Thank you for taking the time to make this video! Like you, I have been looking for a Generac power cell video! I wanted to see the actual set up and how much wall space was going to be needed. Thank you for disclosing the cost.. great job on the video!
In fairness to you sir, for this being your FIRST vlog...12k views is NOT bad; on the contrary, it's quite a performance actually! Great job! Even i can appreciate after watching this, and i'm not one easy to sell
Thank you so much for this video. The company itself has a lot of information, but no personal information that I've found so far. I just heard about Generac this morning from a relative. We are due to have our solar panels installed next month and I wanted to investigate storage for it. I really appreciate the information you've given here and look forward to more videos from you. Of course, like everyone else, would love a ballpark figure for the unit, but understand it varies depending on your solar panels and needs.
I've been interested in having a similar system installed for several years now. Every time you contact a company for information, they want to come out so they can do the "hard" sell and I find that counter-productive. You answered most, if not all the questions that have been at the forefront of my decision and I thank you for being so thorough and helpful. If this is any indication of future videos, your going to do great! Thanks for all the help!
My problem has been contacting a place to come out and install give me like the low down and install, And they try to sell me a finance plan . When I say when I say I want to pay cash they don't seem to know what to do with that
Excellent Video sir! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this video to tell us about the Generac brand. I am researching solar and was looking for honest opinions from owners, not sales people or affiliates. Keep them coming! I am looking forward to seeing more!
Thank you for the video. I just had my system installed last week and the power company inspected today. You talked about the PV link string optimizer. They are capable of connecting up to six panels per PV link. I've got six panels on each of two PV links and five panels on the third. One comment I would like to share about my install is for people to test their internet connectivity early to where the Generac system is being installed to prevent delays. The installers tried three different Range Extenders on three separate visits to connect to connect the Generac to my wireless network and none of them worked. The house I own was build in three sections with two of them upgrades to the first and my have more obstructions. Since I'm a network engineer I just ran a temporary CAT5E line out to the garage and plan on putting it in the wall for my next project. Wireless is convenient, but I prefer a hard line instead.
PV Link input is limited by open circuit voltage (Voc) Max 420VDC. In most environments, depending on PV module you could connect up to 10 Panasonic 330W modules or 8 400+W 72 Cell modules.
Thanks for the video. However, some very important information that is needed for your 30k investment. How many square feet is your home, what was your electric bill before solar, compared to your bill now, and what region of the country do you live ( it makes a big difference where you live based on the mean temperature of your area)?
We have the same system but with 18kw storage. We can power our whole house, including a 5 ton geothermal system, for about 5-6 hours. If we turn off the AC it lasts 17 hours or so.
I love this video! I had the same thought - there are very few vids talking about the generac offering of battery backups. Thanks for filling the need!
Great job. The wife and I are going going to build our retirement home in a few years and I am researching solar / backup energy options. This was really informative. Thank you
I really appreciate your video. I am seriously considering this exact system. My wife got a second opinion and a quote for a grid tied system and the cheaper cost turned her to think grid tied with a backup propane generator is more cost effective. (Apple vs Oranges, I know) The GridTie Installers are still claiming that batteries are ‘no good’. What are your feelings about this comparison?
I don't have a PWRcell system but as an EE I do have my propane generator. Your decistion depends on the power load (all your appliances) and how to use the system. For continous power savings, and quiet operation, go for the battery storage (for night usage). For power outages, it may not be engough so a generator will help produe power if the solar energy isn't enough during the outage, especially if the sky is cloudy or during a hurricane. I survived two months with my generator after Hurricane Maria in September 2017. A PWRcell system could had helped after the storm passed.
The generator is more cost effective for back up power. It’s not even close. But the battery is more versatile. On a decent day we can run a large house on just the batteries and a 7.2 kw system for about 12 hours and still have lots of juice left.
Great first video! And very helpful. I just found out about Generac’s battery a few hours ago and I’m excited about it. I hope it puts more pressure on other solar/battery providers like Tesla and Enphase to start integrating backup generators also. I’ve had a grid only Powerwall for several months now and have been very pleased how it radically reduced my use of peak power rates while giving several hours of emergency backup when needed. Tesla currently limits you to charging Powerwall from either PV or grid in the U.S. so I’m looking for emergency generator options in case of longer outages.
It's actually not Tesla's call, it's your utility company's interconnection agreement, and also part of the ITC requirement: your battery has to charge from your solar, unless in the event of storm watch.
FYI, the Generac PWRCell system is the Pike Energy REBus system. Pika (the company) was purchased by Generac and re-branded. You can find some videos of older Pika installations, although they were still a fairly new startup when they were bought.
We spent about that much in 2009 and didn't get backup for grid outages. People told us it took too long to get a return on investment. Ten years +/-. I plan to add battery backup at some point with a SMA Sunny Island and as much battery as I can reasonably afford. Enjoyed the video.
Hi! You did an AMAZING job on your first video! Thank you so much for the information AND the cost you paid. Guess what? I have a dealer here in Louisiana that wants us to pay $67,000 (and that's WITH a military discount) for a 15 panel/battery backup solar installation. (that supposedly includes permits, actual installation, etc.) but to hear what YOU paid really now makes me think we DEFINETELY have to "shop around." Also, I love how your battery looks and the fact you can ADD your own batteries is really user-friendly! Because of you doing this, Generac is now in the running, and I am waiting on a call back to get someone out to go over what our cost would be! So happy that you did this again and keep the vids coming! :)
Please remember I did that video 3 years ago, so prices have changed. I do think you should "shop around", but I still like Generac. Solar panel prices are cheaper now also.
