[RE-wrenches] Offgrid Generators?

[Glenn Burt]

The reason Greentech is handling Generac is because they purchased Pika and have rebranded their line.-GlennSent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.------ Original message------From: William MillerDate: Thu, Feb 27, 2020 9:20 PMTo: RE-wrenches;Cc: Subject:Re: [RE-wrenches] Offgrid Generators?Ray, Wrenches:

My experience with Generac is similar to yours.  Coincidentally, I just
received an invite from our local Greentech to attend a Generac training.
Apparently Greentech thinks they should sell generators.  This sounds like a
bad fit for a supply house.

When I politely declined the invitation, I mentioned that with any big
ticket item, especially one with moving parts, I like to create a
relationship with whoever will be servicing that item.  This starts with
buying the unit from a reputable local shop.  If you subscribe to this
theory,  the brand of generator you choose should have someone to service it
within reasonable range.  This may narrow your
 choices.

William

PS:  The smallest generator I have purchased lately is a 12kw vertical
crankshaft Kohler.  It gets minimum hours but seems to run OK.

W

Miller Solar
17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
805-438-5600
www.millersolar.com
CA Lic. 773985

-----Original Message-----
From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-bounces at lists.re-wrenches.org] On
Behalf Of Ray
Sent: Thursday, February 27, 2020 2:26 PM
To: RE-wrenches
Subject: [RE-wrenches] Offgrid Generators?

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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