Last month I replaced my 13 year old 16kw Generac propane generator with another 16kw Generac. Mechanically the old unit was still sound, but the steel base (lousy Chinese steel) had rusted so badly over the years that a replacement was needed. In a coastal location, the 2006 unit never needed a repair, but the salt air took its toll.
I compared Kohler and even Onan. Not only were both quite a bit more expensive, I've read horror stories about Kohler's supply chain, especially the poor availability of replacement parts with so much now being sourced from overseas. The technology of the new Generac is leaps above the old one. I never considered diesel, but I am aware of the propane consumption rates under full load. That's why I didn't size up to the 22kw. The new 16kw can run two smaller heat pumps and the whole house, excluding dryer, double wall ovens and the main 4 ton heat pump.
Under full load, my 120 gallon in ground tank will only run the 16kw for just under two full days. So either I have to be selective with its use in an extended outage, or I have to have another tank or two installed above ground. I'm still undecided on that. Another plus with my deal is that it was done by an authorized Generac installer and it came with a five year warranty that covers parts, labor and travel.
