Aoa Fellow PakWheel members,
As the summers are approaching so is the threat of dreadful long hours Electricity load shedding and this time........Even more worse than the last years. I have been doing research for a long time on alternative sources of energy in these difficult times and after considering/accounting a lot of factors, I have reached to the conclusion that;
UPS is a fail in Long and frequent electricity failures as it doesn't get appropriate time to charge itself. I own a big house and have 2 UPS (1 X 3Kva-380amp battries and 1 X 2Kva-195amp battery). UPS also reflects its progress in electricity bills (at least Rs.2500-4000/month in summers in my case) and the cost of changing batteries every year or year and a half (approx. Rs. 36,000/anum and increasing every year).
I started a thread requiring suggestions for solar energy. Fellow members espically @BTCF were very helpful. I went out for a market survey. Contacted a lot of companies claiming the installation of these systems. My final verdict for Solar Energy in Pakistan: "Companies dealing in solar energy in Pakistan are a ripp off. They have no technical knowledge whatsoever, use poor parts and high/false claims at the time of purchase. This sector needs to be developed properly either by govt or some heavy foreign investor." Moreover, the cost of batteries in a solar set-up remains the same as quoted in Sr. 1. Thier performance is also dependant upon light, so in rainy seasons (Barsat) .......... One is doomed....
Generators.........These are a reliable source of electricity. I also own a 4.2 Kva Honda Gas Generator EM6000GN since 2004. Have been working like a charm since then. Only services required by it so far are oil change and filter cleaning......That's it. Of course quality comes for a price. The running expenditure of it is hardly noticeable in Gas bills but the thing of concern is that it is illegal to produce electricity from gas at residential premises and if a complaint is launched (especially by annoyed neighbours) , SNGPL staff will visit and disconnect your gas supply in violation of your gas connection contract agreement.
So now I have been cornered with the final decision of purchasing a new, branded and trouble free diesel generator which will work only as a backup in case of long load shedding hours and intense summers when the requirement of certain necessities (which are not supported by UPS) like Air conditioner, Microwave Oven, Fridge, Freezer and Water Dispenser are inevitable. I did a survey and jumped to the following conclusion;
The top/popular brands are Kohler, Generac, Pel, Cat etc. Most of them are difficult to find in genuine condition/import and for residential purposes they are available in Gas. Diesel range starts from 20 + Kva and even 30 + Kva for some specific brands.
When I searched for the brand leader, I came across "Perkins". Inquired about this particular brand from a lot of people/companies and end users and finally decided to go for it. I also found the diesel range required for residential purposes i.e., 9 and 13 Kva with "Perkins".
They "Perkins" bring the engine and alternator coupled with it from UK / China and make the sound proof canopy and ATS (Automatic Transfer Switch with battery charge controller) locally. They are very expensive but every bit of dime is worth it.
My Questions for your suggestions and advices:
Should I go for it?
Keeping in view the above mentioned facts and figures, Do you guys think I am making the right decision?
How much rating I should go for considering that I will require atleast 3 x 1 ton Split AC units, 4 x TV sets (2 x 42' LCD, 1 x 29' and 1 x 21' tube TV), 1 x full size fridge, 1 x full size freezer, 1 x water dispenser, 2 x room fridge, 5 x laptops, 1 x 600W desktop, networking stuff (2 x routers, 1 x backup server), 1 x washing machine, 1 x water motor 1 HP, 25 x 23W energy savers, 10-12 x ceiling fans, 2 x kitchen exausts and misc stuff.
I am inclined towards the Perkins 13 Kva diesel model......... How about the 9 Kva model?
I have never owned a diesel engine neither in the form of a car nor a generator so am a bit hesitant to take this leap. I want to know in detail the maintainance schedule and problems of a diesel engine/generator of this scale.
Any personal experiences regarding diesel generators specifically "Perkins" would be highly appreciated.
Will the Perkins engine/generator give me a piece of mind (Trouble and Tuning free) for the next 10 years or so?
My budget is between 0.9 to 1.1 Million. Kindly suggest and convince me for some other solution within this range if there is any?
Hope I have made my point clear and am open to all sorts of comments, feedback (both positive and negative) and useful suggestions.
Regards,