[RE-wrenches] Off-Grid Generac EcoGen 6 kW

[Jason Szumlanski]

I can't answer your questions directly, but for the record, if you need
help with the two wire start issue, call Generac and ask for Bob Cramer. He
will send you a conversion kit and instructions for residential propane
standby generators. If you want his  email address, contact me off list.

Jason Szumlanski
Fafco Solar



On Mon, May 7, 2012 at 2:55 PM, Jeff Yago <jryago at dtisolar.com> wrote:

> I have not been a fan of any Generac brand generators, especially their
> low-cost, highly marketed residential stand-by generators.  Although things
> may have changed, these were very hard to use with a typical inverter's
> 2-wire remote start relay, most warranties were voided if used in off-grid
> applications, and their high speed engines just did not last as long as
> lower speed engines.
>
> Last year Generac came out with their smaller EcoGen 6 kW propane-fueled
> model that they claim was specifically designed for off-grid applications.
> As I understand it, this is a vertical shaft engine operating at 2600 RPM
> and belt-drives the generator section.  The info also claims a simple
> 2-wire
> start/stop (like Kohler) which would be a major improvement, and the output
> can be 100% at 120 VAC which would be a great match to a smaller single
> 120VAC inverter off-grid solar system.
>
> However, anyone have any actual experience with this model?  Does it
> actually hold up to off-grid type longer operating hours?  Warranty claim
> issues?
>
> Do electronics require lots of standby power or a separate source to keep
> from discharging starter battery? (This was a complaint I had with Kohler's
> model changes which sucked down power in standby mode due to the added
> electronic monitoring panel not on earlier models.)
>
> Any maintenance issues with belt drive?  Do I finally take Generac off my
> "stay away from" list?
>
> Thanks,
>
> Jeff Yago
> DTI Solar Inc.
>
>
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