Got my house pretty well up ;and running, with your help.. Today was informed, Electricity will soon be cut to 4 hrs a day.. so back up generator may be the answer.. Question is, how to tell what size genarator should I get.. Got a 150 Amp Svc, Elect stove, Washer, dryer, water htr, AC about 4 window units, and all the American Appliances we are used to.. Generator Size?? anyone know?

You will require a very large generator in order to continue to operate all the alliances at will. The best approach would be to determine a schedule... for example never cook and dry clothes at the same time. Next determine the nameplate kw of each appliance and total the kw ratings for those that you will operate at the same time. For your electric range you may not want operate the oven at the same time as surface units. Then consider what appliances have motors and add a about 5 times the kw rating of the largest motor to your load summay... extra capacity is required for starting motors.

Considering your location, have you thought about integrating solar electric into this system? I haven't read all of your posts, so maybe this has been brought up before. I think it's certainly something to consider... I've used a generator (6500 watt Onan) and now I'm adding a PV (solar) system. The sound of that generator gets a little irritating after a while, along with the need to refuel on a regular basis.

Solar is a damn good answer and a perfect solution, Thanks..

Hi Bob, I'll post some additional info later this afternoon regarding solar systems - and thanks for your reply.
"Solar: It's not just for electric gates anymore!"

OK... my thoughts on solar power may be a bit out of date... I will follow this post to see what develops. I did find mention of using solar power to supplement your energy needs. Hope someone will comment on the cost of such a system. Seems like it would be a large invetiment to power up a home.

Here are a few sites you might want to check out. I'm been to the California Real Goods / Solar Living place in Hopland, Calif. And they seem to really know their stuff. You can also type in: Solar Electric Systems for a Google search and that should bring back a large number of sites that offer information as well.

Real Goods Residential Solar Installation in California and Colorado

Solar Living Institute - Renewable Energy and Sustainable Living Education

Backwoods Solar Electric Systems

Solar Electric Systems

SITE VISIT

Hope this helps!

I live in a hurricane prone area. Current Project I am on, the owner wants to use
Central Air, 100 amp insta heat, water heater. etc... Everything, on generator. Problem is fuel and noise
It is an EMERGENCY, A small generator can handle a frige, ceiling fans and lights. They can all be hooked up, Turn each off when leaving room. Did a house before that. Giant Array of Solar Panels. Will even make the electric meter run Backwards. Personally it is not cost effective unless you can't live without the luxuries.
This works for long time, little fuel .I like a small generator, cool frige during day.
Turn off at night. Have 12 volt fans, lights, radio, to be used off battery. No noise
And you won't wake up dead from fumes.
Solar panel excellent way to keep Battery(s) charged.
As far as what size generator, What do you REALLY need. And how much money do yo you want to spend?