Generators!

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 generator 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 recommend 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.

MITSUBISHI ENGINE, 10 KILOWATT, DIESEL GENERATOR SET

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 supply them in 8 KW, 12 KW, and other sizes too.  This is the unit we use for our 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.  Fuel tank, fuel lines, starting battery and cables are not included. Overall size without muffler: 37" L x 20" W x 28"H.  Please specify: split 120/240V output, or 120V only.  FREE SHIPPING in the lower 48 states to commercial destination with forklift or loading dock, additional charge for lift gate service, call for details.  NOTE: These generators all have the same basic construction and meet published specifications, but due to manufacturer's product changes and upgrades the generator you receive may not look precisely like what is shown in the photos on this page.

GENERATOR MODEL     (specify 120 OR 12O/240V output)	PRICE*
ISUZU 8 KW DIESEL	$5895
ISUZU 10 KW DIESEL   (OUT OF STOCK)	$6295
ISUZU 12.5 KW DIESEL	$6495
MITSUBISHI 10 KW DIESEL	$6295
* Price includes 48-state truck delivery to commercial address with forklift or dock. Liftgate service may be available at extra charge.

A Note About Generator Fuels Most generators use either gasoline, propane, natural gas, or diesel fuel to provide power. A few "triple-fuel" models can use propane, natural gas, or gasoline interchangeably. There are certain advantages and disadvantages to each fuel type, and in the interest of making an informed purchase, I'll outline some of the differences. DIESEL contains the most "heat energy" per volume of the fuels mentioned. That means the engine can produce more power for every gallon of fuel burned. In most cases this provides the best economy. Diesel engines are usually built with heavier construction than others and tend to have a longer lifespan. Diesel engines do not have ignition systems that fail or require maintenance. These are some of the reasons that most heavy equipment and big trucks use diesel engines. Diesel fuel does not flow well in cold temperatures, requiring additives. Water contamination can be a problem, causing fuel lines to freeze and damage to fuel injectors. Fuel must be kept very clean and dry. Fuel additives and special filters usually overcome all of these obstacles. Diesel engines don't start easily in cold weather, so they have electric glow plugs as a starting aid. This usually solves cold weather starting issues. Gasoline has less heat energy than diesel, therefore offering less fuel economy. Gasoline is readily available, and gasoline engines are less finicky about moisture in the fuel, but water can still cause poor performance, freezing fuel lines and plenty of trouble. Gasoline gets "stale" and can plug a carburetor if the engine is not exercised regularly. Gasoline engines have spark plugs and an ignition system that can fail. This is less of an issue with modern engines due to advances in electronic ignition systems. Gasoline engines generally generate less torque than diesel engines, therefore most gasoline generator sets run at 3600 RPM, instead of 1800 RPM for diesel engines. This creates more noise and faster wear. Gasoline engines generally start well in cold weather. Propane and Natural Gas have less heat energy per gallon than the other fuels. A triple-fuel generator engine will produce less horsepower when operated on these fuels. Propane and natural gas are delivered and stored in sealed containers, so contamination isn't an issue. Cold weather starting is not usually a problem. Engines tend to have a longer life with these fuels, since they introduce few contaminents. Propane can sometimes be a problem in remote areas if a delivery is needed in winter and the fuel truck can't get in. Natural gas has the advantage of an endless supply, but the disadvantage of limited distribution. Most of these generators run at 3600 RPM, but some have sufficient horsepower and torque to run at slower speeds.

HONDA ENGINE, 10 KILOWATT, PROPANE GENERATOR SET

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. These generator sets are impressively quiet and vibration-free. Engine is coupled to the alternator with three V-belts for power transmission with a very sturdy tensioning system. The Honda engine has plenty of horsepower to run the alternator at full output and handles surge loads very well.  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. The engine runs at 2700 RPM which is reduced to 1800 RPM with the belt drive. 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. This generator is standard as a direct-wire genset. Hour meter panel with plug-in connections is available for an additional $495. Does not include starting battery or battery cables.

Must specify LP (propane), natural gas, or tri-fuel (LP, natural gas, gasoline) option when ordering.

GENERATOR MODEL     (specify 120 OR 12O/240V output)	PRICE*
HONDA ENGINE 10 KW PROPANE GENSET	$5700
PLUG-IN POWER PANEL INSTALLED (ADD)	$495
GASOLINE OPERATION ONLY (NO LP or NG)	$5200
* Price includes 48-state truck delivery to commercial address with forklift or dock. Liftgate service may be available at extra charge. 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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