uietRe: Confused on PTO generator size
I dont have in front of me your load calcs or what appliances you HAVE to run as opposed to what you want to run. I install lots of generator systems for people, and youd be surprised how small some units need to be.
My house is supplied by a 7.5KW fixed propane unit. It powers up all upstairs lights, garage door openers,all tv and entertainment, refer, freezer, gas furnace (fans, ighniters) and gas water heaters. I got rid of my electric range top and electric water heaters and installed propane units so i didnt need as large of a generator.
I am only using a little over 1/2 of my generators output at this load.
I have a manual transfer panel so i dont have to worry about switching off the heat pump, a/c etc. My generator only powers up the panel i want powered up.
Now for the bad news. I want to add my barns power load (fed from house panel) and my now completed basement off of the generator. But this will overburden my 7.5 kw unit. Im looking at installing a 14KW Generac ($2,800) and also looking into the newer QuietSource Generac liquid cooled units ($7,500). This will power my entire house and barn (has 4 heated horse waterers).
A 14 KW generator will power LOTS of stuff. Ive installed many of these sized units in custom 4,000 SF homes and have had no issues. Most of my clients dont want an automatic transfer switch as there vacation homes, and dont want them running if there not home.
In the OP's case, depending on what panel you have in the house, there are MANY different manual transfer options available that can cost under $80.00 to instrall
A full scale automatic transfer switch CANNOT be adapted to run a pto generator, as they need constant input of power and 12v battery relay from generator to operate.