[BVARC] backup power plan

Mon May 3 21:03:16 CDT 2021

My generac starts in about 10 seconds of power outage. Some times, the 
TV and surround sound do not even go out. Then it stays on until power 
has been restored for at least 30 seconds. It will run for about 3-5 
minutes after that to cool down and then shut off.
73...bruce

On 5/3/2021 8:17 PM, Blaine Taylor via BVARC wrote:
>
> The “Sweet Spot” on backup generators is at 9000 to 13000 watt, where 
> you get the most bang for the buck.
>
> The Generac system is about convenience. It will auto start after 
> about 10 minutes (setup) of power outage.  Most modern homes in the 
> south require several tens of thousands of watts generator to be truly 
> whole house, and they are very expensive.
>
> I have a unit with a 10KW generator which runs MOST of the house with 
> a manual transfer switch.  I go to the generator shed, plug in the 

> generator to the external circuit, use the electric start to run the 
> generator for 2-5 minutes to get it warm, then switch the manual 
> switch in the house and well house.  It continues to run until I 
> reverse the process.
>
> It cost about $1200 including the 50 amp transfer switch.  I have a 
> portable 8000 btu air conditioner, which has a 6inch hose to run out 
> the window, which will de-humidify and cool the living and sleeping 
> areas downstairs.
>
> Most modern generators of this size will run dual fuel, including 
> gasoline with an option of Natural or Propane Gas.
>
> When we moved here 32 years ago, the fort bend county area had lots of 
> power outages.  We only have 3 or 4 a year now.
>
> The Big systems do run 20-40 thousand dollars, which is rather a lot 
> for the convenience during those few outages.
>
> By the way most electrical contractors can put together a hybrid 
> system with a Generac controller for convenience, and a medium sized 
> dual fuel 10KW generator with the electronics for automatic start/stop 
> and switching to generator/mains.
>
> 73’s
>
> KD5EXG
>
> Blaine Taylor
>
> *From:* BVARC <bvarc-bounces at bvarc.org> *On Behalf Of *Shannon Tassin 
> via BVARC
> *Sent:* Monday, May 3, 2021 6:38 PM
> *To:* BRAZOS VALLEY AMATEUR RADIO CLUB <bvarc at bvarc.org>
> *Cc:* Shannon Tassin <stassin at hotmail.com>; Mike Lambert 
> <mikradhou at hotmail.com>
> *Subject:* Re: [BVARC] backup power plan
>
> I recently made many calls and talked to many vendors to determine the 
> best backup power plan. I was hoping that solar plus battery would not 
> only provide power during an outage but would also always provide power.
>
> My conclusion was that whole home backup generator is still the only 
> cost reasonable option. That will cost you $10-15k (but they are in 
> short supply and you likely won’t get until November) whereas solar 
> plus battery is more like $50k. I was even told by one solar company 
> that when the power is out, the solar panels get shut down so as not 
> to push electricity back to the grid so they don’t generate at all 
> when the grid is down. So for a long outage all you have is the 
> battery and no ongoing solar generation.
>
>
>
>     On May 3, 2021, at 6:12 PM, D. Howard Bingham via BVARC
>     <bvarc at bvarc.org <mailto:bvarc at bvarc.org>> wrote:
>
>     
>
>     Easy, get a Generac WHOLE HOUSE Generator, but be careful, as
>     since the FREEZE & power outages several months ago, PRICES ARE
>     WAY UP & supplies may be SHORT with a LONG WAIT for installation.
>
>     My Nephew had the Generac system installed in my Sister's home in
>     Deer Park 3 years ago, I need power for CPAP breathing machine at
>     night, sister has tripped in the dark when power has gone out at
>     night. So here it's a MEDICAL ISSUE.
>
>     Alternative would be SOLAR CELLS (GENERAC HAS THESE with Battery
>     Power packs that typically are installed in a garage for use when
>     power fails at night, or during storms.).
>
>     Those who've followed the PBS "This Old House" has seen similar
>     systems installed in major house remodeling over the years.
>
>     73
>
>     D. Howard Bingham
>
>     KE5APJ
>
>     --
>
>     On 5/3/2021 2:42 PM, Mike Lambert via BVARC wrote:
>
>         Hurricane season starts in a month.
>
>         I am interested in talking to anyone who has a backup power
>         plan (remember Ike?) to compare notes, ideas, techniques, etc.
>
>         We could comm via email outside of the BVARC listserve.
>
>         Mike
>         KI5PIY
>         mikradhou at hotmail.com <mailto:mikradhou at hotmail.com>
>
>
>
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>
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-- 

Bruce Paige, KK5DO

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