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Generators
Generators are the perfect solution for power in a short-term emergency or to a remote location. They are NOT the
solution for a long-term emergency or a crisis. If the worst you expect is a typical power interruption, get a generator. If
you want to be unprepared for something worse, a 5-gal can of gas will satisfy your requirements. But,
our culture depends on a number of very fragile delivery systems that are easily interrupted or attacked.
and they all depend on the most fragile and vulnerable system of all - the Electric Grid.
When you understand this, you will know that you can't depend on a generator alone. You can store a finite amount of
fuel and access to more will be limited. Most of the time your electric demand will be small and running a generator will
be very inefficient - a waste of your precious fuel. A battery based solar system is the best (perhaps only) solution.
But, since the sun does not shine every day, we size the battery to cover two or three consecutive sunless days. In the
winter, there will typically be several sunless weeks. Then you will fire up the generator and charge the batteries.
solution for a long-term emergency or a crisis. If the worst you expect is a typical power interruption, get a generator. If
you want to be unprepared for something worse, a 5-gal can of gas will satisfy your requirements. But,
our culture depends on a number of very fragile delivery systems that are easily interrupted or attacked.
- Fuel
- Medical Responders
- Fire Responders
- Law Enforcement
- Food
- Retail Outlets
- Transportation - including your automobile
and they all depend on the most fragile and vulnerable system of all - the Electric Grid.
When you understand this, you will know that you can't depend on a generator alone. You can store a finite amount of
fuel and access to more will be limited. Most of the time your electric demand will be small and running a generator will
be very inefficient - a waste of your precious fuel. A battery based solar system is the best (perhaps only) solution.
But, since the sun does not shine every day, we size the battery to cover two or three consecutive sunless days. In the
winter, there will typically be several sunless weeks. Then you will fire up the generator and charge the batteries.
| A GENERATOR IS AN ESSENTIAL PART OF A BATTERY BASED SOLAR SYSTEM |
The generator is actually part of the solar system and it must be sized properly to charge the batteries and run any
additional load you may require during the charging time. In a well designed system, the battery can be charged in a
few hours. While a smaller generator can charge the battery with a longer run time, an undersized generator may result
in irreparable damage to the battery. Proper battery charging is critical to battery life. Since the battery is part of a
life-critical system, their care is very important.
Inverter generators are the new craze. They do offer an advantage in fuel consumption but this advantage is best
realized if you leave the generator running for long periods while lightly loaded - typical in RV use. However, your solar
system can get along just fine with a standard generator at a fraction of the cost. In a crisis, you will not generally run
your generator for anything other than charging your batteries. In this setting, we apply a reasonable load and there is
little wasted fuel.
additional load you may require during the charging time. In a well designed system, the battery can be charged in a
few hours. While a smaller generator can charge the battery with a longer run time, an undersized generator may result
in irreparable damage to the battery. Proper battery charging is critical to battery life. Since the battery is part of a
life-critical system, their care is very important.
Inverter generators are the new craze. They do offer an advantage in fuel consumption but this advantage is best
realized if you leave the generator running for long periods while lightly loaded - typical in RV use. However, your solar
system can get along just fine with a standard generator at a fraction of the cost. In a crisis, you will not generally run
your generator for anything other than charging your batteries. In this setting, we apply a reasonable load and there is
little wasted fuel.