*100% best **Generater.Systems** I have used. A test for hurricane prep here in Louisiana: three AC units, 5000, 5000 & 8000, 3 fridges, 2 device power setups, 4 flat screens....AND I had 40% of the power meter to spare.*
What size battery bank do you have and how long would it take your 7k generator to charge from 0%. I'm off grid and will be relying on a generator/battery bank system but it has been super hard to figure out how much generator u need to charge batteries in a reasonable amount of time
I have the same question and I am having no success in finding out how long it would take to recharge a bank of batteries of a given capacity with a generator of a given output. If you have found a graph or spreadsheet or any source to answer this question please let us know.
@wharfrat53 I have figured out some since this post. Still haven't moved off grid but should be doing so within the next year. Watts and amps go hand in hand. A 7,000-watt generator at 240v is putting out close to 30 amps. The equation for this is (watts ÷ volts = amps). (7,000 ÷ 240 = 29.16). I will be using LiFeP04 batteries. A type of lithium phosphate battery. They are 48v and 280 AH. To find the watts in a battery, the equation is (voltage x AH = watts). These batteries contain about 13,000 watts (48 x 280 =13,440) You already know what your generator is putting out in amps. Now, you need to figure out what your charge controller/ inverter will accept and also put out to charge. The charger/inverter will tell you in the manuals/literature. They are all different. For instance, the Eg4 48v chargeverter says in the specs it had a max input amps of 26 at 240v. The battery output of this charger specs at 5,120 watts. A 7,000-watt generator would power this charger with a few amps to spare. You would get the full putput of the charger at 5,120 watts. It would take 2.63 hours to charge my 48v 280AH battery from dead. This formula would be ((battery AH × battery volts) ÷ charger watts = charge time). ((280 x 48) ÷5,120) = 2.63 If anyone would like to correct me if I'm wrong, feel free. This is what I have figured out so far.
Awesome set up you have there if someone else has not suggested it yet . I would highly recommend a dual fuel generator and store propane tanks for the generator. Propane last forever in the tank and is much easier to store unlike gasoline. Just my $0.02
We have used the ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
Thanks for the upload. It would have helped to see how everything is wired through the inverter. Are you using the Gen In conmections? Will a 120V gen work, or does it need to input 240V? Are you using a 30 amp or 50 amp input? What gauge wiring? Are the batteries running the loads at the same time they are being recharged?
Thank you for providing some excellent tutorials on how to use a generator as backup to a battery bank. I find your balance between genuine education and offering your own services is spot on. I say this given some of the comments read. My question is how can you find out the min/max of a battery bank charging rate? I’m hoping to buy Li 48V batteries (3 or 4) in a bank, but unsure how much solar panels to install, as I will have an off the grid larger propane tank to pick up the slack. I just can’t seem to understand the math of how much a generator power can be safely provided to a battery bank. Thank you.
Hi Martin. The general rule of thumb is C20, or 20% of the battery bank's rated amp-hours. So, for a battery bank of 48V 100Ah, you could charge at max 20-amp rate. For a 400-amp hour battery bank, you can charge at 80-amp rate.
Appreciate it, thank you. How do I hook this up if the charge controller doesn't have a generator input? Through a bus-bar and let it bulk charge to 85/90% as one could with a wind turbine? So as to not confuse the charge controller.
Just subscribed! Do you have a video of the setup that you have in your home. I think this is the best setup I have seen with solar, battery and Generator for a true off-grid setup.
So If I've understood right, you plug the generator into an electric socket that you would usually use to get electric to use an appliance or charge something etc?
I have a bluetti ep500 and it is recommending a separate ac cable charger for my gas generator instead of using the ac charger cable that came with my ep500. Any thoughts as to why? My gas generator is rated at 3500w/4375 starting Thanks!
I have a similar Outback inverter. Can you tell me if the hot from the generator is connected to the AC HOT IN connection on the inverter? And does that terminal allow for (almost) any AC source to use the inverter to charge the batteries when not using solar? Thank you in advance.
Say if ur battery charge level would be down to 10% how long would it take to charge the battery wha kind of a solar battery is compatible with a generator?
Hie..I recently bought mu 5kva generator and connected it to my socket outlet to be able to charge my solar battery on a cloudy day but a 15amp breaker in my distribution board keps tripping as soon as I start the generator...any help
Hoping you could help with a question. 30kw solar roof. 45 kwh battery storage. With adequate inverter and appropriately sized propane generator, approximately how many hours would I have to run the generator to charge the batteries?
So generator was charging batteries and also loads were taking from batteries (so both charging and discharging?) or loads were partial from generator too?
Good video but for a more simple solar setup, what would you hook the generator up to to charge your battery bank? That high-tech solar equipment is something you wouldn’t normally find in your ordinary solar hook up for a RV, small cabin, tiny house, etc.
Sure, you can use a MagnaSine 4448 inverter/charger to accomplish this. The Magnum unit will allow you to recharge the batteries from shore power or a portable generator.
