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As we head into the winter season across Canada, a well-maintained generator matters more than ever, especially for off-grid systems. For most homeowners, the generator is out of sight and out of mind until the power goes out. By then, a dead battery, stale fuel or a clogged intake can leave them without backup power and phoning you.&nbsp;Below is a quick winter guide for BE’s two-wire start BE7500iD and BE10500iT generators.Before winter (do once)☐ &nbsp;Switch to SAE 0W-30 oil, which the manuals recommend for cold climates. Change oil with the engine warm, not hot.☐ &nbsp;Clean the air filter (foam: solvent, air dry, a few drops of oil). Never run without it.☐ &nbsp;Clean the fuel filter screen in the tank.☐ &nbsp;Check the spark plug: gap 0.7–0.8 mm, torque 22.5 ±2.5 Nm. Replace if worn.☐ &nbsp;Charge the battery fully indoors. Never charge below 0 °C or above 45 °C.☐ &nbsp;Fill with fresh 87+ octane unleaded, max 10% ethanol (no E15, E20, E85).Personally, I like to add a fuel stabilizer to the gas.&nbsp;&nbsp; Every Use☐ &nbsp;Check oil level and look for leaks.☐ &nbsp;Check fuel level and battery charge.☐ &nbsp;Wipe off snow and moisture. Keep the unit dry; never run it in rain or snow without an open, canopy-style cover.☐ &nbsp;Place on level ground, outdoors, at least 1 m (3 ft) from any building. Never run indoors or in a garage.☐ &nbsp;Remove any storage cover before running. Do not enclose the unit.☐ &nbsp;Below about −5 °C: press the priming pump to help the engine start.☐ &nbsp;Eco Mode OFF until the engine is warm. Then connect loads, largest first.Maintenance Schedule<figure id="figure-im7c96bvmgmv7nqx8x"><img id="im7c96bvmgmv7nqx8x" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5yguX9qWpl323QZAy3rf7py4vE9Os18VVYE998SUAGf7o6jDvLAwCbt3OZjfzlyz.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 " style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 45% 0%;" data-corners="no-rounded" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="Note: Heavy use, hot environments or dust: change oil every 25 h and clean the air filter every 10 h. Valve, carbon-deposit and carburetor work should go to an authorized service center" data-positionx="45%" data-positiony="0%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/5yguX9qWpl323QZAy3rf7py4vE9Os18VVYE998SUAGf7o6jDvLAwCbt3OZjfzlyz.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 45% 0%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Note: Heavy use, hot environments or dust: change oil every 25 h and clean the air filter every 10 h. Valve, carbon-deposit and carburetor work should go to an authorized service center</figcaption></figure>Storing for more than 3 months?1. &nbsp;Shut down using the normal shutdown procedure.2. &nbsp;Drain the fuel tank.3. &nbsp;Run the engine (no loads connected) until the carburetor runs dry.4. &nbsp;Open the carburetor drain bolt and drain any remaining fuel into a container; retighten.5. &nbsp;Change the oil.6. &nbsp;Pull the recoil handle slowly until you feel resistance (this closes the valves).7. &nbsp;Disconnect the battery cable.8. &nbsp;Store the unit clean and dry. Never store fuel indoors.Interested in adding BE Generators to your line-up? Our BE two-wire auto-start generators work with Sigenergy, EG4, Sol-Ark and more, and they’re available only through First Point Energy. Contact us at hello@fpes.ca

Winter Is Coming: Is Your Generator Ready?

