How Generac's PWRCell provides whole home power with just solar and a battery on existing electrical

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  • Опубликовано: 3 ноя 2024

Комментарии • 139

  • @nix4644
    @nix4644 4 года назад +7

    Interviewer (Chris) had some EXCELLENT questions.

  • @guysmileyjr.9482
    @guysmileyjr.9482 4 года назад +15

    Generac has been making backup generators for a long time. it makes sense that they have a lot of technology and experience to bring to solar batteries that other companies do not.

    • @teekay1785
      @teekay1785 3 года назад +2

      They haven't actually done anything with the battery other than use Lithium NMC cells. This is basically a solar hybrid inverter system with no solar panels.

  • @prepper1013
    @prepper1013 3 года назад +9

    This was an awesome presentation. I was so ready to get a Tesla Powerwall for my upcoming off grid living in WY and now I am rethinking my whole plan. Thank you....

    • @DoubleD72
      @DoubleD72 3 года назад

      Make sure you get some more info. because all I hear from Generac is "In case your power goes out" it's still just a battery backup system to get you through. Tesla is more of a completely off the grid. Generac can do that also but you will see the price go up real fast.

    • @jacquelynhall1322
      @jacquelynhall1322 3 года назад

      @@DoubleD72 The tesla powerall can't be run in a complete off Grid Mode

    • @DoubleD72
      @DoubleD72 3 года назад

      @@jacquelynhall1322 Who the hell told you that? I have already seen at least two videos of people doing just that. In my opinion there are better solutions to off grid then the Power Wall.

    • @jacquelynhall1322
      @jacquelynhall1322 3 года назад

      @@DoubleD72 The Powerwall from my understanding will work in off grid mode as long your system is a grid tie, system. The gateway tricks your grid tie inverter to think it is the grid. but Tesla does not install non grid tie systems. I am sure you can hack a system to work with the powerwall but that would void the warranty

    • @DoubleD72
      @DoubleD72 3 года назад

      @@jacquelynhall1322 Maybe next time do a search first then comment when you know for sure. There are plenty of videos of people showing it off the grid. Hell IKEA even made a tiny house on wheels they took from show to show powered by the power wall.

  • @cscheatum
    @cscheatum 3 года назад +4

    This is an outstanding interview!! I’m going to look into buying this system now.

  • @MARILYNANDERSON88
    @MARILYNANDERSON88 3 года назад +2

    People in my neighborhood love Generac for low price, simple installability and GREAT ease of use during system reliability events.

  • @jowga
    @jowga 2 года назад +1

    Even though we can decipher between Celsius and Fahrenheit I was wondering why you did not put the initial temperatures that you speak of into Fahrenheit label

  • @teekay1785
    @teekay1785 3 года назад +2

    This system is basically a solar hybrid inverter (they bought via the Pica company they acquired) with batteries without the Panels. It adds a Hyper Engineering Sure Start that costs about $260 (this is also included in Tesla power wall service/installation) so it can start small HVAC units etc with a lower amperage than normal and use a smaller inverter than would otherwise be needed.
    You can connect the solar hybrid inverter to the whole house service panel via a breaker and just manually cut off high amp draw circuits like electric hot water heaters etc just by cutting off the circuit breaker to them .
    The only other "NEW" thing they add are the smart load management modules which are just relays that are controlled by a logic board that compares power draw and cuts of our opens the relays in a predetermined order programmed into the board.
    Unless you are using this to avoid PEAK power rates every day or just supply lights tv computers etc microwave fridge freezer fan and igniter in a gas HVAC heat unit. In an outage you will still need a generator but possibly a smaller one. Without a generator you have only the power in the battery. This would only last about 3 hours of running lights etc and an electric central smaller HVAC. Just look at your most recent utility bill and divide the Kilowatt-hours of use for the month by the number of days in the billing cycle to get the number of Kilowatt hours you normally use per day. Compare that to 9 or 18 etc Kilowatt hours the battery in this unit would provide likely no more than half a day.
    Drawback : COST The battery is likely $600 or more per Kilowatt hour capacity. I bet the 3 Kilowatt module is about $2,000 . You also can't get the 26% credit you would with a solar system. You could probably add just a few solar panels (may not matter how many) and a switch to charge part of batteries and get the 26% tax credit for this since it would then be part of a solar system .
    Still need a generator for an extended outage likely even with solar but you could use a smaller more efficient one .