I have solar edge batteries and the energy hub inverter and I want to use a portable generator to charge the batteries when there is no sun. do you have a video on how to wire this up and make it work?
I have the same outback solar system you have in the video. I went through the steps you provided on the video. The Mate 3 is not recognizing the generator. Is the generator tied to the two breakers that charges the batteries from the grid?
I've got a much smaller system, only a 6KWh battery. I've also got a small Honda camping inverter generator capable of 2.2KW. Can I safely connect a smaller generator?
Hi, excellent tuto and demo, thank you. I plan to buld same kind of backup system for my home . So while selecting equipment, I foud out that some hybrid inverters manuf prohibit to connect generator to their inverters-chargers. Of course, the generator need to produce a certain level of quality sinewave and equipped with automatic voltage control, but can you guess why these hybrid inverters chargers manufs prohibit the connection ? Where is the trap ? Thank you.
Great video. I live off grid, DIY system using NiFe as storage, prolonged periods without sun, 4-5 days for our normal usage and we are dead in the water. Our loads are not massive but I do need a top off method. Was wondering if I needed anything more than a whip to take it to the distribution board. Need to review my inverter and charge controller a little closer before doing anything further. I'm curious on another note, would you offer franchise training, or business mirror opportunities? I live in central Tennessee and see a need for a full time solar designer and installer here in my area. I would be willing to profit share or consider a franchise option as well if your company has any interest in training a business startup in another state. Excellent Credit, Navy Vet, background in Electronics / Semi-Conductor post military. I'm just playing will a small homestead farm now, but it's about time to build a business out in this area, there is a lot of growth, and with the WEF Great Reset promises the opportunity for solar businesses seems bright. I need a good model to build off of to save time and avoid the school of hard knocks. Not only to bring value to my self but obviously the customer as well! I was thinking a network of businesses would have greater purchasing power direct from producers and might help us subvert the middle man / brokerages. During hyper inflation times anyway to have an edge, even it was the margins of the wholeseller on electrical parts/panels/batteries etc 10-30% would be a real gain. My experience purchasing batteries direct of Alibaba was rather smooth as it allowed me to save, even with a 25% government tarrif, over 100% of the purchasing price. A standardized material list that all businesses used could be created and shared for large import purchases. Just a thought! Anyway, if interested send me an email: secretumprimas (at symbol) protonmail (dot) com
Hi Joe, I didn't understand most of what you were saying. But I know this is definitely what I want to do at my house. The only problem is I live in central London in the UK. Can you help? Many regards
Great information. Can the battery backup be installed outside of the house? I have a older house with an unfinished garage. I use my garage as a workshop and storage space. The battery backup would take up real estate. I’m hoping the batteries can be installed on the side of my house in an area away from the elements. I never talked to the solar company about having a hookup for a generator and would like to have this option installed. Hopefully this can be done with the battery backup control system installed indoors. I live in Southern California and I have an area that will be away from the sun and rain.
Good video been looking for info I'm not running solar panels not all that great in my area but want to run a 12000w generator with a 48v 6kwh battery just dont know what else I need
You can do that. You just need the generator, a hybrid battery inverter (e.g. Outback Radian or Sol-Ark), and the 48V battery bank. The hybrid inverter will have a dedicated input for the generator.
Hi ... how I connected my off grid 5000 W invertor to my 20 kv 3phase generator ... it started to use over that 20 ah ... which case the phase to drop ... how can I reduce my invertor feed value from generator ?
Approximately how long would it take to charge the batteries with the generator if they were down to 50%? I'm trying to decide between a 22 kw Generac generator or a solar/battery system with a small, portable generator. We have a 3 ton ducted heat pump, plus a well pump, hot water tank, and a few led lights and outlets. During the last big storm in our area power was out for over three weeks.
I have a solar system, and a stand alone generator. Can I have a battery back up tied in? Also can I have the generator charge the batteries when they get low if the solar isn’t cutting it? Like a hybrid between solar and the stand alone? When I ask electricians in my area they look at me like I’m an idiot. I mean I have a 20kw generator, wouldn’t that charge batteries fast. Then when they are topped off it turns off to save fuel. So instead of the generator running 24/7 it only runs to charge the batteries. Also if he batteries system fails, I can bypass it and just run of generation? Joe do I sound crazy????
Joe, thanks for the demo. Is this type of setup possible with other battery systems, i.e., Tesla, Enphase, etc or is this only possible with the hybrid inverter/charger you have installed?
Hi Frank. Thanks for writing in. As of right now, this is only available on true off-grid inverters like Outback Radian, Schneider Electric Conext XW, Sol-Ark, and Magnum. Are you already setup with solar or looking for a solution?
@@SolarSurge Yes I do have solar and a generator but thought your solution was interesting. Batteries are relatively new in my area and I'm looking at various solutions. I actually sell solar myself and trying to figure out how to position backup solutions for customers. I'm in the NY/NJ area.
