Off-grid system review

[Cult of Dionysus]

From one of the sticky posts, it seems that the Outback inverter is not ideal for an off-grid system that needs gen support:

"Both Schneider and Magnum Energy build programmable AGS that integrates with the system and will start a genset based on system loading. These controllers can can be used with three-wire or two-wire generators. Of the two, Schneider has 120/240V split-phase inverters (both XW and Conext SW series), Magnum Energy has a MSH4024RE 120V single-phase inverter available with generator support. They are both fairly simple to set up with three-wire gensets, or two-wire, and they are both proven to work.

In older inverters, the Xantrex SW/SW Plus both have generator support, and are proven over many years to work flawlessly with all types of gensets using either the auto-start relays inside the SW, or the external GSM (Generator Start Module) used with the SW Plus.

Outback does not build a programmable AGS that integrates with their systems. With an Outback all you have to auto-start a genset is a dry contact Aux port. Since the vast majority of generators used on off-grid power are three-wire, with an Outback you have to buy a pretty expensive Atkinson generator controller to convert three-wire generators to two-wire start."

Having done a little more research, perhaps a pair of Schneider Conext XW+ 5548s would be the better choice...?

And would it make sense to support the system with a pair of Honda EU3000iS generators?

[Cult of Dionysus]

We are developing a 2000 sq.ft. home at an off-grid location in Hawaii. Due to the fact that most of the solar systems in Hawaii are grid-tie, our solar subcontractor does not have a terrible amount of experience with 100% off-grid systems utilizing batteries and a generator. I would be grateful for a little input on your end:

The system:

30 SolarWorld SW 280 mono panels
Outback GS 8048A inverter
16 Rolls S550 batteries (20.5 Kwh)
1 Generac 10kw generator

The house will have electric appliances (range, oven, dish-washer, laundry and dryer). We recognize this is not ideal, but plan on using these appliances mostly during the day-time (we are located on the dry side of the island with heaps of sunshine) and staggered (not running everything at once). Nevertheless, we will still probably use about 10Kwh of juice at night (dish-washer, tv, lights, etc.).

My main concern is the generator. I would like a system that supports the batteries anytime the load is at a certain level or if the batteries reach a certain point of depletion. Not sure if the Generac is ideal for this... Also, does the Outback GS 8048A include generator support? Or would we be better served with a different inverter.

Your input is greatly appreciated.