Best Generator For Solar System 

Great info!!

Great job. Thanks

Joe, another outstanding presentation and informative content!

Great video, I am a service and installer technician for one of the brand generator you have in your video. For residential unit many customers buy their units and forget to have them serviced. Maintenance cost are high.

You produce great videos. Really pertinent information.

I’ve found that your videos are extremely informative and helpful. Thanks!

Great info Joe, thanks!

Great review

Thanks, Joe. That really cleared a few things up for me. You are a great educator and speaker. A true blessing.

Good information.

great video! really helped me decide how to optimize my backup generator setup. currently I use a honda gasoline powered inverter generator 65is(5500W) as my main backup generator with two honda handi eu3000i generators wired in parallels as my secondary backup system. Have a 30amp reliance manual transfer switch attached to the home electric panel....might convert my gas generators to propane like you suggest...thx!

This was a great and informative video. Thank you for the content.

Love the videos!!

Great info., love your thorough presentation style!! I really want the Solar/Standby Generator hybrid system! I live in the Ocala National Forest and service is sometimes hard to come by, especially in Hurricane scenarios. So if you were doing this all from scratch in 2022, and price were no object, what would be your recommendation on the "best" system? By that I mean brand names, etc. Remember this is just your opinion, so feel free to name names!! To clarify, I want Solar running the house and a standby gen. to charge the battery for the Solar System! And my house, based on calculations for a standby system, would require a 22 kw standby only, if I were to go that route. I am thinking the hybrid system would require less kw to charge the battery.

Good video, pointing out the practical differences between alternate generator approaches. One thing not mentioned was maintenance. There are a couple of Generacs in our neighborhood, and I know those run occasionally as part of their regular maintenance. (Seems to me that over time, this would make a dent into your 500 allocated warranty hours.) There are other maintenance items as well, although the fuel differences, as pointed out in the video, are key. Last, some comment about noise levels seem appropriate. You may not care about noise during an outage event, but neighbors might- particularly when the generators run as part of their scheduled maintenance runs.

Thanks Joe for the video! I have a question; Could you please list some model/brand of 2 wire auto start portable generators?

I use Non Ethanol Gas in mine portable generator and have left fuel in it a year in Florida where the humidity is always high. No problem. Now if I have a hurricane coming I'll burn regular car gas through the power outage. Then drain the tank put in a gallon of non ethanol gas and run it an hour. I put it away storing it with non ethanol gas. Carb cleaning is a thing of the past.

Hi Joe, Great content! I had a 20Kw Briggs and Stratton stand by generator with an ATS installed a year or so ago, and it works great, but I'd also like to have a battery backup for the house to survive for at least a little while - something like a rack of the Gyll LiFePO4 batteries that DavidPoz did a couple of videos on. Just not sure what I would need to do the retrofit to make it use the batteries first, and then the generator, and then have the generator charge the batteries back up etc, like you mentioned in the video. I like the content, so you earned a subscribe - keep up the great work!

Thanks for the videos @Joe. Can you maybe make a video for various types of monitoring systems available in the market (Tesla, SEMs, Enlighten, solarEdge and others)? Also maybe a comparison video for monitoring systems that can be added to legacy solar systems? Thanks!

I really like your videos. They are very helpful. Can you do another video on Generac battery and Generac microinverters?

Enjoy all your videos. Currently installing EnPhase Solar. Considering adding a small battery backup (EnPhase or Tesla) for refrigerator, freezer, WiFi and lights/TV. We don’t have many power outages in AZ. That could change. One option I’m considering is using the 7.2kw power generator capability of the 2021 Ford F-150 PowerBoost as a emergency backup power solution. This would allow me to recharge the battery backup (if solar can’t due to weather or we use more power after sunset than the battery can supply) and provide emergency power at night after sunset. Have you given any thought to producing a video using the F-150 in this type of situation? It solves fuel storage issues and eliminates the need for someone like myself who doesn’t have use for a portable generator other than for backup emergency purposes. At $750 this option on the F-150 PowerBoost seems like a less expensive solution. Plus I can power a small portable fridge/freezer unit or an electric griddle when camping/fishing/hunting or even a travel trailer in off grid situation.