I'm glad they have gone down in price. Once they come out to assess then I will know what the real deal price wise is BUT that other company right out of the gate saying pretty much over $65,000 is a tad costly I think and Generac sounds like they will still be cheaper even 3 yrs later! Thanks again!
I decided to set a budget and then what could I get with it. I also wanted to start with a smaller array and batteries, to see what I actually got in terms of performance over time. One reason I picked Generac was the ability to easily add more batteries or panels to the system.
I’m thinking about solar with a backup generator /propane. For a full off grid homestead. Need enough to power about 2 or 3 houses. I have been looking at outback and all those other solar system companies. Never new generac made solar too. Keep doing about the system etc Cause I don’t know crap lol .
Hey Don, thanks for the video. Have you had experience during a power outage with the system yet? Just wondering about charge time/keeping the home running during an outage.
You are absolutely correct, I have not been able to find any other reviews from ACTUALL customers of this system. So Thank you. I am currently evaluating both the Tesla and Generac systems and looking to get one of them installed within the next month or so. As a matter of fact, I have received a quote from Generac already and it came in at $34,160 before ITC which I thought was reasonable and more so now that I know what your system cost as mine would have 15 panels to your 14 panels. To supply 7,252 kWh Annually. I don't think you mentioned the state you are in but I am in Florida and although we do have cloudy days, we never have "winter" which would effect the performance as well. Finally, I know you have only had your system for about 6 months at this point, I would be interested in learning about any MAINTENANCE this system requires as compared to an actual gas powered generator. Thanks again. Will look forward to more of your videos.
Thank you for the video. If you are using a smartphone and tripod to video, invest in a Bluetooth phone remote. It will control both iOS and Android. Will save time on editing later. I use one for photos and videos. Just click to start or stop. 2 might cost $8. Good luck. Looking forward to future videos.
Thanks for the video. Good job. We have the same system and cost us the same. I have had trouble with the generac app on my phone so i deleted it. I use the web info but dont know what all i am looking at. maybe you could do a video on what the details and breaking down the info step by step so we know what we are looking at. An overview of what each item is and means would be great.
Wow you should be hired as an advisor or something for indorse this product and explaining so very well how it works and pros and cons honestly. They should have you in a commercial getting paid. Thank you so very much for all the great I information god bless
Good first video! Lots of good info. Keep up the good work. More experience leads to better videography, audio and editing. Makes family videos even better.
Don question. Thinking about a whole house generator until I watched your video. Can the power system you have actually replace the generator when power is out? We have a recent power outage that was three days. Thanks and good job for your first video.
Yes, that's one of the main purposes of the battery, provided it's wired and controllable to do so (I don't have this system, but I know that's one of the big points: instant silent backup power without a gas generator). How long it lasts depends on size of battery(s) and your energy demands.
Just went through Hurricane Laura. Now researching solar options. Found your video informative and well done. Thank you. Would like more information on cloudy days...will it run A/C, refrigerator...speaking about no public power available...using generator only. Currently running 6.6 kw generator...with extension cords to window A/C. How would Generac system compare over 7 day period?
THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!! the price is awesome as well. I'm wondering if they have a quick disconnect to remove the solar panels off the roof in case of a hurricane ? I know insurance ect but that not going to work when i need them asap after a storm
There's alot of "what if" variables involved. Depends on... 1. How much snow. 2. How cold it really is. 3. How much sun gets through and when. 4. Location altitude. Black absorbs heat, example an asphalt driveway vs a concrete driveway gets warmer faster. Panels also produce some heat from being used/processing sum to energy. In 25 degree temperatures (6 degrees below the freezing point), but full sun, my asphalt driveway will melt three inches of snow in 8 hours. If I shovel lines (narrow walk ways- roughly 12 inches wide every four feet) in my driveway so the black asphalt is exposed, it warms up quicker, and the same amount melts away in five hours. So an additional variable is if you can get just a part of a panel exposed, it will absorb heat faster, therefore melt any accumulated snow faster in the sun. I don't believe there is an exact, single, answer to your question. But I tried.
nah man, good first vid. One question, does it have to be connected to the internet to work? That is a downfall to tesla. I didnt' even know these existed before today. I would still prolly go with tesla (can have up to 10 batteries hooked up? or did they change it to 6?)... but since i have not yet, i just likely wont. Been looking at doing a Solark 12k with some DIY battery (either lead acid or lifepo4) Again, good vid. Gonna see your others now. very curious.
Thank you for sharing. I am doing research on the Generac generator vs. backup battery. I live in an area with limited sunlight in winter months. This year has been a particularly snowy season. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Excellent presentation. I am particularly interested in the larger battery storage and I think I understood you to say you did not get this unit.
Great review of your product and install. I'm getting the same set up here in July with 16 panels (330 silfab) system size 5.28kw with the Generac cabinet and (3) 3.0 kwh battery cells. I received a military discount and a co. promotion of a year's worth of monthly payments and an energy efficiency package (smart thermostat, blown insulation, hot water thermal blanket and bunch of other small energy things like aerators and led bulbs) as well as the 25 year co. warranty. This all includes install, permits, education and "maintenance". My price is sitting above yours by around 12K. The for my home is to not use the grid. They tell me that I won't have a need to draw from the grid between my panels and the back up battery I would have more than enough. I have trouble believing this. Yet again I'm new to solar energy use. Does your system have the capacity to solely run independent of your grid? Are there certain times you harvest less than your house needs to run and then have to turn to your electric co. grid? Sorry for the long message. I'm supper excited and supper nervous all at the same time! Once again job well done on your video!
well done, please keep giving us info on how the unit is working in terms of savings on your energy costs as well as any challenges you run into that the rest of us should know about.
