Which generator to buy?

[David M]

Not my own personal experience. Was talking story with a neighbor lady this weekend over dinner about solar and generators. She told us, she brought a small Yamaha from mainland 3 years ago. At some point it needed some work so took it for repair. Basically, she was told same as me, engine work ok, but no repair if electrical. She likes her Yamaha.

I think Yamaha is the HPM brand also.

David

Ninole Resident

Edited by - David M on 04/17/2006 12:56:47

[Kapohocat]

My suggestion (same as over in the solar thread) - if on solar, go for the kubota marine diesel. sorta pricey but 100% duty rated. Will recoup price via less fuel costs (we figured about 4 years and that was at 2002 fuel costs.)

Did someone here mention cold beer???

[Hotzcatz]

The Hondas are the quietest ones, although my "Agtronics" has got to be the cutest one! It is about the size of a shoebox and runs a blender quite nicely. We have a 2.5 KW Honda "iron sun" to back up our photovoltaic system. If they are built into a small brick "dog house" with an insulated roof, the sound can be kept even quieter.

Actually, we kind of like it when the power goes out. We turn on all the lights and invite the neighbors over. Heheheh!

[David M]

Just thought I'd post an update...

Did in fact get the Honda EU3000i. It is very quiet. We decided to build it its own little house. A couple of pics can be seen at http://community.webshots.com/photo/1985...0152GmisZF

Still needs a cost of paint and I'm seriously thinking of adding some 1 inch foam board in the roof and non venilated areas. But even now it is quiet enough to watch TV without turning up the volume.

As for solar backup, it seems to be outputting around 20AMPS, which means my battery bank gets a great boost on those less than sunny days, but not so much I may charge them too fast.
It really sips the gas too.

David

Ninole Resident

[Royall]

Hi David,

Where did you end up buying your Honda? Do you feel you got a good price?

Royall

What goes around comes around!

[G. Leis]

Nice job David! Old carpeting also works well as sound deadening material.

aloha,
Gene

[David M]

Royall

I got it off ebay. Brand new (never used) for $1793.05, including shipping. I had to make the DHX connection to faciltate. I think this was a fair price and a bit under White Cap/Hilo Wire, where you have to order them anyway. I also bought a wireless remote, but haven't had time to hook in up yet.

Thanks Gene, except I don't have any old carpet LOL, but I just happen to have the styrofoam due to a shipment I just received Actually, I do need to pick up some carpet pieces to install my roof panels...

David

Ninole Resident

[Royall]

Hey Dave thanks for the heads up about eBay and the EU3000i. Do you thing a EU2000i be enough to run a laptop, refrigerator, 1 hp water pump and a couple of lights? Oh, and the TV too! I know the laptop will run for a while on its battery but I was just thinking in a long-term situation. I don’t know the wattage on these items. Just looking for an educated guess.

Royall

What goes around comes around!

[David M]

Royall

You might want to check out Honda's web info: http://www.hondapowerequipment.com/gensup.asp

As I recall, you are looking strictly for a backup in case of Helco outage? If so, you may be able to get by with something like the EU2000 because you could be selective in what you power. From your list, I'd be concerned with the requirements for the fridge and water pump - those type motors would require the most. Being as neither would have to run full time in an emergency you could be selective. Could even both be off for intermittent periods. A good point about the EU series is the capability to run 2 like units in parallel, so if you found 1 to be too small you could add a 2nd unit later. I've no experience with that type setup.
I do think you need to determine the wattage requirements to help make a determination. In my own case, I run from my battery bank and inverter, so was less concerned about powering specific items other than the approx 20 AMP output for charging the batteries.

Hope this helps

David

Forgot to add - I saved just over $200 ebay vs whitecap

Ninole Resident

Edited by - David M on 05/05/2006 19:12:38

[HADave]

Aloha Royall~ Several years back we in the Northeast experienced a very severe ice-storm that devastated several northeastern states during the middle of a very cold winter. during that 13 day power outage, in our particular area we used a simple 3000 watt generator I was able to get my hands on that first morning from my local True Value Hardware Store, I think I paid 389.00 for it. Very simplistic, 1 single 20 amp 110v outlet ~ 1/3 gallon gas tank. Anyway we powered our warm air furnace, our 21.7 cubic ft frig, all the kitchen counter outlets for the toaster a microwave and a single burner hot plate and a 13 inch rabbit eared tv, for news & weather. We ran the generator approx 8 hours every day at our home and 8hrs at family and friends to warm their homes,it performed flawlessly. I Didn't get much sleep during that time, lots of folks had it pretty bad. I'll never forget the sounds that morning before the sun came up it sounded like King Kong running through the forest, trees and limbs breaking and crashing to the ground everywhere... That small generator is still our backup for power losses today and we will be bringing it to supply ourselves with power during our construction process. It looks starts and runs every bit as good as the day I bought it. certainly not the quietest but during emergencies noise is the last thing one thinks about. Also there are several after~market suppliers of quiet mufflers one can purchase to help noisey engines plus the way that most folks take the time to build little enclosures for them will only help further with noise pollution. hope this helps abit in your decision making process. Good luck & God-speed on your build.

HADave