Auto Start Generators For Solar Backup Power

Solar power is a great idea when the sun's shining. You can use your appliances safe in the knowledge that your solar panels are collecting power from the sun and converting it into electricity.

But what happens when the weather turns for weeks on end and the battery charge runs out? If you're off the grid, it's only a short step to a total blackout. Thankfully, someone already thought of that and invented a range of generators that can be customised to save the day.

The solution is a generator customised with a 2-wire auto start. The two-wire auto start generator is the best solution to automatically top up your off-grid solar system. This article focuses on the options around auto start generators suited to automatically backup off-grid solar sets ups.

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Here's How It Works:

Solar panels generate power all day, storing it in batteries, and then supply that stored power to your connected home. However, when the weather turns and the solar panels are no longer creating energy, your household starts using the power that's been stored in the battery, and the charge level gets lower and lower.

The two wire auto start controller is connected from a portable or standby generator to the inverter charger. This detects when the deep-cycle battery charge is low and hey presto - it automatically starts up the generator to charge up the battery pack. It then automatically stops once the battery charge levels are topped up.

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Why Choose A 2-wire Auto Start?

A generator with a two-wire auto start option means you get all the benefits of solar power with the peace of mind that there's backup generator power on demand. So if you get a prolonged period without decent sunlight to charge your solar set up, you'll never be without power as the backup generator will have you covered.

Important Note!

Just as when you're using a generator normally, the generator provides its own safety protection, such as shutoff for low oil level, overheating, and so on. But just because it starts automatically doesn't mean you should neglect maintenance of the generator. Be sure to do all the important checks on a regular basis: inspect the fuel line for cracks and replace it if necessary. Refill the tank with fresh fuel and run the generator, plugging in some appliances to check it's working properly. And if there are any problems, take it for repair so it's ready when you need it most. Each auto-start generator comes with a maintenance guide in the product manual.

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Types Of Generators With 2-wire Auto Start

An auto start generator can be complemented by adding a 2-wire auto start controller or some units have this built in already. This two wire controller is required for automatic solar backup generator applications. Another typical extra is an Automatic Mains Failure Panel (AMF) which is used when connecting an auto start generator directly to your house to provide mains backup power.

The AMF (also known as an Automatic Transfer Switch) is designed to be wired into your home or office's main switch board for direct power back up in the event of a blackout...the AMF is not relevant for those running an off-grid solar setup.

So just to be clear; for Solar set ups, you'll need a 2-wire auto start controller to go with your auto-start generator (either an additional accessory, or built in to the auto start generator). For direct automatic back up to mains power (not solar) you'll need an Automatic Mains Failure Panel (AMF) to go with your auto-start generator. In each case, installation of the generator and associated device is required to be undertaken by a qualified electrician. For backup generator options (both manual and automatic) to mains power (i.e. not off-grid solar sets), you can read this article HERE.

Generators with a 2-wire auto start capability suited to off-grid solar back up range in price from just over $2,000 up to around $10,000 depending on the functions and size you need. One manufacturer worth checking out is Pramac, which has a large selection of generators (size and type) designed to work with 2-wire auto start controllers. This brand is headquartered in Europe (Spain & Italy) and is renowned for its overall quality.

Other popular options include the Gentech 8 kVA Honda Powered Remote Start Generator; assembled in Australia and powered by Honda, priced just over $4,000. The Kubota Lowboy models are the choice for customers wanting Diesel; Kubota is one of the leading diesel engine manufacturers globally and their Lowboy Generators come fitted with Deep Sea Two Wire Auto Start Controllers ready for off-grid solar connection.

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Another auto-start generator brand is Generac; these are gas powered generators. And whilst they require additional installation certification from the outset to connect to mains gas, they are starting to gain significant interest in the market; they can be a more cost effective option compared to petrol and diesel and the units self-test automatically. Generac generators come with a standard built-in auto start controller and can be used to backup solar set ups.

There is a new generator brand on the market that also has a 2 wire auto start range: Maxwatt. Our most popular model is the budget friendly MaxWatt 9kVA Petrol Generator with Electric Start + 2 Wire Auto Start. With a two year warranty and large fuel tank, customers can spend just over $2,000 for a high powered, versatile backup generator.

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Summary

The most popular auto start generators for solar backup are the Pramac range, Maxwatt (affordable petrol range), Powerlite and Gentech (Honda powered, Australian Manufactures), Generac (Gas powered), and Kubota (best Diesel sets).

