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Fellow Wrenches,<br>
I have been wanting to write this post for weeks now, but have put
it off because it has felt risky to me. Years ago this list had a
fair amount of criticism of Generac generators. I followed that
advice back then. Now I'm reconsidering the brand because of a
specific new model, and I'm encouraging other Wrenches to do the
same.<br>
<br>
Generac has introduced a 6kW propane unit specifically designed and
built for off-grid use. I have been testing one out in my home (a
production unit supplied by Generac). I am genuinely impressed with
it, even if the model name - the "EcoGen" - is a little bit hokey. I
have begun recommending them to some of my customers. (Although we
were and technically remain Kohler dealers, and very occasionally
sell a Yamaha inverter-generator, we have moved away from any
generator sales and service.)<br>
<br>
Here are some features that impress me:<br>
The oversized (530cc twin) V-twin engine for the 6kW output runs at
2600 rpm, using a vertical shaft and belt drive to spin the armature
at 3600 rpm while reducing sound and increasing engine life.<br>
It comes wired for straight 120VAC output (as mine is set up), but a
120/240 kit is optional.<br>
It's set up to run on LP only.<br>
It has standard two-wire remote signal and electric start.<br>
It has a large external oil reservoir and a 500-hour (!) recommended
maintenance interval.<br>
It has a steel enclosure with sound-deadening material, so doesn't
need a pad or weather protection. The enclosure is tight, so rodents
can't get in.<br>
It is noticeably and surprisingly quiet. It's quieter than the
ancient Onan 6.5 Commercial that it replaced in my home, and that
1800 rpm flathead twin was famously quiet.<br>
My understanding from asking questions is that the engine is
specific to this model, with hardened internal moving parts for
longevity.<br>
It comes with a two-year/3000 hour warranty when used in off-grid
applications.<br>
<br>
So far, I have had one minor performance issue and one design flaw,
as I see it. The performance issue is that the unit uses an electric
solenoid to close a choke when cold-starting - the choke serves to
draw more propane in for a few seconds. The engine was slow to start
at first. A tweak on the choke linkage with a needle-nose pliers
effectively shortened the linkage by a millimeter or so and the
problem hasn't recurred. <br>
<br>
So far, the only design flaw, in my opinion, is that the unit has an
electronic controller/display/memory that relies on a small built-in
AC charger to maintain the starting battery SOC. Beside the 8 watt
standby draw (as I have measured it; max ~200 watt-hours/day, but I
don't think the 8W draw is continuous), nobody who's replacing an
existing generator is likely to have a 120V AC convenience outlet or
feed at their generator location - that's something the home-standby
units crowd has, not off-grid. I have given Generac focused feedback
on this battery charging issue in particular. I'm using the on-board
AC charger, because coincidentally I had run one additional AC hot
conductor (in case I needed to input 240V AC) when I installed my
buried generator input/signal lines years ago, and had subsequently
used this as a hot load feeder to a nearby outbuilding. I tapped off
of that conductor. I also had an extra signal conductor pair, so I
can monitor gennie battery voltage remotely in my home via the extra
Bat2 voltage function on the new TriMetric TM2025. But I told
Generac that in all my years I don't recall more than one
installation with an AC load circuit out to the generator location,
and that this was kind of a big deal. It turns out that they are
aware of this and responsive to my feedback, are open to adding a PV
module and regulator as an optional kit, and a site-specific
homebrew solution would not void the warranty. I suggested a remote
mount kit (too many generators are installed where the sun never
shines), and several module sizes depending on the region of the
country. It could be a 30W module in sunnier climates and a 40W or
50W module, and a SunGuard or equivalent, in cloudier areas. I also
suggested that this issue be discussed as acceptable in the owner's
manual or in a technical bulletin for the customer.<br>
<br>
My unit was installed in March, so being in New Mexico I haven't put
many hours on it yet. So my endorsement is based on features and
observations, more than on long hours of operation. But I'm
impressed so far. This unit fills a niche that has been pretty much
ignored by most generator manufacturers as they move toward "home
standby" units with heaters and fancy controllers that are
inappropriate for off-grid applications.<br>
<br>
I'll continue to suggest this unit for some of our installations,
requesting feedback from homeowners after installation. I'll share
any issues here if they come up. I'd be interested in hearing from
other Wrenches who have installed or worked with one of these units.<br>
Allan<br>
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<font face="Times New Roman, Times, serif"><b>Allan Sindelar</b></font><br>
<small><a href="mailto:Allan@positiveenergysolar.com"><font
color="#000099" face="Times New Roman, Times, serif"><u>Allan@positiveenergysolar.com</u></font></a></small><font
face="Times New Roman, Times, serif"><br>
<span style="font-size: 10pt;">NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic
Installer<br>
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional<br>
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician<br>
<b>Positive Energy, Inc.</b><br>
3201 Calle Marie<br>
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507<br>
<b>505 424-1112</b><br>
<a href="http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/" target="_blank"><u>www.positiveenergysolar.com</u></a><o:p></o:p></span></font>
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