Backup Generators
Available at Solar Taos 2010 Product Catalog


 

KOHLER GENERATORS

Back-up (stand-by) Generators can be set-up to go on as soon as an electric outage occurs, giving you uninterrupted electrical service. There are several ways which your system can make the transfer ranging from automatically making the transfer providing you with uninterrupted service to manually making the transfer where there would be an interruption of service. How you choose to make the transfer depends on you and your needs. 

Using only the Generator as a Grid Stand-by, to come on if your Utility Power fails. You would want to use a Transfer Switch or an Automatic Generator Start Relay (AGSR) which will allow you to have electric when there is a problem with your grid source.  When the switch detects an outage it turns on the generator to provide you with electric and than shuts off the generator once your utility electric is restored.  This method gives you basically uninterrupted service, meaning that once your electric source stops (no electric) the switch has to turn on the generator, the generator in turn has to stabilize before it can send electric to you.  Meaning that you could be without electric for up to a minute or two.  If you have equipment which need to have no interruption than you may want to consider using an inverter in place of the transfer switch.

Using the Generator as a System Back-up, to come on when your system falls below a certain voltage and or when there is no electric from the Utility. In this instance, your system would include a battery back-up and your system transfer would be done by either an Inverter or an Automatic Generator Start Relay.  Here, your main source of electric is the utility company.  When you loose electric from the grid, your system switches to the Inverter which uses the batteries to make your 120 VAC electric.  Once your battery voltage drops below a certain voltage, the Inverter or an AGSR starts the generator.  Once the batteries reach a certain voltage level or the grid is back on line, the generator is shut off until it may be required again. With this set-up, you could incorporate Solar, Wind and or HydroElectric as your main source of electric, keeping your batteries charged and using the inverter to supply electric to the house.

Using the Generator as a Back-up for your Solar, Wind and or HydroElectric System.  This example can be used with or without a Utility connection.  Your main source of electric comes from your own power plant, whether it be solar, wind or hydro.  When your system has depleted your batteries to a certain level, your Inverter or AGSR turns on the generator and once the batteries are filled to a certain level, the generator is shut down.  Some inverters will see if the Utility is available before it starts the generator.


 

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When it comes to back-up / stand-by generators we prefer the stationary generators as oppose to the portable generators for a number of reasons.  Mainly because they interface with both solar systems and with utility service and they can be started automatically as mentioned above.  However, sometimes there are other considerations one must take into account and for this reason, I have attached an article by Bill Hoffman so that you can make up your own mind.

For Solar Electric System backup generators we have found that Kohler makes the best on the market.  They run on either natural gas or propane by just making a few internal adjustments and can be started automatic so that there is no power outage.  They are also the only generator on the market today, whose warranty isn't void if used with solar applications. 

For Solar applications we recommend either the 8 or the 12 kilowatt models as they are large enough for most uses yet small enough to operate to conserve on fuel consumption.  If you really require a larger generator please contact us and we will supply you with prices and sizes.

Our most popular unit is the Kohler 08RES that puts out 8 kW with an output of 110 and 220 volts. It comes with a pre-heater as does the 12RES for those colder areas.  Both generators come on its own platforms which makes installing them easy as they can be simply placed on a bed of gravel.  The gravel is used so that water can be shed away form the generator.

WARRANTY

 
IMAGE MODEL FUEL ENGINE RPM OUTPUT PRE
HEATER
DIMENSIONS LBS SKU PRICE PURCHASE
KW AC
VOLTS

SPECS
8RES LP/NAT Kohler V-2 .62L, 38 CI 3,600 8.5 110/220 YES   340 500-01001 $3,800

SPECS
12RES LP/NAT Kohler V-2 .72L, 44 CI 3,600 12 110/220 YES     500-01002 $4,200

SPECS
15RES LP/NAT GM OHC 1.6L, 98 CI 1,800 15 110/220       500-01003 $8,995

SPECS
30RES LP/NAT GM OHC 1.6L, 98 CI 1,800 30 110/220 500-01004 $12,150
45RES LP/NAT GM Vortec 4.3L
V-6, 262 CI
1,800 45 110/220       500-01005 $15,450

