Hi All, Not to add to the confusion, but I just emailed my local dealer and here is what he had to say about what Dana was told by the factory technician and about off-grid warranties:
"The 8.5 res units are configurable to 120/240, 120, and 50 or 60 hz. and that is done in the controller software, the volt reg has always been in the controller any ways. when you re-configure a unit.........you physically change how the 4 wires from the windings are tied together to create what voltage you are able to put out and, to balance the load on a 120 circuit. all you are doing in the software is telling it to look for 120 volts so the regulator could regulate it to that value. The reason you are reconfiguring anyways is to balance the load on the 120 volt circuit and wear the brushes evenly. If you could not re-configure these you would just use it as is and have to replace one of the brushes down the road. There is no warranty on off grid units from any company I know of. However, I stand by my systems and file warranties anyways and most often they are paid, it is how you file the paperwork." Not sure if he is behind the curve on this issue, but that's his take for what it's worth... Howie -- Howie Michaelson NABCEP Certified Solar PV Installer Sun Catcher, LLC Renewable Energy Systems Sales and Service VT Solar & Wind Incentive Program Partner http://www.SunCatcherVT.com (cell) 802-272-0004 (home) 802-439-6096 On Fri, July 10, 2009 12:09 pm, Dana wrote: > I just called Kohler for my own curiosity and spoke with the service tech. that I have dealt with for 15 years. > > > > He said- > > > > The 8.5 RMY was reconfigurable if it had the ADC21 controller, but doing so voided the warranty, 3600 RMP air cooled. > > > > The new 8.5 ,12, & 18 KW RES are not reconfigurable due to the voltage regulator being built into the generator controller that is a 240 VAC sensing controller. 3600RPM & air cooled. > > > > You want a RES model, not a RES L or M1 which have a mechanical governor that is loose enough to not stay within the HZ window of most inverters. > > > > Kohler is designing an âOff Gridâ model no word on what is coming. > > > > That all for now folks. > > > > Dana Orzel > > > > Great Solar Works, Inc > > www.solarwork.com > > E - d...@solarwork.com > > V - 970.626.5253 > > F - 970.626.4140 > > C - 970.209.4076 > > âI'd put my money on solar energy⦠I hope we don't have to wait 'til oil and coal run out before we tackle that.â > > âThomas Edison, in conversation with Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone, March 1931 > > > > From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org > [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Jeff Yago Sent: Friday, July 10, 2009 9:40 AM > To: RE-wrenches > Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Kohler 8.5 RES > > > > I sure would like to have a final definitive answer on this. For years we were installing Kohler 8.5 kW units as they were easy for any inverter to start and stop with a simple relay, and their output was easy for the local Kohler dealer to re-configure for 100% output at 120 VAC. All they ever charged us extra for was the cost to switch-out the breaker since they we going from a 2-pole 240 VAC smaller amp rated breaker that came with the unit to a new single pole larger amp rated breaker. > > > > Now I am reading these posts that Kohler: > > > > A. No longer makes the generator section so you can get 100% output at 120 VAC, > > > > B. Yes, you ou can make this simple change-over in the field but Kohler will void the warranty > > > > C. DOn't worry, everything is the same and you can order the units either way. > > > > Some on the list have said their Kohler rep told them one thing, another says something else. Doesn't anyone on this list know anyone at Kohler that really knows what they are talking about and will give us a straight answer one way or the other. > > > > Or better yet, lets ask for something really crazy, like a product manufacturer that actually asks their repeat-order customers what features they really need and not this take it or leave it attitude. > > > > Jeff Yago > > > > > _____ > > Netscape. Just the Net You Need. > > _______________________________________________ List sponsored by Home Power magazine List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org Options & settings: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List-Archive: http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org List rules & etiquette: www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm Check out participant bios: www.members.re-wrenches.org
