Diesel Generator

justinramani · Feb 22, 2016

I take it that you don't have NG in your area? I guess if you have the $$$ then go for it. To me the 3 yr warranty would be a plus if it actually covers anything worthwhile. You will need to run the generator under load every month or two. Diesel generators are susceptible to wet stacking......Warranty probably wont cover that...

justinramani · Feb 22, 2016

If I were in this situation I would pick up a running MEP-003 off of E-Bay for $2,000 - connect a transfer switch - and call it a day.....

BigCountry1689 · Feb 22, 2016

My thinking... Propane standby generator liquid cooled rough numbers about $6400 plus install of tank, remember my county code says it has to be underground and to get the tank in any sort of substantial size that code would apply (250Gal Plus) so an additional $1200 or $45/Month (Rental) for the tank. Estimate from gas company was $1650 for install from gas company to run LP for appliances, plus still the electrician which adds another $950 because it is my brother in law doing the install. And in case you might suggest just putting in tanks myself my county has found away around that sort of thing. They do this little thing where the property appraiser sub contracts a home inspector once every 2 years to come out and walk your property. If you think I am kidding I am not so they walk and say oh that's new since 2 year's ago we need more $$ oh and that's against code we will need to let the building department know and on and on. So I have to do it right the first time to avoid a lot of cost later. So propane becomes a costly endeavor. Now I could go with the Home depot special but what is my longevity with an air cooled motor in a plastic enclosure. And I will still be $5000 into that. So it becomes a balancing of money and reason to me.

Propane Generator- $10,200 (22,000KW Liquid Cooled, ATS 200AMP)

Diesel Generator-

36KW Turbo, with 125Gal Tank, 200amp ATS, Level 2 enclosure, for $10,155 Plus-Install

24KW NON-turbo, 125Gal Tank, 200amp ATS, Level 2 enclosure, for $9,015 (1yr parts only) Plus Install

Wife WILL NOT budge on whole house I have tried. If it were me it would be a floor fan and a TV with a DVD player and I am golden, this would be a $700 endeavor.

BigCountry1689 · Feb 22, 2016

I am not sure what wet stacking is???

But there is a Kubota 11,000KW with a 13,500KW surge that I really like, it is a portable unit that would simplify install greatly. But what will it run?? Like I said wife wants whole house as normal.

I am still researching I haven't pulled my card out yet.

4570Man · Feb 22, 2016

What takes that much power in your house? I can run my house as normal on half that much.

BigCountry1689 · Feb 22, 2016

I am not sure that is just the KW the electrician gave me, this was with all appliances active Washer, Dryer, Well Pump, HWH, Range,Oven,2 Fridges, 1 Freezer, TV, 2.5 ton A/C, Misc. small items, rarely a compressor or welder.

Believe me I did not hit the power ball, I don't want to spend $11,000 on power, that is why I posted here.

Of course the generator companies try to up sell you, I had one local company tried to sell me a 50KW generator telling me "this is the perfect unit for your situation" and he came to the house.

lostcreekranch · Feb 22, 2016

BigCountry1689 said:
I am not sure that is just the KW the electrician gave me, this was with all appliances active Washer, Dryer, Well Pump, HWH, Range,Oven,2 Fridges, 1 Freezer, TV, 2.5 ton A/C, Misc. small items, rarely a compressor or welder.

Believe me I did not hit the power ball, I don't want to spend $11,000 on power, that is why I posted here.

Of course the generator companies try to up sell you, I had one local company tried to sell me a 50KW generator telling me "this is the perfect unit for your situation" and he came to the house.

Are you in a rural area where you have your own incoming power transformer? If so, what size is it? 10 kvA, 15 kvA?

BigCountry1689 · Feb 22, 2016

yes I have my own transformer, IDK how to tell that is there something that identifies it.

4570Man · Feb 22, 2016

Can't you wife deal with using only one or two high load devises at once? I don't see a water heater or furnace listed. If they use electric for a heat source they are pretty hungry. Gas appliances obviously require way less electricity.