Generator thoughts
Oct. 13th, 2025 05:19 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ceagleI theenks I'm on the verge of getting a generator :>
I've thought about Solar (about $6,000 for a complete DIY system, but even full sun is not guaranteed every day, especially in Winter)
Briefly looked into the Tesla Wall (about $8,000 after supposed credits, still seems to only power as long as a standard generator on a full tank of gas or propane)
Or a generator (about $450 + $16 for about 12 hours of gasoline according to online research, actual usage may vary)
Seems like the generator is the best option, at least most affordable.
Considerations: Mainly for the 150 watt Refrigerator and/or 700 watt Air Conditioning, but also to run the 90 to 150 watts of computing. Kinda boring just reading a book under candlelight sometimes). :>
I found that out last year, which was the first time the power company started getting prudish about power when there's the slightest hint of an increased breeze. This over-reactive mindset didn't exist before the recent tragedies of the Eaton Canyon fire and Pacific Palisades fire. Power was off for nearly three full weeks last year ;P
That's the most I've ever experienced. In the past, it might've been off for a few minutes or hours, but last year it was days, and DAYS at a time.
As I think I noted here, my best solution was to get an ice chest to keep from having to regularly discard refrigerator items. Still, can't save the freezer ones ;P
And ultimately the house is still dark, and can't use the computer. I did surf on the cel phone a bit, but that's kinda limited and inconvenient.
Pretty much all my neighbors have generators, so I guess it might be time to take the plunge.... considering the power has been switched off SEVERAL times already just this Fall. I even had to replace one of my surge-protector-battery-backup units (although it was probably due, but it looks like I'll rely on those even more to condition the power for use with the computer if using a generator).
Looks like I'll dive into a 3,500 watt one probably... the WEN model is rated well at about $450. I hope it's sturdy enough to last for some years outdoors, which is where a generator is supposed to be, right? :D
Better get some extension cords too...
I've thought about Solar (about $6,000 for a complete DIY system, but even full sun is not guaranteed every day, especially in Winter)
Briefly looked into the Tesla Wall (about $8,000 after supposed credits, still seems to only power as long as a standard generator on a full tank of gas or propane)
Or a generator (about $450 + $16 for about 12 hours of gasoline according to online research, actual usage may vary)
Seems like the generator is the best option, at least most affordable.
Considerations: Mainly for the 150 watt Refrigerator and/or 700 watt Air Conditioning, but also to run the 90 to 150 watts of computing. Kinda boring just reading a book under candlelight sometimes). :>
I found that out last year, which was the first time the power company started getting prudish about power when there's the slightest hint of an increased breeze. This over-reactive mindset didn't exist before the recent tragedies of the Eaton Canyon fire and Pacific Palisades fire. Power was off for nearly three full weeks last year ;P
That's the most I've ever experienced. In the past, it might've been off for a few minutes or hours, but last year it was days, and DAYS at a time.
As I think I noted here, my best solution was to get an ice chest to keep from having to regularly discard refrigerator items. Still, can't save the freezer ones ;P
And ultimately the house is still dark, and can't use the computer. I did surf on the cel phone a bit, but that's kinda limited and inconvenient.
Pretty much all my neighbors have generators, so I guess it might be time to take the plunge.... considering the power has been switched off SEVERAL times already just this Fall. I even had to replace one of my surge-protector-battery-backup units (although it was probably due, but it looks like I'll rely on those even more to condition the power for use with the computer if using a generator).
Looks like I'll dive into a 3,500 watt one probably... the WEN model is rated well at about $450. I hope it's sturdy enough to last for some years outdoors, which is where a generator is supposed to be, right? :D
Better get some extension cords too...
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no subject
Date: 2025-10-15 12:52 am (UTC)Congratulations! It’s great to have backup power! I tried to see which WEN model you were considering but didn’t see it on their site. Is it an inverter type or standard one? Will it have enough outlets for your needs? Remember, it must be at least 20 feet from your home, and your extension cords, of proper gauge, will need to reach out accordingly with minimal loss.
When looking for a generator I wanted one that could power the house: the well, the two refrigerators and a freezer, the furnace, etc. This meant higher wattage and the ability to link into the circuit panel via an inlet box and an interlock switch.
I needed a shed to store the unit in when not in use. I did not want it out in the open where it could walk away. I purchased a Gentent cover as well so it could run in the rain (never run on indoors). I also purchased some ‘no-spill’ gas cans to keep extra fuel in case of longer outages: if you lose power so might the gas stations. I opted for 5 gallon cans but they are awkward and get heavier as I grow older ;o)
no subject
Date: 2025-10-15 06:34 am (UTC)12 gauge would be great, though I think what I've got is probably 14 or 16 ...
Figure the 3500 leaves plenty of room for the expected 400 or so watts load expected ... I just hope the waves will be clean enough for the computer stuff after going through the CyberPower filter :>
no subject
Date: 2025-10-15 10:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2025-11-14 06:09 am (UTC)I wanted to say thanks also fo mentioning the Gentent :}
I'm considering it, but it does cost about half the price of the generator, so if I can rig up something DIY I might try that first... but it's nice to know it is a good option if the DIY doesn't work out ^v^