I have the 24k Generac automatic backup using propane. The generator starts up one a week for 3 minutes to exercise. The total cost with installation is about $13k. When power drops out for 13 seconds the generator starts and switches all circuits over. The generator will run 8 days with a 500 gallons propane tank. Hope this helps someone considering this route.
@@4literv6 A 500 gallon propane tank only holds 80% (400 gallons) due to expansion of fuel. Generally you don't want to run the tank down to empty so at around 20% you need to refill the tank. Therefore 80% to 20% equates to 400 down to 100 gallons, which means you burned 300 gallons of fuel in 8 days. This is assuming that you did burn down to 20% propane. These are approximate figures.
Really enjoy your videos and, especially, because I always learn a lot. Still trying to decide on our new solar installation and backup batteries vs. generator. This video moved that decision along so thanks!
I've had mine since 2005 when Hurricane Rita left us without power. I highly recommend running Royal Purple engine oil if you want it to last. Cost a little more, but well worth it!
Just don't get in any hurry. Generac plant is 42 months behind production schedule. It's not only Generac but all the other generator company that are producing whole house generators.
Another thing to think about when considering a generator is size. Not many homes _NEED_ a 200 amp capable generator. Now if you also have a large battery bank as you mentioned in the video, you would want enough generator output to both power the home AND recharge the batteries at the same time. Also, put something like a SmartUPS from APC on your cable modem/router or any other sensitive gear. They'll smooth out the input power whether from the grid or your genset.
Just signed a contract for the install of the new Generac 24kw. We are looking forward to an all natural gas fueled stand by generator. We went with a 24kw to allow room for further growth of energy needs e.g. if we ever end up with an EV.
We have this Generac Guardian 24kW generator and it's awesome. Only issue I am finding, and can't seem to get a clear picture of, are steps in turning off the generator when we want to cut power to the house, or a room. Husband needs to change out a ceiling fan, but are unsure of how to correctly turn off the power and generator. Can someone point me in the right direction for a how-to video?
@@SolarSurge So turn off at the generator panel, and then turn off my circuit breaker, or do I turn off at circuit breaker first, then turn off the generator? The company that installed it said to turn off the circuit breaker, then when the generator turns on, turn it off on the generator panel. Then said to call them back so they could instruct on how to turn it back on. I've seen different videos all saying something different.
Hi and thanks for writing in. Yes, if you are a Tesla roof owner and are willing to be interviewed about the experience, I would very much like to have you on the channel. Please email info@solarsurge.net.
Hi I'm a solar consultant and enjoy your battery videos but I don't think you're right about the generac being able to charge the batteries directly. To my knowledge, once the batteries are depleted the generac will kick on but will not charge the batteries. I get questions about this all the time so it would be interesting if you know something I don't. In other words, there's no such thing as a hybrid home battery like how a hybrid car battery works.
When I added a standby generator to solar without batteries, I had a subpanel added to isolate the 20K Generac power from the solar inverter to protect the inverter from starting up when the grid was down and the generator came on. Is this the best way to protect the equipment, or are there alternatives?
Hi, I've called (2X) in the past to Generac and , "they said" to referred me to a local dealer but to date not received a call back. I live in an area that is practically power outage free. I loose Internet far more often. But regardless, I still like to look at a home standby that can provide power for at most three days. Do you service the Florida Tampa Bay area?
Yes we have you covered in all of Florida. I look forward to our call. Anyone can use this link to schedule a virtual meeting with one of our designers: calendly.com/solar-surge-sales-team/solar-consultation
All well and good, but try to get one. I paid in full for a 24K unit on Feb. 12, 2021 and was told to expect delivery in September. That date has now been extended to November. WTF?
Generator battery wasn’t covered. Google way to go if you can’t afford solar. Also what type of fuel does this new generator use? Please go into more details
Need one of these to run my heat pump and hot tub.:). Just got a quote hope they come soon lost power again today so annoying I’ve got meetings!! Do you recommended an emp Shield too?
After hurricane Ida hitting Louisiana and the Northeast, you can’t touch these things until next March. My daughter tried to order one and they said they have a six month backlog. I suspect it’s even longer then that.
