Allan,
I've got a customer that runs 5 or 6 Onan LP generators, all in the 20
to 40 kVA range, for multiple ranch buildings. Lots of hours with very
little trouble. The 20-kW is a little bigger than you are looking for,
but I suspect it would be worth it in the long haul. The smaller ones
are air cooled.
Kent Osterberg
Blue Mountain Solar, Inc.
www.bluemountainsolar.com
t: 541-568-4882
On 1/9/2012 7:59 PM, Allan Sindelar wrote:
Wrenches:
We have cautiously agreed to take on a substantial upgrade and
rehabilitation of a poorly designed 48V off-grid system. Our upgrade
will include a substantial array addition, battery replacement, and
charge controller/safety disconnect replacement. But the immediate
need is for a generator. The 6 year old system has worn out two Onan
residential standby generators; the second one just now (at winter
solstice) has failed completely.
We expect to keep the two SW5548 inverters. The site is at 7,800'
elevation. The fuel must be LP. The customer is willing to pay for a
high-quality unit. We expect only to specify or recommend the unit,
but not resell it, so there's no profit motivation involved; we just
want the best solution..
I am looking for recommendations of a low-speed, liquid-cooled,
commercial- or industrial-grade LP generator, of at least 12kW and
preferably around 15kW, with a good reputation for long-term
reliability, and that is not designed for home standby use (with
phantom-load heaters and controls). It will be located outdoors, so
must have a weather enclosure.
I occasionally am asked to answer this same question by Home Power
readers, who assume I know the answer because I wrote a primer on
generators for HP awhile back. Truth is, I don't have any good
recommendations in this size range, and I'm really hoping that some of
you experienced off-grid Wrenches who have done larger systems can
help here.
Thank you,
Allan
--
*Allan Sindelar*
_Allan@positiveenergysolar.com_ <mailto:al...@positiveenergysolar.com>
NABCEP Certified Photovoltaic Installer
NABCEP Certified Technical Sales Professional
New Mexico EE98J Journeyman Electrician
*Positive Energy, Inc.*
3201 Calle Marie
Santa Fe, New Mexico 87507
*505 424-1112*
_www.positiveenergysolar.com_ <http://www.positiveenergysolar.com/>
*
*
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