[RE-wrenches] Offgrid Generators?

[Jerry Shafer]

Ray
 look at the Cummins gen-sets have had no issues and non have blown up, no
voltage issues.
Jerry

On Fri, Feb 28, 2020, 12:41 PM Ray <ray at solarray.com> wrote:

> 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> 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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