[bbronston]

That's pretty much what I have concluded. There is a Honda model that produces 1000w and one for 2000w. The 2000w would power a fridge and everything else I have in mind...doesn't have to be all at the same time.

[markjames68]

Either the 2kw Honda or Yamaha inverters are good choices. Quiet and efficient. I got the 1000w Yamaha model right before Irene because it was available, otherwise I would have purchased the 2000w. I also have a 3000w Yamaha inverter that I picked up at a great price. My neighbor borrowed that for Irma and it powered his fridge, a portable AC, some fans and lights at the same time. I can run a small window AC on the 1000w in non-eco mode.

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by MyITGuy

For true solar - Still likely won't be permitted (Are you responsible for repairs to your roof or exterior structure?).

As far as what you linked - One panel provides 100 watts of power (Assuming the sun is out, optimal positioning and operation), so you would need 10 panels to either provide power or recharge the before its depleted (Note - the unit linked only supports 4 panels)

You would need to utilize one of the two higher watts per hour units (A refrigerator alone uses 800+ watts)

So $4500 (Battery/Inverter and 10x panels which isn't even supported by this unit) to hopefully power a refrigerator and maybe charge a few devices a few days after the storm has passed (Solar panels can't operate without the sun and the rain bands usually linger for a day or two).

If you're looking for an emergency source of power then your portable generator with transfer switch will give you 30 Amps of power (Upwards of 3500 watts), otherwise look into a solution such as a Generac unit to power specific circuits or the entire home.

Assuming a 100% load consumes 1 gallon of gas for every 1.5 hours (Check your make/model and load %) you are looking at 16 gallons of gas per day, or $44 bucks per day at 2.75/gallon....heck of a lot cheaper than $4500 IMO...so stock up on 2-3 days worth of fuel and have at it (don't forget oil as well), by the time you run low on fuel gas stations should be opening again for you to resupply if needed.

Don’t bother with a transfer switch anymore - the way to go is through a panel interlock kit (and a meter to monitor loads). That way any suitable circuit can be run without the limitation of 8 or 10 powered circuits.

[KPB]

Originally Posted by bbronston

That's pretty much what I have concluded. There is a Honda model that produces 1000w and one for 2000w. The 2000w would power a fridge and everything else I have in mind...doesn't have to be all at the same time.

I like those little Honda's, quiet!

You can also piggyback two together if you need more power.
https://powerequipment.honda.com/gen...lel-capability

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by KPB

I like those little Honda's, quiet!

You can also piggyback two together if you need more power.
https://powerequipment.honda.com/gen...lel-capability

Only downside is that even paralleled they still only produce 120v, so not ideal to connect to the panel.

[bbronston]

I wouldn't do any sort of fancy install. I think I'd just run an extension cord to whatever thing I needed to run for a time. Again, I'm just looking for a short term fix. If it's a 1-3 week delay, I'd probably just make other arrangements.

[Crashj007]

And just what do all of you think would have been happening with the solar panels during the hurricane, besides being hit by debris or blown away?

[markjames68]

Originally Posted by bbronston

I wouldn't do any sort of fancy install. I think I'd just run an extension cord to whatever thing I needed to run for a time. Again, I'm just looking for a short term fix. If it's a 1-3 week delay, I'd probably just make other arrangements.

Then a Honda or Yamaha 2000w inverter is the thing. You can even get the Yamaha in camo color if that’s your thing!

Also, I know there is a vendor that does a factory-authorized tri-fuel conversion for the Yamaha, meaning you can also run it on propane cylinders.

[bbronston]

Originally Posted by Crashj007

And just what do all of you think would have been happening with the solar panels during the hurricane, besides being hit by debris or blown away?

The solar generators I was discussing do not require permanent panels or even several panels. Most kits include 1 or 2 smaller panels. Someone else mentioned large roof arrays...this is not that. It is meant t be a limited supply of power for limited purposes. Same with the recharging.

[bbronston]

Originally Posted by markjames68

Then a Honda or Yamaha 2000w inverter is the thing. You can even get the Yamaha in camo color if that’s your thing!

Also, I know there is a vendor that does a factory-authorized tri-fuel conversion for the Yamaha, meaning you can also run it on propane cylinders.

I was wondering about that. I've seen a kit for $200 but I wonder if it is more or less cost effective. With the kit, you can use either fuel so that sounds good but, either way, fuel storage is an issue. If I had to, I could take fuel from a car tank.

Question: What happens if you plug in stuff that draws more power than the generator can produce? Does a circuit breaker trip? Does the generator shut down?