[RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

[Kevin Pegg]

Hi Lena,

You might want to give these folks a call, they may have a unit that could work for you.
https://www.gillettegenerators.com/products/1/SPS-120#

We are currently installing a 40 kW propane generator that we had Gillette custom build for us for off-grid. Propane powered block heater, minimal phantom loads, etc. Won't know until this winter how well it works. They were good to work with, and even when the client changed fuel from CNG to LPG moments before the crated unit was ready to ship, they were able to make changes.

That all being said, I'd rather work with diesels for off-grid. Engine will cost 2x to buy but 1/2 to run.

Kevin

From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Lena Wilensky
Sent: April-28-16 9:19 AM
To: RE-wrenches at lists.re-wrenches.org
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Off-grid generator update?

I did some searches on the list for what folks are doing for off-grid propane generators these days, but all the threads I found were from 5-6 yrs ago, so I was hoping to get some more current info.

We're looking for about a 10kw+ propane unit (big derate at altitude), and we run into 2 main problem areas:

First is the warranty - either there are no units warranteed for off-grid use, or there are only a couple of models and the warranty is short (1 year).

Second, and perhaps larger, is all the loads that now come with the "off-grid" units.  The computer takes some, but mostly the "cold weather kit" aka carb heater must be installed in our climate (to actually start, but also for warrantee), and it's set up to be on a thermostat (read: "on all the time from Nov-April" here in the mountains).  According to the Kohler tech support it takes a steady 50W. We have set up older units to do battery charge only during the day, and have the carb heater on a manual switch, but it sounds like we can't really get at these circuits anymore since they're all pre-configured and pre-wired in the guts of the genset computer.

The Kohler and Onan support folks said both these issues are due to EPA considering off-grid use as prime power as opposed to standby, so they are held to tougher emissions standards.

Whatever the reasons, we're wondering what people are actually doing these days - still the standby units they kind-of warrantee for off-grid? 12RES from Kohler and the 13kw unit from Onan?  Generac?  Have folks been going back to the smaller gas units from Honda and running them more?  And how are cold climate folks dealing with the heating issue?

Any suggestions appreciated!

Lena Wilensky
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