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> source ethanol-free gas, rotate gas supplies, Convert your generator to run on propane. In my experience, propane tends to be more available during natural d

by js2 4y ago

> source ethanol-free gas, rotate gas supplies, Convert your generator to run on propane. In my experience, propane tends to be more available during natural disaster power outages than gasoline. And it's way less messy. But make sure you have a sufficient number of tanks in advance. Those tend to disappear when there's an outage. > practice running extension cords to everything so I'm not confused in the dark. Have an electrician install an inlet outside your house along with a transfer switch: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Reliance-Controls-10-Circuit-30-Amp-Manual-Transfer-Switch-Kit-310CRK/205793178 https://www.homedepot.com/p/Reliance-Controls-10-Circuit-30-... Instead of the transfer switch, your may also (depending upon your local code) be able to go with a simple lock out device in your panel like this: https://www.amazon.com/Generator-Interlock-Kit-Breaker-Panel-Lockout-Transfer-Switch/dp/B09KS2VM1P https://www.amazon.com/Generator-Interlock-Kit-Breaker-Panel...

sgarland 4y ago
I would, but you lose about 400 watts due to the lower energy density of propane/LPG. This is already a small generator, and I usually am running it very close to its maximum. If I had a bigger unit (Honda also makes a 3000 watt and 6500 watt model), or just had two of these in parallel, it would be worth consideration. Re: transfer switch, again if I had a bigger unit I'd consider it, but I can run so few loads it didn't seem worthwhile. This is basically to keep food from spoiling, internet/TV going, and fans so we can sleep somewhat comfortably.
- pnutjam 4y ago
  or just had two of these in parallel, it would be worth consideration. --- That actually doubles your risk of failure, better to go with one big one.
  - aftbit 4y ago
    It also doubles your likelihood of having at least one working generator in the presence of failures. Depending on how many of your loads are critical, it might be a better bet to have two in parallel. Best case you can run more, worst case you can run the essentials just like now. Also it might be a cheaper upgrade path. Instead of throwing away or reselling the existing smaller generator to buy a larger one, just add another of the same thing you already have to your system. Finally, you could have three smaller generators and get N+1 redundancy for cheaper than two larger generators.
  - sgarland 4y ago
    The failure rate of Honda generators is vanishingly small; not a concern to me. However, when you step up to the 7000W (I forgot that they've discontinued the 6500W in favor of a bigger one) unit, you also get a 240V outlet, which makes wiring it into your house much more convenient. If you get a soft-start kit for your heat pump/AC, it can even run HVAC.
- js2 4y ago
  Honda is not the only game in town. I've been happy with my Champion. I have a non-inverter model because it was the only thing I could find days before a hurricane, which I then converted to natural gas. Champion has a few dual-fuel inverter models: https://www.championpowerequipment.com/product/200994-4650-watt-dual-fuel-inverter/ https://www.championpowerequipment.com/product/200994-4650-w... I did the inlet and cutover switch install myself as well. I've got dual sub-panels but the circuits I wanted to power were all in my basement, so I've got it wired up for my kitchen fridge, a basement chest freezer, basement sump pump, and a few light and electrical outlet circuits. I can't run my normal HVAC, but I can run a portable HVAC I purchased that's sufficient for my basement in a pinch. I was in Miami for Hurricane Andrew and have some fun stories about generators, extension cords, and siphoning gasoline out of our cars. Meanwhile my uncle on Long Island is having a whole-house generator installed this summer, including burying a propane tank. I think he's spending something like $15K on that.
anamax 4y ago
My problem is a bit different. I have a healthy amount of solar but don't want to buy batteries (even in truck form). The solar needs AC from the mains for some reason. Is there some way to hookup a small generator to make the solar happy and then use the solar for power? (Yes, I'd have to disconnect everything from the grid.) Let's assume that I don't try to use too much power. Will the solar be damaged if I don't use enough?
anamax 4y ago
My problem is a bit different. I have a healthy amount of solar but don't want to buy batteries (even in truck form). The solar needs AC from the mains for some reason. Is there some way to hookup a small generator to make the solar happy and then use the solar for power? (Yes, I'd have to disconnect everything from the grid.) Let's assume that I don't try to use too much power. Will the solar be damaged if I don't use enough?
- aftbit 4y ago
  >Will the solar be damaged if I don't use enough? Something will be damaged or the whole system will shut down. Typically grid-tied systems do not have the ability to dump excess power or throttle down panels to provide partial loads. You would be better off installing a proper battery-backed inverter, but depending on the wiring and design of the existing system, that might mean replacing everything except the panels, which is likely quite expensive.

