Battery start generator for horse barn

[Chucktin]

We're just finishing wife's 3 stall barn. Actually a 14x24 car port with stall panels and 12x14 tack room. Until (if?) we can get electric run out to it maybe I can get a battery start generator for it.
Looks like we'll be 3-4 months getting electric in, electrician + permits + trenching, etc so maybe January, February.
Does that seem sensible? What's a good battery start unit (so she doesn't need to pull-start). It will only be running 3-4 lights, LEDs, and will live outside and away from the horses.

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[TractorJeff]

Is Solar practical?
Lights are only on at night doing chores typically.......
Quieter and Cheaper........

 

[mike93lx]

Lots of options. I would probably grab either this: https://www.harborfreight.com/3500-watt-super-quiet-inverter-generator-63584.html

Or one of the many options from Champion. They even offer models with remote start

 

[larry_g]

I had the same idea with my wife's barn. Got a Generac 6k with electric start only to find out that the generator has no provision to recharge the battery. So if your going this route make sure that the generator can recharge its own battery or be prepared to do some additional wiring to charge the battery. Now most of the time she just uses some of the better LED lanterns and they provide plenty of light to do chores. I would suggest that you consider a deep cycle car battery and some 12v lights if you choose to have something that just turns on with a switch. It's no more trouble to charge the battery once a month than it is to fuel and service a generator.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[theoldwizard1]

I would go solar, but with a twist.

Buy whatever you plan on for permanent installation. 4' LED "tubes" are cheap (under $30; under $20 if you catch a sale). Exterior spot lights also. Wire them up just as you would if you had power.

Buy a cheap 1000w pure sine wave inverter and a pair 6v golf cart batteries with battery box. Finally add a small battery charging solar array.

The inverter, batteries and and solar battery charger would cost less.

If you want to do a temporary install, just run extension cords (18 gauge is fine) back to a computer power strip connected to the inverter. Just make sure that is all "inside".

 

[theoldwizard1]

"Roll your own" light-duty extension cord.

100 ft. 16/2 Black Stranded CU SPT-2 Lamp Wire
Light Duty Plug, Black
Light Duty Polarized Connector, Black

 

[Bert_]

Put some clear panels in the roof or at the top of the walls. If you have to do anything after dark just get a good headlamp.

Running a generator is way too complicated.

 

[nadogail]

Put some clear panels in the roof or at the top of the walls. If you have to do anything after dark just get a good headlamp.

Running a generator is way too complicated.

What he said.

 

[Chucktin]

Wife has chimed in.[emoji849]
A girl friend in south florida has a solar light from Amazon. (Every girl friend knows better, right?) So that's the way she's gonna go.
(Until she needs a vet out there at night then it'll be ... etc etc.)[emoji53]

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[Showkey]

Another variation on the extension cord from the home..........

Low voltage lighting power supply at the home.

https://www.voltlighting.com/?gclid...1HjqOvshYcCTQVmF49r-U77v58J0205gaAizHEALw_wcB

Wire in 100’-250’-500’ 8,10,12, 14 gauge:
https://www.voltlighting.com/shop/transformers-accessories/direct-burial-cable



If the generator is the option:
1000-2000 watt generator does not have to be electric start. Any one that deals with horses will be able to a quality genny. It does have to fuel efficient and quiet. We have hashed and rehashed the quality and junk genny choices 50 times prior.

 

[jacric2005]

I would go with solar for lights and run a long garden hose out there for water. Don't want to be carrying buckets. When you get the electric in, run a water line as well. Get enough power to run a small refrigerator. When you get electric in you can sell the solar set up on Craigslist to someone like me, looking to put solar lights in my storage shed. Also, if she plans to have a horse trailer shelter at some point, run electric to that site as well. It never ends with horse facilities! Here's my covered riding arena.

 

[Bretny]

Solar will not be cheap nor will it be any less work than actualy running a proper electrical wire. Give her a nice headlamp.

If you really feel the need for a generator sportsman makes a 1kw inverter for about $200. Its pull start but very very easy to start.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sportsman-1000-Watt-Inverter-Generator-Not-CARB-Approved/55484475

 

[Chucktin]

Tried the headlamp idea - nope.
Wife is fearful of all sorts of bogeymen so we need at least a light post on the path to the barn. And I need 220 out to shop for my table saw. Electrician coming out next week for an estimate. I'm guessing about 1200 $.

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[Showkey]

Path lights .........

Mr Beams..........several dozen choices, battery powered, Motion detection, LED, battery last 6 to 12 months even is. Cold weather ( below zero).

 

[Bretny]

Tried the headlamp idea - nope.
Wife is fearful of all sorts of bogeymen so we need at least a light post on the path to the barn. And I need 220 out to shop for my table saw. Electrician coming out next week for an estimate. I'm guessing about 1200 $.

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$1200 for a real electric line is going to cost less and be less of a pain in the end.

 

[jacric2005]

I had the same idea with my wife's barn. Got a Generac 6k with electric start only to find out that the generator has no provision to recharge the battery. So if your going this route make sure that the generator can recharge its own battery or be prepared to do some additional wiring to charge the battery. Now most of the time she just uses some of the better LED lanterns and they provide plenty of light to do chores. I would suggest that you consider a deep cycle car battery and some 12v lights if you choose to have something that just turns on with a switch. It's no more trouble to charge the battery once a month than it is to fuel and service a generator.

lg
no neat sig line

Can you leave a float charge attached while the generator is running, so she doesn't have to mess with taking that on and off? Also, you might consider a dual fuel, so no worries about draining the fuel. If you use gas, use gas with Sta-bil, or similar stabilizer added. I like the remote start idea as well.

 

[Stuart in MN]

^ According to his profile the OP hasn't been here since 2021, so he probably won't see your response...