Generator pros and cons
Over the years I've had two generators and they both served me well. The first was a 2kW Honda portable. It was super quiet, always started easily, a nice addition to our first fifthwheel and also ...
Forum Discussion
agesilaus wrote:road-runner wrote:opnspaces wrote:I interpreted the solar suggestion as a standalone system, not a grid tied system.
The problem with Solar is the inverters shut down when the power goes out to protect the utility company linemen. So unless the inverter sees voltage from the utility it won't pass any current from the solar panel.
Plus that would be a stupid system. You are saying that if for example there was a Hurricane or wildfire that knocked out the line system that you would not be able to use solar to power your house. It does not compute and that's what transfer switches are for.
Stupid it may be but that is the reality of most grid tied solar.
What would be appropriate for an RV is an off grid solar system. I have 300 watts of solar on my 5er and still have to run the generator. Just not nearly as much as before.
I am in the process of installing 1800 watts of solar and 660lbs of batteries on my new rig. Guess what? I am going to have a generator. Sometimes it gets cloudy.....
Regarding generator choices, if you are looking at Gas generators I would strongly recommend one of the "inverter generators". They use less fuel and don't piss off the neighbors.
I have a Honda and a Champion. The Honda is the quietest of the two. It was also nearly three times the price.
The Champion has a wireless remote that is handy.
I would buy either one of them again.
I purchased a Ryobi "super quiet" generator. I ran it one day and took it back.
Good luck with your endeavors.
