[RE-wrenches] Generators?

[Philip Boutelle]

August,

SMA recently updated their SI firmware so it would better communicate with
the electronic governors on Kohler generators. On two projects so far, this
new firmware has proven not to work on Generac generators (now with their
own electronic governors, even the small air-cooled units), which I was
previously advised to use by SMA due to their compatibility with the SI
system.

I recommend a Winco generator, because they have no electronic governor to
fight with the SI controls. Not sure if UL matters to you, but the 12kW
isn't yet UL listed (a single part on the Honda motor is not UL listed,
preventing the entire unit from getting a listing), but I have heard that
they are working on it. With the new SI firmware, you could also use a
Kohler, but Kohler has previously stated that their generators are not
warranted for off-grid use.

I would check in with SMA too; they have told me that they are working on
lists of generators that do and don't work with the SI. If the tech you talk
to doesn't know what you are talking about, try to talk to Steve Jefferson.

Good luck,
-Phil

On Wed, Mar 16, 2011 at 9:58 AM, August Goers <august at luminalt.com> wrote:

> Hi Off Grid Wrenches -
>
> I need to select a propane generator to provide a steady state load of
> approximately 8 kW for a offgrid Sunny Island system. The project is for
> an art studio and the loads are primarily all lights.
>
> I don't have much experience with generators so I thought I'd reach out
> and see what products and manufacturers are popular out there.
>
> Thanks,
>
> August
>
>
> August Goers
>
> Luminalt Energy Corporation
> 1320 Potrero Avenue
> San Francisco, CA 94110
> m: 415.559.1525
> o: 415.641.4000
> august at luminalt.com
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