Basically, it is a power system that relies mostly on the energy generated by an electric start diesel generator to provide 24-hour power for the home or office. However, it is not the same as having the generator running lightly loaded for many hours of the day, with the attendant noise and maintenance problems. When the generator is running, not only is it powering the house directly, but it is also charging up special batteries, which supply the house 240-Volt power through an Inverter, when the generator switches off.

    In addition to the Input to the batteries from the genset/charger there is a number of Photovoltaic (Solar) panels providing charge which reduces the genset run time and saves on diesel fuel.

     A necessary part of the system is the ‘control system’ which decides when to start and stop the generator, depending on a number of factors which the ‘control system’ is continuously monitoring, such as battery state of charge, when was the last time that the batteries were boost charged, the load on the system at any one time etc. etc.

    This ‘control system’ function is built into most Interactive Inverter/Chargers on the Australian market.

    The advantage of the ‘diesel recharge’ system over a purely Solar system is that the initial investment is less, and power available to the house is only limited by the amount of fuel available to the generator, and not by the number of sunlight hours in the day.

    For more information or to discuss your needs in greater detail please do not hesitate to contact Phil Gower.

    For Queensland residents there is a generous Rebate Scheme starting at the end of July to encourage people with a diesel power system to reduce fuel consumption by installing a solar/battery/Inverter system.