Offgrid Genset Transfer switch

[sodamo]

Same, but with overhead light turned off

 

[sodamo]

This is my old FX inverters controlling the Honda generator

 

[sodamo]

When finished, either system will be able to control MEP diesel generator via selection from switch at top. Of course appropriate breakers engaged, disengaged.

MEP needs batteries so not usable yet.

All generators are autostart
Other than gen selection and breakers, operation can be controlled via internet.

As for the receptacles
Left side are live, powered by inverter and provide power to my trickle chargers and overhead light.
Right side is powered by Honda generator and provides power for the exhaust fan to run when gen runs.

Soooo, almost done, but at least functional.

 

[ultrarunner]

Any issues sourcing hardware to your location in Hawaii?

Is off grid common in your area.

Any issues with permitting agencies?

I’ve thought about an in place installed generator in conjunction with my solar so as to avoid having to roll out the generator along with the power cords during outages…

My solar production stops when utility power is down.

 

[sodamo]

Hardware availability can be mixed. For this project I bought everything online. My solar systems have been a mix, most locally sourced, but many of my replacement PV came from mainland. My Kohler genset was an online purchase but the Honda EU7000 was local. Yes, most of the neighborhood is offgrid as are many of my rural friends. Haven’t kept up with permitting and changing requirements. My initial system was fully permitted and a PITA, not bothered with my upgrades.

Sounds like you have grid tied solar, no batteries. Maybe adding a generator to the system will give you the capability to harvest solar when grid is out. The newer systems have capabilities I’m not familiar with.

 

[sandman2234]

Solar not working when the grid goes down means you loose power like everyone else! I would think a battery backup of some sort would be a smart investment if the power goes out very often.
Not sure how adding a generator would allow you to harvest solar when the grid drops, but this topic is way over my head anyway!
David from jax

 

[5030]

All I know is the OP appears to have a complex system of electrification. Complexity breeds failure last time I checked. Me, I'll stick with utility electrification and genny backup with hard wired vacuum transfer switches. Been fine for over 15 years now.

 

[sandman2234]

All I know is the OP appears to have a complex system of electrification. Complexity breeds failure last time I checked. Me, I'll stick with utility electrification and genny backup with hard wired vacuum transfer switches. Been fine for over 15 years now.

The utility with a generator backup doesn't really work in Hawaii. Too poor of transmission lines along with very uneven ground which causes landslides. The wind they get from Typhoons is also an issue, so while you have mainland power, flat ground with basically no wind, the O/P is working against a whole different situation. While yours might work for you, it doesn't and won't work for everyone else. The fact that you have been fine for 15 years just means somebody else is paying for your power system line upgrades or they aren't getting done, which means your system won't last. In a complete grid failure, just how long with that generator last? My next door neighbor had the same attitude and it learned that about a week was when he ran out of juice. He has since doubled his fuel capacity which means he can now go two weeks. What will you be doing after 2 months of now power?
David from jax

 

[5030]

Maybe I should have clairified my comment a but. My standby gensets (I have 2, 1 diesel and 1 propane and I own 3-500 gallon propane bottles so I have plenty to run the propane fired genny and the diesel one is plumbed to my 500 gallon farm tank. I know nothing about Hawaii except vacationing there a couple times. I know nothing about they provide baseload either. Do the utilize nuclear or coal or gas fired baseload generation and is it reliable or not? I have no idea. It (power) didn't seem an issue when we were there.

Other than everything being subtitled in Japanese, it all appeared pretty normal to me.

 

[etpm]

We have been totally offgrid since 2005.

Are you offgrid because there are no transmission lines to your property or it is too costly to connect to them? When visiting my sister in law on Kauai I noticed how expensive gasoline and propane are. This makes me wonder about how much it costs you to run your generators. I'm just curious.
Thanks,
Eric