Backup Generator Recomendations?

[Scot]

On Thu, 20 May 2021 15:09:13 -0400, James Sentman wrote:
> HI Folks,
> What do  you guys like for this? 

I installed a Cummins RS22 last year, configured for propane (it'll run 
on natural gas, too, but only propane is available here). I also had my 
propane tank upgraded to 1100 gallons. Before that, I was running off a 
Honda 6.5 kW, which meant no A/C, and fussing with gasoline. It worked, 
but it was a PITA. The Cummins is one of four energy sources in my 
system, along with sunshine, battery, and the grid. My utility is the 
notorious PG&E, and I see at least a half dozen Public Safety Power 
Shutoffs each year, usually in the August-October time frame when 
wildfire danger is the highest. Last year the generator only came on 
when a nearby wildfire darkened the skies so much that there wasn't 
enough solar production to recharge the battery bank during the day. 
That lasted most of a week. The controller automatically started the 
generator when the battery voltage dropped to a specified level, and 
turned it off when the battery was recharged. I didn't have to lift a 
finger. The solar controller also exercises the gen set every week 
automatically, but I supplement that with a monthly test where I 
transfer the household loads to it. So far, there have been zero 
issues. The RS22 is no longer available, but the RS25 is the next size 
up. I purchased the RS22 from Backup Power Solutions, cost was $9070 
shipped, no sales tax. For that money I got a a whisper quiet, iron 
block, water cooled engine designed to provide power for long periods 
of time. Since I'm also in dangerous wildfire country (Paradise, CA is 
directly across the canyon from me), cost was no object when it came to 
having reliable backup power to run my well pumps.

I looked at generac, but heard of all the problems during Hurricane 
Sandy. Also looked at Kubota, but it's a Diesel generator. I figured 
pay up front and get the pain over with, rather than live with doubt 
and regret in times of dire need. So far that's working out well, but I 
still keep my fingers crossed.

Scot

Yankee Hill, California