What size Generator?

[canfossi]

I am looking at replacing my 3000W generator with a larger one as this one is too small. I have to charge up a 48 volt bank of batteries for my off-grid home. I am thinking of diesel this time as it's more durable over the long term. What size and (reliable) brands would you suggest? Thanks Chris

[Gary in ohio]

Why is a 3kw generator not enough power? How much power do you need to charge the bank? DO you really have a 3kw generator or one of the 3kw surge 1.5kw running generators. Size needed is based on load used so thats something you will need to answer. How often does the generator run? diesel will generally last longer but a properly maintained gas unit will last a long time as well, most people dont properly maintain gas gensets since it require a lot of work for a short running time.

[canfossi]

It a Honda 3000EU that I have now, I run it every few days during the cloudy months Nov - Jan, sometimes taking 5+ hrs to charge up the batteries. A larger gen will charge up the betteries faster resulting in less gen run time. I think a lot of this run time with my current gen is taking a toll on it's output. See the problem is that my current gen use to be able to put out 20 amps into the batteries, now lately it can't. Someone said that the fuse can get tired and need to be replaced in the gen? Thanks Chris

[mightybooboo]

You need a link 10 or something so you can see how much you use and how much you are putting in.

Personally I think you are flying blind and if totally off grid thats just not a good idea.

Get yourself some monitoring equipment and see where you stand.

20 amps of 120 volt is putting a monster charge to your batteries as it is.My Heart 458 inverter has a maximum charge rate input of 21 amps of 120 volt power and handles 8 L-16's well.It bubbles the batteries.

I dont think you need much more.

I do think you need better monitoring though to adjust your charging/discharging better.I think you need to look into that area.

But Im not an expert on this.Just a novice.

What is your battery and maximum charger power input in 120 volt amps and output on your system?

To tell you the truth I think you arent doing too bad where you are at but we need equipment numbers to get specs to see for sure.

Sooo...inverter and battery models please.....

[wy_white_wolf]

Are you trying to run any other loads when charging the batteries? Unless you have an extremely large battery bank than 3000w should handle it.

[Gary in ohio]

Originally Posted by canfossi

It a Honda 3000EU that I have now, I run it every few days during the cloudy months Nov - Jan, sometimes taking 5+ hrs to charge up the batteries. Chris

Are you trying to charge it off the 12v output or are you using the 120v side and running through a battery charger? The 12v is only good for 10amps or so, the 120v 20+ amps. Why kind of charger are you using? Getting a bigger generator isnt going to help if your limit is on your charger.

The honda is a nice generator. How often do your service it. That unit has a 60hr service requirement (might be 100hrs). That means every 4-5 months you should be changing oil plugs and filters.

[WisJim]

What is the amp-hour rating of your battery bank?

[canfossi]

I have a Xantrex inverter with an MX60 charge controller. For the betteries, there are 8 Surrett (spelling) 770's They're red. Maybe I'm just asking too much out of this generator? Did the oil change 3 weeks ago and checked air filter, it's very clean, needs new plug which I'll get soon. Gen is about 1 1/2 yrs old. Thanks Chris

[Jim-mi]

What size Xantrax inverter.......?