Well, that's certainly a glowing (hot) review for Kohler. Amazing that
with as much progress as we've made with solar, MPPT controllers, and
Li+ batteries, the industry has gone backwards significantly in the
generator department. Kohler used to make a wonderful little water
cooled 1800 rpm model, some of which are still in service.
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760
On 2/27/20 5:45 PM, Amanda Potter wrote:
We Installed a Kohler 14RES, L.P. & the crank-case breather froze (
the generator was on auto & was in a shelter), and the dip-stick blew
out & the generator had just started & set the engine on fire. Oil
everywhere.
Luckily a worker saw the flames, (this was new Off-Grid construction),
and was able to put the fire out.
The construction workers did not trust the off-grid system anymore
(Conext XW6848, which worked exactly as it was designed), and the
owner tried and tried to get Kohler to honor the warranty (500 hours),
but to no avail.
He had to buy another generator.
Amanda Potter
Energy Storage Specialist
NABCEP PV Installation Professional
NYSERDA Eligible PV Installer
Adirondack Battery & Solar, LLC
Potsdam, NY
(315) 212-2114
On Feb 27, 2020, at 6:22 PM, Mac Lewis <[email protected]> wrote:
We have had pretty good luck with the 14 kW Kohler which has an
off-grid warranty. Its not perfect but it seems solid. We have had
a few people with near 5000 hours on them. The controller is a bit
of an energy hog but its the best we've found that weighs all of
these issues.
On Thu, Feb 27, 2020 at 4:06 PM Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
<[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
The Honda EU7000i also has it's own remote start kit that plugs
into a
socket on the genset. I think it has a 140 foot cable. About as
easy to
install as there is. Incredible life and reliability. We do not
need a
genset here but many of my clients use these.
Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar
"we go where powerlines don't"
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
e-mail [email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>
text 209 813 0060
On Thu, 27 Feb 2020 14:53:09 -0800, Michael Morningstar
<[email protected] <mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
> For small propane generators: Honda eu7000i w/propane
conversion from
> GenConnex and 2 wire start kit from GenLine. I’ve installed a
couple
dozen.
> 4-8k hours life expectancy. Correct jet is a must for altitudes
over
5.5k.
> Alternators are a bit weak so I install a NOKO that’s plugged
into the
> generators own receptacle for extra on board charging.
>
> Small Diesel 7.5kw and up, that’s easy. Wrico International.
I’ve got
over
> a hundred out there. No standby power draw. Super simple.
Bulletproof.
The
> only issues I’ve seen are fuel supply related. 20k hours no
problem.
Open
> Frame, so some protection is needed. They are building 7.5kw and up
propane
> generators now. I haven’t used one yet, but will when the right
project
> comes around. Their product support is the best. Call them and
you will
> speak to one of the principals. They can walk a layperson customer
through
> just about anything I would be called on to service.
>
> The larger low RPM, water cooled propane generators aren’t
without their
> problems. Kohler and Cummins/Onan have had problems within 2-3k
hours.
They
> just aren’t the same as 10 years ago.
>
> Many dozens of Multi Quips out there. They are good choice.
Tech support
> response is generally slow.
>
> Michael
>
>> On Feb 27, 2020, at 2:25 PM, Ray <[email protected]
<mailto:[email protected]>> wrote:
>>
>> I know we have covered this before, but I just continue to be
>> disappointed with the Generac Ecogen. Very high failure rate, and
>> support is poor. Service requires expensive on site service.
Also the
no
>> load AC draw and programming setup is just not off grid ready
at all.
>> I'm still not seeing any other great choices, though. Here's some
other
>> possibilities:
>>
>> 1) Quality portable, like the Honda EU 7000i or Northstar with
Honda
>> motor. Not the best choice especially for autostart, no
propane, but
at
>> least they can take it in to the shop if it goes down.
>>
>> 2) Kubota (or MQ) diesel. expensive, and possible cold weather
start
>> issues?
>>
>> 3) 20+ kW water cooled, 1800 rpm propane model. Overkill,
expensive,
>> but probably will last a really long time.
>>
>> 4) Similar Home standby unit, but Kohler brand. Kohler used to be
>> great, but now a days I'm not so sure.
>>
>> I just can't keep recommending a generator I know has been
giving other
>> customers trouble. Any new ideas on this age old problem?
>>
>> --
>> Ray Walters
>> Remote Solar
>> 303 505-8760
>>
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