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Kohler Accessories

Replacement Parts --- Filters, Fuses, and Throttle Linkage Replacement Parts* for Kohler 8RES, 12RES, 15RES Generators

*Here's a helpful hint.  We have found a that sloppy throttle linkage can lead to generator malfunctions.  Symptoms may include over or under frequency shut downs as well as over and under speed shut downs.  We recommend that you change your oil and filters as outlined in your maintenance schedule and that you replace these three plastic linkage parts about ever five hundred to a thousand hours to prevent a costly repair call and to keep your generator running smoothly.
24-083-09-S Air Filter $19.95
12-050-01-S Oil Filter $14.00
KP-223316 10 Amp Fuse $2.05
25-158-11-S Bushing, Throttle Linkage $2.05
25-158-08-S Bushing, Linkage Retainer $2.15
358359 Governor Stepper Coupling $13.85

Replacement parts are available for other Kohler generators. Call 575-751-0620

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Onan Propane Generators

Although Onan makes a good generator, resently we are not offering them until Onan upgrades their warranties to include generators which are used for solar back-up. 

Onan offers generators for use in motorhomes, utility trucks, and crossc ountry haulers, and feels that it is okay to warranty this type of use but does not offer their warranty  for solar back-up applications.

We keep this space available in hopes that Onan will someday come around and make their policy solar friendly

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Onan Accessories
 

Filters for Onan HGJAD, GHJAE, HGJAF Generators

140-3116 Air Filter $15
122-0839 Oil Filter $14

Filters for Onan 6.5 NHE Generator

140-2379 Air Filter $15
122-0800 Oil Filter $14

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GENERATOR START BATTERY

These Kohler generators do not come with a start battery.  We recommend that you can purchase one locally or if you want you can purchase one from us.      
 

$76

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CHARGE AND GENERATOR START CONTROLS

Generator Start Control Module

The GSCM is a micro-processor based generator starting controller that receives start commands from the 12 volt output from an Outback FX inverter aux relay, a user supplied switch, an auxiliary relay in an inverter, a voltage controlled relay, a timer or any user-supplied contact closure and automatically controls a gas/propane or diesel powered generator or pump. It is totally sealed for harsh environment operation.

The GSCM provides contact signal relays to start the engine and disconnect the starter when a minimum generator frequency output is measured. It monitors the generator operation, shutting it down if one of several fault conditions is detected. LEDs are flashed to indicate the cause of the shutdown. Manually resetting the GSCM removes the lockout and allows the generator to restart if called.

The GSCM is powered by 12 to 24V DC from a battery bank and will start generators for 12 to 48V systems.

For 48V systems the GSCM must be powered by a 24V or less tap on the 48V battery bank. The GSCM provides a 30 day exercise function which can be synchronized with a photovoltaic input to only start each 30 day period at the beginning of the solar charge day.

  • Dimensions are 5.5" x 3.3" x 1.5"

2-year limited warranty.
 


GSCM-mini

This generator start controller is optimized for use with OutBack inverters. It supports three types of 3-wire gas-generator control: momentary, maintained or ignition. It has a fixed crank time and  over and under frequency shutdown.

Model

Description

 SKU 

MSRP

Price

Purchase

GSCM

Generator Start Control Module

020-06341

$322

$290

GSCM-mini Generator start controller module 020-06343 $223 $205

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Magnum AGS – RV Auto Generator Start

The Magnum AGS is compatible with most major generators, including Onan, Powertech, Generac, and Weterbeke. Please check with us for specific model compatibility. The Magnum Auto Generator Start (AGS) is designed to automatically start your coach generator based on low battery condition or the inside temperature of the coach. 

You can set the battery start voltage from 10-12 VDC or 20-22 VDC, the start temperature from 65°-85°F, the run time from one to five hours, and the quiet time with an easy-to-set clock. Auto Gen Start settings do not interfere with the manual start / stop operation of the generator. Just use any existing start / stop switch in your coach.

