Some of the issues have been Generac not providing a simple wiring
schematic, nor simply labeling the 2 start wires. 2nd is requiring
either internet connection or a call in to get the start code. Both
have been very problematic in remote locations with no phone service.
Totally unnecessary. We don't need a Generac tech just to connect
wires, I'm the licensed electrician. Last time I called Generac,
(control error not listed in the manual) they insisted I needed to call
in a service tech, and offered zero trouble shooting. I fixed the
problem by pulling the fuse and resetting the controller. 3rd, service
requires a long expensive trip by the service tech, who then diagnoses
the problem, has to order the parts and return weeks later. This means
every issue takes 2 round trips to resolve. If its a bigger issue, it
requires a truck lift to haul the 500 lb unit in to the shop. We're
hearing $500 just to get the generator to the shop, then another $500 to
reinstall it after.
Failures have included several catastrophic engine failures, blowing oil
every where, some of these have been in the first few hundred hours.
Lots of control issues, one recently had voltage that varied from 90 to
130, 45 to 70 Hz, and the inverter wouldn't even connect to it.
I quit selling generators a long time ago, because I didn't want the
service liability. I'm not a mechanic, and I don't want to be. I do
however, need a generator I can recommend in good faith. The Ecogen has
made us look pretty bad. Glad I didn't sell them, but then I've seen
some large water cooled unit that worked well.
Ray Walters
Remote Solar
303 505-8760
On 2/28/20 5:14 AM, Chris Mason wrote:
Ray,
I'm a Generac dealer. Why are you having support problems? Generac has
a large dealer network, if the unit is under warranty you should have
no problem getting it fixed. Did you buy through a dealer and have
them install it? Why are the services expensive?
What failures are you seeing?
There is a hole in the market for products in this application.
Virtually no-one makes an affordable ~10KW diesel enclosed 2 wire
start 1,800 rpm reliable diesel generator. I once ordered, on spec, a
9KW Perkins engine liquid cooled enclosed diesel from a factory in
China I deal with. I sold it to a customer that ran it 18 hours a day
on 100% load, to power his restaurant refrigeration outside service
hours. It lasted him years, it must have thousands of hours on it.
I think the big problem in the US is getting permits for diesel
generators.
On Thu, Feb 27, 2020 at 6:25 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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--
Chris Mason
Solar systems designer
Generac Generators Industrial technician
Comet Systems Ltd DBA Comet Solar
Anguilla Cell 264.235.5670
WhatsApp 264.235.5670
Skype: netconcepts
www.cometsolar.com <http://www.cometenergysystems.com/>
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