A 200 amp panel is 48,000 watts of service. If your loads exceed roughly 19-20 kW then that is maximum for this generator. You should size your generator at about 125% of your maximum amps to be drawn at any one time. So if you draw 30,000 watts from your 2 200 amp panels, you need a 40 kW generator.
Interesting about your story of damaging the internet router (twice) when testing the generator. I'm guessing you damaged the wall-wart power supply and not the internet equipment itself? In either case, check your grounding - this sounds more related to grounding than dirty power, especially since the cable system is also earth grounded. Often times a portable generator comes 'stock' with neutral and ground bonded at the generator. Check your generator schematic, or measure continuity between the neutral output and the earth ground output. If connected inside the generator, this neutral-ground link needs to be broken so you only have one tie point in the house where neutral and ground are connected - normally inside your main breaker panel. Typically just an easy wire to cut or disconnect at the generator output receptacles. Otherwise you can have unintended circulating ground current given different voltage potentials (ground is not ground earth all around), and this can easily damage grounded equipment.
Saw your answer to Larry Hand, which was one of my questions. Generac site is very tight lipped information-wise. That is a red flag for me when vendors want to get a hook in you by forcing a call to them. The entire life cycle should be documented without having to call. What is the TCO? That would include all requisite PM, which is nowhere that I could find. What is NG or propane consumption rate under various loads? What are the environmental requirements for installation? On and on. I don't expect you to answer these things. It's simply not a good way for a vendor to establish trust. Thanks again for all your generally good videos.
I'm with you, Arlene. I did take the next step to find out some answers by actually calling a certified installer. Actually, it took three calls to get one company to come out. Great guy. However, that 8 grand generator quickly became 18. I flipped back to a battery backup system. I really had to prioritize my power NEEDS, over what I WANTED!
Our you could buy a true Honda inverter generator, not one with just a Honda motor. We run most of our house off an EU6500, it’s not a cheap generator, but the power quality is grid equivalent.
This is a stand by generator, it is not a primary generator and cannot and should not be used as a primary electrical source in place of a utility grid connection. It cannot directly charge a DC battery bank. And it is air cooled. This means in very hot weather seen in many southern states where ambient temps can reach 120 or more, it will degrade it's power output. The AC output from this generator must be sent to an AC battery charger, hopefully one compatible with a lithium iron phosphate battery bank. A 500 gallon propane tank holds about 300 gallows of propane (the rest is gas under pressure). If it runs for 8 days like stated below and outputs 20,000 watts, at $2.85 for a gallon of propane, you would be paying about $0.45/kWh which is reasonable. The biggest problem with this video is it ignores the sound output of the generator. Many community codes and permits require anywhere from 45 to 60 dB maximum at your property line. This can mean expensive sound enclosures as well as simply not be practical.
When the power is out you can run a generator in Texas. It's state law. If HOA or anybody else says otherwise ignore them 45-60 db ? My lawnmower hits 100 db.
@@stangbang100 Impossible to get parts and information for do it yourself service. Always hear "see your dealer".XD5000E bought in 2015 and Yanmar diesel engine crapping out just after 2 year warranty expired.. Newest version of said Yanmar engine with no aftermarket support (Previous Yanmar versions on competing generators lasted us well).. Replaced it with a heavily used 1995 7kW Yamaha diesel generator (actually made by Kubota) bought for $500 that did evenually crap out last year (ran over 3 years, almost 4 despite being a heavily used generator when I bought it). Since then also spent the big bucks for another new diesel generator, brand shall remain confidential, although I never buy made in China. On another note can you explain exactly how the "dirty" power damages the routers or anything else?
@@bearchow1929 sucks to hear you went through all of that. Currently exploring options on a standby generator as I live on the Gulf coast of Texas (about to get hit with a storm actually) and I've just been putting it off the last few years. I've read mixed reviews on Generac from good to horrible!
@@stangbang100 My Kubota 7000GL was so excellent I bought a second one in 2019. I also own an older Onan 7.5kw which is a good generator and parts are readily available, despite the fact that Onan Dealers are "old school".
