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Originally posted by slosig:

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Originally posted by jimmy123x:

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Originally posted by Blume9mm:
I'm by far not an expert on this... but I would have just used a 60-80 amp plug and plug in and then just switched plugs....

but I presume double pole switches are better.

It sounds like the OP's off grid and his main generator is already hard wired in with auto-start to supplement his Solar power on an as needed basis.

Yes. We have a similar situation. Normal mode the Kohler 8 RES propane powered generator is hardwired and auto starts. Flip the switch and plug the welder and you have 10kW of diesel powered juice on tap, but it’s manual.

Exactly the same. Off grid and main genset is hardwired. Propane Kohler runs off AGS and transfer switch that is integral to the OutBack Radian FPR-8048a load center and controller. Even have a 120v branch circuit to the Kohler genset that keeps battery warm and charged. Also have external leads on that genset to jump it if there is any issue in the battery system.

The backup genset is a run of the mill 8500/5500w gas genset with pull start. It's been going strong for 15yrs now with only a carb change and re-jet since going from sea level in VA to 6200ft in AZ. Didn't have to change the carb, but an entire new carb was only $1 more than a rebuild kit.

The Kohler has just over 32 hours on it with only 9.1 hours being run as back up when we had a few cloudy days in a row. Rest of the hours are set up and exercise. It has been perfect since I learned what it likes at 6200ft. Adjustable regulator was a must as well as de-rating. Initially it kept throwing over voltage codes and shutting down. Problem was the solar system drawing the default 50 amps when at 6200ft, it is only capable of 32amps max. Now the system is set to ask for 28 amps and it is more than enough to give me a full charge from 60% state of charge.

But, if it does go down for whatever reason, I have the gas as a back up and I need to hook it up and test to see where I need to set amp draw on that unit.

I too have a Outback offgrid set up, going strong for 14yrs!

Depending on the physical location of generators, wiring in place.... Another option. Add another by-pass Outback breaker assembly. Wire generators into by-pass, out to gen bus bar.

Stand alone. http://www.midnitesolar.com/pr...29&sortOrder=3&act=p