Need advice on whole-house generators

[redsox1]

The power in my area is unreliable so I just installed an automatic whole house propane powered 17KW Siemens/Generac generator. We have an underground 1000 gal propane tank so it may sense to go this route and not have fuel resupply concerns if power should go out for a considerable time. It automatically runs for 15 mins once a week and will come on by itself in the case of an outage. Published fuel usage at full power is 2.6 gal per hour and half that at lower near idle. If that is your only propane device I would that that even a 100 gal tank would be plenty for outages. As others have mentioned any generator is not going to be run at full power 24/7. Hope this helps....

 

[newbury]

I'm moving into a similar situation, remote, power goes off on occasion for short periods but if a twister or hurricane or ice storm come thru it could take days for recovery.

First of all analyze WHY you need electricity.
Medical equipment for life support?
Keeping the lights on and the freezer running?
Running an a/c unit (heat or cool)?
Surfing the forums on TBN?
Keep the sump pump running?

If you have to have CRITICAL equipment running a PTO generator isn't good when the tractor is being used to move downed trees.
Lights and freezers and a/c can be "cycled" so you don't need one to run 24/7, a PTO may do.
Surfing the forums is CRITICAL Like the sump pump.

Choice of fuel?
For me it's diesel. I've got diesel trucks, tractors and a car. I've got 300 gallon storage tanks I'll be using.

I had been looking at a 10 to 15 KW diesel stand alone, expecting to pay $1k/KW. But now the PTO sounds extremely tempting.

With my tractor I can easily envision myself using the PTO generator at more areas than just the house.

Also I've got a 6KW honda engine gasoline generator already, not big enough for my minimal whole house needs if I crank the a/c on. (won't start a 12,000BTU window unit) but it will run the sump pump and freezer. SIZING A GENERATOR FOR HOME USE

As an aside I've had the 6KW since shortly AFTER Hurricane Isabel and it's only use has been getting fired off about once every few months for PM AND preventing SWMBO from worrying about the freezer.

 

[CompactTractorFan]

Cant' really go out and cut a cord of propane...

Yea, I agree...It kinda "gets away" from you before you can cut it down to size. :laughing:

 

[s219]

Thanks for all the advice -- you guys are great. I have a lot to think about.

 

[sailfast]

Search here for threads on propane pricing and supplier problems.

Nightmare

 

[jenrow33]

I went with a 15kw pto unit. Liked the idea of one less engine to maintain. My tractor is always getting used and its never had an issue starting or running well. I find that with normal tractor use I like to have 20-30 gallons of fuel on hand. This is more than enough for a few days without grid power. My unit is on a wheeled dolly in the garage and takes me only minutes to connect and make power.

Good Luck!

 

[General Lee]

This thread has got me considering which route to go with a generator. I just about decided on a propane gen set, but now thinking about a PTO. Everyone has made very valid points considering each one.

What is the longest any of you with a PTO gen set has kept their tractor running? I don't think I'm comfortable letting my tractor scream at PTO rpm's for hours on end. Also, do they make good PTO gen sets that produce clean power for electronics?

 

[ronjhall]

I have a 12KW whole house generator. Runs on NG. Propane is similar just needs the propane in a tank. With a 200 amp automatic transfer switch it switches over every time there a power failure to the house. Just need to change oil in engine and put new plugs in every few hours. No need to hook up anything when power is lost. 8 years after install it has work with no problems except for a battery. Never have to worry about sump pump not having power or water pump not working. Furnace also stays on during power failures.
Our whole house generator has a auto cycle that runs generator every week. While running it checks out transfer switch operation.

 

[Ken45101]

If you want all that power, that's fine. But we haven't found the need to supplement the entire house. Heck, most of the time that the power goes out, we don't even bother with the generator, we just enjoy the ambiance of a kerosene lantern and the wood stove

If you already have a diesel tank, that's the way I would go. If you run low, it's easier to get a few 5 gallon jugs than it might be to find and hookup additional propane.

You'll have to evaluate your possible need for the tractor at the same time as the generator. Personally, I've never needed the tractor when the power is out. YMMV.

Ken

 

[newbury]

There have been LOTS of threads on the +'s and -'s of PTO sets.
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/222798-tractor-power-take-off-generator.html
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/222861-power-take-off-generator-one.html
http://www.tractorbynet.com/forums/attachments/215098-generator-options.html

There are four basic petroleum types for generators - Natural gas, LPG, diesel, gasoline, all readily available.

Upon review (in my memory) of what I've read here the general consensus was that a natural gas/lpg was more cost effective solution, cleaner, easier for a standby emergency generator in the 10 to 20K range.

BUT T - you need the infrastructure for nat gas/lpg.

Currently nat gas is CHEAP lpg is dear.

Nat gas is at a 10 year low:
The Associated Press: Natural gas prices stay at 10-year low

Propane follows crude oil:

Factors Affecting Propane Prices - Energy Explained, Your Guide To Understanding Energy

The infrastructure for nat gas is simple, if it already runs by your site. LNG seems rare. The infrastructure for LPG is ubiquitous, you can buy a bottle anywhere, even in a dry county.

Diesel and gasoline are dear, but almost everybody that is rural probably has at least 5 gallons sitting in their car or truck, or tractor.

So I had planned on a natural gas standby generator. But I bought a house nowhere near a natural gas line.

With the price of the remaining fuels being about the same a PTO gen set seems a clear winner for me. I'm probably going to have two tractors (seats) anyways and only have one seat (mine) to fill them. I've my infrastructure for significant diesel storage

And I anticipate requiring power at separate sites, my workshops are about 80 yards from the house and on a separate pole/meter.

So now I've another item to add to my Craigslist shopping cart.