A Generator That Makes Sense for an Off-Grid Solar System

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• Introduction
• Inverter Generator
• Built-In 2-Wire Start
• Not Enough Power? Step Up to the BE10500iT
• Conclusion

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Introduction

I recently had a customer contact me because one leg of his generator had stopped producing power. He wanted to know how he could disconnect that one leg from his inverter so he could continue using the generator.

Shortly after that, he contacted me again and said that both hot legs were now no longer producing power, and the generator was smoking. Basically, he needed a new generator.

He told me he was going shopping for a new one the next day.

I mentioned that we also sell generators and that I had a brand I was pretty comfortable recommending. We had actually just installed one of these generators for another customer.

He was looking for something with at least 7,000 watts of output, and I told him about this one.

The BE7500ID is a 7,500-watt digital inverter generator with a few features that make it particularly interesting for off-grid solar systems.

It’s dual fuel, so it can run on either gasoline or propane, and it has a built-in 2-wire auto-start connection right from the factory.

That last feature is a big one when you're integrating a generator with an off-grid solar and battery system.

So, here is a little bit about this inverter generator and why I think it could be a good option for an off-grid application.

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Inverter Generator

Lets start with the fact that it is an inverter generator, basically, an inverter generator works a little differently than a traditional generator. A regular generator produces AC power directly from the engine, so the quality of the power can change as the engine speed changes. An inverter generator converts the power through electronics before producing the final AC output, giving you cleaner and more stable power. They’re also generally quieter, use less fuel because the engine can slow down when you don't need as much power, and are a better choice for sensitive electronics.

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Built-In 2-Wire Start

One of the features I really like about this generator is the built-in 2-wire start.

Many of the newer all-in-one inverter/chargers used in off-grid solar systems require a two-wire start connection to automatically start and stop a generator. With the BE7500ID, that capability is already built into the generator, so you don't need to purchase a separate device or conversion kit to make it work with your inverter.

It also comes with a long connection cable that plugs directly into the generator. From there, it can be connected to the inverter for automatic operation, or you can use the connection to manually start and stop the generator from inside your home, cabin or RV.

For an off-grid system, that's a pretty convenient feature. Your inverter can monitor the battery bank and start the generator when the batteries need charging, then shut it back down when the charging cycle is complete.

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Not Enough Power? Step Up to the BE10500iT

If you need more power than the smaller BE inverter generator can provide, BE Power Equipment has another option worth looking at: the 10,500 Watt Tri-Fuel Digital Inverter Generator BE10500iT.

It gives you the same basic advantages of the BE inverter generator, but with substantially more power. On gasoline, it delivers 10,500 watts of peak power and 8,500 watts of running power. It can also run on propane or natural gas, producing up to 8,000 running watts on propane and 6,800 watts on natural gas.

And just like the smaller model, you're not limited to gasoline. The BE10500iT is a true tri-fuel generator, giving you the flexibility to run on gasoline, propane or natural gas depending on what fuel is available.

For an off-grid home, cabin, RV or backup-power application, that flexibility can be a big advantage.

You also get 120/240-volt output, electric and recoil starting, Eco Mode, a sound-dampening enclosure, weather-protected outlets and clean inverter power for today's sensitive electronics.

So if the smaller generator doesn't give you enough power, the BE10500iT is the next step up without giving up the flexibility and inverter technology that make the smaller unit attractive in the first place.

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Conclusion

If you're looking for a new generator but don't want to spend a small fortune, these BE Power Equipment inverter generators are definitely worth considering.

They were built with features that make them an excellent fit for off-grid applications, including weather-resistant construction, 2-wire start capability, and dual-fuel or tri-fuel operation, depending on the model.

With the 7,500-watt model starting at just over $2,000 and the 10,500-watt model at just over $3,000, you're getting a lot of generator for your money.

And the best part? We can ship one to you in as little as a couple of days.

So, if you're shopping for a new generator for your home, cabin, RV or off-grid system, don't hesitate to give us a call. We'd be happy to help you choose the right generator for your needs.

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