by js2 4y ago

sgarland 4y ago

I would, but you lose about 400 watts due to the lower energy density of propane/LPG. This is already a small generator, and I usually am running it very close to its maximum. If I had a bigger unit (Honda also makes a 3000 watt and 6500 watt model), or just had two of these in parallel, it would be worth consideration. Re: transfer switch, again if I had a bigger unit I'd consider it, but I can run so few loads it didn't seem worthwhile. This is basically to keep food from spoiling, internet/TV going, and fans so we can sleep somewhat comfortably.

pnutjam 4y ago
or just had two of these in parallel, it would be worth consideration. --- That actually doubles your risk of failure, better to go with one big one.
- aftbit 4y ago
  It also doubles your likelihood of having at least one working generator in the presence of failures. Depending on how many of your loads are critical, it might be a better bet to have two in parallel. Best case you can run more, worst case you can run the essentials just like now. Also it might be a cheaper upgrade path. Instead of throwing away or reselling the existing smaller generator to buy a larger one, just add another of the same thing you already have to your system. Finally, you could have three smaller generators and get N+1 redundancy for cheaper than two larger generators.
- sgarland 4y ago
  The failure rate of Honda generators is vanishingly small; not a concern to me. However, when you step up to the 7000W (I forgot that they've discontinued the 6500W in favor of a bigger one) unit, you also get a 240V outlet, which makes wiring it into your house much more convenient. If you get a soft-start kit for your heat pump/AC, it can even run HVAC.
js2 4y ago
Honda is not the only game in town. I've been happy with my Champion. I have a non-inverter model because it was the only thing I could find days before a hurricane, which I then converted to natural gas. Champion has a few dual-fuel inverter models: https://www.championpowerequipment.com/product/200994-4650-watt-dual-fuel-inverter/ https://www.championpowerequipment.com/product/200994-4650-w... I did the inlet and cutover switch install myself as well. I've got dual sub-panels but the circuits I wanted to power were all in my basement, so I've got it wired up for my kitchen fridge, a basement chest freezer, basement sump pump, and a few light and electrical outlet circuits. I can't run my normal HVAC, but I can run a portable HVAC I purchased that's sufficient for my basement in a pinch. I was in Miami for Hurricane Andrew and have some fun stories about generators, extension cords, and siphoning gasoline out of our cars. Meanwhile my uncle on Long Island is having a whole-house generator installed this summer, including burying a propane tank. I think he's spending something like $15K on that.

anamax 4y ago

My problem is a bit different. I have a healthy amount of solar but don't want to buy batteries (even in truck form). The solar needs AC from the mains for some reason. Is there some way to hookup a small generator to make the solar happy and then use the solar for power? (Yes, I'd have to disconnect everything from the grid.) Let's assume that I don't try to use too much power. Will the solar be damaged if I don't use enough?

anamax 4y ago

aftbit 4y ago
>Will the solar be damaged if I don't use enough? Something will be damaged or the whole system will shut down. Typically grid-tied systems do not have the ability to dump excess power or throttle down panels to provide partial loads. You would be better off installing a proper battery-backed inverter, but depending on the wiring and design of the existing system, that might mean replacing everything except the panels, which is likely quite expensive.