@@frankf7986 No problem. The key is to start with understanding the customer's needs. Someone looking to take advantage of time-of-use for electric bill savings should go with a lithium-based battery like Enphase or Tesla. For seeking to protect against as long term loss of the electric grid, then a heavier solution like Outback or Sol-Ark would be better.
FYI last Fall Enphase added the capability to recharge their batteries using a permanently installed emergency generator (but not a portable unit - power quality / harmonic distortion issues). Tesla continues to show zero interest in emergency generators.
Hi Joe, Great video!! I'm just learning about all this stuff. Still very confused. My question is when you charge a battery system like yours do you need an inverter generator? Or you can use just a regular generator? Thanks. I'm checking out all of your videos, these are great! Lots of information. Joe
Hi J and thanks for writing in. It depends on your solar inverter. Some will work with just about any generator. Other inverters require "clean" power generators like Generac or Kohler.
We have a 48 Volt system with AGM batteries. 8 -6 Volt 400 AHour batteries. I have a Cummins/onan 6.5 KW propane gen and an ME AGS N by Magna Sine for linking them. I have not installed it yet. Should be in the next 2 weeks. I have the schematic so it should not be much of a problem.. my question would then be what should my set point be for my gen to kick on?
If you were going to use a fuel burning generator to charge solar batteries, I recommend using an inverter generator or other constant voltage generator with low harmonic distortion.
Help! I phoned Bluetti about a portable solar gen I may purchase (AC200P) and because I'm near Seattle, I have low light much of the year. They say I must have 35v input of solar to have it charge and to charge off a regular generator it must not be over 10 amp. I can't find a regular generator of 10 amp or less. Is there one? Nobody seems to have info on this. People in northern climates are interested in solar too. Help please. Thank you.
Thank you lots for the information, however, i got a problem with my system. i have installed a silent generator which turns on automatiically when the batteries goes down to a certain level, my problem is that for a few hours the batteries seem to be at 90 or 95 percent, i perposly didn't set to 100 because my inverter isn't that type of off grid thing ready, i have hooked the system externally. but when my batteries are charged and the generator turns off automatically, the percentage goes down alot in a matter of 3 seconds, from 95 to 55 for example, which makes me concerned. i need help to solve the issue, like 6 to 7 hours of charge isn't engouh or 12kva generator isn't enough with my 5.5kva inverter, iam lost. please help again thanks for the usefull info
Hi, I have a 700w petrol generator which came with cables to charge my 65AMP 165AH Battery. Could you let me know if I need to unplug everything from my battery before i charge it with my generator or can I just plug straight onto my battery and charge? Thanks 🙏
How many batteries can a 800 watt Genrator can charge For example i have 2 12 V 200 Amp bettaries and a 800 watts generator can it charge my bettaries and keep the load running at the same time??
I have 2x 280 ah AGM batteries connected to be at 24 volts . What ampere should my charger have ? So a 24 volt charger with 16 / 30 or 60 amps ? I am confused
Can you use only a generator to charge batteries but without using solar? I ask because we are about to go fully off grid, and can't afford panels at the moment. I just wonder if it's not a better option for us, because we won't be using as much power because we will use a wood stove when cold, and the weather is good most of the year. It's a great place for solar, but I'm on a fixed income. I just get the feeling that using a generator for a couple of hours to charge batteries would be more cost efficient and just as effective as solar.
You want to keep your batteries topped up and never let them go below 50%. What you are suggesting sounds way more expensive in the long run than getting a couple of solar panels, a charge controller, etc. And then you will be able to just let things take care of themselves. Hope it all worked out!
You should make a video about using a Solar Generator too, I am curious if you can expand the capacity of the solar generator by having an extra battery.
Excelent video, very well presented, very well done like a profesional actor that did not make any mistake, great voice with great clarity, I going to try to set up my generator tomorrow that sometimes get disconnected, like gets out of sync, maybe because is at 12 amps been a 2500 watts generator but giving only a 2300 continuos watts, would you recommend Simpliphi batteries and do you know if they work with the radian inverter 4048A, please if you respond, I will looking for a response, thank you very much, Oscar Lomeli, USA CITIZEN BUT RETIRED AND CURRENTLY LIVING IN MÉXICO
Hi Oscar, and thanks for writing in. Yes, the Radian 4048 is compatible with all major battery chemistries including the SimpliPhi LiFePo4. On the Radian, use the Mate 3 to set your charging amps to 10 amp. That will avoid overloading the generator.
Good generators have a main circuit breaker. It is good practice to turn OFF the generator main breaker before connecting the cable, start the generator, then turn ON the generator main breaker.
Hey Joe! My solar inverter and the output voltage is 120/240 single phase hybrid 8000w and output frequency of 60hz. My inverter generator is a Honda EU3000is 120/30 amp. So I want to do what you did, but unfortunately I don’t know diddly and I’m trying to learn as fast as I can because it’s hurricane season and I want to be prepared. I have a transfer switch with a L14 and the inverter with an L5. I’ve always used it but now I’m not sure that I can. All I know is that I can’t turn on anything with 220 which I don’t have, but with the new solar system I feel like I’ve been punched in the face by Mike T. I am totally lost. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Take care.
