90cummins
Veteran Member
I recently signed a contract with SolarCity for installation of a 6.37kw system; work should start in January with the system operational by March.
After many questions and additional research I realized that when the grid goes down the solar is inoperative also.
I have several generators but the system is not really compatible with portable power.
That got me thinking about a Grid tied battery backup system that will automatically switch over and power my home and also allow the Solar to continue operation while recharging the batteries.
This system addition also enables me to use a backup generator to recharge the system in the event the batteries get low or I need more capacity.
I just purchased a new (7 hp) Yanmar Diesel Model L70ABE-DEGMTAYC Military Surplus engine dated 2012 for $500 that has some unique features suited for long run times of up to 24 days non-stop.
It has an extended oil sump which triples the oil capacity and a spin-on oil filter which extends oil change intervals to 500 hours. There is also an intake grid heater for cold starts and the muffler outlet has a two bolt flange for a leak proof extension.
This engine is a replacement for the original L90 Yanmar that needs a rebuild.
The new smaller engine will drive a 5000 watt generator so max output will not be possible but should easily generate 3500 to 4000 watts.
This generator would be used to charge the batteries if needed and/or operate when power requirements are minimal.
The cost, lower fuel consumption and the fact that it will mate to my 5000 watt generator head is the main reason I purchased it. I have (2) gas Generac xl4000's (1) Yanmar YDG 3000E which was purchased for $250 not running and a 25kw PTO generator for my 1720 Ford. The features mentioned above and the lower fuel consumption were the selling points.
I have over 500 gallons of diesel on hand so fuel will not be a problem.
I'm looking to keep my lights on in the event of a long term grid outage.
Any thoughts on my plan?
After many questions and additional research I realized that when the grid goes down the solar is inoperative also.
I have several generators but the system is not really compatible with portable power.
That got me thinking about a Grid tied battery backup system that will automatically switch over and power my home and also allow the Solar to continue operation while recharging the batteries.
This system addition also enables me to use a backup generator to recharge the system in the event the batteries get low or I need more capacity.
I just purchased a new (7 hp) Yanmar Diesel Model L70ABE-DEGMTAYC Military Surplus engine dated 2012 for $500 that has some unique features suited for long run times of up to 24 days non-stop.
It has an extended oil sump which triples the oil capacity and a spin-on oil filter which extends oil change intervals to 500 hours. There is also an intake grid heater for cold starts and the muffler outlet has a two bolt flange for a leak proof extension.
This engine is a replacement for the original L90 Yanmar that needs a rebuild.
The new smaller engine will drive a 5000 watt generator so max output will not be possible but should easily generate 3500 to 4000 watts.
This generator would be used to charge the batteries if needed and/or operate when power requirements are minimal.
The cost, lower fuel consumption and the fact that it will mate to my 5000 watt generator head is the main reason I purchased it. I have (2) gas Generac xl4000's (1) Yanmar YDG 3000E which was purchased for $250 not running and a 25kw PTO generator for my 1720 Ford. The features mentioned above and the lower fuel consumption were the selling points.
I have over 500 gallons of diesel on hand so fuel will not be a problem.
I'm looking to keep my lights on in the event of a long term grid outage.
Any thoughts on my plan?