  • @stmcgarret
    @stmcgarret 4 года назад +4

    Great interview. Thanks for posting.

  • @rowgler1
    @rowgler1 3 года назад +4

    If you have a grid tie solar system already, can you use this battery every night after the sun sets? During the day our solar produces more power than we use, so we sell it to the electric company at wholesale rates. After dark (when we are home and use more power) we buy power back at retail rates. It's hard to break even. To use this every night it's a lot more cycling, so how long can these batteries be expected to last (15:12) in years when used daily?

    • @ScottHz
      @ScottHz 3 года назад

      Yes, that’s what mine does.

  • @scanadaze
    @scanadaze 3 года назад

    Not trolling. Just an question. For most homes. The solar panels have to be placed on the roof. As mine on my shop. My dads on his garage. In winter. They are covered up with snow and ice. Then when it stops snowing. Snow is removed. Then that leaves ice until the sun desides to come out when ever. Yet for most of the time. Snow is left on them because of what it takes to remove the snow. Way better if they were on the ground. With most living in an snow environment. Are you only putting them on the roof or on the ground mounts? My personal experiences is the roof is way not to go. From snow to cleaning. Mine are none stop cleaning because of what is in our environment. Also what I gave found out over time is. If the panels are in an straight upright position. The water that drain's on them. Goes and collects at the bottom. In turn leaves an residue and blocks some of my cells at the bottom from working. So I turned my panels to where the water runs off an corner. Not then whole bottom edge. That fixed that problem.

  • @kennethkroesser2569
    @kennethkroesser2569 2 года назад

    Chris, Do you have an updated video regarding the Generac Power Cell "island" install system with current hardware? What changes have been made since your Oct 19, 2020 viseo? I
    Are there qualified installers in the North East specifically Maine.

  • @mistergreen2
    @mistergreen2 3 года назад +1

    One of the most important loads in a home is the kitchen stove which requires lots of electricity,! How is that load addressed in a grid loss situation?

  • @StarFleet_Tech1701
    @StarFleet_Tech1701 2 года назад +1

    I want the battery backup to use the grid (without solar panels) to charge it in the same way I use UPS (uninterruptible power system) to power lights and computer devices. The PWRCell would still fully power the house when the grid goes down.

  • @sandan2358
    @sandan2358 3 года назад +1

    What is the cost to purchase a system to run whole house in a grid down situation? Do I also need the Generac backup that works off natural gas?

  • @jimstandefer1799
    @jimstandefer1799 3 года назад

    This is one of the first systems I'm going to add to my house when I buy one next year .

    • @Tro1086
      @Tro1086 3 года назад

      this thing is all hype

  • @michaelmattson3515
    @michaelmattson3515 3 года назад +5

    Can you add a back up generator to this system?

    • @Blee48
      @Blee48 3 года назад

      Likely but both wont run at the same time due to the auto transfer switch

  • @pootandbeans5956
    @pootandbeans5956 3 года назад +1

    What are the yearly maintenance costs? I had to spend about $170 for my generac generator a year. Also, what are the installation costs?

  • @AceMBP
    @AceMBP 3 года назад +2

    If I have Generac 22K and solar already does the PWRCell work with them? I.E.. if the battery gets low the gas generator fills in?

    • @Tro1086
      @Tro1086 3 года назад

      thats a good question, I know other systems on the market can integrate/auto start a generator if needed.

  • @willm5814
    @willm5814 3 года назад

    Excited to see this product👍

  • @Mark-m9z4q
    @Mark-m9z4q 3 года назад +5

    Bingo...just what I needed to know. Now where can I buy this system? God Bless.

  • @craighames6282
    @craighames6282 3 года назад +2

    Has this system been reviewed in the wild yet? I would like to hear from an actual customer who has tested the system.