I am by far no expert, but I would think that your inverter would just power up and use whatever your generator gave? So thinking that even if your gas generator was underpowered for your batteries, it should still act as a trickle charge or better for your batteries. If you’ve learned anything else, I’d like to hear it! 🖖
I disagree with most. This video is a sales pitch. You’re not showing anywhere how to use a generator to charge your batteries. You failed to show where the generator line is connected to the load center. Really an example of a non engineer using the ethos of solar to make money So much I want to like
@@SolarSurge Thanks for your very informative videos. I would like to leverage my KIA EV6's 77.4 kWh battery to extend the runtime of a smaller solar battery. The KIA V2L puts out 1.9w at 120v. Could this be used instead of/as well as a generator?
If your generator has a GFCI that trips when you connect to the house then you probably have a generator with the neutral bonded to the generator ground. This type is used on construction sites. Watch UA-cam videos about this and how to disconnect the bonding jumper. Get help if you need it.
A generator will probably end up my main way to charge since I live in Indiana where sun light is rare. We just went through a whole month of hardly any.
To "make the connection when the line is dead" shouldn't you plug both ends of the cable in before starting the generator, otherwise you're making one of the connections with the line hot.
For the 95% of off-gridders like us, PLEASE don't think you can buy a generator and plug it in like this... IT DOESN'T WORK!! You'll most likely need a "pure sine wave" generator - nobody tells you this, a normal generator will not work as AC input! Please please read up and ignore these glamorous plug and play demonstrations, they just dont work like this!
Why wouldn't you just run the house on the generator until the sun comes back out? Storing energy in a battery so that you can use it with a 10 to 20% loss instead of just using it straight off the generator doesn't make sense to me. Does anyone want to actually run the math on this? You mentioned in the video that you don't want to charge your battery using the grid. The reason given is because it would cost you money. The exact same logic applies to using the generator to charge the battery.
Another poorly made video, although this one had huge potential with people considering going off grid. So these are what you did wrong: 1. The camera close ups do nothing. The viewer can see nothing on the monitor. 2. You started from a battery level of 95% and said you charged up to 96%. Do you even get the hilarity in such numbers. 3. You did this during the day when your solar panels were generating. So of that 1% charge there was contribution from solar. 4. The generation specification label should have been shown even if for 5 or 10 seconds.
What a fancy solar system. Passwords and all. Then 100 year old tech petrol generator, which waste all the energy for heating only outside air. And runs stupidly loud solid 3000rpm, although you don,t need 60Hz ac charging batteries. What a great great disappointment.
*100% best **Generater.Systems** I have used. A test for hurricane prep here in Louisiana: three AC units, 5000, 5000 & 8000, 3 fridges, 2 device power setups, 4 flat screens....AND I had 40% of the power meter to spare.*
Yes
What size battery bank do you have and how long would it take your 7k generator to charge from 0%. I'm off grid and will be relying on a generator/battery bank system but it has been super hard to figure out how much generator u need to charge batteries in a reasonable amount of time
I have the same question and I am having no success in finding out how long it would take to recharge a bank of batteries of a given capacity with a generator of a given output. If you have found a graph or spreadsheet or any source to answer this question please let us know.
@wharfrat53 I have figured out some since this post. Still haven't moved off grid but should be doing so within the next year.
Watts and amps go hand in hand. A 7,000-watt generator at 240v is putting out close to 30 amps. The equation for this is (watts ÷ volts = amps). (7,000 ÷ 240 = 29.16).
I will be using LiFeP04 batteries. A type of lithium phosphate battery. They are 48v and 280 AH. To find the watts in a battery, the equation is (voltage x AH = watts). These batteries contain about 13,000 watts (48 x 280 =13,440)
You already know what your generator is putting out in amps. Now, you need to figure out what your charge controller/ inverter will accept and also put out to charge. The charger/inverter will tell you in the manuals/literature. They are all different.
For instance, the Eg4 48v chargeverter says in the specs it had a max input amps of 26 at 240v. The battery output of this charger specs at 5,120 watts.
A 7,000-watt generator would power this charger with a few amps to spare. You would get the full putput of the charger at 5,120 watts. It would take 2.63 hours to charge my 48v 280AH battery from dead. This formula would be ((battery AH × battery volts) ÷ charger watts = charge time).
((280 x 48) ÷5,120) = 2.63
If anyone would like to correct me if I'm wrong, feel free. This is what I have figured out so far.
Awesome set up you have there if someone else has not suggested it yet . I would highly recommend a dual fuel generator and store propane tanks for the generator. Propane last forever in the tank and is much easier to store unlike gasoline.
Just my $0.02
Diesel is better. Just not cheap. But you can run one on WVO in a pinch.
@@jerometruitt2731what’s WVO?