The BC Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program provides 30% cost-share funding up to $50,000 for farms replacing diesel-powered equipment with battery systems, with a $100,000 lifetime cap per farm through March 2028. Projects that demonstrate measurable GHG reductions — like replacing a diesel generator with batteries — may receive priority through CleanBC funding. You can also stack BMP with other government programs as long as total government funding doesn't exceed 100% of project costs.What Battery Projects Qualify 3302.4 — Electric battery packs replacing fossil-fuel engines. The most direct fit for standalone battery systems.3303 — Alternative energy technology and supplementary energy storage. Covers solar-plus-battery systems replacing diesel-dependent farm energy.3302.1 — Electrical equipment replacing fossil-fuel equipment. Applies when battery storage is part of the system — e.g., a battery-powered irrigation setup replacing a diesel pump.Eligibility<ul><li>Farm Status in BC</li><li>A valid Environmental Farm Plan</li><li>An account on the <a data-mce-href="https://iafbc.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new" href="https://iafbc.fluxx.io/user_sessions/new">IAF Client Portal</a>. </li></ul>One critical rule: do not purchase equipment before your application is approved — retroactive costs are not eligible.Applying The BMP program runs through March 2028 and opens new intake windows each fiscal year across its categories. Applications are first-come, first-served and funding subscribes quickly. Sign up for the <a data-mce-href="https://iafbc.ca/beneficial-management-practices-program/" href="https://iafbc.ca/beneficial-management-practices-program/">IAF BMP newsletter</a> to get notified when the next Energy &amp; Fuel Efficiency intake opens — and have your quotes and Environmental Farm Plan ready so you can submit on day one.We Can Help At First Point Energy, batteries and inverters are all we do. We can help you spec the right system for your farm and provide the quotes and documentation your BMP application needs. Get in touch before the next intake opens so you're ready to go.--------&nbsp;&nbsp; First Point Energy is a B2B distributor of batteries and inverters based in British Columbia, serving solar installers and electricians across Canada.

Up to $50,000 in Government Funding for Battery Systems on BC FarmsNew Post

If you’ve spent any time living off-grid, you’ve probably heard concerns about tare loss - the power your inverter consumes just to stay on, even when no loads are running. This idle draw used to be a big deal, especially when systems were built around limited lead-acid batteries and small solar arrays but technology has improved and a lot has changed.What Is Tare Loss? Tare loss (also called standby or idle consumption) is the electricity an inverter uses just to stay powered on, even when it’s not actively delivering power to your loads. It’s like your gas car idling in the driveway, using fuel even though it’s not going anywhere.When high-frequency inverters first entered the market, idle consumption was a real concern. But just like everything else in tech, inverter efficiency has improved, and with today’s lithium batteries and inexpensive solar arrays, the impact is often overstated.<figure id="figure-fggbcsgubmex9ei0k" class=""><img id="fggbcsgubmex9ei0k" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/217JMFDAMK70Yq4qUHN1XVNpkkbFHZSfnQ2mI7gogaKImfxY0QpjYVtFxphiCIU0.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;" data-corners="no-rounded" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/217JMFDAMK70Yq4qUHN1XVNpkkbFHZSfnQ2mI7gogaKImfxY0QpjYVtFxphiCIU0.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: center center;"></figure>Why This Matters Less Than You Think Let’s say you’re using an EG4 6000XP, the least efficient of the group. Its idle draw is about 360 Wh/day MORE than a pair of Victron units. That might sound like a lot until you realize that a single modern solar module on a cloudy winter day can make up that entire difference.<figure id="figure-s0njpz1pd3mexahg69"><img id="s0njpz1pd3mexahg69" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30vRL40gfbikYc3LnnB0JYkTGdOv16nxvvGrh2HurfYwLgP9qhAuS8IJKTFvzhYR.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 25% 50%;" data-corners="no-rounded" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="25%" data-positiony="50%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30vRL40gfbikYc3LnnB0JYkTGdOv16nxvvGrh2HurfYwLgP9qhAuS8IJKTFvzhYR.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: 25% 50%;"></figure>Now let's compare system costs &amp; savingsA 6000W victron (2 Mutliplus II + 2 Charge controllers + Cerbo) with multiple components Retails for $4,800 A 6000XP EG4 all-in-one equivalent Retails for $1,940That is a savings of $2,860 which equals 14 additional solar modules for that price difference.With systems now built around lithium batteries and overbuilt solar capacity, the small differences in tare loss fade into the background. Consumers who are upgrading from Magnum inverter and Outback charge controllers to modern high frequecny (HF), all-in-one systems are doubling or tripling their solar arrays at the same time, simply because they can. That more than offsets any increase in idle consumption.&nbsp;What used to be a critical limitation is now just a rounding error in a system that’s overall far more capable and affordable than ever.&nbsp;If you want to power your home or off-grid cabin with confidence, focus on the whole system, not just one metric in isolation.&nbsp; Send us an email at <a href="mailto:hello@sol49.com">hello@sol49.com</a> and will help you design the perfect system for your on and off-grid set-up.&nbsp;

