With a site named genverters.com you’d think that this topic wouldn’t be covered very much. Really we promote starting with a genverter system and building it into your dream solar / wind power off grid solution. However, with 
our 11th year off the grid a series of events have me nearly living the alternative – generator only power! UUgh!
The two week absence from updating this site came about from two highly unusual lightning storms. These storms produced lightning that destroyed a busy mountaintop Internet site for our business. More strikes occurred there three days later causing additional damage. Unbelievably, the second storm hit our home/office. The destruction here for virtually all networked equipment is very unwelcome and inconvenient! (There will be followup on this topic, because with failure comes lessons worth learning.)
Vulnerable timing
This major life and business disruption had wonderful timing. I was busy shopping for a new battery bank and MPPT charger this month. Meanwhile the re-configured battery bank must have had a couple of cells go belly up. Our deep cycle battery bank barely stays at 12 Volts before plunging to 10 volts where it will operate for awhile. The inverters have an annoying and constant low voltage warning beep at 10V and the inverter shuts off around 9.5V.
No time for shopping, I’ve been busy spending business money replacing damaged equipment. Our power cost has skyrocketed with 8 to 14 hours a day of generator time! If I ever wanted to try a generator-only simulation this would be it. I have to confess that even in this extreme situation we have 4 or more hours at a time of peace and quiet from the dead deep cycle batteries 
Generator only dis-advantages
Let me count the ways I don’t like this situation. (Remember this comes from folks who have been using a solar/genverter system for years.)
- Constant Noise! The noise comes from the generator running early in the morning. Jackie hates it because I up a couple hours earlier than her. Even if we make it through the night without inverter beeping, I can’ make my espresso in the morning on battery power. Have to start the generator for coffee, just like a generator-only off grid person!!
The generator we’re using is not very loud mind you, but this is a place that is normally so quiet that we can hear the low rumble of a car approaching from a third of a mile away, and this is when we are in the house! Now add the constant drone of virtually any generator and you understand our love for the noise. - Long Hours. We do have a home office now, and must have power one way or another.
- Generator wear. I purchased a small 3.5KW Chinese gas generator last month to cover the transition time this summer/fall. The hundreds of hours will consume this $350 unit in 4 or 5 months at this rate. The starter rope has been replaced twice in the last 8 weeks!
. - Cost of operation. Consider the cost of consuming a cheep generator in addition to the fuel. We are forever coming home with one or two 5 gallon cans of gas. I’d estimate we go through $35 of gas each week.
yup, thats me the dumb guy standing around ripping up dollar bills and listening to the ‘music’ of the generator! If you didn’t notice, I just love the Generator-Only lifestyle! I really enjoy efficiency of this power when the family watches a movie or dvd using a hundred watts of the 3500 from the generator!! 
Genverter dis-advantages
Nooo! Don’t tell me there are disadvantages to a genverter. Say it ain’t so! Well yes, I’m going to spill the beans here. There is a genuine disadvantage to operating a genverter: you have to monitor the charging and shut off the generator once and a while!
With the Generator-only system it is simple. Start the generator, and run it until the $$ runs out. If you need more power, add $$, rinse and repeat! Oops, I forgot, you will need to make occasional trips to convert $$ into fuel!
This rant is brought to you courtesy of Marshall, one tired, grumpy off grid camper who still wouldn’t trade it in for the urban world.
Does this describe your off grid power situation? Wouldn’t you like some peace and quiet? Save some fuel, maybe even help the earth somewhat? Thats the purpose of this site, to show you how. Sign up for the email list. Stick around awhile, learn a little, ask questions and leave your comments below now!!
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Hello agn Marshall,
Having been “Hit” twice by a lightning strike here
in Tasmania, over the last 6 years, I know vagely what you have suffered…I lost the first time a flat screen tv, my expensive Hi-Fi unit and 1 PC, the 2nd strike was where I live now and I only lost a PC phone modem…At no time strangely did I lose any of my “Ham” gear, even though I use an inviting full wave sky loop, but the wire is a few inches down from the top of the metal poles…Commercially
Marshall, you sadly copped a whacking, you do have my
sympathy…
Bye,
David Ponsonby…
I agree, the highest point should actually be grounded well so that it has ground potential for the lightning. Nearby trees or other objects are then electrically appealing.
This mostly “generator only” time helps me appreciate the ability to store and use power when I need it! Sure look forward to correcting the situation asap!