Quote:
Originally Posted by tadink
A couple of strategies come to mind:
...investigate batteries + solar. Similar in function to above, without having to worry about running out of propane. Perhaps easier to permit depending on your location. You'll have the benefit of solar all the, and with the added battery backup you will have power when the grid goes away. Fewer moving parts, much quieter, a bit more elegant, provides a return on your investment from day one vs. a sunk cost that you only benefit from when the power is out.
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I had not really considered this route, but after some research there may be a mix of solar and genset that may work. Our problem is hurricanes and the fact that our farm is the last stop on the grid...even a winter storm will drop power for days due to trees falling on power lines.
Quote:
Originally Posted by scottmandue
What is the budget on a diesel rig?
How many KV's for:
Five people, two bathrooms, two fridges.
Say for two weeks max.
I live in the city so propane isn't practical.
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I currently have three generators. One is an old Craftsman Vantage I bought 18 years ago (still runs like a dream - I replaced all the fuel lines this past weekend and it started second pull) that is 5kv. It will run all the essentials you mentioned above, no worries. Make sure you can run water, which for us (horses other farm animals, is essential).
I also have a Honda powered generator (Huskvarna) rated at 10Kv. I can plug in directly into the electrical switch gear we had installed and run just about everything at the house except HVAC and water heater.
I have a PTO powered generator that runs off the small tractors rated at 15kv. It also plugs into the electrical switch gear. Not an automatic process but simple enough. This gen is also used a lot around the farm for multiple power tools, compressors, nail guns, etc.
My issue is remoteness and the fact that my wife and I both work and travel quite a bit. The solar with existing gen back-up once I get home is worth looking at. It is absolutely essential to run the sump pumps in the basement.
Thanks, all.