I'm looking for 5,000 to 10,000 watt generator with 2 wire remote start capability. The inverter will autostart generator when batteries get low if the generator has 2 wire remote start capability. All I've found for remote start are generators that start via wireless fob.
Back up generator Solark 12k
- Thread starter Rojillio
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schmism
Solar Addict
you might find this of interest. found via the search button
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It also sounds like your looking at box store generators which do not have to duty cycle to function for long term off grid back up power solutions. Any normal stationary genset will be able to be configured with an autostart.
Gen Auto Start questions
Hi guys i have a few questions to better understand how auto start works between my Outback CC and Inverter and the Generator or and invertor 1st we dont have a Generator but found a few with electric but no Autostart system. I have found a few auto start add-on boxes on the web but no real...
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It also sounds like your looking at box store generators which do not have to duty cycle to function for long term off grid back up power solutions. Any normal stationary genset will be able to be configured with an autostart.
A "whole house" stationary generator seems like overkill for my situation. My consumption is 8 to 10 Kwh per day. I have four 3.8Kwh Simpliphi LiPO batteries, may add 2 more. The generator would only be required to charge batteries on heavily overcast winter days when the 9kw PV array isn't putting out. Normal PV charging draws 4 to 5kw.
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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A 10,000W generator so you can recharge batteries in one hour?
How about 1 kW or 2kW generator?
Gas goes bad after a while. Diesel lasts longer (but would be a larger, more expensive generator meant for continuous use.)
Propane lasts forever. Natural gas if piped to your house is cheap and doesn't require refill.
Maybe a Honda portable generator, just pull the rope in the morning and let it run half a day or so?
Used RV propane generator?
Hedges
I See Electromagnetic Fields!
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Some inverter/chargers, especially utility interactive ones, require incoming AC to be within grid specs.
Sunny Island has different voltage/frequency range for generator vs. grid.
It can also be programmed to limit current draw from AC to whatever you want, e.g. 56A max, 10A, etc. so small generator should be OK.
See if you can just open up specs, maybe reduce draw.
Can you just have the Generac power a battery charger? As little as 1kW should meet your needs, but try to use Generac at its most efficient loading.
Other hacks could include rectifying Generac output (perhaps after boosting to a higher voltage if needed, and transformer-isolating from ground), and feeding DC rail of Sol-Ark (e.g. treating rectified generator output as if it was a PV source.) You are on your own doing that! could cause damage.
Feeding Generac into a GT PV inverter, AC coupled to Sol-Ark. There are wind and solar inverters; this would be similar.
Sunny Island has different voltage/frequency range for generator vs. grid.
It can also be programmed to limit current draw from AC to whatever you want, e.g. 56A max, 10A, etc. so small generator should be OK.
See if you can just open up specs, maybe reduce draw.
Can you just have the Generac power a battery charger? As little as 1kW should meet your needs, but try to use Generac at its most efficient loading.
Other hacks could include rectifying Generac output (perhaps after boosting to a higher voltage if needed, and transformer-isolating from ground), and feeding DC rail of Sol-Ark (e.g. treating rectified generator output as if it was a PV source.) You are on your own doing that! could cause damage.
Feeding Generac into a GT PV inverter, AC coupled to Sol-Ark. There are wind and solar inverters; this would be similar.
robby
Photon Vampire
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Sol-Ark does recommend 4KW 240V Generators or larger for the system. You can adjust the Frequency and the SOC point at which the generator will turn on. I think you also need CT's for the generator.
The Sol-Ark does a very nice job of integrating everything other than my small generator. I really don't want to add any more complexity such as an additional battery charger. I'm actually somewhat relieved that the little Generac doesn't work, as it gives me an excuse to upgrade to an gen with electric start. I really like the idea of the Solark starting the generator when the batteries get low. The Westinghouse WGen7500 Portable Generator with Remote Electric Start looks nice. It would probably be easy to remove the onboard start switch at replace it with wires to the inverter, though that may invalidate the warranty. I'm looking for a generator with built in connector for 2 wire remote start.
Rojillio, Were you able to try/test one that worked for you?
Edit: By the way, in case it helps you, I wanted to let you know we are discussing a very similar topic / use-case in this thread:
Need your advice on best dual fuel generator for 12K Sol-Ark
Hello from Idaho! My generator has too much hertz distortion. I'd like to find a dual fuel generator for under $1,000. Also has to have a 240 outlet. Many thanks, Jerome
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