Don, thanks for the video. Are you using this to reduce your monthly electric bill or only as a backup power source for power outages? If using to reduce your electric bill, can you tell me about your experience with monthly electric savings?
Hi! I would recommend you watch my video on Component costs. I bought the system to reduce my monthly electric bill and for backup power. My average monthly saving for electricity is about $30.00. The days are much shorter now (Jan), so will see a reduction in sun up time.
@@beachlover9108 So let's do the math, $30000/$30 per month = 1000 months. 1000 months/12 months per year = 83 years to get a payout. Hmmmm, Are you planning to live two life times? Oh, I thought solar panels have roughly a 20 year life expectency. How long do the batteries last?
Wow, 30K... as far as bring able to run your home 100% batteries during a power failure, how long can you go. Can you run your entire home AC and other appliances off your battery array?
That seems like a pretty good deal - I have 10 similar panels (320w Hanwha Q-Peak duo-G5), total 3.2kW solar with 5KWDC battery and 7.6kW inverter, I paid $40k (near Charlotte, NC summer of 2020).
Excellent, Excellent, Excellent, thank you for posting. You helped us make a decision on generator vs solar. We will be going solar thanks to your video. Please keep posting my friend, Thx
Thanks. Great details. First ever quote was $70k in MO. Will not walk away from solar yet thanks to your info but will know when to walk away from installer!
Hey, great video.. just wanted to reach out and ask what state are you in and what company did you go thru because I was quoted a price over double of what you said in the video and I’m in GA. Thanks
Joe Q Public reviews are best, you seem like the type to gather as much information as you can before you pulled the trigger and maybe your some kind of engineer? I’ll agree with the practicality of having power if the grid goes down, I’d like to think during non emergency situations one could run the electric thats on all day while your not home would save money? over the years. 30K is a lot of money and for me feeling good by going green wouldn’t cut it but your honest, contrasted two systems and took the time to make the video, thanks.
I am very interested in investing in this PWRcell solar system but have no knowledge of the technology. This video was very helpful. My question is does this take you off the grid and does this system serve as a power backup in the event of prolonged power outage.
I have almost this exact system on the coast of Maine. Longest outage I have experienced so far was 36 hours. Batteries ran all my lights, internet, TV and gas furnace/hot water system. If the panels are not covered in snow, the system will recharge every day and would have kept me going indefinitely. I don't have any heavy loads attached. No clothes dryer, no oven. we cook with a gas range top so we are good to go.
Are you pushing out to the grid? If the grid power goes out, does your system shut down? Or are you isolated and if the grid is down, you are still up? Great video. Thanks.
I have this same system with 32 panels. The excess that my home doesn't use is sent back to the grid/power company. Yes, in the event the grid goes down, I will still have power and will run off the backup batteries at night. The panels not only power my home but recharge the battery packs during the day
Well done video. However, it would take me 16 years to break even on the original purchase price, not counting equipment maintenance and the battery replacement cost. Thank you for saving me a lot of money.
For me personally, it would be ALL about economics. A full solar PV system with battery backup seems to cost way too much. And most people tend to think they'll become fully independent of their electricity provider. It takes ever more money to do that. It reminds me of the wife who told her husband how good of a shopper she was. "Honey, today I saved $100 shopping...I only had to spend $1,000 to do it!".
It’s more about virtue signaling than economics. How do you dispose of the batteries when their life expectancy is reached? Same with the panels. They are not easily recyclable and difficult to dispose of. There are millions of spent panels leaching toxic waste into the ground of under developed countries which is where they are sent after removal because we don’t want them. There’s plenty of information to sort through on the subject.
I want to know how much you save a month on your electric bill? Does it run your house durning peak electric cost? Or is it only for power outages? Main question, will this system eventually pay for itself? Thanks
You said it only provides around 6kw and cost around $30k? I was looking at the web site today and they show they can provide 18kw and more, but doesn't mention the price. That sounds way to expensive to me, since I just want a power backup source in case the grid goes down due to storms. Thanks for this video. You did an excellent job!
Just had my system installed 3 weeks ago and after 5 days has been nothing but trouble. If Tesla was available in my area I should have probably gone with that product. Generac's customer support has been poor at best. It takes a long time to get a live body on the phone and when you do all they can do is read out of the manual, promise to check with a more senior technician and promise to call back which to date they have not done once. Generac might eventually sort all of this out but I would counsel to wait a couple of more years for them to work out the bugs.
Very interested in your PowerCell system: Does your system power the entire house? Or critical loads only? Stand alone system or an Integrated System with grid tie? Thanks for any details.
Great video. I love your work, and I appreciate it. Please keep it up. Question: Can you run your Central Home AC? If you can, what are your AC specs, and how long can you run it for?
Hi Thank you for this video if you have some time can you please let me know how you integrated your SunPower system to the Generac PWRCell. Also what SunPower panels do you have on your home? Thanks
Hello. Your videos are very informative. I'm waiting for my system to be installed. The problem we have run in to is; I do not have a 6ft tall area to stand the battery up. Can the battery box be positioned horizontally?
Will your 3 run everything in your home in a grid down situation? Very good tutorial, thank you! It doesn’t make sense that they are taking away the incentive when the “goal” is green energy.
