backup generator specs... [RE-wrenches]

[Todd Cory, Mt. Shasta Energy Services]

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I usually have the customer buy their generator, and prefer it to be 
that way.

I DO offer suggestions. As I do smaller off grid systems (usually under 
5 kWh a day) my suggestions might be different than the McMansion crowd 
that I will not work for.These are to get a propane powered unit if 
possible, since it is likely they will have that on the site anyway, it 
burns cleaner, has no shelf life, and is less messy of a fuel to deal 
with than gasoline. I also suggest wattage... usually 5 to 7 kW. Most 
off grid folks have/need generators during the construction phase, and 
being modern inverters can power share (adding the inverter output to 
the generator output for powering large load surges), size is not as big 
of an issue as one would think it could be.

I like the inverter/generators that are out now as they are more fuel 
efficient, dialing in engine power input to match kW power output 
requirements. I never set up auto start systems because I feel it is 
dangerous to have unattended generators start automatically and often my 
customers generators are located in enclosed closed pump houses so when 
they go out to start it, they open the necessary venting.

Todd


Jim Duncan wrote:

>A customer, building a small 1kW PV off-grid weekend home, insists that 
>he can get a better deal on a backup generator than I and insists that I 
>won't get to make that choice. So wanting to at least have some 
>oversight in what he buys, told him I would forward some technical info 
>to him since all generators are not created equally inverter friendly. 
>Where can I find a list of specs, on the www, relating to the do's and 
>dont's of generator selection? Combing thru the archives of the Wrenches 
>site was really slow and cumbersome and only turned up specific genset 
>related issues. 
>Come to think of it, I could use an update on the subject with so many 
>different brands currently on the market and the fact that I rarely do 
>off-grid installs. 
>
>Thanks as always
>Jim Duncan
>North Texas Renewable Energy Inc
>Fort Worth, Texas
>


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