Have you consider propane fueled? To me that seems to be the best choice, clean burning and less problems than Diesel fuel and gasoline types. They are advertising propane right now on radio amd mentioned propane powered home generators.
New Home Generator System Purchase
- Thread starter benjamming
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Mike,
That is exactly what I am looking at purchasing.
That is exactly what I am looking at purchasing.
Benjamming,
A "utility disconnect" is also called a "service disconnect" or referred to as the "main". It allows you to disconnect all power from the dwelling. Normally, it is only used for an emergency (it stays on at all times whether you have utility power or not). It also provides overcurrent protection (over loads and short circuits). Whether you have a whole house manual or automatic transfer switch, you should have the means to turn off all power (before the transfer switch). For example; if there is a problem/ failure/ short circuit with the transfer switch, what are you going to do? Pull the meter?
A "utility disconnect" is also called a "service disconnect" or referred to as the "main". It allows you to disconnect all power from the dwelling. Normally, it is only used for an emergency (it stays on at all times whether you have utility power or not). It also provides overcurrent protection (over loads and short circuits). Whether you have a whole house manual or automatic transfer switch, you should have the means to turn off all power (before the transfer switch). For example; if there is a problem/ failure/ short circuit with the transfer switch, what are you going to do? Pull the meter?
Costco often sells the Generac unit you are looking at, for under 3K.
For what it is worth, propane is not an efficient fuel. It takes MUCH more propane than gas or diesel. There are some issues such as:
a) 2.1 to 2.3 gal of propane are needed to match 1 gallon of diesel.
b) Propane tanks do not hold the rated capacity. My 250 gal propane tank is topped off at 197 gal.
c) Plus it is not able to flow enough gas to power a big 15kw genset. It gets too cold.
d) Propane may not be available during emergency periods. We found that out here in Florida.
As a general rule, I prefer quality diesel gensets. They will run off anything oily, have no electronics to fail and some small units have a back up pull starter. Plus they can be stored INSIDE under clean and dry conditions. I wired my portable 5500 watt to run my entire house. It does it with ease, without the central air. It will run the well, 2 window units, washer, gas dryer, fridge, computer, tv and everythnig else I need. Most at the same time. Of course I do have to manage the power at times.
But everyone's needs are different. I understand the desire to have a unit that will be automatic, mounted outside and quiet.
Remember that your local permitting dept may not allow the permanent unit you choose due to (a very common 60db rule) noise.
Chris
For what it is worth, propane is not an efficient fuel. It takes MUCH more propane than gas or diesel. There are some issues such as:
a) 2.1 to 2.3 gal of propane are needed to match 1 gallon of diesel.
b) Propane tanks do not hold the rated capacity. My 250 gal propane tank is topped off at 197 gal.
c) Plus it is not able to flow enough gas to power a big 15kw genset. It gets too cold.
d) Propane may not be available during emergency periods. We found that out here in Florida.
As a general rule, I prefer quality diesel gensets. They will run off anything oily, have no electronics to fail and some small units have a back up pull starter. Plus they can be stored INSIDE under clean and dry conditions. I wired my portable 5500 watt to run my entire house. It does it with ease, without the central air. It will run the well, 2 window units, washer, gas dryer, fridge, computer, tv and everythnig else I need. Most at the same time. Of course I do have to manage the power at times.
But everyone's needs are different. I understand the desire to have a unit that will be automatic, mounted outside and quiet.
Remember that your local permitting dept may not allow the permanent unit you choose due to (a very common 60db rule) noise.
Chris
Propane will power much more than a 16 kW unit could ever think about needing. Line size & pressure must be appropriate.
Maybe you are thinking about natural gas not always being available. I didn't know they had propane gas lines run from a central location. Here you have to have an onsite tank.
There are absolutely no permitting requirements here. Besides, the noise is 72 dB(A) at 7 meters under full load. I don't have to have a building permit, inspections, not even a permit to put a 1000-gal propane tank underground. Remember, I don't live in a subdivision & certainly not within any city limits. There are very few rules at the house. A septic tank permit is the only thing I am required to have.
Thanks for the heads-up to Costco. I didn't think about them.
One more very important thing. Make sure the generator is installed at least 5 feet from any combustible walls. There was a house fire on Monday, 10/30, in Harpswell, Maine caused by the generator. The channel 6 article doesn't indicate how close it was to the wall.
Here is a link to the article: http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=44259
Here is a link to the video clip: http://www.wcsh6.com/video/news/player.aspx?aid=9089&bw
Here is a link to the article: http://www.wcsh6.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=44259
Here is a link to the video clip: http://www.wcsh6.com/video/news/player.aspx?aid=9089&bw
Thank you for that link.
I also found a Cummins Onan 16 kW LP generator. It's $7595 and has a 5.9 qt sump! It's coolant cooled of course.
It looks like we will be purchasing the Generac model 5255 for $3450 today to still receive the $200 rebate as well. Total price with tax is $3500.
I also found a Cummins Onan 16 kW LP generator. It's $7595 and has a 5.9 qt sump! It's coolant cooled of course.
It looks like we will be purchasing the Generac model 5255 for $3450 today to still receive the $200 rebate as well. Total price with tax is $3500.
want to go green and have the best unit in your town?
http://www.alliantenergy.com/docs/groups/public/documents/pub/p012344.hcsp
Here is the response for a Capstone MicroTurbine:
"An approximate cost for the unit would be $60,000. These units are not generally used for residential application. 30 kW is typically well over the power requirements for a residence and the amount of waste heat from the turbine would exceed the domestic hot water requirements. It is
possible for the technology to fit for a multi-dwelling application if that is what you are considering."
I guess folks define "best" differently. I don't think that would be too "green" of a choice considering all the wasted $.
"An approximate cost for the unit would be $60,000. These units are not generally used for residential application. 30 kW is typically well over the power requirements for a residence and the amount of waste heat from the turbine would exceed the domestic hot water requirements. It is
possible for the technology to fit for a multi-dwelling application if that is what you are considering."
I guess folks define "best" differently. I don't think that would be too "green" of a choice considering all the wasted $.
Timely thread.
Hey Pablo,
What type of Amsoil synthetic oil can be used in a propane generator? ACD? Remember, it's not a gasoline engine...
What type of Amsoil synthetic oil can be used in a propane generator? ACD? Remember, it's not a gasoline engine...
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