This video will detail how you can connect an external generator to the PWRCell system. It will also detail Whole House Power upgrades and a new improved PWRCell battery.
Your videos are very informative, I personally am a dealer and sell Generac PWR Cell and love getting my information from you. Obsidian Solar uses your videos to inform ourselves on the batteries and cell units. Thank You! We're in Texas and appreciate you informing everyone on these.
I apologize for the rough video editing and flashing in some section. I was trying some different software for making this, and it didn't come out exactly right. Hope you enjoy it and find it informative!
As a new buyer trying to deal with the engineering of my system, your videos are very helpful basics. Oh. BTW all of us engineering types present like you. No fluff, no sales BS. Great job!
Just a small tidbit: if you run a ductless heat pump HVAC system, a small solar system can cover the entire energy demand as there is little to no conductive heat loss through any ducting traveling through the non-conditioned space (attic/ crawl space). They also make heat pump water heaters which also are the most efficient electric water heaters as they don’t use an electric resistive heating element but rather circulate the water over the high pressure coil lines and many use CO2 as the gas instead of R134a. The built on efficiency of these systems are very appealing to us folks who use solar and want the ability go go off grid/grid down without sacrificing creature comforts due to gluttonous power demands
I know that there have been 8 months since your comment, but what you say is so very much true. We have now paid off our 2-year-old solar system, plus paid off our 2ish years old mini split heat pump. Next, hopefully, will be, as you said, a heat pump water heater. Eventually, we will get battery backup. We were considering 2 Tesla Powerwalls, but over the weekend I found that these Generac systems might be a much better choice. Sorry for bothering you with all of this, but I wanted to tell someone.💙😉
@@busog97641 generac system with the expandable battery cabinet is the way to go. The Tesla system requires an internet connection which will be down of the grid goes down. The generate system can also be programmed very easily to supply your power needs during the day with any extra wattage diverting to maintain battery charge, then can run off the battery only overnight and recharge during the day, along with an automatic disconnect you can program it to charge from the grid if solar isn’t sufficient due to cloud cover those days. Only way to go. No apology necessary and glad others out there are seeing why can be accomplished with what we currently have available.
Beach Lover- thank you for you videos! I’m interested in using the PWRCell without solar panels strictly as a backup. And maybe as an alternative during high grid power price events. 2 questions: 1) could the PWRCell be used as a backup with a generator as you described in this video WITHOUT a solar array? 2) does the app or software allow for switching the grid off during high grid price events? Thank you again for sharing your experience with this system.
Thanks for the information. However, there is already a mode in the inverter called "Priority Backup". It allows you to charge your batteries using grid (AC) power and solar power. See page 9 in the Generac Inverter manual.
I have existing Tesla PV rooftop mounted panels, (and also the Tesla inverter), but I also live in Texas, and ERCOT (unheard of until February, now a national synonym for corruption and ineptitude) can't find it's ass with both hands and a flashlight. My panels generated the ENTIRETY of Texas Icepocalypse 2021 and I'm hoping Halcium or similar can release a reasonable rooftop VWAT soon (Halcium is aiming for EOY 2021). If that's affordable I'm going to likely bite the bullet and also get the Generac batteries, because in summer we *need* the AC. In summer, I can do without the water heater (it's in the attic anyway and sometimes the hot water coming out if it is colder than the cold water from the tap in the worst of the summer, which makes washing cold water clothes a problem!) although I am unclear if the integrated furnace/condenser draws the same power in winter than summer. Thank you for this information. You're right, it's pretty dry, but of those of us who need it, we need it. And your practical experience and down-to-earth presentation are great.
There are a number of generators that have clean power due to their inverter output. Examples are Honda EU2200i, EU3000iS, EU7000iS. Others provide as well. Look for the "Inverter" in the generator description.
I'd like to confirm what you said on a previous video. My brother just had pv and and inverter installed. I would like to help him with this to save him money. You stated that generac battery/case had to be used. Since you have nothing to be gained other than giving knowledge I wanted to ask you.
Everyone needs to be aware that this system is limited to 40 amps @240 Vac (9600 watts), no matter how its configured. Adding more batteries does not increase the amperage limit, it only increases the longevity and run-time of the connected devices. Adding a generator does not increase the output limit (40 amps), it only extends the run time. Don't be shocked if you cannot recharge your batteries from the generator. This is due to the tight set limits on the frequency 59.5-60.5 Hz. Generac needs a firmware update to correct this issue. Depending on which appliances are in operation, this system can power your overhead lights and two medium rated standard appliances (microwave, refrigerator compressor, etc.) but NOT your overhead lights and your HVAC system, even with a generator connected. It is still limited to 9600 watts with or without Alternative Power Sources (APS). I would get this system too if it had a much higher pass-through rating. I really like Victron Energy equipment,, but its not UL listed yet.. Instead we opted for a Sol-Ark 12k EMP with 32 - 400 watt Q-cells and later we'll add 5 - 48 volt 100 Ah (25000 watts) of battery storage when the supply chain catches up with the demand. Be aware though, Sol-Ark's current monitoring servers are located in China.
