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I would like to have a permanently mounted whole house generator, 14 to 16 KWs, installed within the next couple of months at my home here on STX. I just finished reading all the old threads on generators but the majority were fairly old. I imagine that after Omar, many people have new information to share regarding their generator experiences. Although I have a 8 KW gasoline generator that powered my house fine after Omar, I just want something a little more convenient for the next time around that will also handle AC units and an electric oven. The type of information I am looking for is what size and type of generator do you have, how much do you think it cost per day to run, what problems you might have had with it, ease of arranging for repair or warranty service, how reliable you think your generator is, and who you would recommend to buy from. I would prefer a propane generator but have not completely ruled out a diesel.
Anyway, your thoughts are appreciated.
Posted : April 24, 2009 1:51 pm
It depends on your appliances, AC in home....words of wisdom better to have just a tad oversized than not big enough.
You would be best to go with at 15kw diesel.
Propane burns clean, but difficult to receive propane deliveries in a storm. Diesel is the way to go, safer and easier. You can even make a containment for your diesel gas tank.
Fuel depends on the effieciency of generator, find out what the gallons of 1/2 load and full load. Rule of thumb is take the 1/2 load fuel consumption, multiply times number of hours you'll run it and then cost out the gallon of diesel cost.
If you need this engineered for you will be more than happy to quote it out for you. As for where to buy and from whom...you're on your own.
Posted : April 24, 2009 2:11 pm
I ordered a 10K propane unit from Maine Diesel and Generator.com. Free shipping in the states. I shipped to VI Cargo and had it delivered . Shipping was @ $150.
Antilles Power Depot installed a 30K for me at a condo complex. They have an office in F'sted . www.antillespower.com. They do it right the first time and also do PM.
Posted : April 24, 2009 2:57 pm
We have a 25kw diesel generator and it has served us well for years. The only issue is the service people (Export Supply on STT); they are frequently no shows for scheduled appointments.
Posted : April 24, 2009 5:51 pm
DNT do you mean Import supply?
Posted : April 24, 2009 10:43 pm
Yes. I have personal names for businesses (like Home Despot) and I forgot to correct for that quirk in my post.
Posted : April 24, 2009 11:23 pm
If you want to find lots of useful information generators try the site listed below.
http://www.generatorjoe.net/store.asp
My advice to anyone thinking about buying a generator is gather some data about how much electricity you really use and when. A device such as TED (The Energy Detective ) will allow you to monitor and log to your computer your actual electrical use second by second. You probably will be surprised by how often you are using less than 500 watts.
With actual data you can determine what size generator you actually need. It is a no brainer to buy a larger generator, the rub comes from having to buy the fuel.
Also spend the money to buy the quietest generator you can find. Spend the money to purchase an enclosed generator even if you are planning to locate the generator away from your home in a shed. While a generator may not sound loud or annoy you if it is run for a short period of time, it will start to drive you and your neighbors crazy if it is run for many days.
The nicest thing about WAPA restoring power after Omar was the peace and quiet after everyone shut down their generator.
Jim
Posted : April 25, 2009 2:43 pm
Our generator resides in its own little concrete bunker. We can't hear it when it's running because our neighbor's generator is loud enough to raise the dead.
Posted : April 25, 2009 5:38 pm
