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Solar Generator replacement for Kohler gas genny
- vineyardgray
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Re: Solar Generator replacement for Kohler gas genny
Curious on what your research over the winter yeilded?
1988 Carver
3867 Santego
PCYC
- vineyardgray
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Re: Solar Generator replacement for Kohler gas genny
1988 Carver
3867 Santego
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- DarylB
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Re: Solar Generator replacement for Kohler gas genny
My 7.3kW Kohler is dead and the control board replacement is coming in at $5k parts! I was planning to add solar in the spring for some quiet 120V power while on the hook. Now I too am looking at turfing the gas generator and just going to a battery pack to handle everything.
Any update on peoples progress on these projects?
2004 Carver 360 Mariner
Twin Volvo Penta 5.7L
Kohler 7_3E
- Midnightsun
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Re: Solar Generator replacement for Kohler gas genny
The only viable solution is a portable Honda 2000 and a good size battery bank combined with a good size solar array however the limitations of a Honda 2000 for charging is going to be around a max of 40a. Bottom line is an on board generator is not really replaceable by other non mechanical means.
- km1125
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Re: Solar Generator replacement for Kohler gas genny
DarylB wrote:Source of the post Hi all,
My 7.3kW Kohler is dead and the control board replacement is coming in at $5k parts! I was planning to add solar in the spring for some quiet 120V power while on the hook. Now I too am looking at turfing the gas generator and just going to a battery pack to handle everything.
Any update on peoples progress on these projects?
You really need to understand your needs if you're going to consider replacing the genset with a battery system. Yes, it CAN be done in some situations, but it all depends on how YOU are going to use the boat. How much HVAC do you really use when on the hook? Could you or would you be willing to use the mains to recharge the battery bank when necessary? That would probably entail adding a high-output alternator to one or both of the engines, but that would allow you to periodically recharge a sizable battery bank even if you have some other means (solar, etc) of adding capacity.
BTW, if you really decide to chuck the genset, there's another member on here who'd probably REALLY be interested in your carburetor and maybe some other parts!! (see this thread: viewtopic.php?p=57425#p57425)
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Re: Solar Generator replacement for Kohler gas genny
www.partsfortechs.com
I bought a new board for my 7.3 esz for $290. But that was about 6 years ago.
- GFB
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Re: Solar Generator replacement for Kohler gas genny
So I went with a DC-DC charger and solar panels, 200ah on battery capable of expanding up to about 800ah if need be. Works like a charm, though cannot run the AC as was the original intention.
In order to do that I would need to buy a new AC unit that is designed from the ground up to work off of the solar capabilities. See the O'Kelly's sailing channel on youtube and they detail this excellently. Thank you for all of your comments and help!
- Aflix
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Re: Solar Generator replacement for Kohler gas genny
I am about to embark on a similar process, I have a 1992 Carver 33, in ok condition. However, as things die, I am intending to go to new tech.
First thing I have done, I got a bluetti 200max... This has the capability of running EVERYTHING except heating/cooling for a good day at least. When I come back to shore, I just hook the bluetti up to shore power to charge, and as act as a bypasss and UPS!. However, I also know you can input almost 1000KW/H with solar, in addition you can also be hooked up to the battery charger to charge while under engine power (haven't tried the last two yet, as I am only 4 hrs between pedestals at the moment!
My first issue is that I wanted to connect the bluetti 30amp output, directly to the shore power input on the boat, so the bluetti is truly powering all the 110v on "shore 1" through the panel as if the boat is hooked to shore- I can't find any dog ear etc. connector that can do this off the shelf! Help! At the moment, I am powering the boat through loads of extension cords to the 15amp (4 of them) outlets, and by-passing the panel completely!
Found solutions to EXACTLY the same for RVs, but the connectors are different......?
thoughts?
- km1125
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Re: Solar Generator replacement for Kohler gas genny
Aflix wrote:Source of the post HI All,
I am about to embark on a similar process, I have a 1992 Carver 33, in ok condition. However, as things die, I am intending to go to new tech.
First thing I have done, I got a bluetti 200max... This has the capability of running EVERYTHING except heating/cooling for a good day at least. When I come back to shore, I just hook the bluetti up to shore power to charge, and as act as a bypasss and UPS!. However, I also know you can input almost 1000KW/H with solar, in addition you can also be hooked up to the battery charger to charge while under engine power (haven't tried the last two yet, as I am only 4 hrs between pedestals at the moment!
My first issue is that I wanted to connect the bluetti 30amp output, directly to the shore power input on the boat, so the bluetti is truly powering all the 110v on "shore 1" through the panel as if the boat is hooked to shore- I can't find any dog ear etc. connector that can do this off the shelf! Help! At the moment, I am powering the boat through loads of extension cords to the 15amp (4 of them) outlets, and by-passing the panel completely!
Found solutions to EXACTLY the same for RVs, but the connectors are different......?
thoughts?
You probably should post some pictures of the plugs or receptacles that you're referring to, so you can get some better responses, otherwise folks are just guessing.
You also want to make sure you know how the "bluetti" handles the neutral and ground connections. In a ''pass-through" mode on a boat, it should be isolating those two leads. When in 'self-generating' mode, it needs to connect them together. This is important for safety for all on or around the boat, as well as any of your metal though-hull devices.
- boh50
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Re: Solar Generator replacement for Kohler gas genny
Given your 600W solar array, you'll be in a good position to keep the Delta Pro charged, especially during those sunny days at sea. Just remember, solar charging efficiency can vary, so having your main engine alternators as a backup is a smart move.
On this site, you can find a lot of articles that will help you with your decision + guides on setups.
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