Generators!
Like
it or not, a fossil-fueled generator set is an essential part of most
alternative energy systems. Of course there are exceptions to
that statement, based on latitude, local weather patterns, energy usage
patterns, and total financial investment in the system.
Especially
when money is an important consideration, a generator makes it possible
to use a smaller solar array and still meet power requirements during
peak energy usage, extended cloudy weather, or to handle large loads
that are beyond the capability of the power inverter. It also
provides a backup energy source if some other part of the system should
fail, such as a lightning strike that ruins a charge controller.
In most cases, a generator should be large enough to provide
full
charging capacity from your inverter/charger, with power to spare for
other loads that may be used while the batteries are charging.
Most
portable generators available in hardware stores are not well suited
for alternative energy use, except in the case of very small systems.
They are not wired correctly for full output, are not
designed
for long life, are usually noisy and not very fuel efficient.
While possibly providing a short-term solution, they are not
a
good long-term investment. Few of these generators will
provide
the peak voltage and frequency and waveform stability that most
inverter/chargers
require for efficient battery charging. Many who buy this sort of
unit are disappointed.
If
a generator is required as part of your system, you should consider a
low RPM stationary unit designed for heavy-duty use. I recomm
end
a diesel engine for economy and long life, or propane engine for
easiest winter starting and no-mess fuel convenience. If you
already have a large propane tank in use, that may be enough to sway
your decision. The same is true for diesel, if you have a
bulk
tank on hand for fueling a tractor, etc. Diesel has much more
heat energy per gallon compared to propane, so it will use
substantially less fuel for the same amount of power produced.
Your location might also come into play, since propane is
only
delivered by big trucks, while diesel can more easily be handled by a
pickup-truck tank, or even 5-gallon cans, in a pinch.
Many off-grid people live in areas that have poor winter
access
for propane trucks, so that is something to consider. If an
automatic start system is part of your plan, propane might be more
reliable in cold weather.
Gasoline is the least desirable choice because of shorter
engine
life and poor economy. The only good attribute is easy fuel
availability.
Shown
above is a 12.5 KW (12.5 kilowatts, or 12,500 watts) Isuzu
diesel
generator.
The actual generator may vary slightly from the photo, since
several different size generator sets all use the same basic
construction. This machine couples an Isuzu 3-cylinder diesel
to
an Italian Mecc-Alte brushless alternator for reliable performance.
This is a good size for many applications, although I can get
them in 8 KW, 12 KW, and other sizes too. This is the unit I
use
for my
home system. It comes standard with fast-acting glow plugs
for
cold weather starting, and automatic shut-down circuitry for low oil
pressure or high engine temperature. Other options are
available,
including remote start capability. This is a heavy duty
industrial unit with a 2 year warranty in standby use, or 1 year in
prime power use, and it is very fuel efficient. Starting
battery
and cables are not included. Please specify: split
120/240V output, or 120V only. Overall size
without muffler: 37" L x 20" W x 28" H. FREE SHIPPING in the lower
48 states, additional charge for lift gate service, call for details.
| 10
KILOWATT ISUZU DIESEL GENSET Specifications |
- |
| Automatic Voltage Regulator |
Standard |
| Is this unit suitable for
powering sensitive electronic equipment like a laptop computer? |
YES |
| Power Single-Phase |
--- |
| Maximum Output |
10,800 watts |
| Continuous Output |
10,000 watts |
| Load Amperage at 120
volts |
--- |
| Maximum Load |
90.0 Amps |
| Continuous Load |
83.3 Amps |
| Load Amperage at 240
volts |
--- |
| Maximum Load |
45.0 Amps |
| Continuous Load |
41.7 Amps |
| Sound Level @ 23 ft(7 m) at
full load |
71 dB(A) |
| Engine Model |
Isuzu 3CB |
| Type |
Vertical In-Line, Indirect
Injection |
| Horsepower |
15.3 HP |
| Oil Capacity (w/ Oil Filter) |
Approx. 4.8 qts |
| RPM |
1800 |
| Cylinders |
3 |
| Cylinder Block |
Aluminum w/ Cast Iron Sleeves |
| Bore & Stroke |
3.05 x 3.14 in. |
| Cooling |
Liquid-Cooling, Pushor Fan |
| Coolant Capacity |
Approx. 6.5 Qts |
| Fuel |
No. 2 Diesel |
| Electric Fuel Pump |
12 V - Standard |
| Cold Weather Starting Aid |
Glow Plugs |
| Starting System |
Electric |
| Consumption at 1/2 load |
0.42 gallons/hour |
| Consumption at 3/4 load |
0.64 gallons/hour |
| Consumption at full load |
0.85 gallons/hour |
| Engine Warranty |
2 Years |
| Generator Warranty |
1 Year |
| 100% Coverage for Parts
& Labor |
Standard |
| Fuel Inlet Hose Size |
3/8" |
| Fuel Return Hose Size |
5/16" |
| Power Lead Size |
No. 4 AWG |
| No. Power Lead Conductors |
4 |
| Exhaust Outlet |
2" OD Muffler Outlet |
| Coolant Recommendation |
Mixture: 1/2 Anti-Freeze
& 1/2 Water |
| Battery Requirement |
12 VDC - 525 CCA |
| Engine Oil Requirement |
10w-30 |
Air Flow Direction
(Facing Radiator) |
Inlet: Back-Side
Outlet: Front-Side |
Exhaust Direction
(Facing Radiator) |
Right-Side |
Fuel Inlet Direction
(Facing Radiator) |
Left-Side |
Power Output Direction
(Facing Radiator) |
Back-Side |
| Length |
37 inches |
| Width |
20 inches |
| Height |
28 inches (without muffler) |
| Dry weight |
495 lbs |
8
KW Isuzu diesel genset $5895.00
delivered*
10 KW Isuzu diesel genset
$6095.00 delivered*
12.5
KW Isuzu diesel genset $6395.00
delivered*
Specify 120/240volt, or
120volt.