Two models are available. The standalone version of the AGS works well for installation and operation without an inverter.  The network version of the AGS allows operation of the AGS

via the ME Series remote panel.

Product Documentation

Model   Description SKU  MSRP Price Purchase
AGS-S Automatic generator start standalone  020-06375 $299 $287
AGS Automatic generator start – Magnum network
version – Use with Magnum inverters only
020-06377 $299 $287

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Generator Start Control by Battery Voltage

The Solar Converters GS2-AC automatically controls starting and stopping of generators used as back-power sources in off-grid systems. It starts the generator when battery voltage drops below the low set point. When the battery gets to the high set point the GS-2 stops the generator.

Supports 2, 3 and 4 wire systems as well as advanced control systems. The set points can be adjusted for 12, 24 or 48 volt battery systems. Circuitry can operate between 10 and 63 volts DC. The generator may be remotely started by a single pole switch or any dry contact closure.

A 5 second time delay on voltage sensing prevents false triggering during motor starting surges.

Circuit uses less than 20 mA when not starting generator.

Optional temperature sensor allows the voltage set points to be temperature compensated.

NEMA-3R rain tight enclosure 10" x 8" x 4".

1-year warranty

Specs

Solarcon Model

Description

 SKU 

Price

Purchase

GS-2

Automatic Generator Start Control

020-06239

$365

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Morningstar Relay Driver

The Relay Driver is a logic module which provides control functions such as high/low voltage alarms, load control and generator start for 12, 24 or 48 volt battery systems. It controls four independent relay driver outputs by reading digital data inputs from Morningstar’s TriStar controller or by reading battery voltage. Outputs can be used to operate any of the relays in the next column or any other mechanical or solid state relay with a coil voltage that is the same as the battery voltage power the relay driver. Maximum current for each output channel is 750 mA.

The Relay Driver may be mounted to a DIN rail and is fully programmable with the included PC software via serial RS-232 port connection. Dimensions are 6.4" x 3.2" x 1.3" and weight is 0.4 lb. Terminals can accept 16 to 24 AWG wire. Self consumption is less than 20 mA and the unit will operate from 8 to 68 volts DC. 3 year warranty

Description

SKU 

Price

Purchase

Morningstar Relay Driver RD-1

020-01255

$169

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TRANSFER AND BYPASS SWITCHES

Inverter Bypass Switch

Wired between any 120 VAC inverter/charger, generator and load center, this unit allows you to bypass the inverter in the event of an inverter failure. After the bypass switch is thrown, the generator is connected directly to the load center.

The inverter can than be removed for repair. This is designed for inverters with built-in transfer switches. Maximum current is 60 amps.

Dimensions: 13.5" x 6.25" x 3.5".

All components are UL Listed.

Description

Weight

SKU

Price

Purchase

Inverter Bypass Switch

7 lbs

053-07819

$110

 

 

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IOTA Automatic Transfer Switches
Web Site

Safely connect an inverter and an AC generator to the same house wiring. These automatic transfer switches can be used with inverters that don't have built-in transfer switch capability. If the generator is not running, then the inverter is connected to the house wiring. When the generator is started, the house wiring is automatically disconnected from the inverter and connected to the generator. A time delay feature allows the generator to warm up before the transfer takes place.

These transfer switches are particularly useful in RV and Marine installations where both the hot and neutral terminals must be switched. They can be used between an inverter and a generator, between an inverter and shore power, or a generator and shore power. Two transfer switches can be used if switching between all three power sources is desired.

Indoor rated housings have conduit knockouts on all four sides.30A and 50A units have a plastic housing and 100A units have a metal housing.

ETL listed to UL1008

Model

AC Volts

Max Amps

Generator max kW

Dimensions
(in)

Weight

 SKU 

Price

Purchase

ITS-30R

120

30A

4kW

7.5"H x 8.5"H x 4"D

2 lbs

053-08041

$80

ITS-50R

120/240

50A

12kW

7.5"H x 8.5"H x 4"D

3 lbs.

053-08053

$180

ITS-100R

120/240

100A

24kW

10"H x 12"W x 4"D

15 lbs.

053-08056

$798

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