generators

looking into generators, saw this from a company in Japan, have found a company in Australia developing this for use in the outback, some info says they can do a kwh for about 1/2 of a conventional reciprocating engine, now, to find a home size that can run on natural gas.

"George! Take that thing outside! It's giving me a headache!"

When it comes to generators, a few things to consider.
The bigger they are the more they cost, the more fuel they use, the louder they are, so do not buy more than you will need.
Check reviews to see how reliable and how long they will last. Some will run 1000's of hours longer than others.
I have a 2000W Predator that is sufficient for my cabin, but I have propane ref and no air conditioner.
It has 5100 hours on it. It cost 40% what the Honda it replaced cost that stopping producing power at 6300 hours.

Thank you, I am really interested in the gas turbine technology but am not finding it available in the small home size I would desire.
Looking at the generac power pact 7.500 w, with 50 amp panel, $1,999.00 Aircooled.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/PowerPa...-Amp-Automatic-Transfer-Switch-6998/300117754

I had a Generac 2000W gas that broke a crankshaft at 1100 hours.
Also had a 5500W I bought to run my power tools, Engine froze up at 70 hours.
I will never buy another Generac product.

How do you intend to use this? As backup or at all times?

My 600 sq. ft. cabin , where I live full time, is Solar powered. A very small system that powers everything but Ref, range, and heat.
I have a propane Ref, and Range and use wood for heat. No air conditioner. Just celling fans.
I only use the 2000W generator as back up in the winter when there is little sun.
I have a 6500W Honeywell ( $750 ) to run my pump, power tools and washer.
Been working great for 8 years, 4000 plus hours .

I would not buy more than I need or a product untested, or one that I can not get repaired.

thank you for the warning on Generac, neighbor has a kohler that has run for a few years now, trouble free as far as I know. Back up for my home, I have some medical issues and need the backup. It will run on natural gas, and I wouldn't mind a manual transfer switch if it saves money.

I have a Briggs and Stratton 8.5KW surge 7.8KW max load generator. Yes B&W make generators. It's a little louder that others I have used, but it is dependable. It ran continuously 26 days after Michael and averaged about 7 gal of gasoline per day. I had 36 gallons set aside when the storm hit, and after three days roads were cleared enough to find service stations to refill my cans. Ran everything but my central air. I had a small 5KBTU ac that I used when we needed ac.

It is also manual start, and usually starts on the first pull.

I have a manual transfer switch, but I'm looking at a meter base automatic transfer switch.

One thing I noticed after the storm was that the natural gas was cut off because of leaks in damaged homes.

Propane is great because you can store it for long periods of time, but it is about a dollar a gallon more expensive than gasoline, and it takes more for the same amount of energy that you get from gasoline. Even so, for an automatic system, it is the best choice.

hmm, very good points and I appreciate you sharing your experience, I happen to have a few 20 propane tanks already

If you shop around you can find 100 to 250 gal fairly cheap ($200 to $500). A neighbor gave my son a 50 gal tank. 20 pound tanks hold about 4 gal of propane.

think I will be going with natural gas and propane back up, if possible.

A local propane dealer set a 250 gal tank for me at no cost. His tank so I must buy from him.
If I wait until I need 150 gal. he gives a nice discount. Last Feb I paid $1.39 a gal.
Most in my area do the same. Some will charge a rent on the tank of $30 to $40 a year.
Using their tank means they take care of any problems and repairs.
Just for your info, the 2000W Predator will run 12 plus hours on a gal of gas.

do you back feed your panel and then switch off the main and circuits you don't need?

I do not have power from the grid.
When we built the cabin we put in dual wiring.
One system for 12 volt DC lighting and one system for 120 vote AC.
The 120 volt AC system can be connected to a generator or an inverter that is connected to the 12 vote batteries.

Very nice, I see a mention on New Atlas of a discover that might increase efficiency of solar cells greatly, this may be of interest and something to look for soon.
Thank you for your help, my friend
https://newatlas.com/energy/black-s...ail&utm_term=0_65b67362bd-0b502d5add-90602361

Don't know how much help, Just telling of my experience.
What I have noticed is that many times people buy more that they really need.
To me that is a waste of money.
I started small and added/upgraded as necessary.
Don't think I will need to do any more. Everything works very well to supply my simple lifestyle's needs.