I have an 8KW Generac standby generator that operates on natural gas. It is about 10 years old, plus or minus. I have a contract with the only authorized Generac service company in the SF Bay Area (in my part of the Bay Area anyway). I have a maintenance contact and it is serviced once a year. What you didn’t mention is that this generator (and I assume other generators in its class) is basically a motorcycle engine in a box. It requires similar maintenance that is required for a motorcycle. I have had battery issues and electronics issues with it. I purchased the extended warranty (thank goodness) and have had many parts replaced. The need for replacement parts has typically been discovered when the generator fails to either switch over after a power outage or it won’t start up. In my ten-ish years of ownership, it has worked about 50% of the time. One other source of failure that you didn’t mention is the transfer switch. It is a mechanical part that has failed to switch when commanded by the electronics because it was burnt out. The last issue that standby generator owners need to be aware of is what the customer mix is of the company that services their generator. Generac’s largest market is commercial generators, not residential generators. At least twice I was unable to get the attention of my maintenance company (a really large, nationwide company) because their maintenance contracts are with businesses and those customers get the first attention of the maintenance company when there is an outage and generators aren’t working. I am watching these videos because my next step is to get solar power with battery backup as soon as practical. I’ll keep the generator as a way to charge the battery in the event of a long power blackout. But I absolutely do not want to deal with Generac or its maintenance vendor in my area if I can help it.

From experience I have seen that portable generators also seem more likely to fail if run at very low load over time. Running as close to 50% of max load as feasible seems to be most reliable in addition to being more efficient.

The new champion 14KW standby generators are really nice and affordable. 5 grand

Can u please mention which of them has low maintenance and which is more expensive? So that i may know which is better. Thanks and regards...

Non-ethanol fuel is a must for small engines. It’s not available in all areas but most newer stations vary it. It stores sealed for about a year vs 2-3 months for E10. Propane will never go bad, literally the container will go bad before the fuel. Also remember that there is about a 15% de-rate if you convert a gasoline Gen to propane. Can you talk about islanding with a grid tie system? I’ve heard that, especially inverters generators, can cause issues because there is no frequency advance during an over production when a grid tie would normally backfeed the grid.

Another good one. I wanted to add a comment about gasoline storage. Here in Calif. our reformulated gasoline is CRAP and it goes bad fast, not really feasible to store. My work around is 2 fold. Primary, we do do have So Cal Gas service which is very reliable so I did a Nat Gas conversion on a Champion 5K hybrid inverter style gen. The output does derate a bit on Nat Gas. Secondarily, I keep both our cars full of gasoline so in a really bad situation we do have access to about 35 gallons of relatively fresh fuel. I'm not suggesting that siphoning gasoline out of a car is for everyone but it does solve the storage problem for those willing. DO NOT EVER TRANSFER GASOLINE FROM YOUR CAR OR ANY OTHER CONTAINER IN A CLOSED SPACE. Also worth mentioning is that most decent back up inverters have Generator support that operates similar to the Peak Load Shave feature which limits the current draw from the Gen based on a user settable amperage value. Short term Excess power like a toaster or coffee maker being used is supplied by batteries. Thus a smaller, less expensive generator is still very functional even though it may only be 3 to 5Kw.

Hi, I’m new to your channel and enjoying what videos I’ve watched so far. I am considering solar, but would want the panels mounted off the ground, no holes in the roof. Have you talked about wind power any? Thanks.

If you are using gasoline to fuel a generator (or any small gas engine) only use non ETOH fuel. Your machine will run easier and longer with less maintenance.

Aircraft AVGAS works great and is available at all general aviation airports

What are your thoughts on the EcoFlow line?

Hey Joe! Have you seen a successful Enphase Sunlight Backup + Generator combo without a battery? What sort of advantages or limitations exist here when backfeeding two sources of power in a grid down scenario?

Great video Joe, can i ask... when using a generator with solar/battery am i right in thinking you feed the gen power to the main panel and then just let the solar sync to that instead of the grid.. ?

Seriously thinking about generac 18-22kw range as battery storage is more expensive at the moment. Waiting for cheaper battery tech. However just watched a UK video and a battery panel can have a payback period of anywhere from 5-10 years depending upon costs. The key is if one has a night time electricity program then the equation for 5-10 years works (differential between rates). We dont have one yet (incentive program) so its more like +18 years payback (battery alone no solar). Wouldn't consider gas at all, just propane or NG. Since we have propane boiler in the house (in floor heat and ranges) I can run a line from existing tanks to a generator. However just installed two heat pumps to reduce dependency on propane for winter heating.

We had a Generac Guardian standby generator with ATS installed before switching to solar. We opted for the Generac power cell system but Generac still has not integrated their inversor to turn on our generator if needed. Any idea when this upgrade will be available? We live in hurricane alley PR and need to have plans A (grid), B (solar) , C (batteries) & D (stby generator) in place just in case, before our Maria PTSD kicks in. Thanks for the great content.

I have an off grid system with the following generator and batteries; 12-Batteries 600amps AGM12V200A and Generator 3200 Watt 120V Carb compliant. In your scenario of turning on as 40% and off at 85% how long would the generator run? This is an Aims system with the Aims Inverter PICOGL12KW. Just trying to get an idea.

Hi what I want is to add wind power as my generator as the wind runs here 75% of the year and can gerenater 500 to 1000watts with a small turbine. It would plug in to the socket provided for a portable gas generator I assume. Running all day is would keep the battery topped up then overflow to the grid along with excess solar. Is that feasible?

