Have DTE + 2019 BOLT + SolarEdge solar panels what is best backup to support blackout

**Mike 134** · 09-16-2023, 07:32 AM

Do you have many blackouts and critical loads that would justify the HUGE expense of batteries?
If not a generator preferably propane so there is little maintenance.

**McRat** · 09-16-2023, 10:06 AM

AFAIK The Ford Lightning is the only EV that is sold preconfigured as a whole house backup system.
The KIA/Hyundai's, are to a lessor degree.

IIRC, the Bolt doesn't even have an actual Camp Mode with significant 120v power like the Rivian.

Read this thread to start. https://www.chevybolt.org/threads/ca...22/post-218850

But Mike is right, low cost whole house generators are the way to go. If you hook up the automatic transfer switch, the solar can augment the power and reduce fuel use.

**kraftwerk** · 09-16-2023, 10:54 AM

thanks Mike and McRat your posts are very helpful

))))))))))))))))))))))))

**Ampster** · 09-18-2023, 05:11 PM

Originally posted by McRat

......... If you hook up the automatic transfer switch, the solar can augment the power and reduce fuel use.

GT solar will stop working when the grid is down. I do not know of any generators that can be configured to fool the GT inverter so that it will produce energy when the grid is down. The concept is called AC coupling and it uses a hybrid inverter to satisfying the GT inverters tests in such a way that the GT inverter will fire up and modulate itself according to the loads which the hybrid inverter sees. The process is complicated and requires a certain capacity of batteries to act like the grid and buffer the GT output as the loads vary.

**J.P.M.** · 09-18-2023, 08:01 PM

As others have written, and a no brainer for a lot of reasons, get an ICE powered generator, preferably propane fueled, and if for emergencies only, size it for emergency loads, no A/C or other non-essential loads.
Better, cheaper faster and besides being more reliable and serviceable, a lot less hassle than batteries.

**bcroe** · 09-18-2023, 09:46 PM

Some time in the previous century, I came to the same conclusion as
the others above. I spent $400 on an electric start, gasoline fueled
gen set. Maintenance and ongoing costs are essentially zero, it has
only been used 4 times to take care of the fridge, furnace, and sump
pump. It always works, batteries and solar do not. Bruce Roe

**McRat** · 09-19-2023, 12:36 PM

Originally posted by Ampster

GT solar will stop working when the grid is down. I do not know of any generators that can be configured to fool the GT inverter so that it will produce energy when the grid is down. The concept is called AC coupling and it uses a hybrid inverter to satisfying the GT inverters tests in such a way that the GT inverter will fire up and modulate itself according to the loads which the hybrid inverter sees. The process is complicated and requires a certain capacity of batteries to act like the grid and buffer the GT output as the loads vary.

Good point. I have never tried it. I know my solar will shut down on a Voltage Too High and Anti-Islanding if the grid power is too flaky. Then it will restart, then spend 3 minutes analyzing the AC power grid before kicking on, rinse repeat indefinitely.

So for the original poster, kraftwerk, the solar might not augment the generator output.

**solardreamer** · 09-19-2023, 05:14 PM

Originally posted by McRat

So for the original poster, kraftwerk, the solar might not augment the generator output.

Worse than that. Depending on the excess solar power going to the generator, it can damage the generator.

**azdave** · 09-20-2023, 08:42 AM

Originally posted by bcroe

Some time in the previous century, I came to the same conclusion as
the others above. I spent $400 on an electric start, gasoline fueled
gen set. Maintenance and ongoing costs are essentially zero, it has
only been used 4 times to take care of the fridge, furnace, and sump
pump. It always works, batteries and solar do not. Bruce Roe

That generator is probably holding its value nicely too. Not so for used batteries and supporting equipment.

Have DTE + 2019 BOLT + SolarEdge solar panels what is best backup to support blackout

Have DTE + 2019 BOLT + SolarEdge solar panels what is best backup to support blackout

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