[RE-wrenches] Offgrid Generators?

[Ray]

Some of the issues have been Generac not providing a simple wiring 
schematic, nor simply labeling the 2 start wires.  2nd is requiring 
either internet connection or a call in to get the start code.  Both 
have been very problematic in remote locations with no phone service.  
Totally unnecessary.  We don't need a Generac tech just to connect 
wires, I'm the licensed electrician.  Last time I called Generac, 
(control error not listed in the manual) they insisted I needed to call 
in a service tech, and offered zero trouble shooting.  I fixed the 
problem by pulling the fuse and resetting the controller.  3rd, service 
requires a long expensive trip by the service tech, who then diagnoses 
the problem, has to order the parts and return weeks later. This means 
every issue takes 2 round trips to resolve.  If its a bigger issue, it 
requires a truck lift to haul the 500 lb unit in to the shop. We're 
hearing $500 just to get the generator to the shop, then another $500 to 
reinstall it after.

Failures have included several catastrophic engine failures, blowing oil 
every where, some of these have been in the first few hundred hours. 
Lots of control issues, one recently had voltage that varied from 90 to 
130, 45 to 70 Hz, and the inverter wouldn't even connect to it.

I quit selling generators a long time ago, because I didn't want the 
service liability.  I'm not a mechanic, and I don't want to be.  I do 
however, need a generator I can recommend in good faith.  The Ecogen has 
made us look pretty bad.  Glad I didn't sell them, but then I've seen 
some large water cooled unit that worked well.

Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760

On 2/28/20 5:14 AM, Chris Mason wrote:
> Ray,
> I'm a Generac dealer. Why are you having support problems? Generac has 
> a large dealer network, if the unit is under warranty you should have 
> no problem getting it fixed. Did you buy through a dealer and have 
> them install it? Why are the services expensive?
>
> What failures are you seeing?
>
> There is a hole in the market for products in this application. 
> Virtually no-one makes an affordable ~10KW diesel enclosed 2 wire 
> start 1,800 rpm reliable diesel generator. I once ordered, on spec, a 
> 9KW Perkins engine liquid cooled enclosed diesel from a factory in 
> China I deal with. I sold it to a customer that ran it 18 hours a day 
> on 100% load, to power his restaurant refrigeration outside service 
> hours. It lasted him years, it must have thousands of hours on it.
> I think the big problem in the US is getting permits for diesel 
> generators.
>
>
>
> On Thu, Feb 27, 2020 at 6:25 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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> -- 
> Chris Mason
> Solar systems designer
> Generac Generators Industrial technician
>
> Comet Systems Ltd DBA Comet Solar
> Anguilla Cell  264.235.5670
> WhatsApp 264.235.5670
> Skype: netconcepts
> www.cometsolar.com <http://www.cometenergysystems.com/>
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