[RE-wrenches] Offgrid Generators?
Ray
ray at solarray.com
Thu Feb 27 20:24:02 EST 2020
Well, that's certainly a glowing (hot) review for Kohler. Amazing that
with as much progress as we've made with solar, MPPT controllers, and
Li+ batteries, the industry has gone backwards significantly in the
generator department. Kohler used to make a wonderful little water
cooled 1800 rpm model, some of which are still in service.
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760
On 2/27/20 5:45 PM, Amanda Potter wrote:
> We Installed a Kohler 14RES, L.P. & the crank-case breather froze (
> the generator was on auto & was in a shelter), and the dip-stick blew
> out & the generator had just started & set the engine on fire. Oil
> everywhere.
> Luckily a worker saw the flames, (this was new Off-Grid construction),
> and was able to put the fire out.
> The construction workers did not trust the off-grid system anymore
> (Conext XW6848, which worked exactly as it was designed), and the
> owner tried and tried to get Kohler to honor the warranty (500 hours),
> but to no avail.
> He had to buy another generator.
>
> Amanda Potter
> Energy Storage Specialist
> NABCEP PV Installation Professional
> NYSERDA Eligible PV Installer
> Adirondack Battery & Solar, LLC
> Potsdam, NY
> (315) 212-2114
>
>> On Feb 27, 2020, at 6:22 PM, Mac Lewis <maclewis1 at gmail.com> wrote:
>>
>>
>> We have had pretty good luck with the 14 kW Kohler which has an
>> off-grid warranty. Its not perfect but it seems solid. We have had
>> a few people with near 5000 hours on them. The controller is a bit
>> of an energy hog but its the best we've found that weighs all of
>> these issues.
>>
>> On Thu, Feb 27, 2020 at 4:06 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
>> <offgridsolar at sti.net <mailto:offgridsolar at sti.net>> wrote:
>>
>> The Honda EU7000i also has it's own remote start kit that plugs
>> into a
>> socket on the genset. I think it has a 140 foot cable. About as
>> easy to
>> install as there is. Incredible life and reliability. We do not
>> need a
>> genset here but many of my clients use these.
>>
>> Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
>> "we go where powerlines don't"
>> http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
>> e-mail offgridsolar at sti.net <mailto:offgridsolar at sti.net>
>> text 209 813 0060
>>
>> On Thu, 27 Feb 2020 14:53:09 -0800, Michael Morningstar
>> <mjmorningstar at gmail.com <mailto:mjmorningstar at gmail.com>> wrote:
>> > For small propane generators: Honda eu7000i w/propane
>> conversion from
>> > GenConnex and 2 wire start kit from GenLine. I’ve installed a
>> couple
>> dozen.
>> > 4-8k hours life expectancy. Correct jet is a must for altitudes
>> over
>> 5.5k.
>> > Alternators are a bit weak so I install a NOKO that’s plugged
>> into the
>> > generators own receptacle for extra on board charging.
>> >
>> > Small Diesel 7.5kw and up, that’s easy. Wrico International.
>> I’ve got
>> over
>> > a hundred out there. No standby power draw. Super simple.
>> Bulletproof.
>> The
>> > only issues I’ve seen are fuel supply related. 20k hours no
>> problem.
>> Open
>> > Frame, so some protection is needed. They are building 7.5kw and up
>> propane
>> > generators now. I haven’t used one yet, but will when the right
>> project
>> > comes around. Their product support is the best. Call them and
>> you will
>> > speak to one of the principals. They can walk a layperson customer
>> through
>> > just about anything I would be called on to service.
>> >
>> > The larger low RPM, water cooled propane generators aren’t
>> without their
>> > problems. Kohler and Cummins/Onan have had problems within 2-3k
>> hours.
>> They
>> > just aren’t the same as 10 years ago.
>> >
>> > Many dozens of Multi Quips out there. They are good choice.
>> Tech support
>> > response is generally slow.
>> >
>> > Michael
>> >
>> >> On Feb 27, 2020, at 2:25 PM, Ray <ray at solarray.com
>> <mailto:ray at solarray.com>> wrote:
>> >>
>> >> I know we have covered this before, but I just continue to be
>> >> disappointed with the Generac Ecogen. Very high failure rate, and
>> >> support is poor. Service requires expensive on site service.
>> Also the
>> no
>> >> load AC draw and programming setup is just not off grid ready
>> at all.
>> >> I'm still not seeing any other great choices, though. Here's some
>> other
>> >> possibilities:
>> >>
>> >> 1) Quality portable, like the Honda EU 7000i or Northstar with
>> Honda
>> >> motor. Not the best choice especially for autostart, no
>> propane, but
>> at
>> >> least they can take it in to the shop if it goes down.
>> >>
>> >> 2) Kubota (or MQ) diesel. expensive, and possible cold weather
>> start
>> >> issues?
>> >>
>> >> 3) 20+ kW water cooled, 1800 rpm propane model. Overkill,
>> expensive,
>> >> but probably will last a really long time.
>> >>
>> >> 4) Similar Home standby unit, but Kohler brand. Kohler used to be
>> >> great, but now a days I'm not so sure.
>> >>
>> >> I just can't keep recommending a generator I know has been
>> giving other
>> >> customers trouble. Any new ideas on this age old problem?
>> >>
>> >> --
>> >> Ray Walters
>> >> Remote Solar
>> >> 303 505-8760
>> >>
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>> --
>>
>>
>>
>> Mac Lewis
>>
>> *
>>
>> "Yo solo sé que no sé nada." -Sócrates
>>
>> *
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