    • @kaceeboxers3580
      @kaceeboxers3580 3 года назад +1

      Check out: Beach Lover channel. Recent review

  • @birdman6749
    @birdman6749 4 года назад +4

    Can you charge battery pack up with your PV system while the utility power is off so your system is more suitable over longer period of time of power outages?

    • @EJV-Florida
      @EJV-Florida 3 года назад

      I have the same question

    • @vennieloh2014
      @vennieloh2014 3 года назад +3

      I use off-grid inverter for my house and utility as backup power. Its a lot cheaper that way. I have 7 kw solar, 40 kw battery and 5.5 kw inverter. The inverter can be configured to do SBU mean when there's Sun it goes solar and when the Sun is gone it goes battery then utility when battery rans out of juice.

    • @786otto
      @786otto 3 года назад

      @@vennieloh2014 But why?

    • @ScottHz
      @ScottHz 3 года назад +2

      @@786otto To pay the electric company as little as possible.

    • @786otto
      @786otto 3 года назад +1

      @@ScottHz I see your point.

  • @obrider2963
    @obrider2963 3 года назад +2

    So it puts out 50 amps ? Basically could run your ac/heater and living room ? No oven, no dryer etc. Im not knocking 50 amps thats amazing, im just in the market and need more info. From what im readimg on play store the app is trash? Please elaborate ? I don't want to spend 30k on a hunch give me some peace of mind ;)

    • @ScottHz
      @ScottHz 3 года назад

      50amps peak, not continuous

    • @smbrown
      @smbrown 3 года назад +1

      We run our electric dryer no problem. What wasn’t mentioned in video is inverter limited to 7.6kW, battery may do 50A but inverter not even close

    • @Tro1086
      @Tro1086 3 года назад

      @@smbrown but they said the inverter could do 11kw in the video!!! Basically this thing will run all your essentials to keep your house livable, food(fridge, microwave, countertop appliances), heat(gas with electric controls), water(pump/filter system, NOT electric water heater), and some basic lights and outlets/tv/computer/internet. Beyond that, your gonna have to drop some SERIOUS coin to live off grid, the exact same way you do on-the-grid.

  • @996driver1
    @996driver1 3 года назад +1

    What about thermal runaway with your chemistry?

  • @slyfoxqh
    @slyfoxqh 3 года назад +1

    I want to run my house on solar with battery assist and no input from the grid unless I ask for it ... will your system do that and how?

    • @Tro1086
      @Tro1086 3 года назад

      You need a Schneider system.

  • @teofiloaviles8002
    @teofiloaviles8002 3 года назад +1

    I have solar panels and tied to the grid. If I were to get generac ,could I use it every day and not pay the power company and have the power company as standby.

    • @smbrown
      @smbrown 3 года назад +1

      Yes, called self-supply by Generac. Our single full battery cabinet gets us through the night most nights in Hawaii, no heating or cooling, house base load is around 600W

  • @tylerfoss3346
    @tylerfoss3346 3 года назад

    This thing is a battery and a management system for it, right?
    How much does this thing cost (including installation, annual maintenance and life expectancy)?
    How much daily electrical load (24Kwh/day?) can this thing provide versus a backup generator?

    • @smbrown
      @smbrown 3 года назад

      9 month customer: battery, inverter, transfer switch, REC panels. We average 22kW/day usage. Our battery provides power over most nights, occasionally taking grid power. Our panels face SE, usually by 11a the battery is full, which works great because it’s typically getting cloudy around same time. I was fairly certain our battery was rated at 21kWhr though, maybe not, works for us.

  • @jasonpalumbo6977
    @jasonpalumbo6977 3 года назад

    does the ATS and the SMMs only work with the Largest PWRCell 18 or can the ATS and SMMs be used with the PWRCell 9,12,15

    • @Tro1086
      @Tro1086 3 года назад

      Those are the sizes of batteries you can get for the system, has nothing to do with the ATS or SMMs

  • @papamac5986
    @papamac5986 3 года назад

    How do I find someone near me to explore the possibility for this at my home

  • @gcstang
    @gcstang 2 года назад

    can you use this with a solaredge hub setup?