We just got our generac install this weekend. I feel we are being charged way too much, but I guessnits supply and demand...costing us double what you say your cost was, unfortunately. We're in NE Indiana. My sister in California got the tesla, thinks she got a bargain. I found your video, as I'm looking for how to use the stored solar once its in the batteries. Do I have to wait until the power company does their changes first? Watching it pull from grid constantly is driving me bonkers. On the app, thats all I can do, Watch it flow. Reply to me in a manner that see your response sooner. I did save and subscribe, going to share this video with hubby tomorrow. Thank you
Thanks for subscribing! OK! First off, the Generac PWRCell app only lets you monitor the system. You can change nothing on your system from the app. You can change the mode of your system from the PWRCell Inverter front panel. I run mine in "Clean backup" Mode. You can't do anything with your system until the power company installs the new meter. Take a look at the Inverter manual (you should have gotten it from the installers). It tells you how to change the operational mode from the inverter. Hope this helps. Telsa app does allow you to change the mode from the app.
How does this system effect "home owners insurance "? You mentioned popularity in California. I'm sure some homeowners lost everything in the fires and it makes me wonder if their systems were covered and did rates go up as a result of having installed a system like this.
I have a question for you or any reader with a similar deal. I recently had a well-reviewed and professional contractor install 21 Cell panels ( engineered in Germany and assembled in USA), 6 Generac backup batteries, Generac inverter, etc. designed to provide about 7900 KWH per year according to all their weather data from this area, calculations based on my almost direct southern roof exposure, etc. AFTER giving the expected $16400 tax rebate and $13,200 Eversource ( our NH electric utility ) rebates back to the solar company, my monthly cost is $200 for 25 years. My electric bills have averaged about $110/month so that’s about $90-100 extra per month to have this system. My home is a high end lake house and the market value is high, so I figured if I sell the property that $200/month would not be a big deal to a buyer who is relatively immune to /protected from power outages. With uncertainty of world events, energy, electric grids, and so forth my main reason for buying this system was more to make sure my well pump, heat, AC, and refrigerators and chest freezer would be protected from power outages. I know now that I should have gotten a cash price rather than fall for the 1.9% financing ( low interest but a bloated price ), but that’s my own fault for not investigating it further. So far the Generac system is generating a lot more power than I’m using but it’s peak season now : a sunny July. It will take a year before I can really tally up the score and know if I did the right thing. Do my numbers make sense to any other customers out there who have purchased Generac systems with battery backup ?
Great video! Just a side note if you add batteries make sure to call generac and have them drain the cabinet to the voltage level of the battery you're putting in
We live on the west coast of Florida my husband is very ill. We are in a 55+ development. I am trying to decide about a Generac back up generator using this system or one with a propane tank? Our utilities are below ground, but still I fear a hurricane knocking out electricity especially AC & he could never manage without it. Going to a shelter, or out of town would not work. I really prefer solar/ battery but would it work if power out say 1-2 weeks or just short term? Jeanne, retired RN
Dude you did great you gave clear and simple answers to the most asked questions on a solar system keep them coming
@Gavin Naputi You guys are super gay bots
@@rd355 He's not a bot... He's had an account since 2007 with uploads and subscriptions.
@@ursaltydog (whispers): *maybe he’s the bot…”
@@ILLCHIMPY could be... LOL
That was great, I wanted to hear some straight answers from a user of this system & that's exactly what you provided. Thank you sir.
Thank you for taking the time to make this video! Like you, I have been looking for a Generac power cell video! I wanted to see the actual set up and how much wall space was going to be needed. Thank you for disclosing the cost.. great job on the video!
In fairness to you sir, for this being your FIRST vlog...12k views is NOT bad; on the contrary, it's quite a performance actually! Great job! Even i can appreciate after watching this, and i'm not one easy to sell
Thank you so much for this video. The company itself has a lot of information, but no personal information that I've found so far. I just heard about Generac this morning from a relative. We are due to have our solar panels installed next month and I wanted to investigate storage for it. I really appreciate the information you've given here and look forward to more videos from you. Of course, like everyone else, would love a ballpark figure for the unit, but understand it varies depending on your solar panels and needs.
How do you like your solar panels?
I've been interested in having a similar system installed for several years now. Every time you contact a company for information, they want to come out so they can do the "hard" sell and I find that counter-productive. You answered most, if not all the questions that have been at the forefront of my decision and I thank you for being so thorough and helpful. If this is any indication of future videos, your going to do great! Thanks for all the help!
My problem has been contacting a place to come out and install give me like the low down and install, And they try to sell me a finance plan . When I say when I say I want to pay cash they don't seem to know what to do with that
@@stevenkivel1665 lol
My experience exactly, buyer beware there are companies out there preying on the uninformed!
Excellent Video sir! Thank you so much for taking the time to do this video to tell us about the Generac brand. I am researching solar and was looking for honest opinions from owners, not sales people or affiliates. Keep them coming! I am looking forward to seeing more!
Hi Don, great first video! You helped me think about Generac solar as a product thank you.
Thank you for the video. I just had my system installed last week and the power company inspected today. You talked about the PV link string optimizer. They are capable of connecting up to six panels per PV link. I've got six panels on each of two PV links and five panels on the third.
One comment I would like to share about my install is for people to test their internet connectivity early to where the Generac system is being installed to prevent delays. The installers tried three different Range Extenders on three separate visits to connect to connect the Generac to my wireless network and none of them worked. The house I own was build in three sections with two of them upgrades to the first and my have more obstructions.
Since I'm a network engineer I just ran a temporary CAT5E line out to the garage and plan on putting it in the wall for my next project. Wireless is convenient, but I prefer a hard line instead.