If you're looking for a backup power solution to this your Widow can have power. Don't buy Generac. They're selling flood damaged goods here in Florida. I bought a 24K Guardian the first one looked like it had been under salt water it was all rusty and dirty. The second one showed white powder aluminum corrosion and Rusty screws on the generator itself. The third one add salt deposits around the base of the motor and the control for the butterfly choke was halfway corroded away Anna Frozen. How much is the warranty when it's rotting in the box at Lowe's. I will never get another Generac product. How do you tell those I want my $6,000 cash back that I paid for your defective product that you delivered flood damaged goods. They want to mail me a check after they failed to deliver the product for 30 days I have to wait for a check. Sounds like elder abuse and Consumer Fraud to me. Uncle Joe will protect them don't worry it's part of the build back better system
I have the 24k Generac automatic backup using propane. The generator starts up one a week for 3 minutes to exercise. The total cost with installation is about $13k. When power drops out for 13 seconds the generator starts and switches all circuits over. The generator will run 8 days with a 500 gallons propane tank. Hope this helps someone considering this route.
So it uses 60+gallons of fuel per day when running? 🙂
@@4literv6 A 500 gallon propane tank only holds 80% (400 gallons) due to expansion of fuel. Generally you don't want to run the tank down to empty so at around 20% you need to refill the tank. Therefore 80% to 20% equates to 400 down to 100 gallons, which means you burned 300 gallons of fuel in 8 days. This is assuming that you did burn down to 20% propane. These are approximate figures.
@@nogeek43 thank you for the breakdown.
We average about $1,500 less than this at minimum. I would say that we average $11,000 on installs turn key.
@@dillonwesleyharper8334 unless it’s liquid cool then that’s ridiculous
Really enjoy your videos and, especially, because I always learn a lot. Still trying to decide on our new solar installation and backup batteries vs. generator. This video moved that decision along so thanks!
I've had mine since 2005 when Hurricane Rita left us without power. I highly recommend running Royal Purple engine oil if you want it to last. Cost a little more, but well worth it!
I run to in my car and yes it's wonderful
I just scheduled a call. Thanks
I would think you could get a UPS for sensitive equipment to bridge the power fluctuations. I use one for my computer.
Yes, UPS can provide good protection against dirty power for sensitive electronics.
Just don't get in any hurry. Generac plant is 42 months behind production schedule.
It's not only Generac but all the other generator company that are producing whole house generators.
Another thing to think about when considering a generator is size. Not many homes _NEED_ a 200 amp capable generator. Now if you also have a large battery bank as you mentioned in the video, you would want enough generator output to both power the home AND recharge the batteries at the same time. Also, put something like a SmartUPS from APC on your cable modem/router or any other sensitive gear. They'll smooth out the input power whether from the grid or your genset.
Good feedback. I plan on installing the dedicated SmartUPS to protect the router and my security camera system.
Just signed a contract for the install of the new Generac 24kw. We are looking forward to an all natural gas fueled stand by generator. We went with a 24kw to allow room for further growth of energy needs e.g. if we ever end up with an EV.
We have this Generac Guardian 24kW generator and it's awesome. Only issue I am finding, and can't seem to get a clear picture of, are steps in turning off the generator when we want to cut power to the house, or a room. Husband needs to change out a ceiling fan, but are unsure of how to correctly turn off the power and generator. Can someone point me in the right direction for a how-to video?
If you open the lid on the generator, there will be a small control, panel with buttons for on, off, or auto. Just press the off button.
@@SolarSurge So turn off at the generator panel, and then turn off my circuit breaker, or do I turn off at circuit breaker first, then turn off the generator? The company that installed it said to turn off the circuit breaker, then when the generator turns on, turn it off on the generator panel. Then said to call them back so they could instruct on how to turn it back on. I've seen different videos all saying something different.
Just got mine installed. 13k for 2400 SQ FT home.
Very informative. Thanks.
Any chance you'll have a place for Michigan?
How does this unit mounts to the slab
There are 4 bolts that fasten the generator to the GenPad
we're prepared...22kw runs our whole home.....hooked up directly to our natural gas line.
How did the instal go on your unit? I just put in an order for a 26kw unit. It’s apparently being released summer 2022
I'm not sure if you guys have evaluated the Tesla solar roof yet, but I have a lot to say about the good and the bad if it helps the channel.
Hi and thanks for writing in. Yes, if you are a Tesla roof owner and are willing to be interviewed about the experience, I would very much like to have you on the channel. Please email info@solarsurge.net.