*includes
48-state truck
freight service to nearest
freight depot or to business address with forklift. Add $50
for
lift gate service.
Remote start and
other options available at additional charge.
NEW!
Get the same 10 KW generator with
a Mitsubishi diesel engine for $5795.00 delivered!*
Expect the same long life and great performance.
PROPANE
GENERATOR SETS
Honda
powered 10 KW
air-cooled genset offers small size, light weight, and genuine Honda
quality. Propane is clean-burning, and offers the advantage
of no
fuel transfer mess and easy all-weather electric starting.
This
genset is standard as a gasoline-fueled generator, but available as
propane-fuel, natural gas, or tri-fuel (all three) for no extra charge.
FREE
SHIPPING!*
Slow Speed
Honda Powered 10 kW Generator - This brand new slow-turning
generator (longer life, better fuel economy!)
is suitable for standby or continous use and has plenty of power to
your home, job site or business. This unit features a 24 HP Honda X 670
V-Twin engine and with its slow speed design has lower sound levels,
better fuel economy and longer service life then the competition. This
unit features a critical-type exhaust silencer, brushless generator
head (maintenance-free!),
electric start, full
pressure
lubrication, heavy-duty dual element air cleaner, oil cooler, steel
skid base w/ vibration isolators for low noise and vibration and a
sound level of only 73 dB(A). LP Gas, Natural Gas and Tri-Fuel
conversions are available. Italian Mecc-Alte alternator unit for long,
troublefree service. Standard unit hard-wires to your power center or
breaker box and has key-start, no hour meter. Hour meter panel with
plug-in connections is available for an additional $400. Does not
include starting battery or battery cables.
Must
specify LP (propane), natural gas, or tri-fuel (LP, natural gas,
gasoline) option when ordering.
HONDA
10 KW
GENSET
$5750.00
delivered*
Specify 120/240volt, or
120volt.
Specify fuel choice.
*includes
48-state truck freight service to nearest
freight depot or to business address with forklift. Add $50
for
lift gate service.
Remote start and other options
available at additional charge.

| 10 KW
HONDA LP, NAT GAS, GASOLINE GENSET |
|
| Electrical
Specifications |
- |
| Power Single-Phase |
--- |
| Automatic Voltage Regulation |
Standard |
| Is this unit suitable for
powering sensitive electronic equipment like a laptop computer? |
Yes |
| Maximum Output |
10,500 watts |
| Continous Output |
10,000 watts |
| Load Amperage at 120
volts |
--- |
| Maximum Load |
87.5 Amps |
| Continous Load |
83.3 Amps |
| Load Amperage at 240
volts |
--- |
| Maximum Load |
43.75 Amps |
| Continous Load |
41.7 Amps |
| Sound Level @ 23 ft(7 m) at
full load |
73 dB(A) |
| ENGINE
SPECIFICATIONS |
|
| Model |
Honda GX 670 |
| Type |
V-Twin |
| Horsepower |
24 |
| Oil Capacity (w/ Oil Filter) |
2.01 qts. |
| Cylinders |
2 |
| Cylinder Block |
Cast Iron Cylinder Bore |
| Bore & Stroke |
3.0" x 2.8" |
| Exhaust Outlet |
1" OD Muffler Outlet |
| Low Oil Alert |
Standard |
| Air Cleaner |
Heavy-Duty Dual Element |
| Charging System |
12 V - 20 Amp |
| Cooling |
Air-Cooled |
| Fuel |
Gasoline
(LP Gas, Natural Gas is Optional) |
| Starting System |
Electric |
| GASOLINE
CONSUMPTION |
|
| Consumption at 1/2 load |
0.90 gallons/hour |
| Consumption at 3/4 load |
1.08 gallons/hour |
| Consumption at full load load |
1.24 gallons/hour |
| Warranty |
- |
| Engine Warranty |
2 Years |
| Generator Warranty |
2 Year |
| 100% Coverage for Parts
& Labor |
Standard |
| Installation
Data |
- |
| Fuel Inlet Hose Size |
3/8" |
| Fuel Fitting |
3/8" FNPT |
| Fuel Inlet Pressure |
11-14" Water Column |
| Minimum Power Lead Size |
0-50 Feet: 6 AWG
51-100 Feet: No. 4 AWG |
| No. Power Lead Conductors |
4 |
| Exhaust Outlet |
1" OD Muffler Outlet |
| Battery Type |
12 VDC - 400 CCA |
| Engine Oil Type |
10W-30 Synthetic |
Exhaust Location &
Direction
(Facing Engine) |
Left-side |
Service Points
(Facing Engine) |
Oil Fill Cap: Left-Side
Oil Filter: Left-Side
Fuel Inlet: Right-Side
Power Output: Back-Side
Control Panel: Back-Side
Air Filter: Front-Side |
| Dimensions |
- |
Without Skid Base
(L x W x H) |
35" x 18" x 22-1/2" |
With Skid Base
(L x W x H) |
37" x 21" x 26-1/2" |
| Dry weight |
265 lbs |
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