Generators, Solar Panels, Alternate Power Sources

John Brunner said:
I asked because as you know, just running the igniter (and maybe the electronics) for the gas furnace is gonna be a low-draw thing. If the furnace hasn't blown up under normal use, your generator ain't gonna do it. Heck, a battery and an inverter might be sufficient.
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The pigtail is just a way to plug the furnace motor into a generator or battery without rewiring the furnace. Ya leave it like it is unless there is a power outage. I like an easy way.
 
Faye Fox said:
A higher voltage solar system is the way to go with todays Lithium batteries and computerized invertors. It is possible to go longer distances with smaller wiring.
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Absolutely true, at least to a point. But you are always limited by your solar charge controller's voltage limits.

Another factor (and why small portable all-in-ones have low voltage limits) is that higher voltages can be more dangerous to work with. But high current sourcing also has its risks.

Dedicated systems can take advantage of higher voltages. But this is mainly because they are not fiddled with constantly. They really require a real electrician using proper tools, safety knowledge, and experience. A knowledgeable non-electrician can manage this with care but they are also more fallible. It is pretty common for them to omit things like fuses, DC cutoff switches, conduit, safe cable routing, and proper bonding and grounding.

But sure, 100 volts or so can be quite a bit more efficient for long cable runs, as well as safer in terms of unintended heating that can melt things or even kindle fires. Less copper is needed, so lower costs as well.

I'm not sure how many realize that the high voltage distribution lines of the commercial grid use aluminum. Generally wrapped around steel for strength and to overcome sagging as they heat.
 
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