Oh yeah, have heard a lot about but not from anyone who actually has
Hi I'm a solar consultant and enjoy your battery videos but I don't think you're right about the generac being able to charge the batteries directly. To my knowledge, once the batteries are depleted the generac will kick on but will not charge the batteries. I get questions about this all the time so it would be interesting if you know something I don't. In other words, there's no such thing as a hybrid home battery like how a hybrid car battery works.
3:45 Are you speaking about construction type generators or inverter type generators?
So you guys have office in PA?
Sorry no coverage in PA as of yet.
How's on fuel?
Thanks for the video. Does this come with the cold weather kit? How is the 26KW different?
The cold weather kit should be available as an add-on from your local Generac dealer.
@@SolarSurge Ok. How does the 26 differ from the 24?
can you use a generator from a company year round?
When I added a standby generator to solar without batteries, I had a subpanel added to isolate the 20K Generac power from the solar inverter to protect the inverter from starting up when the grid was down and the generator came on. Is this the best way to protect the equipment, or are there alternatives?
Will this unit cover 3 ton central A/C along with house usage
Yes, I have the 24KW and it will run house and 5-Ton Central A/C no problem.
It sure will.
Price?
Prices start at $10k installed, depending on your location.
Hi, I've called (2X) in the past to Generac and , "they said" to referred me to a local dealer but to date not received a call back. I live in an area that is practically power outage free. I loose Internet far more often. But regardless, I still like to look at a home standby that can provide power for at most three days. Do you service the Florida Tampa Bay area?
Yes we have you covered in all of Florida. I look forward to our call. Anyone can use this link to schedule a virtual meeting with one of our designers: calendly.com/solar-surge-sales-team/solar-consultation
All well and good, but try to get one. I paid in full for a 24K unit on Feb. 12, 2021 and was told to expect delivery in September. That date has now been extended to November. WTF?
There was a huge surge in demand following the Texas deep freeze this February. I expect that supplies will normalize by October.
I ordered one in July online and had it in 5 days.
Can you use a 2 wire start to hook up to solar. I have a new 22kw
Yes. Ask your generator installer to convert the remote starter to a simple 2-wire start.
Generator battery wasn’t covered. Google way to go if you can’t afford solar. Also what type of fuel does this new generator use? Please go into more details
Hi Larry and thanks for writing in. This generator uses a size 27RC 12V battery for starting. It can run on either propane or natural gas.
@@SolarSurge costs
Need one of these to run my heat pump and hot tub.:). Just got a quote hope they come soon lost power again today so annoying I’ve got meetings!! Do you recommended an emp
Shield too?
will it run on natural gas?
Yes this will run on NG or propane.
@@SolarSurge thank you!
You need to add EMP
After hurricane Ida hitting Louisiana and the Northeast, you can’t touch these things until next March. My daughter tried to order one and they said they have a six month backlog. I suspect it’s even longer then that.
Yes, between the Texas deep freeze and Hurricane Ida, demand has been sky high for these generators.
Can this Generator run on on natural gas? Thanks for the video!
Yes, these units run on either natural gas or propane.
Yes
Can this back up 2 200amp panels? I have a 400A service, in 2 panels.
Yes, but we would need to employ Smart Management Modules to control the heavy load circuits to prevent a generator overload.
A 200 amp panel is 48,000 watts of service. If your loads exceed roughly 19-20 kW then that is maximum for this generator. You should size your generator at about 125% of your maximum amps to be drawn at any one time. So if you draw 30,000 watts from your 2 200 amp panels, you need a 40 kW generator.
Interesting about your story of damaging the internet router (twice) when testing the generator. I'm guessing you damaged the wall-wart power supply and not the internet equipment itself? In either case, check your grounding - this sounds more related to grounding than dirty power, especially since the cable system is also earth grounded. Often times a portable generator comes 'stock' with neutral and ground bonded at the generator. Check your generator schematic, or measure continuity between the neutral output and the earth ground output. If connected inside the generator, this neutral-ground link needs to be broken so you only have one tie point in the house where neutral and ground are connected - normally inside your main breaker panel. Typically just an easy wire to cut or disconnect at the generator output receptacles. Otherwise you can have unintended circulating ground current given different voltage potentials (ground is not ground earth all around), and this can easily damage grounded equipment.