We have used the ua-cam.com/users/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!
Just found your channel! Very professional and thorough videos. Thanks!
Thanks for watching!
Appreciate the information, TY.
Thanks for the upload. It would have helped to see how everything is wired through the inverter. Are you using the Gen In conmections? Will a 120V gen work, or does it need to input 240V? Are you using a 30 amp or 50 amp input? What gauge wiring? Are the batteries running the loads at the same time they are being recharged?
Did u ever find out? I'm looking for the same question
Great video here. I would like to see this for an off grid system like we have
Thank you for providing some excellent tutorials on how to use a generator as backup to a battery bank. I find your balance between genuine education and offering your own services is spot on. I say this given some of the comments read. My question is how can you find out the min/max of a battery bank charging rate? I’m hoping to buy Li 48V batteries (3 or 4) in a bank, but unsure how much solar panels to install, as I will have an off the grid larger propane tank to pick up the slack. I just can’t seem to understand the math of how much a generator power can be safely provided to a battery bank. Thank you.
Hi Martin. The general rule of thumb is C20, or 20% of the battery bank's rated amp-hours. So, for a battery bank of 48V 100Ah, you could charge at max 20-amp rate. For a 400-amp hour battery bank, you can charge at 80-amp rate.
Appreciate it, thank you. How do I hook this up if the charge controller doesn't have a generator input? Through a bus-bar and let it bulk charge to 85/90% as one could with a wind turbine? So as to not confuse the charge controller.
Fun video Joe… how have I not seen this one before until now?
Wow this is almost the system I want.
Could the gasoline generator be replaced with a generac standby generator?
Yes, absolutely. We actually recommend Generac Guardian standby generators for use with a solar + battery system.
Well explained.
Is it possible to set up an outlet (as on your system) to plug in a portable generator to the FranklinHW battery system?
Just subscribed! Do you have a video of the setup that you have in your home. I think this is the best setup I have seen with solar, battery and Generator for a true off-grid setup.
Ty sir
So If I've understood right, you plug the generator into an electric socket that you would usually use to get electric to use an appliance or charge something etc?
Awesome setup. How would you charge enphase batteries with a portable generator?
what fuel do you use to run the generator and how much to fill it, then how long does it take for the next refill, ???
That depends on the load. My potable Honda generator gets about 8 hours run time on 4 gallons of gasoline running at 25-50% load.
@@SolarSurge shame we still have not created a clean energy generator, thanks though
@@thebugacademy Use LPG / natural gas.
sir can I use a patrol generator to charge my inverter battery?
Must it be a hybrid before the generator connector works
I have a bluetti ep500 and it is recommending a separate ac cable charger for my gas generator instead of using the ac charger cable that came with my ep500. Any thoughts as to why? My gas generator is rated at 3500w/4375 starting Thanks!
I have a similar Outback inverter. Can you tell me if the hot from the generator is connected to the AC HOT IN connection on the inverter? And does that terminal allow for (almost) any AC source to use the inverter to charge the batteries when not using solar?
Thank you in advance.
Say if ur battery charge level would be down to 10% how long would it take to charge the battery wha kind of a solar battery is compatible with a generator?
Charge time depends on the size of the generator. Take a look at FranklinWH and PointGuard.
can the generac backup system do the same just a question I'm in australia
Not yet. They are promising to add this feature very soon.
Hie..I recently bought mu 5kva generator and connected it to my socket outlet to be able to charge my solar battery on a cloudy day but a 15amp breaker in my distribution board keps tripping as soon as I start the generator...any help
Hoping you could help with a question. 30kw solar roof. 45 kwh battery storage. With adequate inverter and appropriately sized propane generator, approximately how many hours would I have to run the generator to charge the batteries?
So generator was charging batteries and also loads were taking from batteries (so both charging and discharging?) or loads were partial from generator too?
Good video but for a more simple solar setup, what would you hook the generator up to to charge your battery bank? That high-tech solar equipment is something you wouldn’t normally find in your ordinary solar hook up for a RV, small cabin, tiny house, etc.
Sure, you can use a MagnaSine 4448 inverter/charger to accomplish this. The Magnum unit will allow you to recharge the batteries from shore power or a portable generator.
Any inverter charger will do the job - that is an inverter with an ac charge input.
Would this work with Enphase Solar Panels with IQ8 Micro Inverters and an Ephase Controller II with (2) IT 10 batteries?
Could you use a smaller 120v generator...say 2000 watts at 120v to recharge the battery banks since you are doing it through an inverter?
I have solar edge batteries and the energy hub inverter and I want to use a portable generator to charge the batteries when there is no sun. do you have a video on how to wire this up and make it work?
I have the same outback solar system you have in the video. I went through the steps you provided on the video. The Mate 3 is not recognizing the generator. Is the generator tied to the two breakers that charges the batteries from the grid?
Did you figure it out? Was it one of the breakers on the main solar panel box?
I’m about to start my gen connection today.