  • @afagan3772
    @afagan3772 3 года назад +1

    How much does it cost

  • @felix2330
    @felix2330 2 года назад

    Hi I have ac 4 ton i want to instal 18k they work for me to run the all House

  • @samo8204
    @samo8204 3 года назад

    As these upgrades become available, will they be backwards compatible?

  • @toolate6971
    @toolate6971 3 года назад +1

    How can I power my EV with this system? I am very interested as I am near the completion of a new home.

    • @smbrown
      @smbrown 3 года назад

      You wouldn’t power your EV with this other than to supply AC power to your house. The Generac battery is part of an overall system (inverter, battery, solar panels, transfer switch) to provide grid-tie solar energy generation and storage. We are very happy with our system.

    • @TexasBroskiActual
      @TexasBroskiActual 3 года назад

      You can do it. Their are option outs there to make it happen.

  • @786otto
    @786otto 3 года назад +3

    Seams like good thing ,but i head power outage twice for few minutes in past thirty years.

    • @MARILYNANDERSON88
      @MARILYNANDERSON88 3 года назад +1

      I moved between City Hall and the High School, on a very reliable circuit! Then I sold my back up generator for a good price during the last major outage since now I have natural gas stove and hot water, plus a fireplace.

  • @researchandbuild1751
    @researchandbuild1751 3 года назад +4

    18Kwh wont even last a full day though. I average at minimum 630Kwh a month. That comes to 21Kwh a day. If i dont use my stove, washer, or dryer i could probably use much less of course

    • @acdnintheusa
      @acdnintheusa 3 года назад

      Do you mean in the event of a power outage? You’d still have solar during the day, no?
      Genuine question - I’m steep in the learning curve and trying to better understand how to navigate the ideal setup.

    • @researchandbuild1751
      @researchandbuild1751 3 года назад

      @@acdnintheusa yep during a power outage. Its true during the day you could at least keep up somewhat

    • @Tro1086
      @Tro1086 3 года назад

      @@researchandbuild1751 Ideally you want a large enough solar array that you can power your loads AND still charge the battery during the day. Then at night you run on the battery. 18kWh is a decent size battery to cover essential loads, well pump, furnace, fridge, freezer, some basic lights and outlets. You wouldnt want to run your AC, range, or dryer very long, if at all, when you are in a grid down, no sun situation.

    • @TexasBroskiActual
      @TexasBroskiActual 3 года назад

      Generac uses solar during the day and would turn to batteries during the night. So you would be fine. That’s how they setup their system.

  • @lionelserna190
    @lionelserna190 3 года назад +1

    Did I miss how long a 19kw set will run on full load or even half

    • @adammichelini1
      @adammichelini1 3 года назад

      Depends on your usage. The app tells you what your use is and projects how long it will last. We can go up to 17 hours in a 4800 square foot home by turning off non essential items.

  • @couplewhiles
    @couplewhiles 3 года назад

    Can a power cell storage box be installed horizontally instead of vertically?

    • @Tro1086
      @Tro1086 3 года назад

      Im gonna say no. Most outdoor rated enclosures are designed with a specific top and bottom, so they shed water without it getting in, but can still have some openings for ventilation.

  • @RedlineGodzilla
    @RedlineGodzilla 3 года назад

    Does having the battery at full charge for most of the year damage the cells in anyway? Or does one need to cycle the battery a couple times a year to keep it healthy?

    • @RedlineGodzilla
      @RedlineGodzilla 3 года назад

      @@TFT-bp8zk I was under the impression that maybe they would die like if you leave a laptop always plugged in for years and never let the battery discharge, the day you do it would barely hold a charge.

  • @ericduck8273
    @ericduck8273 3 года назад

    Can you add the battery equipment to your house with a generator so that there is no drop in power while the generator is starting?

    • @smbrown
      @smbrown 3 года назад

      Yes, the inverter has generator control connections to start generator, my installer would only support Generac generators, technically it’s possible with others. I chose a manual transfer switch for my generator connection.