@@JamesTechJackin At this point I actually recommend a SOL-ARK 12K and a set of Fortress Batteries. Lookup "Engineer775" on RU-vid for examples of solid solutions.
@@donfrancis103 There are a few good options, a Schneider, SMA or SolarEdge inverter paired with a custom bank of SimpliPhi 3.8 batteries seems like a really good option, especially for off grid. You can even pair a Generac generator with such a system for added backup.
@Mike Sims I actually went with the Sol-Ark 12k EMP, 32 -400 watt Q-cells and we'll add 5 Ark batteries when they come in later this month. Today the system made 65Kw. Be aware though, the current Sol-Ark monitoring servers are located in China. So consider that risk seriously if you need your system remotely monitored.
Hi thanks for your valuable information, recently I have installed a Pwrcell system with batteries and I asked the company dealer here in Puerto Rico if my Generac standby generator to recharge the batteries and they told me that Generac doesn’t allow this for security and guarantee issues. Generac is developing a DC generator for this purposes, thanks in advance for your attention.
We just had our pwrcell system installed this week. My installer checked with the generac rep and said the generator hookup isn't quite available yet. We already have the generac automatic transfer switch
Thanks for doing this! I am presently thinking out a back-up system for a new home project. I was wondering if, in the configuration you have described, you can use a Generac generator to recharge your battery and power your house or do you have to specify what function you want the system to do? For me max flex would be best but I am curious about what you've leaned. Cheers! Blair
I have a portable Generac Generator. I use this with a manual transfer switch. The main job of this generator is to power my well and lightning. Without power I have no water. I’ve looked into buying a solar system with battery backup. However solar companies have told me the no one makes a system that can handle the inrush of the well starting. So I keep waiting for someone to make a system that can handle heavy loads.
Great info. Thinking about how to possibly build on the system, I'm curious if a wind turbine could be added. The soft start sounds like a capacitive start system to me. Maybe, maybe not. I appreciate your help and advice on this system and that you've taken time to explain price and functions. Keep up the great work 👍
Great videos watched all. Looking at this or Tesla system. Haven't decide yet. These questions are about just the Generac system. Can you fully charge the batteries if you know a storm is coming off the grid if not fully charged? If it does is the unit smart enough to know a storm is coming or do you need to do that manually? Can you program the unit when no outage is forecast, say at night, and just run off the batteries until morning to control peak and off peak rates? Does the unit do automatic software updates? You state it provides 40 amp. Is that peak power? In other words, is that for just the surge say a bunch of refrigerators start their compressors at same time and it hits 40 amp. Does the system have a constant load power output less that the 40 amps? Thanks. Again great videos.
You can switch the inverter into priority backup mode and then all available resources will go to charging the battery including grid power. The Tesla has stormwatch but I do not believe you can manually activate stormwatch
@@Noneofyour210 You can enable and disable stormwatch but it will only allow you to charge the batteries from the grid if it thinks a power failure is likely.
@@Son37Lumiere I'm not taking about Tesla batteries. I don't care about Tesla batteries. Generac batteries will charge off the grid in priority backup.
Appreciate the videos. I'm getting a Generac PwrCell installed at my house. Decided against ats. I do have a clean generator and have to see how I can utilize it in addition to backup batteries.
Before you go this route, consider the Victron Energy Quattro 15K coupled with a Fortress 18kW battery bank. The Quattro will accept two AC sources (Grid and Generator) and two DC sources (Battery Bank and Solar array) and automatically blend them all to give you a clean uninterrupted power source. We first learned about VE two years ago when we had our motorhome upgraded from 30 amp 120 Vac service to 50 amp 240 Vac service. We had a VE Multiplus 3000 installed and three 90Ah LIFEPO4 batteries to replace our inept FLA batteries. The system improvement is so substantial that I'm now wanting the same type setup for our home. The Quattro 15K is the solution.