PV Link input is limited by open circuit voltage (Voc) Max 420VDC. In most environments, depending on PV module you could connect up to 10 Panasonic 330W modules or 8 400+W 72 Cell modules.
My installer didn’t even bother with connecting to wifi, they just ran Cat5 under the house and up into my office where my router is. ;)
Sorry....what is PV Link?
Thanks for the video. However, some very important information that is needed for your 30k investment. How many square feet is your home, what was your electric bill before solar, compared to your bill now, and what region of the country do you live ( it makes a big difference where you live based on the mean temperature of your area)?
Thank you, this helped me understand some of the costs that were not explained to me during the sale pitch.
You did a great job anticipating my questions AND answering them! I like that you were also motivated by the "intangibles"....me too.
I’ll echo what others have said - well done. Gave me exactly what I was looking for. Thx!
Can you do a video on simulating a power outage to see how long your back-up will last, using your normal daily consumption?
SO many questions like yours NEVER addressed!!!!!
It will only be several at max.
@@antifatbastard The thing is the creator owns you and I nothing. He just made a review video. It was nice of him.
We have the same system but with 18kw storage. We can power our whole house, including a 5 ton geothermal system, for about 5-6 hours. If we turn off the AC it lasts 17 hours or so.
@@adammichelini1 May I ask what yall paid for 18kw worth of battery storage? o.O #sellingakidney ? lol
I love this video! I had the same thought - there are very few vids talking about the generac offering of battery backups. Thanks for filling the need!
Nice job-informative and to the point-Thank You
Great job. The wife and I are going going to build our retirement home in a few years and I am researching solar / backup energy options. This was really informative. Thank you
Retirement home? Not with Biden as president..lol. More like a nursing home.
@@bc_usa no matter what the wife and I will find a way.
I really appreciate your video. I am seriously considering this exact system. My wife got a second opinion and a quote for a grid tied system and the cheaper cost turned her to think grid tied with a backup propane generator is more cost effective. (Apple vs Oranges, I know) The GridTie Installers are still claiming that batteries are ‘no good’. What are your feelings about this comparison?
I don't have a PWRcell system but as an EE I do have my propane generator. Your decistion depends on the power load (all your appliances) and how to use the system. For continous power savings, and quiet operation, go for the battery storage (for night usage). For power outages, it may not be engough so a generator will help produe power if the solar energy isn't enough during the outage, especially if the sky is cloudy or during a hurricane. I survived two months with my generator after Hurricane Maria in September 2017. A PWRcell system could had helped after the storm passed.
The generator is more cost effective for back up power. It’s not even close. But the battery is more versatile. On a decent day we can run a large house on just the batteries and a 7.2 kw system for about 12 hours and still have lots of juice left.
@@raymondramirez9177 How loud is the generator when running?
Say bud, this came across like you've been doing it for years! Great job!
Great first video! And very helpful. I just found out about Generac’s battery a few hours ago and I’m excited about it. I hope it puts more pressure on other solar/battery providers like Tesla and Enphase to start integrating backup generators also. I’ve had a grid only Powerwall for several months now and have been very pleased how it radically reduced my use of peak power rates while giving several hours of emergency backup when needed. Tesla currently limits you to charging Powerwall from either PV or grid in the U.S. so I’m looking for emergency generator options in case of longer outages.
It's actually not Tesla's call, it's your utility company's interconnection agreement, and also part of the ITC requirement: your battery has to charge from your solar, unless in the event of storm watch.
Enphase is already working on integrating the generator
Great video, very in formative, looking forward to future videos
FYI, the Generac PWRCell system is the Pike Energy REBus system. Pika (the company) was purchased by Generac and re-branded. You can find some videos of older Pika installations, although they were still a fairly new startup when they were bought.
You did great! Answered a lot of my questions
We spent about that much in 2009 and didn't get backup for grid outages. People told us it took too long to get a return on investment. Ten years +/-. I plan to add battery backup at some point with a SMA Sunny Island and as much battery as I can reasonably afford. Enjoyed the video.
Hi! You did an AMAZING job on your first video! Thank you so much for the information AND the cost you paid. Guess what? I have a dealer here in Louisiana that wants us to pay $67,000 (and that's WITH a military discount) for a 15 panel/battery backup solar installation. (that supposedly includes permits, actual installation, etc.) but to hear what YOU paid really now makes me think we DEFINETELY have to "shop around." Also, I love how your battery looks and the fact you can ADD your own batteries is really user-friendly! Because of you doing this, Generac is now in the running, and I am waiting on a call back to get someone out to go over what our cost would be! So happy that you did this again and keep the vids coming! :)
Please remember I did that video 3 years ago, so prices have changed. I do think you should "shop around", but I still like Generac. Solar panel prices are cheaper now also.
I'm glad they have gone down in price. Once they come out to assess then I will know what the real deal price wise is BUT that other company right out of the gate saying pretty much over $65,000 is a tad costly I think and Generac sounds like they will still be cheaper even 3 yrs later! Thanks again!
I decided to set a budget and then what could I get with it. I also wanted to start with a smaller array and batteries, to see what I actually got in terms of performance over time. One reason I picked Generac was the ability to easily add more batteries or panels to the system.
I’m thinking about solar with a backup generator /propane.
For a full off grid homestead.
Need enough to power about 2 or 3 houses.
I have been looking at outback and all those other solar system companies.
Never new generac made solar too.
Keep doing about the system etc
Cause I don’t know crap lol .
