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quote:
Originally posted by rbonplaza
Hey Pete. We bought the NL 773-W3 9 KW Genset two years ago. Tom Carpenter supplied the system (which was not cheap.) Included the Autostart controller, fuel drum fittings and fuel lines (which I installed) and the starter battery. He also supplied the Autostart interface relay for the Outback inverters. The electrician who installed the solar system did the hook up to the generator. The generator system came to about $8400 in total, a lot more than a typical Honda gas backup, but I wanted something we could depend on for years. Also hope to switch to biodiesel when the cost drops.
So what was the total costs for each: generator, Tom, electrician?
David
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Aloha David. The total cost as I stated was about $8400 which included Tom's delivery and placement- about $180. The cost of the electrician was included in our solar system. I had the slab and concrete block, three-sided enclosure built and when we arrived full time, constructed a sound-proofing housing around the whole thing. The generator is actually quieter than most gas units, however a neighbor (600 ft away) objected to the low frequencies that diesels tend to emit. Now we can't hear it from the house, sixty or seventy feet away.
David, would you guys like to come up and see our grass shack?
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Sounds almost reasonable.
Love too, email me
David
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Don't know why anyone would need a 20K generator sucking down 2.5 gallons of fuel every hour. But to each their own.
Hawaii, don't need AC, Don't need Heat, most of the time got a small fridge with freezer on top should be sufficient with an ice maker. You could run that off a small honda 2000 watt that can run (20 hours on a gal of gas) tho if your using it on a load your looking at probably 10+ hours. Max AC Output 2000W (16.6A) Rated @ (60Hz) 120V 1600W (13.3A) Should be enough juice to turn any compressor in a refrigerator. Would be ideal for solar since you'd just want it for heavy cloud cover and keeping the batteries topped off.
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C&A Generators works with Kohler. Try call them again. M-F after 7:30am.
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quote:
Originally posted by ericlp
Don't know why anyone would need a 20K generator sucking down 2.5 gallons of fuel every hour. But to each their own.
Hawaii, don't need AC, Don't need Heat, most of the time got a small fridge with freezer on top should be sufficient with an ice maker. You could run that off a small honda 2000 watt that can run (20 hours on a gal of gas) tho if your using it on a load your looking at probably 10+ hours. Max AC Output 2000W (16.6A) Rated @ (60Hz) 120V 1600W (13.3A) Should be enough juice to turn any compressor in a refrigerator. Would be ideal for solar since you'd just want it for heavy cloud cover and keeping the batteries topped off.
These unit's don't suck down that much fuel unless you got them maxed out and that's something everyone needs to know in this thread. You do not want to run a genset at maxium output. You always want to try and stay under 80% usage or less. The generator i listed above. I think when I use mine here on the mainland. I'm just burning just over 1 gallon an hour. You want a slow turning generator under 1800 rpm. Anything else above and they won't last long.
Oh, for those wanting to know what someone would need something this large. I keep a 80 gallon 8hp stand up compress, arc welder, Mig welder, grinders, sanders, and also pumps and compressors for aquaponic setup. I also like a ac unit for the house. So, when the power goes out. 30 sec later. Autoransfer kicks in and I got power when everyone else doesn't. Don't worry, you can come chill at my place.
Take care,
Steve
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My generator is 24kw. I sized it based on being told Generator = 2X Inverter. As we have 12kw inverter, that met 24KW. Likely way more than we truly need. The 12kw inverter capacity built in some future expansion. I only used my welder when genset is running, also I'll run all my pool pumps then as well. As for fuel usage, I figure about 1 gal/hr.
David
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re: you want a slow turning generator under 1800 rpm
most 60 cycle diesel gensets turn at 1800 rpm to make 60 cycle alternating current
50 cycle units turn slower
some diesels ( like mace the italian manufacturer) will turn at 2x 3600 rpm to make 60 cycles
it has to do with the windings - and physics
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I just got a quote from Northern Lights last week for a NL 773 LW 3.2 genset that included a few basic extras: $8680.
I have 3 - 6kw 673L Northern Lights gensets now..one with over 20,000 hours on it. You can't go wrong with the units... BUT!!! it can be a real problem getting a qualified tech to work on them. I do 90% of my repairs and all my maintenance and call in a mechanic friend when needed. Parts are somewhat expensive and I buy most from Valley Power in CA (talk to John Kieper). They only ship UPS though, which costs a bundle. The whole generator deal on the Big Island needs to be taken over by some competent entity because it sure is disjointed and can a real pain if you have a dificult technical problem. Most of these guys act like premadonnas and you have to beg them to come and practice their trade...then...get your BIG checkbook out. The only ones I can recommend are Jerry @ Generator Services 937-4507 or his partner Chris. They're both great guys and know what's up.
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Having the manuals and a good meter w/cycle function on hand is 90% of the battle. Valley is top shelf imho, - genset parts always steep -
so are sears/poulan high wheel mower belts - I choked on a 3/8 x 42.2 idstrial profile 20$ belt this am. the 3/8 x 42.0 auto belt that just will not fit - 5$
specialty items ......
