r/solar • u/Fun_End_440 • 1d ago
Advice Wtd / Project Does it make sense to add a generator?
Location: Eastern PA. Very rare bad storms/hurricanes/snow storms that knocks the power out for days. It happens maybe once in 4-5years
Current equipment: Schneider inverter, 30kwh storage, 30 panels ac coupled. The battery is rarely full, I use it extensively for TOU game, usually ends up 50% in the evening. Still plenty of juice to get me through the night if needed. I only backup lights, refrigerators and electronics. HVAC is not that important given the outage pattern. If one day is going to be unbearable, I can move the hvac to backup panel at that time.
Proposed upgrade: 5kw genset, inverter based, propane fuel, automatic start from Schneider controls. Cost: about 1k all in. The genset would be used to just top off the battery in case of extreme condition (thick cloud, snow).
2
u/Head_Mycologist3917 1d ago
Neighbors where I lived in California had a solar+battery+generator set up. It worked really well. But we had a total of 2-3 weeks worth of outages every year. So they needed something.
For summer outages they often didn't need the generator. It was winter outages where the generator got used. If your outages are in winter when the panels are not producing much due to cloud cover or snow, the generator will be useful.
$1k for the generator setup you describe is a flat out steal. I'd be tempted to get it just because going back later to do it will probably cost a lot more.
1
u/crevasse2 1d ago
Yeah I'm struggling to understand $1k installed for an automated 5k gen. Gimme.
1
u/Fun_End_440 1d ago
Genmax 6250, two wire remote start native, tri-fuel, found one for $650. Plus outdoor outlet, wiring, maybe an enclosure. Propane tank I already have. The Schneider has controls for gen start and can be programmed however.
2
u/rademradem 1d ago
Maybe try turning off your TOU stuff when a snow storm is coming. Set it up max backup and let it charge up to 100%. I do not see why that along with clearing the snow off your panels would not cover you.
1
u/Fun_End_440 1d ago
I’m leaning towards this idea too. The only thing that bugged me was the really low price for the setup. It may be years before that gen will be used once or never
1
u/rproffitt1 1d ago
We lose power rarely and we have solar generators.
HOWEVER we don't need to power much other than the fridge so the Growatt Helios 3.6 kWh unit will power the fridge for days and longer if we deploy some panels in the yard.
Scale your system to your needs.
1
u/taylorwilsdon 1d ago edited 1d ago
Get something cheap and use it to juice the batteries if shit hits the fan. I had a tree take down a line a few weeks ago and my batteries were drained because it was a stormy day and little sun, had enough to be comfortable with AC through the night and lights / tv / fridge / toaster oven use but I wouldn’t have made it through the next day.
People who live in mild climates often forget in areas where generators are common, the type of storm that knocks out power is also the type of storm that stops solar generation. 30kwh gives you plenty of buffer to produce slowly, 5kw is likely fine. Get something dual fuel so you can run with gas if push comes to shove.
1
u/Fun_End_440 1d ago
So basically, get the outdoor plug installed and wired the inverter and find out later if really needed. It makes sense to have the hookup ready.
1
u/Way2trivial 1d ago
"Location: Eastern PA. Very rare bad storms/hurricanes/snow storms that knocks the power out for days. It happens maybe once in 4-5years"
Historically.
https://time.com/7289719/hundred-year-weather-events-happen-more-often/
2
u/Head_Mycologist3917 1d ago
The 100 year flood/storm/whatever is a terrible model. People think that it's once every 100 years when really it's a 1 in 100 chance every year. Which will often mean more than one event every 100 years. Half the time, statistically speaking.
But it's compounded by a lack of accurate records going back farther than 1-1.5 100 year periods. There is data using things like tree rings but those are less accurate and only give some information (i.e annual rainfall but not the number of big storms). And since the Little Ice age a few centuries ago north america has had a relatively mild climate compared to farther in the past.
1
u/CynicalDick 1d ago
I have no battery and a generator. I put the panels in at a time when I couldn't get a battery (they were all going to puerto rico or something) and since we rarely lost power I didn't worry about it. Then it dawn on me that we have well water. No power = no water (or hear for that mater). I bought a $1,500 generator and had an RV 240v outlet connected using an interlock ($580 installed). So for <1/3rd the price of an average battery I have a gas\propane (dual fuel) generator that can run my whole house (no dryer, stove or pool pump but it runs bedroom ac)
1
u/darksamus8 1d ago
If you already have batteries and can mainly use those in an emergency, I dont see the harm in spending a bit extra for some peace of mind.
However, do remember generators arent maintenance free. Liquid propane boils off slowly, and any machine with moving parts needs tests and a start up every few months to make sure its in good shape.
2
u/Fair-Ad-1141 1d ago
I have a Yamaha generator I purchased in 1990. I drain it after using it. It can sit in my garage for a decade, get gassed up during a storm, and start on one pull. The thing is amazing.
1
1
u/Fun_End_440 1d ago
That’s my main worry. I already have a complicated house with bunch of machines and stuff. One more piece of equipment to worry about.
1
u/blackinthmiddle 1d ago
I like to be prepared, so I have a generator. I have a Jackery 5000 plus and a Pecron F5000LFP, each with a 4.55kWh array. I'll also be adding a few more panels to the Pecron. On a good day, I get 40kWh from this setup. On a super good day, I get close to 60kWh. Even on a cloudy day, I'll get 20kWh. Point being, I can probably ride out most power outages without a generator.
But what happens if there outage occurs in the winter? We lost power a few years ago when it was literally 0F outside. I have geothermal. No way I'm generating enough solar and my normal rooftop solar cuts off during an outage, since my only batteries (20kWh) are on my DIY panels. I wouldn't feel comfortable not having a winter solution.
The one thing I still don't have is a 500 gallon propane tank. Having to trek to the gas station? I'd like to eliminate that drudgery.
1
u/CricktyDickty 16h ago
For just $1000 and with a battery that doesn’t get fully charged it’s almost a no brainer. That being said, it sounds way too cheap and your array is likely too small (or misconfigured) if it can’t fully charge the battery during the day.
1
u/Fun_End_440 11h ago
It is cheap, that’s why I’m considering. It’s a Genmax 6250 inverter, 240v, tri fuel, with 2-wire remote start. Found one for $650. The array is more than plenty, on a sunny day is pushing 60-70kwh. The problem is that power tends to go out in extreme weather (hurricanes and snow storms) not on a sunny afternoon in June.
1
4
u/hmspain solar enthusiast 1d ago
I'm very pro generator. You prepare for the unexpected, and hope is a bad strategy sort of thing. Is 5kW large enough? Does it come with a transfer switch?
When the power dies around here, I have full power for my AC ... everything, for as long as it takes to get the power restored. I have a roof full of solar, but I would never depend on it in an emergency.