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In 16 years I have experienced three incidents where the power went out for 2-3 days. After the second incident I decided to buy something but struggled to figure out which approach would meet my needs. I ended up buying a Honda 2000W generator. Small sure, but what I really need is the fridge and a few lights. I have a gas stove, gas water heater and wood burning stove to keep us warm. These little Honda’s have an Eco setting where it adjusts the RPM based on demand. The one gallon tank will last 12-15 hours with a low use like a fridge and light. I keep three two-gallon containers of fuel so if I am totally snowed in I can last 3 1/2 days without going to the gas station (1 gallon of gas in generator + 6 gallons in containers = 7 gallons x 12 hours/gallon = 84 hours / 24 hours = 3.5 days). I just couldn’t justify a more expensive solution for a long outage that I’ve only faced three times in 16 years.
You might want to look into a Tesla Powerwall. I was looking at a standby generator but after looking at the powerwall I think I’m going that route instead. They are scheduled to start shipping next year and cost a little less.
grizcoach, if a generator is plumbed into your cabin’s propane tank, then I expect it could run for quite awhile. You’d probably need a permit for the propane connection, unless you have an existing valve to connect. And your propane supplier might want you to get a bigger tank.
Most portable generators seem to run on gasoline, and have a small tank for that purpose. I don’t think you could expect those to run more than 10-16 hours, even at the reduced load that you need for your furnace and fridge. Most of the Honda generators that are said to be big enough for that job can supposedly run for that long. We’re looking for something that can get us by for day or two if we are caught at the cabin during a power outage. We’re not too concerned about power when we’re gone.
You might try Brian, the “Tree Whisperer” in Arnold: 795-7332. He is licensed and reasonable, but may be busy as well.
@tatonka so if the stove was gas rather than electrical, then there should be no drag down. Also what was the cost of having the electrical panel installed?
Does anyone know how long a stand by generator will run if no one’s there? Can you have it run at a low rate to just keep the gas heater and a refrigerator going?
If the generator is standby, do you need a permit? If it’s not standby, do you still need a permit?
I bought a Duramax 10,000 gas portable a few years ago. Considered a standby, but kind of pricy. It sits on a pad in back of my garage. Had Pioneer Electric set up the sub panel with an HD electrical cord that can easily run to plug into the generator. In my opinion 10,000 watt is sufficient for emergencies. I start it up ever few weeks to keep the battery charged. I have not had to use it yet. Not as sophisticated as a true standby, but is sufficient. During shakedown I discovered that running several stove burners at once does drag the gen down.
My wife would like me to explore getting a standby generator for our cabin in BTV. I’m thinking about a propane-fueled generator that could cover basic electrical service for 24-48 hours, but I know little about the cost or installation considerations. I understand that permits may be involved. (I’m thinking that a portable generator would be inadequate, but maybe I’m wrong there.) Could anyone share their experience on product decisions and installation factors and vendors?
Thanks!Very sturdy utility trailer with manual dump option. New tires. Have title.
$100.00
Call 209-795-7059 or 925-997-3977Steve
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Current forecast is 5 to 9 inches today and another 1 to 2 inches tonight in Dorrington. Maybe over a foot for Bear Valley.
@Chipmunk….didn’t have the sound on when I watched it. I was so impressed with the technology, I didn’t worry about sound. It seems like that genre tho’. Odd choice for a video of cutting trees……