I've got a much smaller system, only a 6KWh battery. I've also got a small Honda camping inverter generator capable of 2.2KW. Can I safely connect a smaller generator?
Hi, excellent tuto and demo, thank you. I plan to buld same kind of backup system for my home . So while selecting equipment, I foud out that some hybrid inverters manuf prohibit to connect generator to their inverters-chargers. Of course, the generator need to produce a certain level of quality sinewave and equipped with automatic voltage control, but can you guess why these hybrid inverters chargers manufs prohibit the connection ? Where is the trap ? Thank you.
Great video. I live off grid, DIY system using NiFe as storage, prolonged periods without sun, 4-5 days for our normal usage and we are dead in the water. Our loads are not massive but I do need a top off method. Was wondering if I needed anything more than a whip to take it to the distribution board. Need to review my inverter and charge controller a little closer before doing anything further.
I'm curious on another note, would you offer franchise training, or business mirror opportunities? I live in central Tennessee and see a need for a full time solar designer and installer here in my area. I would be willing to profit share or consider a franchise option as well if your company has any interest in training a business startup in another state. Excellent Credit, Navy Vet, background in Electronics / Semi-Conductor post military. I'm just playing will a small homestead farm now, but it's about time to build a business out in this area, there is a lot of growth, and with the WEF Great Reset promises the opportunity for solar businesses seems bright.
I need a good model to build off of to save time and avoid the school of hard knocks. Not only to bring value to my self but obviously the customer as well!
I was thinking a network of businesses would have greater purchasing power direct from producers and might help us subvert the middle man / brokerages. During hyper inflation times anyway to have an edge, even it was the margins of the wholeseller on electrical parts/panels/batteries etc 10-30% would be a real gain. My experience purchasing batteries direct of Alibaba was rather smooth as it allowed me to save, even with a 25% government tarrif, over 100% of the purchasing price. A standardized material list that all businesses used could be created and shared for large import purchases.
Just a thought! Anyway, if interested send me an email: secretumprimas (at symbol) protonmail (dot) com
Hi Joe, I didn't understand most of what you were saying. But I know this is definitely what I want to do at my house. The only problem is I live in central London in the UK. Can you help? Many regards
How much did that cost you without your employee discount (based on logo on shirt)
That particular system was $60k full retail price.
Great information. Can the battery backup be installed outside of the house? I have a older house with an unfinished garage. I use my garage as a workshop and storage space. The battery backup would take up real estate. I’m hoping the batteries can be installed on the side of my house in an area away from the elements. I never talked to the solar company about having a hookup for a generator and would like to have this option installed. Hopefully this can be done with the battery backup control system installed indoors. I live in Southern California and I have an area that will be away from the sun and rain.
Good video been looking for info I'm not running solar panels not all that great in my area but want to run a 12000w generator with a 48v 6kwh battery just dont know what else I need
You can do that. You just need the generator, a hybrid battery inverter (e.g. Outback Radian or Sol-Ark), and the 48V battery bank. The hybrid inverter will have a dedicated input for the generator.
@@SolarSurge thank you
Hi ... how I connected my off grid 5000 W invertor to my 20 kv 3phase generator ... it started to use over that 20 ah ... which case the phase to drop ... how can I reduce my invertor feed value from generator ?
Sir you didn't really show us how
Approximately how long would it take to charge the batteries with the generator if they were down to 50%? I'm trying to decide between a 22 kw Generac generator or a solar/battery system with a small, portable generator. We have a 3 ton ducted heat pump, plus a well pump, hot water tank, and a few led lights and outlets. During the last big storm in our area power was out for over three weeks.
About 2-3 hours.
@@SolarSurge Thank you.
I have a solar system, and a stand alone generator. Can I have a battery back up tied in? Also can I have the generator charge the batteries when they get low if the solar isn’t cutting it? Like a hybrid between solar and the stand alone? When I ask electricians in my area they look at me like I’m an idiot. I mean I have a 20kw generator, wouldn’t that charge batteries fast. Then when they are topped off it turns off to save fuel. So instead of the generator running 24/7 it only runs to charge the batteries. Also if he batteries system fails, I can bypass it and just run of generation? Joe do I sound crazy????
Yes absolutely we can tie in batteries and integrate with the standby generator. Take a look at the Enphase and SolarEdge Energy Hub systems.
Put the link in so I can read! Thank you!!!
Trying to reach Joe. Need help
Is it possible to remove the orange info bar showing your contacts pliizzz
Joe, thanks for the demo. Is this type of setup possible with other battery systems, i.e., Tesla, Enphase, etc or is this only possible with the hybrid inverter/charger you have installed?
Hi Frank. Thanks for writing in. As of right now, this is only available on true off-grid inverters like Outback Radian, Schneider Electric Conext XW, Sol-Ark, and Magnum. Are you already setup with solar or looking for a solution?
@@SolarSurge Yes I do have solar and a generator but thought your solution was interesting. Batteries are relatively new in my area and I'm looking at various solutions. I actually sell solar myself and trying to figure out how to position backup solutions for customers. I'm in the NY/NJ area.
