What is a Genverter?
The Genverter is shorthand for a generator-inverter home or emergency power system. It implies that you have a battery bank attached to these as well. These systems are able to make more efficient use of the generator output because they not only run loads or appliances, but also they charge the battery bank at the same time. The generator can be Gas, Diesel, Biodiesel, or propane, but in the broader sense solar, wind, or hydro for a permanent power source. With charged batteries, the system operates in “silent” mode, with AC power produced by the inverter from the batteries.
Where are Genverters helpful?
There are many applications for these systems. Applications range in size from one I designed fifteen years ago that powered a pellet stove for a short while, to larger systems able to power an entire mountain lodge. Genverter systems are used either as primary power sources, or for backup when solar and wind are primary charging sources.
If you are looking to provide permanent power at your remote location on a limited budget, I recommend starting with a Genverter. Doing your own remote power system can be intimidating and expensive if not done in stages. Doing it in two steps with a Genverter system will get you the immediate power you need, while building a solid base for your future solar and wind charging sources..
How do I build one? How long will it run my lights, radio, etc?
What can be run and for how long is what we need to determine in our power budget. A power budget is critical in having realistic expectations for your genverter system. In future installments you will read about real life examples and how they work. We’ll also provide design guidelines that will help you pick the right equipment from the start. Thanks for dropping by, and stay tuned!
- Find everything you need for power budgets including our online calculator at the Power Budgets page!
PS – I’m currently trying to dig up some small Genverter plans I posted on the internet back in ’98. If found, they’ll be re-posted here for nostalgia sake. Tried the Internet way back machine but can’t find anything on the IEGPS (inverter enhanced generator power system)
Are you building a genverter? Is it for emergency power or part of a remote power system? Feel free to post your questions and comments.
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Hey, just wanted to thank you guys for relating your off-grid experiences to all of us want-to-be’s, soon-to-be’s, hope-to-be’s. This information is of great value to me. You have already saved me a ton of money in my off-grid plan.
Thanks,
Sure Don. The remote lifestyle takes more than power, it takes some resourcefulness, and sometimes a strong back for the blasts of physical activity in the winter here
Thanks for sharing your real life experience.
I am struggling to configure a genverter system for my off grid woodland/plant nursery. I don’t live there (yet) but have an office building so need power for lights/computer/printer and maybe refrigerator. Not 24/7 so not massive average requirement.
So far I’m thinking of:
Victron inverter/charger (pure sign wave, 2 or 3kw)
AGM batteries (4 x 150Ah 12V)
Not sure about the generator yet. Have had a ‘Chinese’ diesel 5kva which was hopeless. Thinking of maybe a Pramac diesel electric start or a Honda petrol. Would like it to stand outside if possible. Someone has advised it needs to be 5-7kw ! I was hoping to get something more like 3.5kva. I thought the limiting factor is how much current the batteries can accept when charging.
Anyone else got a fairly small system like this or any ideas on which components I should spend my money on to make it future proof ?
Lesley
Good plan. I’d caution you about any newer small diesel generators that run at 3600rpm. The reason diesel generators historically have been a good choice was due to their high torque at low rpms. This meant that they were able to run at 1800rpm ran well with lower wear and tear. My experience with a 7 or 8kw diesel at 3600rpm was not good. I highly suggest a similar sized Honda gas generator. They cost more than other gas generators, but are engineered for reliability! Have a small one that has served well intermittently for 15 years.
LESLEY
Good choice for inverter chargers.I have been designing systems using these since 2003 and so far everyone is still happy. Recently heard from one happy customer who had questions regarding some additions he wanted to make. At the moment he is keeping his battery bank charged and powering an electric hot water tank. The original PV panel was Kyocera but recent price drops allowed him to add Another bank from solar world for a total of 1.2kW charging into a 24V system.
I hope by now you have your system running but if not drop me a line.
Hi – thanks for the very informative site! We are moving into an off-grid house and have calculated our power needs at 11058 Watts per day. We are planning to have 4 12 volt deep cycle 245 amp batteries, a 5000 watt pure sine inverter and a Generac 10kw. We are hoping you could let us know if this seems right to you for our genverter system? What else might we need for the system? We would like to charge the batteries every two days if possible. Your thoughts?
Hey thanks for the useful info. I’m awaiting the 3rd email from you that will tell me the best battery charger to buy. Thanks
Ollie