Generator help

[hrooster]

We need a new 10Kw stationary backup generator, and need some recommendations.
We are totally off grid, have 2.6k solar, 110 power, 48 volt inverter system.

We have a 2 wire system for automatic generator start (but in the past have only been able to find generators with 3 wire systems-so currently have to start manually).

Kohler is the only gen that honors their warranty for solar backup, as long as it is installed by their technician (generac, onan specifically void the warranty if used in that way).

But, we can't find a kohler distributor (C&A Generator does not answer phones or return messages).

So, we need recommendations on a good back up system (warranteeable preferred), and names of (licensed) electricians to install.

cheers, chele

http://the-hroost.com

[rbonplaza]

I might suggest calling Tom Carpenter @808-962-6828. He provided our 9 KW Northern Lights Diesel Genset. We also have a 2-wire autostart controller and interface for our Outback inverter system. This was two years ago. Not sure if the phone number is still good, but I have two alternatives: 557-4765 and 895-2154.

[hrooster]

Thanks, but he's not a licensed electrician, ....and other problems. Been there. Bought the t-shirt.

http://the-hroost.com

[Bullwinkle]

dont know the installer... no comment there

I have never met a northern lights (alaska diesel) genset I did not like or gave me grief... bulletproof generators imho I get about 10,000 hours run time before they need an overhaul or replacement

In most parts of the world detroit diesel distributes and stocks parts & alaska diesel gensets.. Id check for a good tech with the local detroit rep

Id aviod Onan and the other 2nd tier genset makers Alaska and Honda the only makes I can support for from my experience

certified genset tech as well as a end user having half a dozen sets in use)

[David M]

Buy a Northern Lights yourself and hire Jerry to hook it up

David

Ninole Resident

[peteadams]

I see on the Northern Lights web site that they have a 9 kw "land based generator" as they put it. Anyone have an idea of the price of this model and what is involved in the installation? Do the NL gensets typically come with auto start from the Outback inverters?

[hrooster]

Thanks for the input: we will look into a NL
cheers, chele

http://the-hroost.com

[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.

[Sniper Steve]

Here's what I'll be setting up at my place. These units are outstanding. You can run anything through them for fuel. Veggy oil, old motor oil, Diesel, Bio Diesel etc. Plus, you can get parts for them all over the world. I've ran the larger units 6-71' 100K duel units on tug boats. Better then the John Deere the company replacement them with. You can pick up a good auto transfer for about $1,000-1,500.

http://www.harborfreight.com/20-kw-generator-192.html

I'll be sure to post about my unit once I get it all hooked up with some pictures. Good luck with the system.
Take care,
Steve

[peteadams]

Thanks for the info!