@@frankf7986 No problem. The key is to start with understanding the customer's needs. Someone looking to take advantage of time-of-use for electric bill savings should go with a lithium-based battery like Enphase or Tesla. For seeking to protect against as long term loss of the electric grid, then a heavier solution like Outback or Sol-Ark would be better.
FYI last Fall Enphase added the capability to recharge their batteries using a permanently installed emergency generator (but not a portable unit - power quality / harmonic distortion issues). Tesla continues to show zero interest in emergency generators.
Hi Joe,
Great video!! I'm just learning about all this stuff. Still very confused. My question is when you charge a battery system like yours do you need an inverter generator? Or you can use just a regular generator? Thanks. I'm checking out all of your videos, these are great! Lots of information. Joe
Hi J and thanks for writing in. It depends on your solar inverter. Some will work with just about any generator. Other inverters require "clean" power generators like Generac or Kohler.
We have a 48 Volt system with AGM batteries. 8 -6 Volt 400 AHour batteries. I have a Cummins/onan 6.5 KW propane gen and an ME AGS N by Magna Sine for linking them. I have not installed it yet. Should be in the next 2 weeks. I have the schematic so it should not be much of a problem.. my question would then be what should my set point be for my gen to kick on?
For AGM batteries, I would set the generator set point for 40% SOC.
@@SolarSurge thank you! What is SOC though?
@@consco3667 SOC = state of charge
@@SolarSurge thank you!
@@SolarSurge your videos are great. You really know your stuff. Thank you very much. I am a new subscriber!
will a regular generator damage a solar generator while charging it.. Or do you have to use a inverter generator
If you were going to use a fuel burning generator to charge solar batteries, I recommend using an inverter generator or other constant voltage generator with low harmonic distortion.
@@SolarSurge thank you i was thinking the same thing. i already charged it once with my predator generator and hope i didn't screw it up.
Help! I phoned Bluetti about a portable solar gen I may purchase (AC200P) and because I'm near Seattle, I have low light much of the year. They say I must have 35v input of solar to have it charge and to charge off a regular generator it must not be over 10 amp. I can't find a regular generator of 10 amp or less. Is there one? Nobody seems to have info on this. People in northern climates are interested in solar too. Help please. Thank you.
Thank you lots for the information, however, i got a problem with my system. i have installed a silent generator which turns on automatiically when the batteries goes down to a certain level, my problem is that for a few hours the batteries seem to be at 90 or 95 percent, i perposly didn't set to 100 because my inverter isn't that type of off grid thing ready, i have hooked the system externally. but when my batteries are charged and the generator turns off automatically, the percentage goes down alot in a matter of 3 seconds, from 95 to 55 for example, which makes me concerned. i need help to solve the issue, like 6 to 7 hours of charge isn't engouh or 12kva generator isn't enough with my 5.5kva inverter, iam lost. please help
again thanks for the usefull info
What happens with a 2.5kva pull start genset?
Hi, I have a 700w petrol generator which came with cables to charge my 65AMP 165AH Battery. Could you let me know if I need to unplug everything from my battery before i charge it with my generator or can I just plug straight onto my battery and charge?
Thanks 🙏
How many batteries can a 800 watt Genrator can charge
For example i have 2 12 V 200 Amp bettaries and a 800 watts generator can it charge my bettaries and keep the load running at the same time??
I have 2x 280 ah AGM batteries connected to be at 24 volts . What ampere should my charger have ? So a 24 volt charger with 16 / 30 or 60 amps ? I am confused
قريب انشاء الله اركبها في بيتي 👍
Can you use only a generator to charge batteries but without using solar? I ask because we are about to go fully off grid, and can't afford panels at the moment. I just wonder if it's not a better option for us, because we won't be using as much power because we will use a wood stove when cold, and the weather is good most of the year. It's a great place for solar, but I'm on a fixed income. I just get the feeling that using a generator for a couple of hours to charge batteries would be more cost efficient and just as effective as solar.
Yes that is possible. I have one client who runs off grid using generator and batteries only.
@@SolarSurge thanks for the reply. I'm weighing out all our options. This video was a big help.
You want to keep your batteries topped up and never let them go below 50%. What you are suggesting sounds way more expensive in the long run than getting a couple of solar panels, a charge controller, etc. And then you will be able to just let things take care of themselves. Hope it all worked out!
You should make a video about using a Solar Generator too, I am curious if you can expand the capacity of the solar generator by having an extra battery.
Solar generator? That’s a panel charging a battery then to a small inverter. Get real
@@cd1168 like a Jackery 160 linked to an battery bank that are both charged by solar panels at the same time.
