Kohler 14 kW STANDBY Generator OFF-GRID Review | Oil Change
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Introduction
Living off-grid presents unique challenges, especially when it comes to power management during snowy and dreary days. In this review, we will delve into the functionality of the Kohler 14,000-watt whole house standby generator, its role in our off-grid power system, and the maintenance tasks we've performed, particularly an oil change.
As off-grid residents in the Adirondacks, my husband Rich and I face frequent storms and power outages. Unlike typical homeowners who may experience disruption during outages, our 6400-watt solar power system keeps us running smoothly, making us virtually oblivious to the grid's status. However, our solar panels can struggle during extended periods of cloudy weather and snowfall, necessitating backup support.
Solar System Overview
We don’t own 6400 watts worth of solar panels specifically; rather, we refer to our entire solar system. This system, comprised of 16,200 watts of battery storage, provides us with clean energy, but it has limitations. Our batteries can deplete quickly when the sun doesn't shine, leading us to depend on our Kohler generator when battery levels drop below 38%.
This generator starts automatically to recharge our batteries, usually taking about two and a half to three hours to complete a charge. Importantly, our power remains uninterrupted during this process, although we do notice a brief flicker of the lights as the generator kicks in.
Performing an Oil Change
Recently, we performed an oil change and maintenance on the generator that's been running about 355 hours over the past year. While attending to this task, I encountered a couple of challenges, particularly with the low drain on the engine. Nonetheless, I managed to extract all the oil, which was surprisingly clean despite the dusty environment and minimal runtime.
The oil reservoir holds about a quart and a half. After draining, I replaced the oil, ensuring it was at the correct level without overfilling. Regular maintenance is crucial; we aim to check the generator every 100 hours.
Final Thoughts
Our Kohler 14,000-watt generator has performed excellently, starting up automatically as needed and enabling us to live comfortably off-grid through harsh winter conditions. While we plan to add a shelter for increased protection against cold and snow, overall, we are very satisfied with its performance.
Thank you for reading this review, and stay tuned for more insights in our next video!
Keywords
Kohler generator, off-grid living, backup power system, oil change, solar energy, battery storage, automatic start, winter conditions, maintenance review, Adirondacks.
FAQ
Q: How often does the Kohler 14 kW generator need maintenance?
A: The generator requires maintenance every 100 hours of operation.
Q: How does the Kohler generator integrate with solar power systems?
A: The generator automatically starts to recharge batteries when their levels drop below a certain percentage, ensuring continuous power supply.
Q: What challenges do you face living off-grid in snowy conditions?
A: Extended days of cloud cover can reduce solar panel efficiency, necessitating reliance on the generator for power.
Q: How long does it take to fully charge batteries using the Kohler generator?
A: It typically takes about two and a half to three hours to fully charge the batteries.
Q: Is it normal for the generator oil to appear clean?
A: Yes, it's normal for the oil to remain relatively clean, especially if the generator has not run extensively in a dusty environment.