Pramac has the largest choice of auto start models and designs to suit both domestic or commercial solar backup power requirements. The Powerlite, Gentech and Maxwatt models are typically the most cost effective. The Generac Gas sets are excellent auto start generators, but they are not used as commonly for off-grid solar backup; they are more popular for mains power backup. The Kubota Lowboy models are especially popular for rural or bush properties where diesel machinery is preferred over petrol.

My Generator stocks sizes ranging from 5kVA up to 17kVA in the off-grid auto start range. Petrol and diesel options are available, using world class engines such as Honda, Yanmar, Kubota and Lombardini.

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Explore more backup generators for sale at MyGenerator.com.au


DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.


12 thoughts on Auto Start Generators For Solar Backup Power

says:
17 March 2024
How do you ensure that the battery on the generator for starting stays charged? Having a circuit live all the time for starting drains the battery on the generator.

My Generator Response
Hi Gary, it is always best practise to pull your generator out every 1-2 months and run it with a load on it. This keeps the generator healthy and also keeps charge up to the battery. You can also disconnect the battery if you wish and connect it back up when you are ready to use it again.

says:
2 August 2023
Hello, is there anything stopping me wiring a standard (non 2 wire) inverter generator into my power backup system? My house system based on OutBack VFX charger / inverter so it can start a generator. This is what I currently do and it works fine. Looking to replace noisy 15 year old Honda with a quiet inverter model. Thoughts please?

My Generator Response
Hi John, we will reach out to you via email to discuss your options

says:
15 December 2018
Hello, can you please advise if a genny with a 2 wire auto start can be programmed to come on? We have just had a situation where the genny which has just been installed started running, when no solar power was in use. (House empty and unoccupied at this point.) We are trying to work out why it came on.

My Generator Response
Hi JoZed, Most two wire auto start control panels are waiting for a signal from another device. They work on a open or closed circuit. Once the circuit has closed a signal is received by the generator and it will start. In the case of back up for off grid solar, the Inverter / Charger is generally programmed to send a signal to the generator to start up. The parameters in the Inverter /Charger can be changed to meet your needs. You may need to check on those settings. I hope this helps your situation. Feel free to contact me directly on 1300 400 122 for further questions regards Paul

says:
2 November 2018
I own a lombardini genset which is about a 8kw set up, the model for the diesel engine is type LDV 1003 s/n 1835969 - rpm 1800 K 6A37E1 , I need to be able to connect this with my outback inverter Radian 8000 which has the two wire remote. The problem is the genset does not have a remote start controller, what can I do to set this up, is there a certain type of auto start kit with harness I can buy All help would be appreciated

My Generator Response
Hi Gerry - typically generators that are used for your described application have that two wire auto start capability built in. However some users do get an electrician to retro fit a standard electric start generator to have that two wire auto start capability, so this could be an option for you. We don't usually recommend this with our gensets as this kind of fitting can sometimes void manufacturers warranty. That being said, it is something an electrician can do with many electric start units as I mentioned. Thanks

says:
22 August 2018
Hi, i have an off grid solar system with an auto start generator. My question is if the generator turns on because an appliance uses higher energy and battery isnt 100% full will the generator turn off only if it charged the battery up to 10% even tho its a sunny day? Also if the generator is in work on a sunny day (before generator turned on sun was supplying 5000-6000) what happens to the renewable energy? Is it still coming through the inverter or stops comletely while the generator is working? Thanks Dushy

My Generator Response
Hi Dushy, A usual installation is as follows. Solar panels are putting charge into batteries and keeping them at a high level of stored power. The inverter will convert the DC (Battery) power to AC power to be used for appliances. When the batteries get below a certain level of charge (Level set in the Inverter Charger) the generator turns on and charges the batteries. It would depend on the capability of your inverter charger to see if it has the following features AC Transfer Switch Simultaneous charging of AC and Solar Load dependant on off switching for generator back up regards Paul

says:
14 December 2017
Looking for a generator to assist with build off grid then use as backup for solar system. Thinking Gentech 8kVa auto start, would this unit have to be hard wired to use as backup once solar and battery system is installed as would prefer flexibility of having it portable to use around property?