Hey Don, thanks for the video. Have you had experience during a power outage with the system yet? Just wondering about charge time/keeping the home running during an outage.
Very informative, great job for your first public appearance. You explained what I was interested in.
ruclips.net/video/946072_MzUY/видео.html is Generac’s description of the PowerCell battery.
You are absolutely correct, I have not been able to find any other reviews from ACTUALL customers of this system. So Thank you. I am currently evaluating both the Tesla and Generac systems and looking to get one of them installed within the next month or so. As a matter of fact, I have received a quote from Generac already and it came in at $34,160 before ITC which I thought was reasonable and more so now that I know what your system cost as mine would have 15 panels to your 14 panels. To supply 7,252 kWh Annually. I don't think you mentioned the state you are in but I am in Florida and although we do have cloudy days, we never have "winter" which would effect the performance as well. Finally, I know you have only had your system for about 6 months at this point, I would be interested in learning about any MAINTENANCE this system requires as compared to an actual gas powered generator. Thanks again. Will look forward to more of your videos.
It's all about the ''green" that does not leave my pocket... that's the feel good part!!
Great job on your videos! Very informative and pleasant/interesting to watch. Thanks for taking the time!
Good job on your first video. I am seriously considering the GENERAC system.
Thank you for the video. If you are using a smartphone and tripod to video, invest in a Bluetooth phone remote. It will control both iOS and Android. Will save time on editing later. I use one for photos and videos. Just click to start or stop. 2 might cost $8. Good luck. Looking forward to future videos.
Thanks Don. Your video was informative. Stop apologizing for it being your first video. Once is enough. :)
Thank you. We just purchased a house with solar and I am looking to add a battery back up. Thank you for the review.
Looking forward to future videos.....thank the time was well spent👍🏼
Thanks for the video. Good job. We have the same system and cost us the same. I have had trouble with the generac app on my phone so i deleted it. I use the web info but dont know what all i am looking at. maybe you could do a video on what the details and breaking down the info step by step so we know what we are looking at. An overview of what each item is and means would be great.
I really appreciate you making this video. Thank you, sir!
Great first video 👍 good info!
Wow you should be hired as an advisor or something for indorse this product and explaining so very well how it works and pros and cons honestly. They should have you in a commercial getting paid. Thank you so very much for all the great I information god bless
Good first video! Lots of good info. Keep up the good work. More experience leads to better videography, audio and editing. Makes family videos even better.
Excellent job thank you for the info. Will watch more of your videos on this system. Good info
Great job. I DO want to learn more about it, so- PLEASE keep going! Thanks for not rambling on and on... GREAT 1st Video, BTW!!!
Don question. Thinking about a whole house generator until I watched your video. Can the power system you have actually replace the generator when power is out? We have a recent power outage that was three days. Thanks and good job for your first video.
Yes, that's one of the main purposes of the battery, provided it's wired and controllable to do so (I don't have this system, but I know that's one of the big points: instant silent backup power without a gas generator). How long it lasts depends on size of battery(s) and your energy demands.
Hey man, great first video. Great video in genreal. Keep em coming!
Great job, Don! Good, solid information in a no frills video. Perfect!
Just went through Hurricane Laura. Now researching solar options. Found your video informative and well done. Thank you. Would like more information on cloudy days...will it run A/C, refrigerator...speaking about no public power available...using generator only. Currently running 6.6 kw generator...with extension cords to window A/C. How would Generac system compare over 7 day period?
THANK YOU !!!!!!!!!!!!!! the price is awesome as well. I'm wondering if they have a quick disconnect to remove the solar panels off the roof in case of a hurricane ? I know insurance ect but that not going to work when i need them asap after a storm
What happens when it snows? Do the. Panels just naturally melt away the snow ❄️? How much difference have you seen in your electric bills?
There's alot of "what if" variables involved.
Depends on...
1. How much snow.
2. How cold it really is.
3. How much sun gets through and when.
4. Location altitude.
Black absorbs heat, example an asphalt driveway vs a concrete driveway gets warmer faster.
Panels also produce some heat from being used/processing sum to energy.
In 25 degree temperatures (6 degrees below the freezing point), but full sun, my asphalt driveway will melt three inches of snow in 8 hours.
If I shovel lines (narrow walk ways- roughly 12 inches wide every four feet) in my driveway so the black asphalt is exposed, it warms up quicker, and the same amount melts away in five hours.
So an additional variable is if you can get just a part of a panel exposed, it will absorb heat faster, therefore melt any accumulated snow faster in the sun.
I don't believe there is an exact, single, answer to your question.
But I tried.
Thank you sir for your video. It answered some of my questions. I'll watch the rest of the videos when I get time.
nah man, good first vid. One question, does it have to be connected to the internet to work? That is a downfall to tesla. I didnt' even know these existed before today. I would still prolly go with tesla (can have up to 10 batteries hooked up? or did they change it to 6?)... but since i have not yet, i just likely wont. Been looking at doing a Solark 12k with some DIY battery (either lead acid or lifepo4)
Again, good vid. Gonna see your others now. very curious.
Still a great + informative video in 2022! Thank you!
Thank you for sharing. I am doing research on the Generac generator vs. backup battery. I live in an area with limited sunlight in winter months. This year has been a particularly snowy season. I look forward to watching more of your videos. Excellent presentation. I am particularly interested in the larger battery storage and I think I understood you to say you did not get this unit.
How do you like your solar panels?