Saw your answer to Larry Hand, which was one of my questions. Generac site is very tight lipped information-wise. That is a red flag for me when vendors want to get a hook in you by forcing a call to them. The entire life cycle should be documented without having to call. What is the TCO? That would include all requisite PM, which is nowhere that I could find. What is NG or propane consumption rate under various loads? What are the environmental requirements for installation? On and on. I don't expect you to answer these things. It's simply not a good way for a vendor to establish trust. Thanks again for all your generally good videos.
I'm with you, Arlene. I did take the next step to find out some answers by actually calling a certified installer. Actually, it took three calls to get one company to come out. Great guy. However, that 8 grand generator quickly became 18. I flipped back to a battery backup system. I really had to prioritize my power NEEDS, over what I WANTED!
Our you could buy a true Honda inverter generator, not one with just a Honda motor. We run most of our house off an EU6500, it’s not a cheap generator, but the power quality is grid equivalent.
JOE! you didnt show the inside?! "the meat and potato's!"...
larry
This is a stand by generator, it is not a primary generator and cannot and should not be used as a primary electrical source in place of a utility grid connection. It cannot directly charge a DC battery bank. And it is air cooled. This means in very hot weather seen in many southern states where ambient temps can reach 120 or more, it will degrade it's power output. The AC output from this generator must be sent to an AC battery charger, hopefully one compatible with a lithium iron phosphate battery bank. A 500 gallon propane tank holds about 300 gallows of propane (the rest is gas under pressure). If it runs for 8 days like stated below and outputs 20,000 watts, at $2.85 for a gallon of propane, you would be paying about $0.45/kWh which is reasonable. The biggest problem with this video is it ignores the sound output of the generator. Many community codes and permits require anywhere from 45 to 60 dB maximum at your property line. This can mean expensive sound enclosures as well as simply not be practical.
When the power is out you can run a generator in Texas. It's state law. If HOA or anybody else says otherwise ignore them
45-60 db ? My lawnmower hits 100 db.
This guy went full defcon 1, to sell this system.
Yeah, well, it got cold in Texas and hundreds of people died. I'd say we NEED to be Defcon 1 here in Texas.
I'll never buy another Generac product.
Why?
@@stangbang100 Impossible to get parts and information for do it yourself service. Always hear "see your dealer".XD5000E bought in 2015 and Yanmar diesel engine crapping out just after 2 year warranty expired.. Newest version of said Yanmar engine with no aftermarket support (Previous Yanmar versions on competing generators lasted us well).. Replaced it with a heavily used 1995 7kW Yamaha diesel generator (actually made by Kubota) bought for $500 that did evenually crap out last year (ran over 3 years, almost 4 despite being a heavily used generator when I bought it). Since then also spent the big bucks for another new diesel generator, brand shall remain confidential, although I never buy made in China. On another note can you explain exactly how the "dirty" power damages the routers or anything else?
@@bearchow1929 sucks to hear you went through all of that. Currently exploring options on a standby generator as I live on the Gulf coast of Texas (about to get hit with a storm actually) and I've just been putting it off the last few years. I've read mixed reviews on Generac from good to horrible!
@@stangbang100 My Kubota 7000GL was so excellent I bought a second one in 2019. I also own an older Onan 7.5kw which is a good generator and parts are readily available, despite the fact that Onan Dealers are "old school".
Why is that?
It would be nice if emails sent to your conpany were replied. I like and enjoy your videos though.
Hi Jose. We are here working today. Please email info@solarsurge.net or use the website to book a one-on-one virtual meeting to discuss your project.
was to biggest..not any longer
more like a solar scam
If you're looking for a backup power solution to this your Widow can have power. Don't buy Generac. They're selling flood damaged goods here in Florida. I bought a 24K Guardian the first one looked like it had been under salt water it was all rusty and dirty. The second one showed white powder aluminum corrosion and Rusty screws on the generator itself. The third one add salt deposits around the base of the motor and the control for the butterfly choke was halfway corroded away Anna Frozen. How much is the warranty when it's rotting in the box at Lowe's. I will never get another Generac product. How do you tell those I want my $6,000 cash back that I paid for your defective product that you delivered flood damaged goods. They want to mail me a check after they failed to deliver the product for 30 days I have to wait for a check. Sounds like elder abuse and Consumer Fraud to me. Uncle Joe will protect them don't worry it's part of the build back better system