It is important to note that the AC voltage input on the Victron Energy Quattro 15K is Input voltage range: 187-265 VAC. This means you cannot use a generator that only has a 120V output. It does tolerate "dirty power" generators to be used. The output frequency is 50 Hertz (the USA is 60Hz) This could mean real problems with computers and other sensitive devices in the USA. This inverter is meant for use in Europe and other places in the world with 50Hz power systems.
@@beachlover9108 There is a drop-down menu in the setup that allows us to select 50 or 60 hertz on VE equipment. So that is a non-problem on Victron Energy inverters. As for the 120 VAC generator, I would question why anyone would choose a small generator that is less than 240 Vac because most, if not all of large appliances use 240 VAC. Your water heater, oven, central air conditioning, and well pumps all require 240 VAC, so its imperative that a 240 volt generator be added to the equation.
@@donfrancis103 Why a 120VAC Generator? In this application: When someone wants to charge their depleted solar batteries to run the house loads. When grid power is not available, and the system is running off solar and battery backup. This can happen when experiencing cloudy days, and the batteries are mostly depleted. Many solar systems don't run the entire house when "islanding", just selected loads. This normally doesn't include large appliances. It all depends on what you want the power in your house.
@@beachlover9108 You might want to check your setup again. The conversation i had with Generac Power Systems a month ago revealed the fact that the PwrCell cannot be charged from an AC source. They designed it, like the Tesla Power Wall, to only accept a charge from a DC power source (read: solar panels) and it (the PwrCell Inverter) will only allow a max of 40 amps @ 240 VAC ( single phase 180 split) to pass-through the inverter. The inverter will not charge your batteries until Generac releases a firmware update. When they do, you'll be able to recharge your batteries from the grid (240 volt), but you might not be able to recharge them from a 120 volt generator.
I just bought me a Generac generator portable the THD or clean power coming from that generator is about two from your wall is about 1 to 3. I consider that very clean power for a portable generator and they do sell the generator for $1000 it’s 8500 continuous 10,000 starting watts Very clean sine wave very happy with it but yes you are right about some dirty electric from some of these generators it’s electronic fuel injected no worried about clogged carburetors or anything like that start and fire up your whole house good luck I’ll save my $30,000 for the battery back up
I had a generator before I bought this solar system. My system provides clean energy all day, every day. The generator does nothing for me, unless I lose grid power. The purpose of a solar system is not just to provide backup power.
@@beachlover9108 they’re only good for 15 to 20 years until they improve then I will get some for now I’ll save my 30,000 they will go down in price or make better ones I do believe in green power but this is too soon too fast everything takes time do you remember when the computer came out they had 6 MB know your phone has 160 GB we need more time you can’t just kill fossil fuel and just jump right in the Green power until they get it perfect but to each their own if you got 30,000 and it doesn’t bother you God bless you I don’t have that kind of money to put even monthly payments
The Pwrcell ATS does NOT take a generator load. Its purpose at this time is to manage the Smart Management Modules. Hopeful that Generac will at some point be able to take a load back from generator to charge batteries but it will not at this time. Check the single line for clarification.
Hey there Don, I have a question, I wonder if you could cover solar generators that maybe are not Generac? I like your informative style and would like your take on stand alone solar generators that and what they can actually power. For example: Bluetti is a popular generator that appears to run a refrigerator for a day or 2 max but can it run other devices at the simultaneously and what those devices might those be if the fridge is running at the same time? For those of us who may not need a full Generac system when power goes out but in case it does and need perhaps a 1day or 2 of power for essential items like a fridge, space heater, laptops, cell phones or a toaster oven or hotplate knowing which generators would work best in this situation would be a godsend. For instance would it be better to get 2 Bluetti's one just for the fridge and maybe a charging ports for cell phones/laptops? Perhaps then another Bluetti for space heaters or AC? If you could discuss why or why not the device can or cannot handle the loads that would be awesome. If you can't do a video on this right now maybe it can be tackled in a future video? There are other videos on for example: Bluetti generators but NONE tackle what it can run simultaneously and how that works in the "real world" concisely. You do such a great through analysis of products I think you could do a great video on this. Thanks ! Oh and great vids keep them coming... you have a great smile, keep smiling your whole face lights up! :D
We need to see the system as an off grid for whole house power to check if its better than tesla or not that will be a grate to show the people if the generac system is worth 💰
I have just installed my 10.8 Kwp system with a powerwall in my home. I believe most folks aren’t aware of one important fact. If you have a solar system and you are tied to the grid and power goes out you have no power in your home! Your system is generating power but you can’t power your home because for safety purposes. (Prevention of sending power to the grid and killing a service technician). The solar energy needs to come from your battery or some form of generator.
