Before I got the solar, I got a Champion 3500W continuous/4250W peak inverter generator to run critical stuff in case of an extended power outage.
My inverter I have now (Outback Radian) uses 240V split phase input, and has a generator input that can be current limited to the size of the generator. Of course, the problem is the 120V generator vs the 240V input required.
I have a 120V/240V 1.5 kVA transformer sitting around that, if I'm reading the nameplate correctly, can be center tapped for 240V split phase output. Could I use that between my Champion generator and the Radian inverter so that I can charge batteries if solar is too pathetic to do much for a couple days? Obviously I'd be limited to about half of what the generator could actually handle.
The other (maybe better?) option I suppose is to run the generator to a 120VAC LFP charger connected to the bank in parallel with the Radian, and use that to charge from generator when necessary. I could roughly double the recharge rate that way vs going through that transformer. It would just require buying another piece of equipment and wiring.
My inverter I have now (Outback Radian) uses 240V split phase input, and has a generator input that can be current limited to the size of the generator. Of course, the problem is the 120V generator vs the 240V input required.
I have a 120V/240V 1.5 kVA transformer sitting around that, if I'm reading the nameplate correctly, can be center tapped for 240V split phase output. Could I use that between my Champion generator and the Radian inverter so that I can charge batteries if solar is too pathetic to do much for a couple days? Obviously I'd be limited to about half of what the generator could actually handle.
The other (maybe better?) option I suppose is to run the generator to a 120VAC LFP charger connected to the bank in parallel with the Radian, and use that to charge from generator when necessary. I could roughly double the recharge rate that way vs going through that transformer. It would just require buying another piece of equipment and wiring.