  • @abrahamghannam2137
    @abrahamghannam2137 3 года назад +1

    How many times has your power go out in a year get a generator and be done

    • @teekay1785
      @teekay1785 3 года назад

      @Jim Prpich Solar wouldn't have heated homes in Texas disaster for more than a few hours. It was cloudy for 5 straight says . Very little power produced during that storm by anyones solar system. It would maybe keep fridge and freezer and just lights on IF you had some batteries also and not totally grid tied.

    • @abrahamghannam2137
      @abrahamghannam2137 3 года назад

      @Jim Prpich they have dual fuel gasoline natural gas or propane no propane or natural gas they have generators that use all including gasoline So you won’t be stuck

    • @abrahamghannam2137
      @abrahamghannam2137 3 года назад

      @Jim Prpich Another thing is solar only works for a little bit once your batteries die you’re dead in the wind

  • @mattcinadr2006
    @mattcinadr2006 3 года назад

    Fascinating

  • @Benakuzo2
    @Benakuzo2 Год назад

    We have used the ruclips.net/user/postUgkxOTeIs0vv4_9B5hsmnLsk9r930uDQLu_Y for probably 30 hours with our camper and it’s been great! The noise level is really only noticeable when running the AC and other appliances like the microwave, hair dryer, or coffee pot. It’s not huge like other ones and it has wheels so even at 90lbs, I can move it!

  • @georgezura
    @georgezura 3 года назад +2

    Seems like too much technoloy to make an under powered solution fit a need. I will stick with generator backup for now.

  • @Mongoosed
    @Mongoosed Год назад

    The battery cabinet isn't outdoor rated really, because it will not charge the batteries in cold weather, close to 32 degrees fahrenheit forget about.

  • @petenikolic5244
    @petenikolic5244 3 года назад

    Have you inverters been Properly tested or do they spray RF out all over the place like every other Solar noise generator

  • @richardfischerjr
    @richardfischerjr 2 года назад

    This information seems dated in regards to what the competitors provide.

  • @16enry
    @16enry 4 года назад

    Can you retrofit this system for existing solar systems???

    • @Pinpon-ni8vc
      @Pinpon-ni8vc 4 года назад

      No you could only use Generac

    • @ScottHz
      @ScottHz 3 года назад +2

      Yes, you can - Generac isn’t solar, just the battery and the inverter/transfer switch - I have solar and added the Generac battery as a backup. (Pika x7602 Islanding Inverter)

    • @Pinpon-ni8vc
      @Pinpon-ni8vc 3 года назад

      @@ScottHz and what type pf inverters do you have? just a curiosity of mine

    • @smbrown
      @smbrown 3 года назад

      @@ScottHz Curious how you did this as management of battery is via inverter panel?

    • @smbrown
      @smbrown 3 года назад

      If by retrofit you mean use existing solar panels, then yes you can, everything else would be replaced. Really happy with our Generac system.

  • @deantopping156
    @deantopping156 4 года назад

    How many days will the 9kw battery last? Or how much would I need for 3 days?

    • @Mico605
      @Mico605 3 года назад +2

      It depends on how much power you use obviously

    • @rthilson
      @rthilson 3 года назад +1

      @@Mico605 the average home uses 24 kWh per day

    • @smbrown
      @smbrown 3 года назад +1

      We average 22kW/day, our full battery cabinet will usually get us through the night without utility power, house base load is around 600W. 3 days doesn’t seem reasonable for this type system.

    • @Tro1086
      @Tro1086 3 года назад

      @@smbrown Can you set the system to draw from the grid at night so your not constantly cycling your batteries? Seems like it would be a lot cheaper to buy power from the grid at night than wear out your batteries and have to replace them from constant cycles.

  • @jimsbagels1991
    @jimsbagels1991 3 года назад

    How does this tie in with a generator?

    • @teekay1785
      @teekay1785 3 года назад

      It replaces it for a few hours of use or to avoid high rate times of electricity. You would still need a generator for power outages more than about 3 hours if you want to run an HVAC electric unit and no electric hot water heater.

    • @jimsbagels1991
      @jimsbagels1991 3 года назад

      @@teekay1785 How does that tie in? Does it know there is a generator?

