Generator/Inverter-Charger/Battery System
In some cases, the cost of purchasing a complete home power system
can be too high to absorb all at one time. In these cases it is often advisable
to start with a gasoline or diesel powered generator, a battery bank, and
an inverter. These core components can provide an economical power system
that can be utilized during construction of the home and until the rest
of the power system is purchased. Solar panels, wind generators, andother
power sources can easily be added to such a system incrementaly, without
compromising the finished system. In some cases it may be nescecary to
purchase a battery charger as well, but most larger inverters include a
built in high quality battery charger and automatic generator transfer
switch.
Systems utilizing a generator and a battery bank are usually much more
efficient and cost effective than systems operating with a generator alone.
By operating the generator near its most efficient capacity and storing
unused energy in batteries, these type of systems are often able to limit
daily run time to 2 - 4 hours of operation a day, sometimes even less.
By providing power from the batteries much of the time, large savings can
be realized in generator maintainance and fuel use.
