🚀 go-pugleaf

 
In article <34drks$h0q@juniper.almaden.ibm.com>, 
Tony Rall (trall@trall.almaden.ibm.com) writes:
>In article <486@solar.win.net>, John A. Stanley <jstanley@solar.win.net> wrote:
>>FWIW, I have a 4kw Onan running on propane as my backup generator
>>for my rural off-the-grid house, and it is fantastic. It starts
>>right up every time. When running, it not only powers the Trace
>>inverter's huge battery charger but it also starts up big table
>>saws, etc. 
>
>Let me get this straight.  You're going from chemical energy (propane),
>to mechanical (inside the Onan), to AC electrical, to DC electrical (the
>battery charger), to chemical (the batteries).  What percent of your
>original energy makes it to the batteries?

I have no idea of the efficiency of this set-up, however, this is
a very conventional alternative energy system. The generator is only
used when there is a long stretch without sun and wind (rare in
Iowa, where if it isn't sunny it's usually windy.) 

>(I know this was kind of a mean post, but I was astounded and impressed
>by the setup.  And I'd like to know what your primary system is.)

My electrical power comes from 2000 peak watts of photovoltaic
panels and a 1000 watt wind generator on an 84' tilt-up tower. I
also get most of my domestic hot water and heating energy from five
solar thermal panels that heat the water in a 350 gallon insulated
tank in the basement. Propane provides supplemental heat, cooking
fuel, and backup electrical power.

--
John A. Stanley                    jstanley@solar.win.net