  • @Timmer224
    @Timmer224 3 года назад

    So I was one of the 1st people in Arizona with the Generac And not the piker. I went through a year worth of garbage with the solar company becausimilar company because they couldn't make it work. Could be awesome if somebody gave me a call

  • @darrell3643
    @darrell3643 3 года назад

    So, I guess I'll wait for the nerdy stuff to come out.

  • @johnmiranda2307
    @johnmiranda2307 3 года назад +1

    Smart management system “should” be programmable by the user from a smartphone app

  • @hoppercar
    @hoppercar 2 года назад

    How do you reroof your house, when you got all that crap up there

  • @buixote
    @buixote 3 года назад

    Looks like Generac is an up-and-comer. I wouldn't sell Tesla's technology short. Their app is pretty killer. Still haven't seen the user interface for any of the others...

    • @teekay1785
      @teekay1785 3 года назад

      Tesla good but they control your system too which is a huge turnoff to me . This is basically a hybrid solar inverter (Pica) and lithium batteries and transfer switch like all their home generators have and one new thing the smart management relays that turn off high power loads in preferred sequence or royal them. You can do this simply by turning on or off the circuit breakers in your current panel they just do it automatically.

  • @Chrissy4605
    @Chrissy4605 3 года назад +1

    I do not care for an essentially BBS or my entire home.

  • @kevinz0681
    @kevinz0681 3 года назад

    So basically this would cost around 30k for 14 panels and 3 batteries ? And if you add more batteries at 2k a piece. What if you have gas water heater and furnace

    • @smbrown
      @smbrown 3 года назад

      24 panels, full battery cabinet, inverter, and transfer switch, installed for $40k in Hawaii. Currently targeted at unsophisticated, hands-off consumers. They manage software updates without informing customers, our system was taken offline for upgrade with no notice; not typically a big deal, until I noticed it was offline and had to contact support. Decent mobile app and website with pretty graphs, no ability for raw access to data. They use RPi3 for bridge between internal network and internet connection.

    • @kevinz0681
      @kevinz0681 3 года назад

      Ya that’s what I mean, to me it’s just kinda hard for me to justify. When I could just get a generator to keep a few things running, I’m already on a well. Also have 2 fire places and plenty of fire wood plus if all hell breaks lose that’s the last thing you are gonna worry about is power because you will have plenty of looters and visitors you don’t want.

  • @Bobotrucker
    @Bobotrucker 3 года назад +1

    9kwh is very minimal coming from someone who knows.. Minimal backup, but I would have a gas generator also.. Grid tie inverters, that have been on the market forever, will work also.. Forget about the air conditioner when you lose power with 9kwh! Lol, that's just a joke..

    • @mafosa8519
      @mafosa8519 3 года назад

      i agree! better off starting with two extra battery's, softstart and solor panels. do it right the fist time!
      larry

  • @davidwilkie9551
    @davidwilkie9551 3 года назад +1

    The Island of Dreams

  • @TheWalk23
    @TheWalk23 3 года назад +2

    Awesome product but way too expensive

  • @mikekendall841
    @mikekendall841 3 года назад

    This is not a good company. They have a history of not honoring there warranty on several of there products. You have been warned.

  • @bearchow1929
    @bearchow1929 3 года назад

    I'll never buy another Generac generator.

  • @Jkauppa
    @Jkauppa 3 года назад +1

    kiss

    • @Jkauppa
      @Jkauppa 3 года назад

      bridge can be up most of the time

  • @craighames6282
    @craighames6282 3 года назад

    Actually found one: /watch?v=9aJTfEJiI6A

  • @LucidDreamer54321
    @LucidDreamer54321 3 года назад +1

    I'm not encouraged by the product name. It sounds like "generic". Who thought of that stupid name?

    • @Tro1086
      @Tro1086 3 года назад +1

      Generac has been around for decades, its not like they just came up with this name. They are a generator company, they are trying to get into the solar/battery/inverter market.

    • @LucidDreamer54321
      @LucidDreamer54321 3 года назад +1

      @Tro1086 The word "generic" has been around for decades. it's not like they just came up with this word.