Sagle, Idaho

[Rwbain]

Twin charge controllers, generator controller, automatic transfer switches, 55 amp battery charger, and inverter installed in electrical enclosure. Battery cables connect with 500 amp camlocks. Generator control cable connected with 7 pin twist lock cable/connectors etc. Set up takes less than a munute. Midnite Kid controls the inverter and  generator start/stop signal. Pretty much fully automated, just have to keep fuel in the tank.   Power transfer from battery/inverter to generator A/C is unnoticeable on load side.
Generator safeties include: over/under voltage, over/under Hz,  low oil level, over temp, and start failure. Generator controller also controls actuator that engages/disengages choke (propane fuel). 12V and inverter is 2kw continuous, 3kw for an hour and 4kw for 60 seconds. Sub panel with timer, start warning alarm and relays. Generator cable twist locks for power in/out.  All automated functions can also be performed manually.
This is currently in operation as my only power source off grid. I am adding PV panels and planning on installing a real battery bank.  Design and construction was all done in my Seattle apartment.

[Westbranch]

where, why , what purpose did you build this for?

[Rwbain]

It's installed in a small trailer outside my cabin in Idaho. Im off the grid completely and get power from solar and 7500w generator. I built it because i couldnt find this on the market...so out of necessity. So far it works flawlessly.

[Westbranch]

So you take it home each visit?

[Rwbain]

No, i live in the cabin full time. Im an EPG/Marine mechanic by trade (caterpillar).
This set up just seemed logical to me given my 20+ years of generator/ control systems installation & service exp. I was afraid if i simply screwed a bunch of components on a hunk of plywood the critters would take over. I have less than $3000.00 dollars invested in it.  The enclosure was the most expensive single component...used!

[dgd]

Why not install on a plywood wall inside the cabin? Keeps critters out and keeps any heat produced inside the cabin. So the trailer has the battery bank and genny? The PVs are on cabin roof or on ground mount frame?
Dgd

[Rwbain]

There was nothing on my property but a rough driveway and landing up top of a mountain side. I came here here with a camper on my 4x4 pick up and a trailer in tow. I built (with friends & family) a 192 sqft cabin in 6 days (exterior walls, roof, windows, doors, etc.).  Its been almost a year and im still installing t&g over studs inside! There's just not enough space in my "tiny house" for the equipment. I really didnt have a solid plan of where i was going to put anything up here. I needed to be able to adapt and possibly move everything - maybe several times! I was hoping to find a combined unit where i could set up and break down everything with the least amount of time/effort...sort of plug and play with cables that could be unrolled and just plugged in. I couldnt find anything out there that fit the bill ( and honestly if i could i wouldnt be able to afford it)! So i had to build it myself. In the industry i work in its standard to install electrcal components in dust proof, water resistant, explosion proof (rated), electrical enclosures..so i went with what I know. At the moment the batteries, genset, and this enclosure are in my trailer - about 50 feet away from the house. I built solar panel stands that are on casters and can be tilted/adjusted . They are about 15-20 feet from the trailer.

[dgd]

If you get the time then some photos of the mountainside with your cabin, trailer and PVs would be interesting to see.
dgd

[CDN-VT]

I agree , Pictures bring all of us to the same vision
VT

[ClassicCrazy]

There are advantages to having all the power stuff not inside a small house - mainly fan noise and relay clicking can be bothersome sometimes.
Nice job on your build. Looks solid .
Larry

[Rwbain]

Pictures coming soon. Im unable to send pics from the property right now. Don't expect fancy!!!- things got lower and lower  tech & extravagant as the money dwindled out! After what ive seen on here, i feel like im bringing a beat up '79 Pinto to a high end car show!

[Westbranch]

Not so look at some of the installs...  yours is like a Caddy or a Rolls   

[Rwbain]

..

[Rwbain]

..

[Rwbain]

.