Help me pick a generator

[bluedog225]

I’d like to go ahead and buy a fixed mount generator for the long haul. For a small house normally powered by solar and batteries.

The genny needs to be powered by propane. That’s settled. And used when solar production is not sufficient. Not often here (Texas). Say 20 days a year as a total guess. It will be backing up a dual 48 volt; 10,000 watt (total) dual Victron Quattro system with 40kW batteries. Specifically, eight 100 amp 48 volt LiFePO4 rack batteries.

Here’s what I’m seeing on the battery spec sheet.

It says amps at 57.6 volts per battery (8). Giving a recommended charge rate of 29,000 watts? Or should I size my generator at to replace the expected use (say 7000 watts) then wait for the sun to shine? Big difference.

I recall being advised that about 5000 watts was the minimum for my battery charging needs. I’m thinking I’ll get something in the 7,000 to 9,000 watt range. That will be plenty to keep me and my food in refrigeration and some charging to the batteries. House is wood stove heated.

My main criteria are long term reliability and repairability. To include parts availability

What do you guys think? Should I be looking at looking at generac? Or something else?

I could buy a nice 9000 watt tri-fuel champion generator for around $1,750? But I doubt the longevity. The Quattros take dirty power so an inverter genny is not needed.

And while the Honda’s have a good rep, I wonder about the impact adding a propane kit would have on long term operation.

Ideally, I’d like liquid cooled and something with an oil pump/filter.

Any recommendations appreciated. Simple and reliable is better. Thanks.

 

[Fixr]

Calling @Metallitubby

 

[RPH]

Propane burns much cleaner than normal gas. So running a Honda generator on propane would be like serving the best liquor in the house!
No cheap beer ****.

 

[bluedog225]

I read somewhere, maybe an older post here, that running a honda on propane caused it to run hotter. Don’t know if true.

 

[karoc]

I know nothing about generators but my BIL does and he spared no expense. He went with Koehler water cool that has sound blanket. When running you have to stand next to it, then you put your hand on it for proof that it’s running. Has Bluetooth so he can monitor cycles, run time etc from his phone. It’s amazing, way out of my budget, but if I could I would.

 

[Metallitubby]

I read somewhere, maybe an older post here, that running a honda on propane caused it to run hotter. Don’t know if true.

It just burns hotter, but running one step colder plug helps offset this.

Note that we just dropped the price on our EU7000IS again, down to $3999. This generator will do just about anything, and the fact that it's inverter, fuel injected, Bluetooth, and has multiple outlets makes it a standout (in my humblest of opinions).

Honda EU7000iS Super Quiet Inverter Generator | Honda Generators

The Honda EU7000iS inverter generator offers 7000 watts of power. Quiet and fuel efficient, the EU7000 portable generator is ideal for home, outdoor events, RV, & more.

powerequipment.honda.com

*note that the pricing on our site doesn't reflect the current sale price. Your local Honda dealer will have this pricing. If they don't, let me know and I'll rectify the situation.

 

[bluedog225]

It just burns hotter, but running one step colder plug helps offset this.

Note that we just dropped the price on our EU7000IS again, down to $3999. This generator will do just about anything, and the fact that it's inverter, fuel injected, Bluetooth, and has multiple outlets makes it a standout (in my humblest of opinions).

Honda EU7000iS Super Quiet Inverter Generator | Honda Generators

The Honda EU7000iS inverter generator offers 7000 watts of power. Quiet and fuel efficient, the EU7000 portable generator is ideal for home, outdoor events, RV, & more.

powerequipment.honda.com

*note that the pricing on our site doesn't reflect the current sale price. Your local Honda dealer will have this pricing. If they don't, let me know and I'll rectify the situation.

Thanks.

Do you know if there is an authorized propane conversion that does not void the warranty?

 

[PoorUB]

I used to sell Generac and unless they changed their engine in the last ten years, anything under 10KW was junk. I refused to sell them. Hard starting, and the electric starters were ****. The V-twins in the 10KW and up were decent.

 

[firebirdparts]

7000 watts for sure. Every cost factor dictates you feed the house, not the batteries. If you get 10k because of the quality, so be it.

 

[Metallitubby]

Thanks.

Do you know if there is an authorized propane conversion that does not void the warranty?

There is not. I can tell you that I've never seen a failure relating to dry fuel that was denied because of its use.

 

[ericm]

It just burns hotter, but running one step colder plug helps offset this.

Note that we just dropped the price on our EU7000IS again, down to $3999.

Dammit! AFTER I bought mine!

It's a very nice generator. but would need a propane kit for the OP's purposes. I don't know off hand if they make one for the EFI.


The OP needs to look at how the generator will be integrated into the system. If the existing inverter has a generator input port like a SolArk, then it needs to be compatible. Some inverters with generator inputs require, at least according to their docs, generators that have a two wire interface so the inverter can trigger it to start. Portable generators generally don't have that.

If you're charging the batteries from the generator using a stand alone charger, I don't know how that works with the inverter but it would need to be figured out. If you're going to plug the generator into something like a meter socket, you need to be able to tell the inverter to that it's not the utility so it doesn't try to draw more current than the generator can provide, or if it's grid tied solar, try to back feed the generator with solar power.

 

[jsaw]

I read somewhere, maybe an older post here, that running a honda on propane caused it to run hotter. Don’t know if true.