Excelent video, very well presented, very well done like a profesional actor that did not make any mistake, great voice with great clarity, I going to try to set up my generator tomorrow that sometimes get disconnected, like gets out of sync, maybe because is at 12 amps been a 2500 watts generator but giving only a 2300 continuos watts, would you recommend Simpliphi batteries and do you know if they work with the radian inverter 4048A, please if you respond, I will looking for a response, thank you very much,
Oscar Lomeli, USA CITIZEN BUT RETIRED AND CURRENTLY LIVING IN MÉXICO
Hi Oscar, and thanks for writing in. Yes, the Radian 4048 is compatible with all major battery chemistries including the SimpliPhi LiFePo4. On the Radian, use the Mate 3 to set your charging amps to 10 amp. That will avoid overloading the generator.
Good generators have a main circuit breaker. It is good practice to turn OFF the generator main breaker before connecting the cable, start the generator, then turn ON the generator main breaker.
Yes, you're right. That is the recommended approach.
Hey Joe!
My solar inverter and the output voltage is 120/240 single phase hybrid 8000w and output frequency of 60hz. My inverter generator is a Honda EU3000is 120/30 amp.
So I want to do what you did, but unfortunately I don’t know diddly and I’m trying to learn as fast as I can because it’s hurricane season and I want to be prepared. I have a transfer switch with a L14 and the inverter with an L5. I’ve always used it but now I’m not sure that I can. All I know is that I can’t turn on anything with 220 which I don’t have, but with the new solar system I feel like I’ve been punched in the face by Mike T. I am totally lost. Any help will be greatly appreciated. Take care.
I am by far no expert, but I would think that your inverter would just power up and use whatever your generator gave?
So thinking that even if your gas generator was underpowered for your batteries, it should still act as a trickle charge or better for your batteries.
If you’ve learned anything else, I’d like to hear it! 🖖
That wall unit sure looks like it has enough bolts holding it onto the wall 🙂
I disagree with most. This video is a sales pitch. You’re not showing anywhere how to use a generator to charge your batteries. You failed to show where the generator line is connected to the load center.
Really an example of a non engineer using the ethos of solar to make money
So much I want to like
Do you think the new F-150 Hybrid with a 7200 Watts generator (The Powersource truck) would be able to fullfill this function?
Yes. Using the 240V, 30-amp plug.
@@SolarSurge Thanks for your very informative videos. I would like to leverage my KIA EV6's 77.4 kWh battery to extend the runtime of a smaller solar battery. The KIA V2L puts out 1.9w at 120v. Could this be used instead of/as well as a generator?
I got my generator setup and it turns on automaticay when the batteries are low, but I realized I don't have a way to turn the generator off... 🤔
If your generator has a GFCI that trips when you connect to the house then you probably have a generator with the neutral bonded to the generator ground. This type is used on construction sites. Watch UA-cam videos about this and how to disconnect the bonding jumper. Get help if you need it.
A generator will probably end up my main way to charge since I live in Indiana where sun light is rare. We just went through a whole month of hardly any.
To "make the connection when the line is dead" shouldn't you plug both ends of the cable in before starting the generator, otherwise you're making one of the connections with the line hot.
Solar is very unreliable in the PNW in winter when there is no sun at all.
Not simple
You need to makes something that's easy to use. Nobody wants to be thinking about loads and limits.
Pretty much Comon since
Remember people if you are off grid like we are, get a continuous duty rated gen just in case…..
Why do they make you wear that shirt??
For the 95% of off-gridders like us, PLEASE don't think you can buy a generator and plug it in like this... IT DOESN'T WORK!!
You'll most likely need a "pure sine wave" generator - nobody tells you this, a normal generator will not work as AC input! Please please read up and ignore these glamorous plug and play demonstrations, they just dont work like this!
Why wouldn't you just run the house on the generator until the sun comes back out? Storing energy in a battery so that you can use it with a 10 to 20% loss instead of just using it straight off the generator doesn't make sense to me. Does anyone want to actually run the math on this?
You mentioned in the video that you don't want to charge your battery using the grid. The reason given is because it would cost you money. The exact same logic applies to using the generator to charge the battery.
1. They are loud and annoying. 2. The point of the video is to demonstrate a power outage, and a lack of sun.
Convert the generator to Hydrogen from Water as fuel
I need simple english
T
Talk too much and long explanation and too many installment
This video was not helpful. I have jumper cable and I need to attach it to the battery
No information about "How to" whatsoever... useless waste of time.
Another poorly made video, although this one had huge potential with people considering going off grid. So these are what you did wrong:
1. The camera close ups do nothing. The viewer can see nothing on the monitor.
2. You started from a battery level of 95% and said you charged up to 96%. Do you even get the hilarity in such numbers.
3. You did this during the day when your solar panels were generating. So of that 1% charge there was contribution from solar.
4. The generation specification label should have been shown even if for 5 or 10 seconds.
What a fancy solar system. Passwords and all. Then 100 year old tech petrol generator, which waste all the energy for heating only outside air. And runs stupidly loud solid 3000rpm, although you don,t need 60Hz ac charging batteries. What a great great disappointment.
Remember people if you are off grid like we are, get a continuous duty rated gen just in case…..