[RE-wrenches] Generator for off grid

[R Ray Walters]

The Yamaha 2800 inverter generator is also a good choice, but only for small systems. I found them an ideal match for the mod sine DR inverters (especially the DR1500s)
I've done a couple of propane conversions to these, but I can't recommend it. Worked fine, just by the time you're done, it is more cost effective to just get a Kohler from Lowes.
(I know, they're air cooled, 3600 rpm, but they're still better than any portable)

R. Walters
ray at solarray.com
Solar Engineer




On Jan 25, 2011, at 7:44 AM, bob ellison wrote:

> For something small it’s hard to beat the Honda inverter generators, for larger I have customers who have the 16 KW Perkins Diesel generators from Hardy diesel and are very happy with them. These engines are built in the Caterpillar plant in the US (Georgia?) We are in a very cold area, last night was -32 F. They use a propane wall heater to keep the temp in the 40’s to 50’s or better sometimes and starting is not a problem. It’s just one of the costs of a generator in a cold area.
>  
> More of my .02 worth!
>  
> Later,
> Bob Ellison
>  
> From: re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Randy Brooks
> Sent: Monday, January 24, 2011 3:16 PM
> To: Wrenches RE
> Subject: [RE-wrenches] Generator for off grid
>  
> Fellow Wrenches,
>  
> What generator manufacturer are you currently recommending for off grid use?  A Kohler 18RES (LP, 3,600 rpm, air cooled) a customer installed last year has already failed after 370 hours of use during 6 months of construction and winter occupancy.  It consumed enough oil to cause the low oil shutoff to activate, and the generator controller board is fried.  The owner is still negotiating with Kohler, but Kohler has said they will not support any of their generators used off grid.
>  
> The owner is looking at a Cummins Onan 20 kW GGMA (LP, 1,800 rpm, liquid cooled).
>  
> Any suggestions would be appreciated.
>  
> Thanks,
>  
> Randy Brooks
> Brooks Solar, Inc.
> Solar Power for People
> 140 Columbia View
> Chelan, WA  98816
> 509-682-9646
> Randy at BrooksSolar.com
> www.BrooksSolar.com
>  
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