What type of generator do we need to run off grid with batteries to run a typical domestic house?

Question

We are looking at running a domestic house( with usual appliances ) in Spain from a generator as we have no electricity access at the moment. What types are ones to look at with running a trickle charge to a battery bank.

Answer 1

Well let me start off by saying what a fabulous question you ask. I went through a similar situation to yours and it took me quite some time to figure it out. But because I'm so nice I am going to save you HOURS of your life. I recommend going to a hardware store and asking for a DH 500 generator made by Estugalos. It sounds funny but in a traditional Spanish hardware supply store the natives will not think twice about it. It does sound quite absurd but truly the DH 500 is excellente for running a trickle charge to a battery bank.

Answer 2

It can be done, but it's usually more expensive than connecting to the power lines. It's usually done only for homes that are out in the wilderness or far from the power lines, and the cost of extending a line it prohibitive. The number of batteries you need will depend on how much power you want to use, how fast you can recharge them, and how many you can afford. You'll probably have to recharge using solar, wind, water power, a generator, or some combination of those. Do a search for "Solar powered home", "living off the grid", etc, and you can find more information about this.

Answer 3

I lived in southern Spain and for a year I ran a Generator. I bought a single cylinder diesel, it shook itself to bits in a week. I then ordered a 3 cylinder diesel from the big industrial estate outside Malaga, It was quiet, used little fuel and it came on automatically when I turned on any lights inside the house. Once electric came to my arroyo, I sold it for the same price I bought it. Look for one that runs at 1500 revs, they are quiet and can run air con and pool. Don't buy cheap and tiny like I did. Find one that has a large diesel tank, getting up in the middle of the night in the dark is an ordeal, you end up covered in diesel. Site it as far from the house as possible or in a well ventilated shed. Use thick wires to prevent voltage drop.

Answer 4

In India there is a device called invertors, its more like the ones u use for the computers back up called UPS , its keeps charging when the power is there.
ITs stacked with car batteries with a charger, you can use upto 5 lights, 2-3 fans and a tv.
Unlike gensets , it does not create pollution.
The cost for a device is about 180 to 200 USD.

Answer 5

better figure out the total wattage load that you'll need.( add up the wattages of all the appliances you're going to use (100 watt lamp plus a 75 watt VCR,etc.) plus the trickle charger. then add 50% for margine. it should have a 4 stroke gas engine( lasts longer than a 2 stroke) it should have two types of power output, one for 120 ac ( or in europe 220) and one for 12 volt dc to charge batteries.

Answer 6

Coming soon in 2006: the mind boggling, unbelievable Perpetual Power Supply(PPS). The PPS uses no wind, solar, or known conventional fuels (gasoline, diesel, propane, and natural gas). PLUS--with it installed in your home or business, you will NEVER have to pay an electric bill again. In fact, the Electricity Service Provider (ESP) will have to send you a monthly check (it's the law!) for excess electricity going back through your meter into their system.