Generac's quieter, fuel-saving generator | Consumer Reports

Correction: This is listed at 20,000 watts not 20,000 kW.

[nspro]

Well, 9 years on and this strange contraption of a generator has been discontinued, parts not available and even when they were a current product nobody knew how to fix their strange problems.

[kerrysisler]

Ok, enough folks have pointed out that someone made an obvious error on kilowatts verses watts. Can we let go of that bone now and find something useful to comment on?

[fundrive]

I own one and it is an excellent whole house generator. I run it on natural gas thus the output is 18KW not 20Kw which is for propane. It is pretty quiet for an aircooled model but not nearly as quiet dB as a water cooled model which is significantly more expensive and has more chances of failure running a radiator and water pump. Service according to the Generac maintenance manual is 2 years for oil-air filter changes and new oil. I ordered from Amazon the oil and air filter which also came with spark plugs which are not needed. The generator is setup to run 5 minutes a week and when I changed the oil it looked like new and should since it ran 5 mins x 80 weeks (I serviced the generator early) which is 400 mins run time most likely just broke the engine in. I recommend this Synergy and I am a EE by trade had to tell my Generac dealer and installer to purchase this unit of the other 3600 rpm units because I know how clean inverter power is compared to your typical generator and automatic voltage regulator...

[jonandio]

It runs on either LPV or Natural Gas. Running at about 2700 RPM will realize a 25% reduction in fuel consumption. 

[myyertaitengineering]

k im guessing you meant 20, 000 watts load available and not 20, 000 kw

[bagelboi]

That is not a bad price at all for the kind of peace of mind it provides. If it is duel fuel capable, IE natural gas/propane and diesel, so much the better.

[minazahedi]

What you meant to say was 20, 000 watts. 20, 000 kilowatts is a huge amount of electricity.

[toyotaprius]

0:44 "20, 000kW"? I presume watts, but that's 20kW, that's still a lot! Even after looking it up, these are listed as 20, 000kW! How is that possible?!

[kerrysisler]

For those with a need/want of a nice whole house generator and who have either natural gas or propane (a 250 gallon or larger tank) available, then the new models of the 22kw Generac's are on sale at this time; Roughly $4, 500 delivered which includes the including the automatic transfer switch and the communications package (smart phone, email and texting is supported). Installation by a authorized local company will run $1000 to $2, 000 depending on how complex the installation is. Best price on the unit is obtained if you mention that you saw their "infomercial on TV".  If you have cable or satellite TV, you can use the search button on the remote to find and actually watch the infomercial (sic).

- The pre-sale site survey by an engineer will provide the specifics and the costing before the homeowner is obligated to anything. They explain what you should get, what it will cost, and when they can do the job. If you agree, then sign up and made a deposit. Normally the install would be finished about a week or two later.  If you aren't ready for it, then just say no thanks. You can also ask them to tell you about a smaller unit (less expensive but would cover less than any entire panel.)

- Generally speaking, a 22kw unit, like was mentioned in this thread, will backup a typical 200 Amp power panel of the type used in a typical home. The newer models are pretty quiet compared to those of 5-10 years ago. Lots of info on the different models and the owners manuals (in PDF Format) are downloadable at the companies website if desire to read up.

[BrownBagSB]

Little fishy Generac didn't give any numbers to support their "fuel saving" product. Sounds like same tricks, new dog, but with smartphone connectivity.

[Bangabalunga]

Its impossible for this generator to make 20, 000, 000 watts!! Please respond consumer reports.