

• Piccolo 4 – Daysailers, pocket cruisers, expedition camper vans.
• Piccolo 8 – Voyaging catamarans, trawlers 35-45ft, excursion boats.
• Piccolo 10 – Luxury motor yachts 50-65ft+, ocean-going RVs.

Larger Piccolo models offer extended runtimes from 16-24 hours on built-in fuel capacity for reliable multi-day backup power or long-range cruising. The hybrid inverter functionality also enables powering onboard systems directly from batteries whenever possible to conserve fuel.

For simpler applications not requiring the integrated inverter charger, non-hybrid Piccolo models focused solely on AC diesel generation are also available at a lower cost while retaining the core noise reduction and monitoring capabilities.

You might also like our articles on the cost of a tidal energy generator, Generac generator, or 4Patriots solar generator.

Installation and Integration

The install price depends on the scope of work, including:

• Basic generator unit cost based on Piccolo 4, 8 or 10 model
• Sound enclosure fabrication and materials if applicable – $2,000-$4,000
• Fuel tank selection and installation – $800-$1,500
• Electrical wiring, cables, connectors – $1,500-$2,500
• Control panel(s) and display interface – $500-$1,200
• Labor hours for integration and testing – $150-$200/hr.

For simpler DIY installations on suitable vessels, costs may be 40-60% lower than turnkey pricing. But extensive technical expertise is vital.

Noise, Fuel Efficiency & Eco-Friendly Operation

How does the Piccolo achieve such low noise and fuel-efficient operation?

The specialized WhisperCapsule enclosure insulates and isolates the power train for exceptionally quiet operation. Noise levels average just 45-60 dBA—the same as a conversation.

For fuel efficiency, the Kubota OC95 diesel engine, paired with WhisperPower WP-C inverter, provides cruise times between 16-24 hours on the 30-80 liter tanks depending on load. Auto-start and auto-stop prevent waste.

Low-emission engine calibration, catalytic exhaust treatment, and eco-mode further reduce the Piccolo’s environmental impact. Noise and pollution are minimized for healthier sailing and RVing.

Compared to equivalent generators from Northern Lights, Onan, or Yanmar, the Piccolo operates far more silently and efficiently, albeit at a premium cost.

Import Fees and Taxes

As a European brand, importing WhisperPower units from the Netherlands and EU into North America or Asia adds:

• Import taxes around 4-8%
• Customs brokerage fees $500-$1000
• Shipping/logistics costs $1000-$2000

This can add $1500-$4000+ to the total delivered price. Sourcing domestically avoids these fees.

Lifetime Cost of Ownership Factors

Beyond the initial purchase costs, tally:

• Regular maintenance parts/fluids – $300-$600/year
• Major interval servicing – $2000-$4000 every 5-7 years
• Replacement batteries – $5000-$10,000 every 7-10 years
• Generator rebuild or replacement – $15,000-$30,000 at 10–15-year intervals

These long-term factors significantly impact the total lifetime cost equation. An economical battery bank design and maximal generator lifespan are advisable to minimize costs.

Alternatives to WhisperPower Piccolo

For buyers open to alternatives, competing marine generators include:

• Fischer Panda – Similar silent operation but mixed reliability reviews.
• Victron Energy – More DIY-friendly but still costly.
• Westerbeke – Very compact yet noisy and thirstier fuel consumption.
• Cummins Onan – Gold standard but significantly larger footprint.
• Kohler – Reasonably smooth and quiet for size but less tech integration.

Each option carries pros and cons. The WhisperPower Piccolo represents the top-tier choice for seamless hybrid power in compact marine and RV spaces despite higher pricing. Only Fischer Panda approaches similar noise and efficiency metrics.

Generator Model	Price Range
WhisperPower Piccolo 4	$16,000 – $22,000
WhisperPower Piccolo 8	$20,000 – $32,000
WhisperPower Piccolo 10	$26,000 – $45,000
Victron Energy	$8,000 – $15,000
Fischer Panda	$12,000 – $30,000
Northern Lights	$6,000 – $15,000
Cummins Onan	$15,000 – $35,000

Here’s a comparison table showing price ranges across popular marine generator models and brands. The Piccolo commands the highest premium but offers unmatched noise, efficiency and integration.

Final Words

For cruisers, RVers, and remote dwellers needing compact yet capable power generation with minimal noise and emissions, the Piccolo delivers excellent performance, albeit at a premium.

Carefully weigh installation costs, available technical support, load requirements, and buy-in to the comprehensive WhisperPower ecosystem. For those able to make the considerable investment, the Piccolo provides state-of-the-art mobile hybrid power.

Answers to Common Questions

Who makes WhisperPower generators?

WhisperPower, based in the Netherlands, engineers and manufactures Piccolo and other marine generator systems used worldwide. They specialize in compact, silent, hybrid power solutions.

What can an 8kVA generator power?

An 8kVA generator like the WhisperPower Piccolo 8 can handle air conditioning units up to 16,000 BTU, electric cooking appliances, water heaters, multiple cabin lights, navigation electronics and more for mid-sized vessels.

Are Predator generators pure sine wave?

Unlike WhisperPower’s inverter output, Predator portable generators produce modified sine wave power that can damage sensitive electronics. Consider a pure sine inverter generator instead.