We have a Generac Guardian 26kw. I’m trying to figure how to add solar for primary power source for long term power outage

Diesel keeps for 25+years and will always be cheaper than propane, running propane on a dual fuel will give you less running watts. Getting a diesel generator with a storage tank is going to be your best option and you can let it stay in the carbs without gumming it up like gas will. Food for thought!

Joe, you should mention open frame generators are terrible for most house components and are truly designed to run power construction equipment. Todays home refrigerators and freezers, cell phones, computers and any sensitive electronic equipment can and will burn out easily with open frame (non pure-sign-wave inverter power). I would only use a pure sign wave inverter generator to run my home, but of course many generator companies do not sell large watt inverter generators. Champion Power Equipment has recognized this void and no offers many open frame inverter option up to 8K now. They are twice the cost but half the noise, but worth it. Funny, ask how many RV'ers have destroyed their RV's using open frame non inverter generators. A lot!

Hi Joe, I was wondering if you could use a generator in addition to a battery backup specifically for surge power usage like starting an HVAC system or does the generator only charge the batteries and not supply additional wattage to the house?

Do you have any recommendations on integrating a “ liquid cooled” diesel generator to a generac system? It seems that a high kw genset could quickly charge the batteries and power every demand for a short time with minimal fuel consumption. Also less overall maintenance. Any advice on this subject is much appreciated.

Very informative presentation!!! I like the idea of the off grid 2 wire start system only run to charge the batteries and I would assume they would also kick for high demands if need be. I just had a solar company come out yesterday and the estimate for their system including the Generac 6 battery bank was a mere 90k alone!!! Based on peaks of 3,000kw during peak months and 1,300kw on the low end. I live in NE TN and due to terrain features and exposures he put in for a bunch of panels...between 50 to 60 I believe to yield a 67%- 81% output. How much should I plan on to add an off grid generator like you mentioned?

I'd be interested in knowing exactly how the switching for solar/battery/generator would work

I have a system that is 12.75 Kw and a Battery from Enphase the is 10KW, I need a portable Gen just to charge the battery if need. Will any Gen work? what do you recommend? I think Enphase will void the warranty if we use a portable Gen.

Propane is cleaner but less efficient and requires more for same run time. Power output of generator is lowered when using propane.

I cant wait till the off grid version of this is implemented in the US grid solar/wind with battery storage and emergency peaker plants seems like the most logical answer. Till then I cant wait till I get my first home after this bubble in the market bursts. First thing I am getting is solar with battery storage as we move into EV automobile revolution. Are current grid cant handle the load of Everyone going to evs at once.

Also motor oil is a consumable for multi day run.

Is there anyway to get a call if I live in Wisconsin.

My generator has a 12v dc component. Can I connect this directly to the 8 12v batteries to increase battery input?

How about one about 20-30 minutes long on battery options for Off-Grid Solar ? I am anxiously waiting !

Love your videos. Can you integrate a Sol Ark with a Generac Solar with battery wall and Backup Generator?

Hi Joe, Which Solar system operates the scenario you described of the 2 wire connection control of the generator to only come online at preset battery percentage? SolarEdge, Enphase, etc?

Generac Ecogen also comes with 2000 hours warranty

Hi Joe, I’ve been told by a few electricians that you cannot or should not use a generator to attempt to charge the batteries on my grid tied solar system. Please can you tell me how you’re getting around the lack of pure sign wave and the fluctuations in power from the generator. Thanks Michael 👍🏾

Excellent information, I'm in the California Desert and my air conditioner runs continuously during the summer ( day & night) I live in the city but I want to get rid the electricity company. I already have a solar system and I'm connected to the grid but I do not have a battery back up system. Is there such a generator that would run after sundown for 4 to 6 months out of the year so I can run this house as if it was off the grid? Can I actually do what I'm thinking of doing? I'd appreciate your response. Tkx

It would be nice if a generator and inverter company would team up and develop an inverter that would allow both the solar array and the generator to run simultaneously and not require a battery in order to use the solar panels when the grid is down. It is nuts to require an expensive battery simply to be able to use the solar panels when the grid is down.

What on grid solar battery systems are able to be charged via solar and generator? It’s becoming very frustrating to find a battery system that can do this

What about a Diesel standby generator ? Its more efficient than the gasoline type ? Doea diesel also have that moisture absorption problem ?

One other generator. PTO tractor. I have a 200 gallon diesel tank for farm equipment and a pto driven 14kw generator for my tractor.

