Expandable kit to start off with to use in the event of a hurricane.

[Matrix]

Also, SW's only do 24v and 48v so if you need 12v that would eliminate Schneider SWs

[Matrix]

I like Schneider pretty well. The Conext SW series would do what you need and would be worth a look. Only Caution with the SW, Note that it is designed for 240v split phase (in N America) , but it CAN run 120v. BUT when only running it 120v it will derate the inverter Watts output specs. So you may want to browse the manual before consideration to make sure it would meet your needs.

[Firewill65]

im impressed with the samlex brand...nicely built!

[jwill]

Thanks littleharbor for the recommendations.
And if specifics are required I am looking for 2000w continuous 4000w surge, could go lower on both but not by much. As far as price I am willing to pay more for a more dependable brand if there is such a thing.

[littleharbor]

Outback, Morningstar, Magnum, Schneider, Samlex.

[leosantamana]

jwill , I am no expert in this field, but, in general, when posting in these forums, the more specific you ask a question, the better. Perhaps a more specific question would be, "Can anyone recommend an inverter which costs around "X" dollars which is capable of "Y" continuous and "Z" surge watts". That may get you more useful replies.

[jwill]

Can anyone recommend a good name brand inverter? It seems that most are hit or miss on quality and I don't have time to keep sending inferior products back. Any recommendations would be great. Thanks

[Matrix]

I don't know enough about solar to speak to that. I DO know quite a bit about hurricanes from 30+ years of living in south Florida. If you get hit by a big storm you are not going to be able to store enough gas for your generator. We were without power for several weeks after hurricane Andrew. A buried propane tank and sparing use of a propane generator is probably the best bet. Diesel isn't a bad choice if you can go get more. Many stations now have their own generators but who knows how long before they get resupplied. After Andrew many streets were blocked. Even some of the more forgettable storms knocked down enough trees/branches to make travel hazardous. Especially without any traffic lights. Being self sufficient at home for as long as possible is the best bet. As for getting gas a couple of days before a storm, good luck. You and EVERYONE else is trying at that point. Get gas at least a week before any storms. You won't know if you really are in the final path of the storm, but add a stabilizer (good advice anyway) and you might be able to keep the gas for the entire hurricane season. It will still be good to burn in your vehicle later. My experience is after a storm, the weather is usually good for a couple of days. All the moisture in the air has been drawn into the storm. What are the experts' thoughts on some of the portable panels for cell phone/flashlight charging?

You are pretty much spot on in your storm assessment and aftermath management IMHO. But as for the portable panels, if you mean the small roll out kind or the kind that attach to a back back, I think they are pretty useless. I have one and it claims it might take days to charge a cell phone battery. I made it thru the last storm here in FL with the 4 25w Harbor Freight panels, a 1000w 12v inverter and 2 6v AGMs in parallel ... but the "100 watts" of solar and PWM charge controller never did once come close to charging the batteries fully. I now have a 3000w 240v split inverter and 2565w array with 4 6v batteries. I have been using it for 8 months and know what it will do. My plan in the next approaching storm is to rope the panels down to the track and roof. Fortunately the panels are 1.5 stories off the ground, with NO trees near and a lake so, limited projectile potential. They will most likely do OK. But if not I an prepared to charge with a genny thru the day using my inverter/charger.

[Mike90250]

A lead acid cell produces 2V. 3 of them in a box, creates a 6V battery, or 6 on a box - gives you a 12V battery. Once you connect a pair of 6V in series, you have a 12V battery. You charge that as a 12V battery, and use loads with it, as a 12V battery. It's just 12V in 2 boxes.

[jwill]

String two 6V batteries in series, and you now have a 12V battery

Mike if I string the 2 6V together can I leave together to charge or do I disconnect to charge. Any suggestions on battery charger and also a good inverter?

[BoloMKXXVIII]

I don't know enough about solar to speak to that. I DO know quite a bit about hurricanes from 30+ years of living in south Florida. If you get hit by a big storm you are not going to be able to store enough gas for your generator. We were without power for several weeks after hurricane Andrew. A buried propane tank and sparing use of a propane generator is probably the best bet. Diesel isn't a bad choice if you can go get more. Many stations now have their own generators but who knows how long before they get resupplied. After Andrew many streets were blocked. Even some of the more forgettable storms knocked down enough trees/branches to make travel hazardous. Especially without any traffic lights. Being self sufficient at home for as long as possible is the best bet. As for getting gas a couple of days before a storm, good luck. You and EVERYONE else is trying at that point. Get gas at least a week before any storms. You won't know if you really are in the final path of the storm, but add a stabilizer (good advice anyway) and you might be able to keep the gas for the entire hurricane season. It will still be good to burn in your vehicle later. My experience is after a storm, the weather is usually good for a couple of days. All the moisture in the air has been drawn into the storm. What are the experts' thoughts on some of the portable panels for cell phone/flashlight charging?

[SunEagle]

Here's my $.02 - While I merely tinker with solar (very much a newbie), I bought an inexpensive generator (4000watts). It runs on both gas and propane (think cookout grill 20# cylinders). I run the generator once or twice per year for several hours to keep it lubed/change the oil. My plan is to continue buying inexpensive propane tanks (at yard sales, etc) and have them filled at Costco or swap for filled ones. My understanding is that if they don't leak, they will keep for years without issues that gas would have.

I agree that those propane tanks should keep the "fuel" stable a lot longer than gasoline.

Just be careful with those "garage sale" tanks. Some places will not refill them if they have not been pressure tested within a specific number of years. The date of the last pressure test is usually somewhere on the tank. Otherwise look into getting a very large tank that is stationary and will hold a lot more (usually at a lower cost) then those smaller portable tanks.

[Mike90250]

Never mind it seems If I read I find out. I have to match the battery DC to the Inverter DC.

String two 6V batteries in series, and you now have a 12V battery

[Hammer Creek]

Is anyone here familiar with Quantum Harvest? He builds solar generators. Similar to goal zero but he builds for large and small portable applications. might fit your application jwill

[jwill]

Never mind it seems If I read I find out. I have to match the battery DC to the Inverter DC.