That is what I do as well got them off craigslist. Can be modified to take propane.
Generator / back-up power
- Thread starter jim-00-4.6
- Start date
That is what I do as well got them off craigslist. Can be modified to take propane.
Old version of this: http://www.power-sonic.com/images/powersonic/sla_batteries/ps_psg_series/12volt/PS121000.pdf
I have 4 of them connected as to make a 24V system.
Mine are 15 years old now and need to be replaced. I'm going to use 6V batts, golf cart type now that is is a stationary system.
ptschram
Well-known member
I am down to only three right now.
An antique Sears 2850 watt, a tiny little Honda and a Kawasaki powered 3000 watt.
Surprisingly, the 3KW runs the well and fridge and enough other stuff to make it tolerable.
As for the line mechanics, don't worry about them because they all live by the "It's not dead until it's dead AND grounded" mantra-or, they don't live. It didn't take long working for a power utility to learn that and my job was about as far from any of that as one could be, although, I was involve din every emergency that occurred.
An antique Sears 2850 watt, a tiny little Honda and a Kawasaki powered 3000 watt.
Surprisingly, the 3KW runs the well and fridge and enough other stuff to make it tolerable.
As for the line mechanics, don't worry about them because they all live by the "It's not dead until it's dead AND grounded" mantra-or, they don't live. It didn't take long working for a power utility to learn that and my job was about as far from any of that as one could be, although, I was involve din every emergency that occurred.
I've been doing some additional research.
Excluding the range & dryer, solar can work for me.
Not a grid-tie, stand-alone with batteries.
Looks like a 15-watt harbor freight solar panel & half a dozen D cells oughta do it.
That's why I'm voting for Bernie, cuz I can't do arithmetic.
Excluding the range & dryer, solar can work for me.
Not a grid-tie, stand-alone with batteries.
Looks like a 15-watt harbor freight solar panel & half a dozen D cells oughta do it.
That's why I'm voting for Bernie, cuz I can't do arithmetic.
Father in law replaced his with a Kohler. I think he had a generac before. Lasted through 3 hurricanes and multiple storms on the gulf coast at their full time residence. I think he has a 20kW which runs almost the whole house including central air. Liquid cooled will last longer than air cooled but it is more expensive.
My father is looking at putting one in at his house, not sure if he has decided on one yet. Good thing about generac is that they are affordable and parts are everywhere. If you can get farm diesel I'd consider getting a caterpillar. I see them all the time at auction coming off tug boats.
I have a yamaha 2400w that we use at our deer camp that I really like. It can run a window unit, tv, lights, etc. I have the cabin wired up and can plug my generator in and everything is on a plug/switch inside. Sure you can run odd and ends but if you want to live like you don't even know there is a power outage then go whole home.
My father is looking at putting one in at his house, not sure if he has decided on one yet. Good thing about generac is that they are affordable and parts are everywhere. If you can get farm diesel I'd consider getting a caterpillar. I see them all the time at auction coming off tug boats.
I have a yamaha 2400w that we use at our deer camp that I really like. It can run a window unit, tv, lights, etc. I have the cabin wired up and can plug my generator in and everything is on a plug/switch inside. Sure you can run odd and ends but if you want to live like you don't even know there is a power outage then go whole home.
Yes.
I ordered a "Kill-a-Watt"; 1 of those "plug your device into this to show power consumption" widgets.
I'll be able to accurately measure all the "vampire" loads; the standby power consumed by TVs & whatnot.
No doubt, solar is substantially more expensive initially than a standby natgas generator.
I also have to calculate the running cost of the genny.
Once I buy the solar, my "ongoing" expense is battery replacement; not insignificant, but a fairly long window.
Another advantage to solar is I don't have to lay it all out at once.
The transfer switch and some of the infrastructure that doesn't change based on generation & storage capacity will be first, then I can add panels & batteries over time.
Yes, I'm aware that a perfect battery bank will have batteries all the same age.
The fridges are marked "6.5A max".
So that's starting current. Actual running current after the initial surge is unknown.
Well, until tonight; the Kill-a-Watt arrives today.
I was considering flooded-cell batteries.
I don't mind having to check electrolyte level, but the outgassing is a significant downside.
SLA batteries cost more & have a shorter life cycle, but lower maintenance & substantially reduced outgassing are tipping the scales toward SLA.
The battery rack will be in the basement instead of out in the garage for better temperature regulation.
If they were in the garage, I would be less concerned about gas production.
I'm considering inverter/charger units instead of just inverters. (all pure sine wave)
So if I have a couple-three days of overcast, grid power keeps me topped up.
If I go that route, I'll initially connect to grid, then eventually install a smallish genny which can be triggered to top up the batteries if the panels are covered with snow for a few days.
I'm in Colorado, so I get nearly as many sunny days per year as the desert Southwest.
I have a nice chunk of south-facing, 45-degree sloped roof; nearly perfect for my latitude.
My biggest concern is all the holes I need to put in the roof to mount the panels.
Yes, I'm aware of a product called "silicone sealant"; putting holes in the roof really triggers my OCD.
Anyone have any experience with that?
Did you have any leaks?
How, specifically, did you seal up the mounting holes?
If you have a steel roof these work great.
http://www.s-5.com/clamps/index_2624.cfm
I had them on a previous hose for 7 years before I sold it. Never had any problems, survived 1" of ice and 8" of snow. They have other types of brackets too.
http://www.s-5.com/clamps/index_2624.cfm
I had them on a previous hose for 7 years before I sold it. Never had any problems, survived 1" of ice and 8" of snow. They have other types of brackets too.
This is what I have on my new place.
http://www.quickmountpv.com/products/composition-mount.html
Like you I was concerned about the holes so I put them on my detached garage first. They have been up for 3 years no with no problems. Hope to be able to add more to the house this year.
http://www.quickmountpv.com/products/composition-mount.html
Like you I was concerned about the holes so I put them on my detached garage first. They have been up for 3 years no with no problems. Hope to be able to add more to the house this year.