Have heard that propane is harder on the intake valves because the propane does not have as much of a cooling effect as gasoline does.

 

[bluedog225]

The charging will all go through the Quattro. I’m told it is very tolerant of dirty power.

I don’t think there is any reason to get an inverter generator for my purpose. That will save some money.

A Honda 7000 or so is at the top of the list.

I had heard the intake valve desk years ago but couldn’t find anyone who believed it.

 

[bluedog225]

This would be nice.

6KW Propane Genset - WRICO Power Generators

Introducing the Ultimate American-Made Custom Generators! Are you ready to power up your world with unwavering reliability and unmatched performance? Look no further than our cutting-edge 6kw Propane Primary Genset, proudly crafted in the heart of America. Designed to exceed your expectations...

wricogenerators.com

 

[olytdi]

I have the predecessor to the Honda 7000is -- the 6500is. It's only ever run on either NG or (now) propane. It does not run hot. It's the most reliable, quiet, and smooth gen I've ever used.

US Carburetion makes a MotorSnorkel kit for the 7000 as do others.

 

[john.k]

If you need 29kW ,then a emergency unit from a building may suit ............Ive seen such as Cummins Onan gas motor sets sell very cheap ,as no one wants a spark motor that big.

 

[ddurrett896]

Love my Champions.

 

[mike93lx]

I don’t think there is any reason to get an inverter generator for my purpose. That will save some money

Noise doesn't matter?

I currently have a champion dual fuel. I wanted to get a Honda 7000 but couldn't justify nearly 3x the price for something that will get run so infrequently. If I was using it constantly, it would be different

This is it
Champion Power Equipment 8500-Watt Electric Start Dual Fuel Home Backup Portable Inverter Generator with Quiet Technology and CO Shield https://a.co/d/j5tHUYr

 

[bluedog225]

Quieter (edit) would be nice but not critical.

I wonder which will deliver more hours without issue? Inverter or non-inverter?

 

[mike93lx]

Writer would be nice but not critical.

I wonder which will deliver more hours without issue? Inverter or non-inverter?

No inverter run at a constant 3600rpm, regardless of load, but the inverter have a lot more going on that can fail

 

[HoosierBuddy]

If it was me, I'd be looking at a standby generator rather than something on wheels.

I'm not sure how you'd get it tied in, but I'd want it set up where it would come on as needed, run until it wasn't needed and then shut itself down.

20 days/year X forever = a whole lot of going out and f'n around with a generator that I'd rather spend doing other things. PLUS if it's needed when you aren't home, it'll take care of itself.

 

[Firebrick43]

The charging will all go through the Quattro. I’m told it is very tolerant of dirty power.

I don’t think there is any reason to get an inverter generator for my purpose. That will save some money.

A Honda 7000 or so is just the top of the list.

I had heard the intake valve desk years ago but couldn’t find anyone who believed it.

The valve issue was a problem with cast iron heads with no hardened seats. Tractors especially were converted to propane and the 5.75, 6 or 6.5 to 1 low compression ratios of the early 50's tractors made for lousy hp converted to propane. Several companies such as M&W made high compression pistons to get the HP back comparable to a gas engine, some where around 8 to 1.

Heat would start to erode the cast iron valve seat(valve recesion) , limiting heat transfer and would over heat the valve head causing them to break off. Installing stellite valves and Hardened seats solved the issue for the most part. As lead was removed and compression ratios moved up regular gasoline engines required hardened seats as well so its not necessary to do much to a modern engine.

Aluminum heads that can carry more heat away efficiently helps as well.

 

[NYrr496]

My family sells generators. That being said, I wouldn't take a Generac for free. We used to sell them. Once Home Depot got their hooks into them we dropped them. They sell Briggs and Stratton now. Great machines.

 

[Jay870]

Thanks.

Do you know if there is an authorized propane conversion that does not void the warranty?

Can't speak too Honda warranty support, but I purchased mine pre-converted from GenConnex and they have their own warranty. I had to use it, and their support was excellent.

 

[bluedog225]

Can't speak too Honda warranty support, but I purchased mine pre-converted from GenConnex and they have their own warranty. I had to use it, and their support was excellent.

Thanks. I put this on the short list.

 

[sjvicker]

I have a very similar setup to you with 10 rack batteries and eg4 6000xp inverters. The 6000xps are sensitive to dirty power so I had 2 options, a cheap generator with the chargeverter or a generac or equivalent.

I went with the HF tri fuel generator and the chargeverter ($1700 for both). I don’t have the panel array up yet on this system but even on the short gray days in the PNW I’ve been pretty impressed with how much power my little camp 2kw system can pull in. I charge the big system at 5000w and that gives me 10% of battery capacity every hour.

Your inverters are a higher quality than mine but it might still be worth considering the chargeverter. It has dry contacts and can turn on/off your generator as needed.

Another consideration you might have is to go cheap on the generator and take that extra $ to add more panels. It’s all a balance and you might be surprised how little you need to use the generator.

 

[D45]

Avoid anything with a tecumseh motor, if you're going portable

I think Briggs makes a great motor for portable gennys

I am very impressed with HF Predator generators

 

[RPH]

When generator shopping I found these guys. The have a wide selection that is excellent for comparison.

http://www.centralmainediesel.com/