My Generator Response
Hi Adrian, The Gentech Honda 8kVA Auto Start Generator model comes standard with 2 x 15A outlets. The solar (battery charger) could be setup to plug into one of these outlets which would then be able to be unplugged. The 2 wire remote connection however would have to be setup with a “disconnect point” between the generator & the solar controller if you want to be able to move the unit, which can be discussed with your solar installer/electrician upon installation. Many people will use this type of auto start generator model for exactly the dual applications you are describing, i.e. primarily for solar back up, but also for portable power requirements as well. Please give our team a call on 1300 400 122 if you would like any more information. Many thanks.

says:
13 May 2017
Hello there, Looking for an auto-start generator for a weekender and don't have solar or mains power, so wondering what solutions are available that will automatically start the generator up when something tries to draw power? ie, fridge compressor starts, wanting a solution to detect the power draw and automatically start the generator and stop again once the fridge stops. Does it need an inverter type system with a battery to work in this way? Cheers, Chris

My Generator Response
Hi Chris, I'm not aware of a generator that automatically starts up based on an appliance starting or stopping. The way our auto-start generator models work is that either a Two-Wire Controller or AMF (Automatic Mains Failure) Panel detects either the solar system batteries or the mains power system requires power, and signals to the generator to start up and provide this power requirement. In your case, if you are running your appliances from batteries, then you could speak to an electrician about configuring a two-wire auto start generator to automatically top up your batteries when required (much like an off-grid solar set up). Feel free to give our team a call if you'd like further help: 1300 400 122. Many thanks.

says:
13 December 2016
I have a manual AUX/Mains switch and plug to connect generator, it was installed when house was built - but I'm not clear if when I attach a generator whether I have to turn off the solar system to isolate it, or the solar inverter, from the circuit during change over from mains to genset or vice versa? And should solar system be isolated when genset is running? Thanks, Hugh

My Generator Response
Hi Hugh, always good to run this question past a solar installer for your particular set up, however in our experience regarding power isolation; if you are on mains power and solar (feeding back into the grid), then this is considered one power source and the generator a separate power source. So, during a mains blackout, you would use the manual transfer switch to switch over to the generator power supply, thus isolating your mains/solar power supply. Thanks.

says:
5 December 2016
Hi how many amps is on output Pramac 6kVA, my charger and regulator have Maximum output current 65A ? Whether there are calculations how powerful generator needs to be for solar system ? Thanks

My Generator Response
Hi John, a 6kVA single phase Pramac Generator will produce 25amps maximum. In terms of what size generator is needed for a solar set up - in our experience, it is best to refer to the solar installer to recommend the right generator size for your particular solar set up. There are some rough 'rules of thumb', but depending on certain solar set ups and configurations, the solar installer is best placed to advise the correct sized generator for your particular solar system. Thanks

says:
23 October 2015
Do I need a two-way auto start if I manually start my generator upon loss of grid power? I have a 15KW generator which I'm using for power outage. Recently, I installed a 13KW solar panels and plan on using the generator to provide the necessary voltage and frequency to run the solar PVs. Is there a problem with this?

My Generator Response
Hi Augusto - no, a two wire auto start automatic generator is not required if you intend to start it manually. The auto-start generators and accompanying controller are popular for solar back up as the generator and controller will automatically detect when the batteries require topping up. But if you want to monitor it yourself and manually start a generator that is suitably connected to your solar set up, then you can do that. In terms of whether your particular generator can be connected to your solar set up for backup, you would need to talk to an electrician/solar installer to make sure you have the appropriate voltage, connections, controllers etc. Thanks.

says:
7 August 2015
Can you help please. I have poor power service here (Mandemar NSW) and have a back up generator: APH Model No: APH7.5ESI Serial No: 79224 Motor Honda GX390 13.0 Generator Sincro Serie EK 7.5kVa Single phase 50Hz I am looking at putting in a 5kVA Sungevity solar system. I would like to have the solar system turn on automatically when the mains power goes off during the day between the hours of say 6:00am to 6:00pm. But if it is outside of these hours and/or the solar system is not generating sufficient pwer to meet the demand, I would like the generator to start automatically. Naturally the set up should not feed power into the grid power during a blackout. Do you have any suggestions about what I should do please. Tony McCormick

My Generator Response
Hi Tony, for your automatic starting requirement, you need to see if your existing generator has two-wire auto start capabilities - a two wire controller needs to be fitted between your solar set up and the generator to enable the automatic starting you are after. If your current generator does not have this capability, then you can check out our Auto Start Generator range here. Thanks, Steve

says:
3 December 2014
My home runs off solar and I'm looking at an auto-start generator; can you confirm the connection type I would need to link the generator to my solar batteries? There seem to be a number of connector type of accessories associated with this type of generator. Thank you.

My Generator Response
Hi Rory - The accessory you require a Two-Wire Auto Start Controller; This device would connect between your auto-start generator and to your battery pack via the inverter. When your deep cycle batteries run low, the controller will detect this and signal for the generator to automatically kick in so you will not be without power! The auto start controller also signals to the generator when to stop. Thank you.

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