New England Solar Electric, Inc.

For those places where there is no solar exposure, or for those people who wish to first efficiently utilize their generator before they take the chance on PV, we can provide you with a generator/inverter/charger kit.

A generator/inverter/charger kit consists of a battery bank, and an inverter with an integral battery charger and automatic transfer switch. When the generator is on, the inverter senses it and connects all loads directly to the generator. The inverter also changes functions and operates backwards as a battery charger. When the generator is turned off, all loads are powered by the inverter using the stored electricity in the batteries. When the batteries are low the generator must be used to recharge the batteries. The obvious advantage to this system is that the generator runs less, making less noise, lasting longer, and using less fuel.

The following is an example of how one might use a Generator/Inverter/Charger. A large load such as a washing machine is used. Instead of powering this load by the inverter and using stored energy out of the batteries, the generator is turned on. When the generator is on, the inverter senses it, and after about 60 seconds, throws a transfer switch in the inverter. All loads from the inverter are now put straight through to the generator. Now the large load of the washing machine is powered by the generator. (The batteries are not being discharged.) The inverter changes its job and becomes a battery charger. Thus the generator is charging the batteries while it is running the washing machine.

At the end of the washing cycle, the generator is turned off. The inverter reverts back to normal and powers the loads of the house. For the rest of the day, small loads are powered from the inverter and the batteries. The next day the generator recharges the batteries while it runs a large load. Most people gradually add PV modules to further decrease the generator running time.

Another common use of the Inverter/Generator/Charger is to decrease the running time of a generator during construction of a remote home. The generator is run to power extended large tool loads, while it charges the batteries at the same time. For the rest of the time the small tools and intermittent use tools, such as a screw gun and a skill saw, are powered by the inverter. The generator is off. After the home is built, you move in and add additional batteries and PV modules.