Propane generators for sole source of power?

hnash53 · January 19, 2006, 02:45:31 PM

Has anyone any experience with propane generators being used as one's sole source of electrical power? I have found lots of vacant land, reasonably priced but with no services present. Can these generators respond to loads automatically?

Any info or good links (I've found some but they all say for use when grid power goes out) for using these as your main power source?

Thanks.

glenn-k · January 19, 2006, 02:57:47 PM

If that were the case I would use a battery bank and inverter so the generator would charge batteries. You could add solar or wind at a later date - check for the possibility of stream power too - micro turbine as Amanda haas suggested before. Much of the time the generator would be off - It can be set to start and stop automatically too.

With the inverter the appliances etc. would all be standard 120v.

I suggest sine wave inverter only -not modified sine. Minimum 24 volt system on the DC side.

glenn-k · January 19, 2006, 03:08:08 PM

Diesel will operate at about 1/2 the cost of propane if fuel costs are similar. Both can be obtained without road use fuel taxes on them. Propane engines are very long lived also though.

hnash53 · January 19, 2006, 04:43:23 PM

Glen,

Thanks for the reply.

Can 220V appliances be run off of propane/diesel generators? I'm thinking elec clothers dryer.

Also, on-demand hot water systems, you know the elec ones where it heats the water as it flows to the faucet, are those 110V or 220V?

Thanks again.

Hal

glenn-k · January 19, 2006, 08:03:31 PM

Off grid -gas appliances make the most sense and electric make no sense if they are heaters - just giant resistors inefficiently wasting your power. An on demand electric water heater doesn't make sense even in an on grid house - It uses more power than your whole house when it is on doubling the size of your service panel. Use one of the gas options we have just posted information on in the water heater section. Save your power for things that are worthwhile. No electric dryer - water heater - baseboard heaters - house heaters -air conditioners - use fans or a swamp cooler if it will work in your area.

As John stated - 220 will usually be on the larger generators. Miller Welders such as the 301 have 10000 watts power and are high quality, also available in gas or diesel. Around $3500 for a 300 amp welder generator for the guys who want a welder to play with while having lots of power for the house.

Chuckca · January 19, 2006, 08:14:29 PM

Contact www.backwoodssolar - request a printed catalog.....1/2 of their catalog is good solid advice on and about solar....this is a must read....they're very knowledgable and trusting....will never recommend anything that is beyond what you'll need....good place to spend your hard earned $$$$$$$

jwv · January 19, 2006, 09:51:16 PM

I agree with Chucka, we got a lot of good advice form Backwoods Solar and they got a lot of our money. But we never felt we were being "sold". They were educating us on what we needed and continued to educate us after the sale was made. Good group of people.

And Glenn is right, anything that is creating heat should not on the electric. Also watch your phantom loads, switch to compact flourescents and use the one light rule.

judy

glenn-k · January 20, 2006, 11:06:41 AM

I have seen that engine -made in India - a copy of the old Lister -a real beauty from the old days and almost impossible to beat for thriftyness and longevity-if they kept up to or improved on thequality of the old on-- the one I saw you had to hook up to your own generator . Gen heads are available from Northern Equipment - I don't know much more than that about either item.

tjm73 · January 20, 2006, 11:33:35 AM

QuoteI have seen that engine -made in India - a copy of the old Lister -a real beauty from the old days and almost impossible to beat for thriftyness and longevity-if they kept up to or improved on thequality of the old on-- the one I saw you had to hook up to your own generator . Gen heads are available from Northern Equipment - I don't know much more than that about either item.

I just learned of them in the last week or so. Best link to info I've found is www.utterpower.com LOTS of info to sift through. Website owner seems like a straight shooter. Even have a bit about a turbocharged one someone built. Pretty cool...I wouldn't do it but still cool.

Propane generators for sole source of power?

hnash53

glenn-k

bartholomew

glenn-k

hnash53

jraabe

glenn-k

Chuckca

jwv

tjm73

glenn-k

tjm73