Solar vs generators?

[dmj]

We have 2 of the Honda 2000 generators. Don't think Honda even makes these any more. Believe they upped them to 2200 but are still the same concept. You can hook them together, but one of the generators needs to be what I believe is called a companion. If I understand correct they have one standard plugin and one that is a 30 amp plugin. The other generator can be the standard generator with 2 standard plugins. The Honda companion costs a little more than the standard one. Honda makes a kit (which is basically 2 wires with special ends on them and I believe a special adapter to plug into the companion generator. This used to cost around $60. Does it work yes, but it turns very economical running generators into a gas hogs. I know clear as mud. Sorry, my wife tells me the reason that I can't text or respond on a forum where I have to type it out is because I talk to much with my hands.

 

[Noobie]

The issue has to do with single phase current (residential). When the magnet on the stator is energized, it starts out, say, at North. If the rotor is at South, then it is happy where it is. Since the input is AC, the stator then switches to South in half a cycle. Now the stator repels the rotor, but there is zero torque. The typical solution is the capacitor start motor. The capacitor stores some electricity and energizes coils that are out of phase with the initial stator coils, say 90 degrees or so, and these produce torque on the rotor. Once the rotor reaches a certain RPM, the capacitor kicks out. Obviously the capacitor and stator coils are both drawing current at startup. Also, the windings require more current at startup.

Most soft start devices I have seen are for industrial (3 phase) motors that reduce the initial voltage. On three phase motors, two of the stator phases are always out of phase with the rotors, so no capacitor is needed. The 3 phase coils are low impedence (low resistance to AC), however, and draw a lot of current on startup. Be careful to get the single phase soft start.

 

[Noobie]

One other issue to be concerned with is running AC motors on battery with an inverter. First, the inverter surge current must be rated for the load wattage for starting (about double the nominal rating). Second, the inverter must be a pure sine wave inverter. Most of the cheap ones are modified sine wave, using a stair step output to approximate a sine wave. The sudden changes in voltage at each step will eventually burn out your motor. Generators inherently put out pure sine wave power due to their construction.
Note that air conditioning compressors kick in and out all the time so you must have the power to start them while other appliances are running. This also means the soft start device must be mounted directly on your air conditioner compressor so it doesn't keep dropping the voltage to all your other appliances.

 

[victor3ranger]

Generally YES! I'll have to do some research. A few years ago there was something that you could purchase for your camper ac that would make it possible for a 2K genny to start the ac. Perhaps it was some sort of condenser that would give a short term voltage spike to get the ac running.

Once running, I think that many could be run on a 2K gen.

Here's a couple of links for "soft start" components! memtb

The Best Soft Start for RV AC

Want to run an RV AC unit on a small portable generator? How about TWO AC units on 30-amps? No problem with a good Soft Starter for RV AC!

www.thervgeeks.com

Honda RV Generators: The King of Power in the Great Outdoors

Drivin' & Vibin' LLC is an innovative lifestyle brand that blends the freedom of RV living with the passion for music. Founded by Kyle Brady, Drivin' & Vibin' has become a go-to resource for RV enthusiasts and music lovers alike. The company is renowned for its unique approach to travel...

drivinvibin.com

https://spartanpower.com/product/spartan-power-spartanstart/

Very nice thank you

 

[BLC08]

I run solar on my camper in CO and love it. The last thing I want to hear in the woods is a generator running. The prices on Li batteries and PV panels are so cheap these days that I would look to just add an extra battery and wire up an extra panel if you feel you really need it.

 

[30378wbymag]

I run solar on my camper in CO and love it. The last thing I want to hear in the woods is a generator running. The prices on Li batteries and PV panels are so cheap these days that I would look to just add an extra battery and wire up an extra panel if you feel you really need it.

Says the man from the sunshine state with NO canyons

 

[FireFlyFishing]

Says the man from the sunshine state with NO canyons

I was about to say the same thing. Second sunniest state in the union behind AZ.

 

[victor3ranger]

I run solar on my camper in CO and love it. The last thing I want to hear in the woods is a generator running. The prices on Li batteries and PV panels are so cheap these days that I would look to just add an extra battery and wire up an extra panel if you feel you really need it.

I wish I could find good cheap Li batteries, I would get some, but so far I can't find used ones cheap.

 

[hesse]

The other thing is to keep the panels clean . It helps a lot. But having a generator back up is smart . It helps a lot if you have skirting for the camper it keeps in a lot of the the heat and the drafts down