 |
Generators are best used for backup power during long periods of little or no sun. Under these circumstances you would run the generator just long enough to provide the batteries with their Bulk stage charge and for a portion of the Absorption charging stage. The 3 stage charge cycle is explained under charge-controller |
| The reason you would not attempt to charge the batteries fully with the generator is that towards the end of the Absorption stage, the batteries are drawing much less current and most of the generators' power is not being used. Very inefficient. This would be a good time to run your large loads (like washing machine, vacuum, etc) that would normally put a real drain on your batteries.
If you charge the batteries up to about 85% to 90% capacity this way, not only will that prevent them from being too deeply discharged, but also a small amount of winter sun could charge them the remaining 10% to 15%. |
|
Most good power-inverter have a battery charger built in. When you run the generator and apply the AC to the inverter, it will charge the batteries and transfer the AC to your loads (appliances). This is the most efficient technique. It would be much more expensive to run a generator full time to supply power. Also, it would wear out much faster and let's not forget the noise.