Natural gas generator for off grid home

Options
rrroae
rrroae Solar Expert Posts: 46 ✭✭
in Off Grid Solar & Battery Systems #1
Looking to see if anyone is using a natural gas generator in conjunction with their solar. We're off grid and also have gas wells on our property. We would like to utilize the free gas to run a generator and automatically charge our battery bank when the voltage drops. Figure on using the generator 5 - 10 hours a week during winter.


I really wanted to get this Generac made specifically for off grid homes but it's fueled by propane only. Not sure why it would make a difference converting it to NG but the Generac representative I talked to wasn't the most pleasant person so I couldn't get much info.

http://www.generac.com/Residential/EcoGen_Series/Product/6kW/



I'd like to stay in the 6 - 8kw size for generators and something that should last at least 5 years. Our little Honda Eu2000i does just fine but it would be nice being able to use higher wattage items once in awhile.



We have a Magnum MS-AE 4,000 watt 120/240 inverter, Morningstar MPPT 60 charger and 4 Crown batteries in a 24 volt configuration.
· Share on Twitter

Comments

  • stephendv
    stephendv Solar Expert Posts: 1,571 ✭✭
    #2
    Options
    Re: Natural gas generator for off grid home

    Looks like you can get natural gas kits for Honda's: http://www.propane-generators.com/honda-generators.htm
    · Share on Twitter
  • Vic
    Vic Solar Expert Posts: 3,208 ✭✭✭✭
    #3
    Options
    Re: Natural gas generator for off grid home

    You might try Generac again. Perhaps a different CS person would be more helpful, or ask for the CS Supervisor (?). Seems to me (guessing) that the engine used on this OG genset could be the same as ones made for resdential back-up, which are often dual-fuel -- LP AND NG.

    Perhaps the folks at the link provided by stephen could see you a jet kit or something.

    It is very common for LP gensets to have a mixer (what they call the carb on LP/NG units) has a reversible doo dad that is already there, which would allow switching twix these two diff fuel sources.

    Guessing done, Vic
    Off Grid - Two systems -- 4 SW+ 5548 Inverters, Surrette 4KS25 1280 AH X2@48V, 11.1 KW STC PV, 4X MidNite Classic 150 w/ WBjrs, Beta KID on S-530s, MX-60s, MN Bkrs/Boxes.  25 KVA Polyphase Kubota diesel,  Honda Eu6500isa,  Eu3000is-es, Eu2000,  Eu1000 gensets.  Thanks Wind-Sun for this great Forum.
    · Share on Twitter
  • firerescue712
    firerescue712 Solar Expert Posts: 95 ✭✭
    #4
    Options
    Re: Natural gas generator for off grid home

    The spec sheet for the Generac states it uses propane only. There are no substitutes. Kohler has a natural gas fueled generator (8.5RES) that will meet your needs. They have a specific warranty for off-grid use. Here is the link for the warranty http://www.firemountainsolar.com/wp-content/themes/fms/pdf/Kohler-Off-Grid-Warranty.pdf .
    · Share on Twitter
  • solarvic
    solarvic Solar Expert Posts: 1,071 ✭✭✭✭
    #5
    Options
    Re: Natural gas generator for off grid home

    Here is a company that makes and installs a tri fuel kit and sells the generator. http://www.yamaha-propane-natural-gas-generators.com/ What I like about them is Yamahs honors the full Yamaha warranty on them. I am in nw pa too in northern Mercer county. :Dsolarvic:D
    · Share on Twitter
  • rrroae
    rrroae Solar Expert Posts: 46 ✭✭
    #6
    Options
    Re: Natural gas generator for off grid home
    firerescue712 wrote: »
    The spec sheet for the Generac states it uses propane only. There are no substitutes. Kohler has a natural gas fueled generator (8.5RES) that will meet your needs. They have a specific warranty for off-grid use. Here is the link for the warranty http://www.firemountainsolar.com/wp-content/themes/fms/pdf/Kohler-Off-Grid-Warranty.pdf .



    Did some research on the generator you recommended and I believe that's the way I'm going to go. Actually having Home Depot come give me an estimate mainly because they stand behind their installations.


    Much appreciated!!
    · Share on Twitter
  • rrroae
    rrroae Solar Expert Posts: 46 ✭✭
    #7
    Options
    Re: Natural gas generator for off grid home
    solarvic wrote: »
    Here is a company that makes and installs a tri fuel kit and sells the generator. http://www.yamaha-propane-natural-gas-generators.com/ What I like about them is Yamahs honors the full Yamaha warranty on them. I am in nw pa too in northern Mercer county. :Dsolarvic:D


    If the Koher doesn't work out, this will be my next choice.


    By the way, you're only about 1/2 an hour from me. Good to see some local people on solar!
    · Share on Twitter
  • BillBlake
    BillBlake Solar Expert Posts: 49 ✭
    #8
    Options
    Re: Natural gas generator for off grid home
    solarvic wrote: »
    Here is a company that makes and installs a tri fuel kit and sells the generator. http://www.yamaha-propane-natural-gas-generators.com/ What I like about them is Yamahs honors the full Yamaha warranty on them. I am in nw pa too in northern Mercer county. :Dsolarvic:D

    Not to mention that for another $140 Yamaha turns the 3 year warranty into a 6 year warranty. I've always liked US Carburetion and they have some great
    generator fuel consumption info that is well laid out and easy to understand.

    Honda seems to void their warranty at this place.

    http://www.generatorsales.com/order/Honda-EU3000iS-Tri-fuel.asp?page=EU3000iS_Tri_Fuel

    http://www.generatorsales.com/

    I'm not a Honda nut anymore after the last 2 experiences in a row with new Honda garden equipment.
    Couldn't wait to get rid of the stuff on Craig's List after the repair shop did their thing.
    Cheaper Yard Machines holds up much better.

    We have a Yamaha inverter generator for camping which is about efficient as they come in gasoline power right now.
    No problems so far but using batteries and modern chargers the run times are kept way down.
    Also have flexible solar panels for camping but who needs the theft risk.
    That's the biggest weakness with solar. You join the "hey, look at me crowd."
    The generator gets locked up when we are gone.

    Bill Blake
    · Share on Twitter

Categories