Most reacted threads

Wouldn't this be the best way to restore a "dead" battery? If such an acid exists, can someone make a recommendation on how I can buy some? Thanks!

As far as I know, I'm only supposed to keep an eye on the battery fluid level and add distilled water when needed. But after doing this over and over for years, doesn't there come a point when I should be adding more actual acid? It seems like the original acid solution that existed when I...

Propane powered generators are just as important in the overall system as solar panels. We need a sub-forum where we can discuss generator problems.

Our 12 volt battery bank has about 20 batteries, can't remember the exact number. Now that there is less daylight, I've been charging the bank using our propane generator. One night recently I turned off the generator when the battery voltage was 13.0 and went to bed. All major power...

I have a 12 volt system and can see the amount of volts and amps that the panels on our solar tracker are generating. Because it's a 12 volt system, I've always been calculating the watts by multiplying the amps by 12. But the thought occurred to me that maybe I should be multiplying the...

I was in our battery shed the other day while the wind turbine was spinning really fast. The LCD screen said the battery bank as was 12.8, but I could feel the heat being dumped into the resisters. Should it really be dumping at such a voltage? I was under the impression it wouldn't start...

We've had our off grid 12 volt system for over ten years. It consists of solar panels, wind turbine, and a homemade generator that uses a propane Honda engine hooked to a 200 AMP diesel truck alternator to charge the batteries. Recently we bought a 2nd propane generator to use as a backup, but...

We live off-grid and have been using this UPS for the office computer: https://www.cyberpowersystems.com/product/ups/pfc-sinewave/cp850pfclcd/ It gives us about 20 minutes to get outside and start the generator if the whole system turns off due to the battery bank voltage falling too low...

I saw some other posts on this forum talking about grounding mounted solar panels, but what about a small portable generator? Should that be grounded as well?

I've been told that solar has come down in price so much over the past 10 years that it makes more sense to just buy more panels instead of paying for a mounting post and sun tracker. Do you agree? But since we already have two solar trackers I might as well continue to use them. I just wish...

Has anyone ever used the EDTA product, sold by Trailhead Supply in Orem, UT, to successfully remove sulfate build up? If so, this forum would love to hear about your experience. Trailhead Supply, at least at one time, was reached using 801-226-6330 or 801-225-3931. Thank you.

Does an engine automatic shut off logic work based on how many amps the alternator is putting out? If not, then how does the circuitry know when to kill the engine?

I've been reading about the harmful effects of dirty electricity lately. Is this a problem only found in AC power or DC power as well?

I'll be watching TV and have a lamp or two on at night. Then I hear the fridge kick on, and the LED lights in the lamps will flicker. Is this due to a fridge on its last leg? Or the fridge drawing too much power from my 3,000 watt Outback Power inverter, or something else? Thanks!

I've read that you never want to start your generator with a load already plugged into the electrical outlets. However, then I came across Westinghouse's newest propane generator that has a remote start. How exactly do they expect people to start remotely, when there will be items already...

Just curious why engine oil, in a backup generator or vehicle for that matter, doesn't ever ignite since its a flammable substance.

I like the new EG4 that Will has reviewed on his YouTube channel recently. However, I don't think it supports inputs from wind generators. Does anyone know if there is a new hybrid inverter that will take power from both sources? Having both handled by one simple box mounted on the wall would...

We have solar panels that charge our batteries using an Outback charge controller. We also have a homemade 12 volt charger that consists of a Honda engine turning a 220 amp alternator. The power it produces is tied directly to the battery bank. After many years of neglect and ignorance, we...

Our power sometimes shuts down by 8PM in the dark winter months when solar panels aren't enough to keep the system charged. So whatever water in the pressure tank at the time is all that is available if I want a shower. Is there a manual switch I could install that will force the pressure tank...

Yesterday I checked our off grid battery bank and it had dropped quite low, under 11 volts. So I cranked up the generator. I came back 3 minutes later to see on the meter the voltage was already up to 12.3. Why does the voltage jump up so quickly when charging with a generator? Seriously....3...

Just curious if Will plans on reviewing these two new devices. I looked on his YouTub channel and did not see anything.

I have a 5,000 gallon water tank that feeds into the water main going to 3 homes. With that much water it's not necessary that the pump kicks on at night to top off the tank. What is a good method to ensure the pump does not come on after the sun has gone down? Thank you!

Has anyone had any experience using this particular charge controller for their wind turbine? C440-HVAD HVA Digital C440-440 A Amp/Volt Wind/Solar Battery Charge Controller http://www.colemanair.us/vp_asp/scripts/shopexd.asp?id=723 It came in a kit that was made by Missouri Wind & Solar and...

My Sportsman propane generator, which is a complete waste because it produces dirty electricity, requires the use of the choke to get started. The DuroMax generator I've seen online says to NEVER choke when using propane. Anyone have a good idea why the difference? Thanks!

I saw a YouTube video recently where a guy had a small degree finder device. He used it to adjust his solar panels at different times of the year. Where can I buy one? And what website is recommended to learn what degree I should be using based on where I live? Thanks!

I have a Speed Queen brand washer and dryer. I emailed the company asking how many watts their washer uses at peak times, like when the agitator begins to rotate for example. Here is their reply: "For motors, you cannot calculate wattage by simply multiplying volts x amperage because of the...

We just got another dual fuel generator and I was reading through the instructions. It said damage could result if you run it with no load. Can someone explain why this is the case? Thank you.