Great review of your product and install. I'm getting the same set up here in July with 16 panels (330 silfab) system size 5.28kw with the Generac cabinet and (3) 3.0 kwh battery cells. I received a military discount and a co. promotion of a year's worth of monthly payments and an energy efficiency package (smart thermostat, blown insulation, hot water thermal blanket and bunch of other small energy things like aerators and led bulbs) as well as the 25 year co. warranty. This all includes install, permits, education and "maintenance". My price is sitting above yours by around 12K. The for my home is to not use the grid. They tell me that I won't have a need to draw from the grid between my panels and the back up battery I would have more than enough. I have trouble believing this. Yet again I'm new to solar energy use. Does your system have the capacity to solely run independent of your grid? Are there certain times you harvest less than your house needs to run and then have to turn to your electric co. grid? Sorry for the long message. I'm supper excited and supper nervous all at the same time! Once again job well done on your video!
How do you like your solar panels?
For your first video, this was fantastic! Very helpful. Maybe the best video I've found.
well done, please keep giving us info on how the unit is working in terms of savings on your energy costs as well as any challenges you run into that the rest of us should know about.
Fantastic !! Very well done. Cheers from your neighbour here in Canada
You did an amazing job for your first RUclips video 👍🏽👍🏽
Don, thanks for the video. Are you using this to reduce your monthly electric bill or only as a backup power source for power outages? If using to reduce your electric bill, can you tell me about your experience with monthly electric savings?
Hi! I would recommend you watch my video on Component costs. I bought the system to reduce my monthly electric bill and for backup power. My average monthly saving for electricity is about $30.00. The days are much shorter now (Jan), so will see a reduction in sun up time.
@@beachlover9108 So let's do the math, $30000/$30 per month = 1000 months. 1000 months/12 months per year = 83 years to get a payout. Hmmmm, Are you planning to live two life times? Oh, I thought solar panels have roughly a 20 year life expectency. How long do the batteries last?
Good job on your first video, I am leaning towards Pwrcell and a having an opinion from a real owner is helpful
Great video , would like to learn more about who did the install . Thanks
Wow, 30K... as far as bring able to run your home 100% batteries during a power failure, how long can you go. Can you run your entire home AC and other appliances off your battery array?
That seems like a pretty good deal - I have 10 similar panels (320w Hanwha Q-Peak duo-G5), total 3.2kW solar with 5KWDC battery and 7.6kW inverter, I paid $40k (near Charlotte, NC summer of 2020).
Excellent, Excellent, Excellent, thank you for posting. You helped us make a decision on generator vs solar. We will be going solar thanks to your video. Please keep posting my friend, Thx
Thanks. Great details. First ever quote was $70k in MO. Will not walk away from solar yet thanks to your info but will know when to walk away from installer!
Good video. I am glad you told how much it cost you. 👍
Thanks for the video. How many square ft is your home?
Thank YOU! Excellent information!
Thanks for taking the time post this.
Thanks for the info and love to hear more
Great video I live in Tampa FL, thank you .
Awesome thank you I’m thinking about getting this living in Las Vegas, Nevada Energy bill is pretty high.
Hey, great video.. just wanted to reach out and ask what state are you in and what company did you go thru because I was quoted a price over double of what you said in the video and I’m in GA. Thanks
Joe Q Public reviews are best, you seem like the type to gather as much information as you can before you pulled the trigger and maybe your some kind of engineer?
I’ll agree with the practicality of having power if the grid goes down, I’d like to think during non emergency situations one could run the electric thats on all day while your not home would save money? over the years. 30K is a lot of money and for me feeling good by going green wouldn’t cut it but your honest, contrasted two systems and took the time to make the video, thanks.
I am very interested in investing in this PWRcell solar system but have no knowledge of the technology. This video was very helpful. My question is does this take you off the grid and does this system serve as a power backup in the event of prolonged power outage.
The short answer is yes it can. Please watch this video I made. ruclips.net/video/SFvfb_dWtGs/видео.html
I have almost this exact system on the coast of Maine. Longest outage I have experienced so far was 36 hours. Batteries ran all my lights, internet, TV and gas furnace/hot water system. If the panels are not covered in snow, the system will recharge every day and would have kept me going indefinitely. I don't have any heavy loads attached. No clothes dryer, no oven. we cook with a gas range top so we are good to go.
Are you pushing out to the grid? If the grid power goes out, does your system shut down? Or are you isolated and if the grid is down, you are still up? Great video. Thanks.
I have this same system with 32 panels. The excess that my home doesn't use is sent back to the grid/power company. Yes, in the event the grid goes down, I will still have power and will run off the backup batteries at night. The panels not only power my home but recharge the battery packs during the day
First video was near perfect. Please make more on solar!!
14 panels, expandable and dependable for 30k…. Loved the video simple and strait forward
Yeah,let's say, power outage, does it run, AC , Refrigerator,lights freezer. Approximately how long? Good job on video by the way.
What is the cost of the Generac battery backup? I already have solar. FYI: Your video was great. Thank you.
Very interesting! Thanks for making and posting this video.
Great video. How much power for 6k sqft house? Do you cover solar panels?
Well done video. However, it would take me 16 years to break even on the original purchase price, not counting equipment maintenance and the battery replacement cost. Thank you for saving me a lot of money.
For me personally, it would be ALL about economics. A full solar PV system with battery backup seems to cost way too much. And most people tend to think they'll become fully independent of their electricity provider. It takes ever more money to do that. It reminds me of the wife who told her husband how good of a shopper she was. "Honey, today I saved $100 shopping...I only had to spend $1,000 to do it!".