Do automatic transfer switches let an off-grid PV system or self-supply PV system power a home during a grid outsge? I recall Pika Energy (Now Generac Pwrcell) having a “cold” start feature.
Great videos! If you are off the grid on a sunny day and your battery is at say 60% full. Will the solar panels power your house and charge the battery at the same time?
Certainly! Go to your main circuit breaker panel and cut off the Main Breaker. It will shut down all power into the house. Your inverter should sense it and go into "Islanding Mode" See this video I made for details. ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-SFvfb_dWtGs.html
I really enjoyed all your videos and you are convincing me to purchase this system for my 2nd home in upstate New York and want to know the ROI. We use an average of 725Kwh per month at a Delivery Cost of $126.00 per month ($0.17 per Kwh) and Delivery Cost of $53.00 ($0.08 per Kwh). You indicated an approximate cost of $11,000 for the system; in addition, what do you think the cost of Solar Panels and installation as well as the footprint size of the solar panel system. The plan would be to put the solar panels in a field behind the house approximately 75 yards away from the house and the garage where this Generac system would be installed. The Electric Meter and pole is 10 yards from the house and 10 yards from the garage. Before I contact Generac and Solar Panel Installers, can you provide an approximate cost of an appropriate system based on my usage so I can determine ROI and affordability? Thank you.
I spent an hour on the phone with Generac tech support two weeks ago for the PWRcell (I have a Generac 20kW Generator) and they informed me that this system is limited to 40 amps @ 240Vac and it will ONLY RECHARGE the batteries from a DC power source (read: Solar system). They were supposed to release an improved system and a possible firmware upgrade for the existing systems that "might" make it possible to recharge the batteries from an AC source, but Covid-19 has that postponed.
@@donfrancis103 Thanks. So as best as I can tell there still isn’t anyone making an off the shelf consumer battery-charged-by-generator solution. Hope we see one in the next few years.
@@edbouhl3100 Actually Victron Energy does make an off the shelf consumer battery-charged-by-generator solution. In fact they make several inverter-chargers that perform this task. The Multiplus series as well as the Quattro series inverter/chargers do indeed perform the task of merging/converting/charging at the same time. These inverter/chargers will boost failing grid power (brownout) as well as completely switch over to your generator for primary AC power, while drawing power from solar and a battery bank, or solar OR a battery bank. Thats the thing about the Quattro. It accepts two AC input sources as well as two DC sources AND it outputs two AC sources (one for hybrid load UPS type assistance and the other in pass-through). Heavy loads that do not need to be on the battery assist can go through L2 of the AC output (passthrough) and loads that need constant power can be connected to L1 of the AC output.
@@donfrancis103 Wow, I’d never heard of Victron Energy before. They have a VERY impressive range of battery/generator/PV solutions. I hope they target the US residential market at some point. All the AC certifications and specifications I found were for 230V European type applications. The only US/Canada listings I could find were for DC MPPT units. But it’s reassuring to confirm that it can be done now, unfortunately not to NEC code yet.
I believe you can recharge the batteries from an inverter generator. Have a transfer switch installed between your meter and the PWRCell inverter (AC side). You then hook a inverter generator to the transfer switch and set the switch to feed the inverter with the generator AC output. The inverter will sense the power like grid power. Set the inverter to priority backup, which allows the inverter to charge the batteries from the grid. The inverter will convert the AC power to DC power, and charge the batteries.
At night when your array is not producing. Does the 8.5 backup battery cell storage provide night-time energy? If it does. Is it only to your critical load circuit or whole house?
The inverter cares! If you send "dirty" power into the inverter, it will not use it. You have to go through the inverter to charge the batteries. It is how Generac designed the system.
Follow this link to the BBB for more information www.bbb.org/us/nc/mooresville/profile/solar-energy-equipment-dealers/powerhome-solar-0473-412518/complaints.
My neighbor got a quote for a Generac PwrCell system. 5.5kW of panels + 9.9kW battery + inverter.. $55,000. And no, it will not accept a generator, it will only accept grid quality power input.. which is an absolute joke and an indication that the engineers and Generac have no clue what they're doing. Who the hell would design an emergency battery backup system that can't accept a generator input? Major major design flaw. In order to accept a generator input, they are going to have to add an extra set of AC input contacts to the inverter system and update the software to accept the dirty power. To my knowledge, there is no such thing as a residential sized generator with "grid quality" output. Perhaps an inverter generator like a Honda could do it, but those are $3500 and up for the 120/240 split phase types. Just get an Outback Radian and some Fortress batteries... You'll get twice the power at half the cost.
