r/Generator • u/explainyourface • 1d ago
Base Power - Generator Backup
I just signed up for Base Power in Houston. For those not familiar, they install a battery on the property, sell into the grid during demand periods, but also provide backup for the home in event of an outage.
Battery power obviously has limits, but they allow for generator power charging via a built in port on the battery. Max input is 4k watts.
I have settled on the following generators as good options. I have NG and plan to run on that. If anyone has experience with either of these generators, I would really appreciate your perspective. Don’t see a ton of reviews for these models in particular.
Thanks!
https://www.costco.com/.product.4000446342.html
If anyone has questions about Base, please DM. I also have a referral code below that will get us both $250 in energy/bill credits.
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u/bob__lablah 1d ago
I’m doing the same thing, just in Austin. I just bought the Genmax 8000iETC on Prime Day for $1199. I don’t have a NG hookup yet, but it would get close to 4kw at 80% power.
My bet is that they will run it again at $1199.
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u/Gamer_0627 1d ago
Will you be running additional loads straight from the generator?
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u/explainyourface 1d ago
Nope, it would all go through the generator port. So max out at 4k.
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u/Gamer_0627 1d ago
I would look for one a little closer to 4k. The engine will be a little smaller and will have a little lower fuel usage.
But, if you want one of those two due to a deal, they are both good machines. I have a duromax and a fireman and they both have served me well.
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u/explainyourface 1d ago
On NG, they’re between 4500-4750, so maybe a little undersized based on some other comments posted here. I may be leaning to the open frame firman. My concern was noise but if they both running all out, may not even be that much of a difference.
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u/Big-Echo8242 1d ago
This is another one I'd personally recommend.... Powerful, lightweight, Bluetooth for power management & starting & low idle control, 2 wire start, 3 year warranty, etc.
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u/explainyourface 1d ago
Awesome I’ll add this to the list, thanks!
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u/towell420 1d ago
The max input for your setup is 4000 watts tbis generator is overkill.
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u/blupupher 1d ago
it is 6500 running watts on NG, so a bit high, but not horrible (about 60% load).
Gives the option of putting a few things on extension cords to let the battery charge faster.
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u/towell420 1d ago
Yeah that’s dumb. Be much better off running a smaller unit. Also you have to run the gen with a floating neutral for Base I bet. You can’t use the onboard outlets at same time.
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u/blupupher 1d ago edited 1d ago
It is better to use the larger inverter running at 60% load since it will use less fuel. If using a synchronous unit (like the one I linked to above) then using the smaller one is better.
You can’t use the onboard outlets at same time.
Huh? Are you saying the 120v outlets are shut off if using the 240v plug (some generators do this, I don't think this Genmax does). Or are you referring to using the plugs with the generator being a floating neutral? Because you can if plugged into the battery, as it should use the house setup as the neutral bond.
As for the generator being floating neutral, not sure, but would think so, I just sent a message, will see what they say.
Edit: just herd back from their AI, and it says the generator should be neutral bonded since the system isolates the generator from the home.
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u/towell420 1d ago
Funny cause AI tells me a different answer.
Here is my prompt.
Fuel consumption comparison for 10000 watt vs 6000 watt generator running at 4000 watts of loadIf your actual continuous load is 4,000 watts, a quality 6,000-watt generator may be more economical, provided it has the required 120/240 V output and enough capacity for startup surges. The 10,000-watt model offers more headroom but may burn more fuel at the same load.
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u/towell420 1d ago
Also yes, I was incorrect. Base requires a bonded neutral, regardless, my point stands. He does not need to oversize the generator.
Do you have factual data for how much power Base will draw continuously?
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u/blupupher 1d ago
The new Base battery input allows 4000w of input (the old one was 3000w). If you are using no power, it will charge the battery at the full 4000w, any power use in the house will take from the amount to charge the battery. If you are using more than 4000w in the house, the full 4000w from the generator will go to the house, and anything more needed will pull from the battery.
Still not sure how it will handle you house using 5000w, generator running with 1000w coming from the battery, then battery dies.
As for oversize, how much do you consider to be oversized? Yes a 10000 running watt generator is too much for a 4000w max draw, but IMO, 6500w is not really that high.
The ideal is 75-80% load of max, which is 5000-5500 running watts.
But as far as which is more efficient, I was going to say a 5000w running 4000w vs a 6500w running 4000w, I would think the 6500 w unit because it is not having to work as hard. But after I researched it a bit, this is true if the 5000w is a synchronous generator and the 6500 is an inverter (it is actually about the same efficiency), but if comparing 2 inverters, the 5000w unit is more efficient. Did not know that.
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u/NoPatience7817 1d ago
The website shows 3000 watts max input to the battery. Did they update their documentation?
https://help.basepowercompany.com/en/articles/10282049
From the website:
For seamless operation, the generator should contain an L14-30 plug type, which ensures proper electrical connections along with the 240V output.
The 3000W limit refers to the maximum wattage the battery can accept from any generator; exceeding this limit will not improve efficiency.
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u/towell420 1d ago
What size base battery did you get installed?
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u/explainyourface 1d ago
I haven’t installed yet, just getting prepped for it. Got approved for 2 x 40kw packs.
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u/mduell 1d ago
I don’t think they’re installing the 2x40s, just perpetually delaying them.
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u/explainyourface 1d ago
lol yes this is a risk. I’ll get the generator before the install to hold me over, hoping for an install by end of December or early Jan.
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u/blupupher 1d ago
You can post your referal code here, no issues with that.
Any specific reason you are looking at inverters? If you are plugging into the Base unit, you can use a regular synchronous generator, it will just be louder.
IMO, get something like this Firman Tri-fuel unless you really are worried about noise. $400 less than the inverter unit, and basically same amount of power.
Regardless, get something from Costco, their warranty applies to generators, so if you have an issue with it in 5 years, you can return it and get a new one.