It’s more about virtue signaling than economics. How do you dispose of the batteries when their life expectancy is reached? Same with the panels. They are not easily recyclable and difficult to dispose of. There are millions of spent panels leaching toxic waste into the ground of under developed countries which is where they are sent after removal because we don’t want them. There’s plenty of information to sort through on the subject.
I want to know how much you save a month on your electric bill? Does it run your house durning peak electric cost? Or is it only for power outages? Main question, will this system eventually pay for itself? Thanks
You said it only provides around 6kw and cost around $30k? I was looking at the web site today and they show they can provide 18kw and more, but doesn't mention the price. That sounds way to expensive to me, since I just want a power backup source in case the grid goes down due to storms. Thanks for this video. You did an excellent job!
Good job. It's informative without any unnecessary content. Very useful 👍
Just had my system installed 3 weeks ago and after 5 days has been nothing but trouble. If Tesla was available in my area I should have probably gone with that product. Generac's customer support has been poor at best. It takes a long time to get a live body on the phone and when you do all they can do is read out of the manual, promise to check with a more senior technician and promise to call back which to date they have not done once. Generac might eventually sort all of this out but I would counsel to wait a couple of more years for them to work out the bugs.
Thanks for the info. How is the system now?
Thanks for the information. Very well made video without the BS.
Nice video! Looking forward to future videos from you.
Excellent video. Very clear and exactly what I was looking for considering there are t other real life reviews out there
Very interested in your PowerCell system: Does your system power the entire house? Or critical loads only? Stand alone system or an Integrated System with grid tie? Thanks for any details.
Please go watch my video on this question. It should help answer your questions. ruclips.net/video/SFvfb_dWtGs/видео.html
Great video. I love your work, and I appreciate it. Please keep it up. Question: Can you run your Central Home AC? If you can, what are your AC specs, and how long can you run it for?
No I can't run the AC on just solar and batteries. Starting current draw on AC is to high.
Hi Thank you for this video if you have some time can you please let me know how you integrated your SunPower system to the Generac PWRCell. Also what SunPower panels do you have on your home? Thanks
Hello. Your videos are very informative. I'm waiting for my system to be installed. The problem we have run in to is; I do not have a 6ft tall area to stand the battery up. Can the battery box be positioned horizontally?
Congrats on your first video. I wanted to ask you the cost of the generac system itself. Not including the solar panels.
Will your 3 run everything in your home in a grid down situation? Very good tutorial, thank you! It doesn’t make sense that they are taking away the incentive when the “goal” is green energy.
We just got our generac install this weekend. I feel we are being charged way too much, but I guessnits supply and demand...costing us double what you say your cost was, unfortunately. We're in NE Indiana. My sister in California got the tesla, thinks she got a bargain.
I found your video, as I'm looking for how to use the stored solar once its in the batteries. Do I have to wait until the power company does their changes first? Watching it pull from grid constantly is driving me bonkers. On the app, thats all I can do, Watch it flow. Reply to me in a manner that see your response sooner. I did save and subscribe, going to share this video with hubby tomorrow. Thank you
Thanks for subscribing! OK! First off, the Generac PWRCell app only lets you monitor the system. You can change nothing on your system from the app. You can change the mode of your system from the PWRCell Inverter front panel. I run mine in "Clean backup" Mode. You can't do anything with your system until the power company installs the new meter. Take a look at the Inverter manual (you should have gotten it from the installers). It tells you how to change the operational mode from the inverter. Hope this helps. Telsa app does allow you to change the mode from the app.
How does this system effect "home owners insurance "? You mentioned popularity in California. I'm sure some homeowners lost everything in the fires and it makes me wonder if their systems were covered and did rates go up as a result of having installed a system like this.
I have a question for you or any reader with a similar deal. I recently had a well-reviewed and professional contractor install 21 Cell panels ( engineered in Germany and assembled in USA), 6 Generac backup batteries, Generac inverter, etc. designed to provide about 7900 KWH per year according to all their weather data from this area, calculations based on my almost direct southern roof exposure, etc.
AFTER giving the expected $16400 tax rebate and $13,200 Eversource ( our NH electric utility ) rebates back to the solar company, my monthly cost is $200 for 25 years. My electric bills have averaged about $110/month so that’s about $90-100 extra per month to have this system. My home is a high end lake house and the market value is high, so I figured if I sell the property that $200/month would not be a big deal to a buyer who is relatively immune to /protected from power outages. With uncertainty of world events, energy, electric grids, and so forth my main reason for buying this system was more to make sure my well pump, heat, AC, and refrigerators and chest freezer would be protected from power outages.
I know now that I should have gotten a cash price rather than fall for the 1.9% financing ( low interest but a bloated price ), but that’s my own fault for not investigating it further.
So far the Generac system is generating a lot more power than I’m using but it’s peak season now : a sunny July. It will take a year before I can really tally up the score and know if I did the right thing.
Do my numbers make sense to any other customers out there who have purchased Generac systems with battery backup ?
Great video! Just a side note if you add batteries make sure to call generac and have them drain the cabinet to the voltage level of the battery you're putting in
We live on the west coast of Florida my husband is very ill. We are in a 55+ development. I am trying to decide about a Generac back up generator using this system or one with a propane tank?
Our utilities are below ground, but still I fear a hurricane knocking out electricity especially AC & he could never manage without it. Going to a shelter, or out of town would not work.
I really prefer solar/ battery but would it work if power out say 1-2 weeks or just short term? Jeanne, retired RN
Hi everyone! I will be making a video this week and hooking up a generator to the PWRCell System.
Great video and lots of information. Thanks so much! Keep up with the vids and I'll be watching.