Adding a Backup Generator to Off-Grid Solar System

Discover the different ways you can add a generator to your off-grid solar power system. Whether you're looking to enhance your RV's energy resilience or ensure your home's batteries remain charged during low sunlight days, this guide covers everything you need to know. I delve into the best generator options for both RV and house batteries, providing you with the knowledge to choose the right setup for your needs.

Learn how to seamlessly integrate a portable generator for RV batteries, including the use of small, portable inverter generators like the Honda EU2200i and the Pulsar 2. We discuss the advantages of using propane and gasoline, how to connect your generator to battery chargers, and the efficiency of using 50 to 70% of the generator's electrical output to save on fuel and reduce noise. This video makes calculating the charging power for a 12V lithium battery straightforward, ensuring you can get the most out of your generator without compromising on fuel efficiency.

For those with larger energy needs, our guide explores adding a high-capacity, open-frame generator to charge house batteries. Discover the benefits of dual fuel capability, the importance of managing noise and efficiency by operating at 50% to 70% capacity, and the specific requirements for charging different battery voltages. We also introduce the EG4 'chargeverter' for easy manual current adjustment and discuss how to charge large battery banks effectively.

Additionally, we address the technical aspects of connecting your generator to an inverter/charger, including the use of a manual transfer switch and the option for automatic start/stop features with systems like Victron's Multiplus and the BMV-700 battery monitor.

Closing this video, I emphasize the importance of matching your generator's output with your battery's C-rate to avoid overstressing your system. With the rising costs of generator maintenance and fuel, we advocate for expanding your solar array as a more sustainable and cost-effective solution to increase your off-grid power system's reliability.

00:00 Introduction
00:37 Portable Generator
02:30 House Batteries
03:39 Charging Batteries
05:11 Additional considerations

[ele]

I'm glad I found this video. I was just thinking about a generator to charge my solar system in case the sun is not collaborating. Thanks for sharing.

[Electronzap]

Good info. I definitely believe that for emergencies only, you are best off with battery backup and fuel powered generators to recharge them.

[dirkk.]

I am thinking about moving to an off grid cabin in Sweden north of Uppsala. I think without a generator I will be powerless in Winter, regardless of how many modules I install :)

Oh, and thank you for your informative video!

[markcleaver]

Thank you. I have a Honda 22 generator. The maths is difficult until someone shows you. Very good.

[Ekanselter]

Great information. Excellent presentation.

[asdfasdf-fgkx]

Thank you for the video. You say to use 50-70% of the output to save fuel. How does one limit the output wattage to this range?

[steve]

I have a pure sine wave propane 800 watt generator that I plan to use as a backup in the winter.

[hacksbuilding]

We have discovered that our 48v Rich solar nova 8k hybrid inverter will not accept power from our inverter generator, and we're totally off grid in a prolonged rain storm in Southern Colorado 🎉 I have had a heck of a time getting a competent person on the phone to try to figute this out

[SRCM-TownofLimington]

I have a Victron multi +3000, and predator 3500 which has electric start. I use it manually to charge my battery bank which works fine, but is there a way to make this process automatic?

[covecarpentry]

Great explanation, one part confuses me though. using 900watts from the generator to calculate the charge time without taking into consideration the 30a charger?

[timbookedtwo]

I have a "budget" PV 24v system using an Epever 40A solar charge controller, a 3000w Giandel inverter and 4x 150Ah AGM batteries. I would like to use my Honda EU20i(I'm in Europe) to top off the batteries when the solar panels can't do it. What battery charger do you recommend? How would I connect it? Something very simple. I live in southern Greece, but even in winter available sun hours are challenging.

[stevehardyuk]

Good afternoon
I have a caravan with a lead acid leisure battery. I would like to change this to a lithium battery. Can I just swap the batteries over??
Steve

[sreimert]

I can't believe I have to ask this, but why can't you just plug your RV power cord into the Honda generator to charge the batteries?