new to solar

 I am new to solar power, so first: let me ask for your patience with my
ignorance. Just a little background: I am building a weekend house (2
bedroom, 1 bath (about 900 sq ft) in Baja in an area where no services are
provided. I've got septic, water, and gas squared away - they're easy
enough - but electricity is whole other matter. I won't be using much more
than 1500 - 1600 watt hours/day.

I've got a lot of questions, but I'll just toss one out at a time.

I don't mean to put the horse before the cart, but right now my head is
swimming with all the PV info that is out there. However, I do know at least
one thing: I will need a generator for back up. I'd like to keep the price
at or below around $500 - $600. I have been able to find a Porter-Cable 3000
watt for a little under $500 (new - from a distributor). This seems to be a
good price (on a generator that seems to be held in some regard) since this
same model sells for around $750 - $800 most everywhere else. However, I am
also considering a Troy-Bilt 3550 primarily because parts are readily
available at any Lowe's.

My questions is: Would you recommend one over the other, or is there some
other make/model you would recommend?

Thanks,
Kerry

  Hi Kerry, I've got a gasoline powered Porter-Cable 6500 watt generator I use
to charge my battery bank, I've had good luck with it.  I used it to build
my home, it runs well.

I do have a few caveats, however.  Mine has a Honda engine, I think the 3000
might be a Tecumseh, and know nothing about them.  When I'm charging my
system, I can see what frequency the generator puts out, I have to
mechanically adjust it about twice a month to keep it on 60 Hz.

Parts access is important, the regulating linkage between the generator and
the motor has a delicate spring, which broke. To repair it I had to take the
thing to the dealer, 50 miles away.  Other than that, it's been dependable.

I've heard good reviews for the Honda EU2000is or EU3000is, very clean power
output.  The Hondas can also be ganged (with an accessory cable) with
another Honda of the same size, for increased power.  (This give you more
power, but you won't have to move a 300 pound generator!)  On the minus
side, they're about $1000, more than your budget.

I've not heard good reviews about Coleman generators, the local Home Depot
carries them, I know a clerk there, who said they've had several returns.

Propane vs. gasoline:  If you have propane on your site, consider a propane
generator.  If you're away from your weekend home and can't exercise the
gasoline engine, the carburator may 'gum up', with the possibility of shop
repairs.  Propane won't have that problem.  (I've seen conversion kits for
Yamaha gensets, I'm sure there's an aftermarket conversion for the Hondas,
too.  I've heard the power rating for a converted genset is reduced, but you
may not need a lot.

At the very least, consider draining gasoline out of the system when you
don't need it.

Good luck.

Scott

 I'm not real happy with tecumseh right now .....

Have a devilbliss 5250 watt (10hp Tec. engine). The equivalent porter
cable was a ohv B&S, which I'm wishing I had went with, even if it was
$100 more.

Steve Spence
Dir., Green Trust
http://www.green-trust.org

Contributing Editor
http://www.off-grid.net
http://www.rebelwolf.com/essn.html

Scott Loupin wrote:

 Anyone got thoughts on a Generac gen-set?  Home Depot carries them, as do
several area dealers, so parts and service would be no problem.

I'm thinking of the 12kW aircooled propane powered unit.

Scott


dependable.

returns.

propane

Hondas,

 This auction is over, but the guy may have more of them
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item874897926 . Don't let the
shipping price fool you, only cost me $180 to San Diego. I picked up one of
these for my Baja home and will be taking it down in a few weeks. There real
nice units, break in period is 25hr and the one I got was only 0.7hr. Only
good if your running a 48v system, but if your just starting your bild that
shouldn't be a problem.