For my generator, I use both propane & ethanol free gasoline stored in metal safety cans outside in a shed…I also have a Bluetti AC200P with 600w solar panels…If I bug out, I can take all my equipment with me…

Thank you Joe for all the information. Just curious, You said the natural gas lines froze. I’ve never heard of this happening I’ve heard of propane regulators freezing up but I have lived through -40 and even down to -64°C I’ve never heard anybody have a natural gas freeze it in their lines I’m just wondering what was the cause of that? Please let me know what could’ve caused this if possible.

I'm looking for a generator to maintain a 48v solar system. I got 4.3kw solar array and 8 410amp fullriver battery bank. I get about 2 to 4 weeks of foggy days in the winter. I can't see paying the money for a whole house generator. Is there a propane generator that can be used as a battery charger only run through my inverter? And do I need to isolate the solar array when charging off the generator?

I have a 20 4K W Generac home standby generator plus is 28 years old are use Damian Floria through six hurricanes right now is only use to charge a 75KW battery back up system when I used to use this generator for hurricane that generator will burn 100 pound propane tank in 24 hours now I only use it to charge my battery system you only run two hours three at the most is the best thing ever bought

Can't do that with my 9000w generator, as it has a governor.

Does anyone make an offgrid generator that has a regulated nominal 48V DC output? That way you could have the generator charge up the battery bank without affecting the operation of your system via your inverter(s). In a prior life I managed a phone company Central Office, and the power systems were mind-boggling. 480V AC 3 phase commercial power that only ran a bank of battery chargers. Any AC power in the building, from a wall outlet to commercial HVAC systems were run off a bank of redundant inverters. The typical load on the batteries was 1300 amps output, so you were really careful around the bus bars. If the 480V input died you wouldn't even notice except for the alarm going off and the 480V generator firing up. Gives you a whole different perspective on power dependence.

Hi Joe, does a gas engine need to start on gasoline first then switch to propane when you add a kit to them?

18kw solar system and 3 pws. If there’s no power for a week and cloudy all week, before batteries fully drain bc of lack of solar could a generator plugged into the homes dryer 240 outlet to charge them??

Dumb question here. Can a inverter generator be use? Or it has to be the loud one?

One correction: It is highly unlikely that a generator running at 50% output is anywhere near its most efficient operating point. Most ICEs are most efficient when running at full throttle at an RPM at or slightly below their peak torque RPM. A well designed generator will have its engine running at this operating point when at its maximum rated output. Therefore, it is very likely that you want to run the generator at or near its maximum output for best efficiency. You can’t compare a stationary engine operating a fairly linearly increase load (such as a generator) to a car where the load (primarily aerodynamic drag) is highly nonlinear. Cars would be more efficient if they were designed with small engines such that the engine is running full throttle at its max torque RPM when the car is at normal cruising speed, however, cars need to be able to do many other things such as accelerate quickly and occasionally run much slower or faster than normal cruise speed, so car engines are optimized to cover a broad operating regime. These constraints don’t apply to most stationary engines running loads such as generators or pumps.

Love your videos man! Got a question for you on adding a generator at the same time as installing solar: if you do the 22kw Generac standby generator with whole-house transfer switch can can simply use the standard SolarEdge inverter or do you have to do the Energy Hub and BackUp Interface? My understanding is that you do need the Energy Hub and BackUp Interface when adding a portable generator with small transfer switch to an existing solar system.

cant you put 2 wire start on generac other generators. not the eco gen

My max. load is 800W, I have a 2.5kWh lithium battery (12V) and a 1.5kVA pure sine inverter. Can I use a 2.5kVA (230V) gasoline generator to charge my battery?

Do you know of a natural gas powered generator that is rated at 10kw. Many portable generators are severely derated when running on natural gas. I have seen 5500 watt units but they cannot run a water well pump and a freezer and still start a 3 ton AC unit. I am trying to stay under $2000 for the unit.

What kind of watch is that?

What I believe is the best, would be a Propane (Prime Use) Generator. Plenty of fuel Storage, and 10 -20 Thousand hours of Running time with No Problem, with Proper Maintenance.. then you just rebuild it.

Generac 22kw propane w backup 6500kw gas/propane back up

The price to install solar, battery backup, and a generator with propane storage is super expensive. I don't see anyone who isn't loaded doing this for their home.

Propane costs skyrocketing!

Hi all the generators you have mentioned dump large quantities of energy ( heat) & are all inefficient if you used the heat eg marinised you can reuse it to heat your house. But other than me on one else seems to realise this. & As far as I know no small generators are water cooled to take advantage of this & what about diesel this has none of the disadvantages of all the other fuels.

I think people will want to know who built the device. This is a government requirement in Florida.

Hi I going.instal 18k Generac.power cell i cant install any generator i looking for inverter 9000 GENMAX Generador inversor portátil, motor de gas propano súper silencioso de 9000 W con capacidad paralela, arranque remoto/eléctrico Thank You GOB

Generation efficiency: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-raZ1dQ6HIQw.html