Oasis Montana designs and sells residential solar electric power systems

Oasis Montana Inc.
Renewable Energy Supply and Design
Call us!  406-777-4321
Fax: 406-777-4309
M-F  8:00am-5:00pm MDT
Contact us: info@oasismontana.com
Home Page: www.oasismontana.com

WIND GENERATORS  /  GAS GENERATORS   wind generators, micro hydro generators, gas generators

WIND GENERATION:  An overview

People are so fascinated by the prospect of wind power generation that they sometimes make the investment before they know for certain that their site will actually be cost-effective for wind power.  An average minimum wind speed of 10 to 12 mph is a must; check with local airports, weather stations, https://www.nrel.gov/gis/wind-resource-maps.html and some government agencies to be sure you  have a good site for wind generation.   Generally speaking, in most U.S. sites, it's windier in winter and spring than in summer and fall--so even if your average wind speed is not high, a wind machine may be valuable for additional battery charging in the lower light conditions of winter.

GAS GENERATORS and other thoughts….....

Adverse weather conditions--like last year's floods and hurricanes-- has forced many people to think of affordable alternatives to grid (utility) power--and, in the short term, gas generators definitely fill the niche.  For long term solutions--you'd better have a big fuel tank!  And, since liquid propane fuel (LP) has greater longevity in storage, many people are seeking LP generators.  We at Oasis Montana are constantly trying to source new product lines (and better costs), so please continue to check back on these pages for further product listings and better pricing.  Our web pages are updated regularly.

For short term generator use--well, you have an electrician hard-wire your loads directly to the generator, or use a transfer switch with your existing AC distribution box.  Either way, when you shut down the generator, you don't have any power.  Many persons find that adding a battery system and inverter to their generator can be a very cost-effective move.  If a large load or two is powered on a daily or twice weekly basis, while that AC load is being run, the generator can be charging your batteries via a charger in the inverter.  Then, when the generator is shut down, smaller loads (lights, TV, VCR, radio, etc.) can be run through the inverter from the battery bank.  When a generator is being run to power just small loads, its fuel consumption is hardly efficient.  It's best to optimize the generator's full output for the loads you're running.  Otherwise you're wearing out your noisy , smelly generator, while you're wasting fuel--just to power some small loads.

IF YOU ARE SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING THE PURCHASE OF A GENERATOR, please PLEASE check our basic information about generator safety.  We urge you to hire a licensed electrician to help with your installation in a safe and proper fashion.  The electrician will make certain there is NO interaction between an active utility line and your generator. 

If a generator is turned on while connected to the utility, electricity can "backfeed" into utility lines, and create energized power lines.  If the power is out in a given area, an energized (from the generator source) line can create major problems (like death) for utility line people servicing those lines.  Also, repair persons generally ground a power line they're working on, and that may create a damaging situation for the running generator.  If the utility lines "come back on", and the generator is not isolated from utility power, damage to the generator and your appliances is very likely to result.   


Click here for more information and ideas
about integrating a fuel generator into your home power system.


GENERATOR SAFETY TIPS:

  • Hire an electrician to wire your generator.  There will not be a problem with grid  (utility) interaction if you do.

  • Always make sure that your home circuits are disconnected from the utility prior to starting your generator.  Before re-connecting to the utility, make certain your generator is off and all protective breakers are in place.

  • Do not attempt to repair your generator.  Hire a qualified service person.  Your generator is a mechanical beast, and will require regular servicing.

  • Make certain your generator will power the loads you want--proper sizing is very important.

  • DO NOT BYPASS SAFETY PRECAUTIONS ON YOUR GENERATOR!

  • Generators are darn hot under operation; don't touch, and keep in a well ventilated place, like outdoors or in a separate, ventilated shed.  C02 is something to be avoided.

  • Store fuels safely and in proper containers and locations.

  • Keep children and pets away from generators and fuels at all times.

Please contact us if you are integrating a fuel generator with an
inverter/battery system; we can make suggestions as to what options best suit
your site and system. Visit www.cumminsnorthwest.com for an array of high quality
emergency back-up generators as well as prime power units.

 

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