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
davelinde wrote:RV solar will charge the house battery direct regardless of the utility power situation.2oldman wrote:
generators are a hot topic around here.
As an alternate suggestion, I'd consider solar
I've been away for a while but I remembered this forum had opinions (and experience) with different generators. Ideas on solar are more recent I guess. Makes sense since PV panel costs dropped a lot.
From what I understand about these installs they cannot operate when the grid is down unless there is a battery plant connected in front of the transfer switch. The batteries are not cheap, take up space and have a finite life. Not the ideal solution for a hurricane or other power loss.
Home solar requirements need to be expressed to the installer. Many inverters and systems will keep you going during a utility power outage. Some have batteries and some will have an independent connection to plug in a 15a extension cord to power the fridge etc independent as long as the sun shines. Need some sort of battery system to run 24/7.
Yes EU-Honda is the gold standard in portable generators. Good stuff comes at a premium.
My trailer has enough solar and battery to run mostly independent of utility power. If I want air conditioning I am looking for hookups anyway as I am not going to run a generator 24/7. However I did pick up a 700w Ryobi propane generator if I should run into an unforeseen situation. I never really plan to use it.
