Chris,
It would be very helpful if you quote "run hours" rather than "years". For example we have seen: . Inexpensive small generators (generally not worth rebuilding) 300 to 500 hours. These are gasoline models of various brands and Generac LP gas models. 3kW to 10kW in size typically. . Honda gasoline generators 2,500 hours and then rebuild. . 10kW Kohler water cooled diesel gen set still operating within specs at 9,600 hours (rebuilt after 5,500 hrs). This has been in service for 16 years, the first 4 years without inverter/battery system, and another 6 years before the client had us add a PV array to the system. Since adding the PV array the generator has run 200 hours per year. All are in off-grid service and loaded at 65% MAX continuous (see some surges higher than 65%, typically run at 60%, or below, of rated power). David Palumbo Independent Power LLC 462 Solar Way Drive Hyde Park, VT 05655 www.independentpowerllc.com NABCEP Certified PV Installer Vermont Solar Partner 24 Years Experience, (802) 888-7194 From: re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On Behalf Of Comet Systems Sent: Monday, January 16, 2012 10:21 AM To: ho...@catamountsolar.com; RE-wrenches Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Request for Gennie Recommendation The Generac QT and commercial units do not come with an ATS, you can buy just the bare machine or have a complete solution designed for your load. The Generac residential machines are good machines, as long as you understand the intended use. We install lots of them. They are only designed to be used occasionally, for residential backup. We get customers who want to run their business all day on a 10KW residential generator and are disappointed that the generator won't last ten years. They are a cheap, lightweight and cost effective solution for people who get occasional outages. If your customer has worn out two generators already, then (s)he needs to pay for a commercial level product. A 22KW QT is not that expensive and will last ten years at a substantial load factor. If you give me more information on the location, load factor and loading, I can have engineering recommend a solution for you. -- Chris Mason President, Comet Systems Ltd mas...@cometsystems.co www.cometsystems.co Cell: 264.235.5670 Int: +1305.767.2094 Skype: netconcepts
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