Understanding Tare Loss: Why Today's Off-Grid Inverters Are More Efficient

The world is changing quickly, and so are the ways we power our homes and businesses. Not so long ago, if you wanted to be protected from a power outage, the answer was simple: get a generator. But today, with advancements in battery technology, increases in manufacturing capacity (driven by EVs) and demand for more sustainable solutions, we now have smarter, cleaner and affordable alternatives to traditional back-up! Let’s start with the numbers&nbsp; At first glance, the cost of a generator and a battery system might seem similar—around $10,000 for a simple residential system.* However, &nbsp;you need to dig deeper to understand the true costs to find the best solution for you!For example, a typical house draws a daily average of 1.5kWh per hour. Fuel costs about $1.80 CAD per litre and a generator burns about 4 litres of fuel per hour, or $7.20 per hour. In contrast, an EG4 Indoor 14.4kWh battery can be recharged from the grid in British Columbia for about $0.11 per kWh. Vancouver’s electricity rates are among the lowest in North America, but even in California, where electricity costs are 3-4 times more ($0.30/kWh), a comparable battery system is still significantly cheaper than the fuel expense of a generator. &nbsp;And that’s just the fuel… Then you need to consider maintenance Residential backup generators, commonly known as “standby” generators, typically come with limited warranties—often around five years—and using them for purposes beyond standby power can void these warranties. They require annual maintenance even if not in use, and oil changes every 50 hours of operation, which can add up to hundreds of dollars each year. For generators that run on gasoline, it’s important to replace the fuel every six months to prevent ethanol additives from gumming up the engine. While natural gas and liquid propane generators don’t have this particular problem, battery systems offer several advantages: they require no maintenance, have no smell, operate silently, and are generally cheaper and easier to install.Generators are loud and gassy, and bad for the environment!&nbsp; We can’t talk about generators versus batteries without addressing the elephant in the room: emissions. Generators burn fossil fuels, releasing carbon dioxide and pollutants into the air. They are noisy, smelly, and certainly not something your neighbors really want to hear running all night.&nbsp;Batteries, on the other hand are much quieter and produce no emissions. When paired with solar panels, they become a fully renewable solution, helping reduce your carbon footprint while keeping your lights on. Thanks to the increasing production of lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles, recycling technologies have advanced, and many components of these batteries are now recyclable, contributing to a more sustainable energy ecosystem.Batteries save you money on your electric bill Here’s where batteries really shine: They do more than just sit idle, waiting for an outage. If you’re connected to the grid, you can use your battery to store power during off-peak hours and draw from it during expensive peak times. In places with net metering or self-generation programs (which includes most provinces in Canada and several U.S. states), you can sell excess power back to the grid, turning your battery into a revenue generator. In some places, the utility will actually pay you if you discharge your battery during times of high grid congestion (mostly during extreme temperature swings).A generator, by contrast, is a one-trick pony. It powers your home during an outage and otherwise sits idle.What About Prolonged Outages? While some argue that generators are better for extended outages because they can run indefinitely with enough fuel, consider this: a home battery system can keep your essential devices running for several days on a single charge. You can expand your battery capacity as much as you need, but if you live in an area prone to multi-day outages during the dark days of winter, it might make sense to pair batteries with a smaller, cheaper generator. In such situations, you can use the generator to recharge the batteries for a few hours and then shut it down. This hybrid approach not only stretches your fuel supply but also reduces noise, emissions, and wear and tear on the generator.There has never been a better time to install a renewable energy system: Many provinces like British Columbia and Ontario as well as states like California, Massachusetts and Minnesota offer incentives to reduce the capital cost to install. Not only do home batteries provide you with back-up power when you need it, they help shave the peaks, reduce grid congestion and lower emissions.Cost Comparison Example: Generator vs. Battery Install in British Columbia<figure id="figure-k95bcaqn3m43pdt8l" class=""><img id="k95bcaqn3m43pdt8l" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30LZXwADVgkvukPsYwsgRKKQxzNNsXZzo3yX1GoqCxJ09cZelJGLVmuFTEydSKjK.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/30LZXwADVgkvukPsYwsgRKKQxzNNsXZzo3yX1GoqCxJ09cZelJGLVmuFTEydSKjK.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: center center;"></figure>Ask us more about which backup system is best for you! Send us a message at <a href="mailto:hello@sol49.com" data-mce-href="mailto:hello@sol49.com">hello@sol49.com</a> * Note: install costs may vary depending on site requirements, permitting and contractors.&nbsp;______________________Sources&nbsp; https://www.bpmelectric.com/how-much-is-electricity-in-vancouver/

Home Battery vs Generator: What delivers better back-up power for your buck?

<h3>Essential Tips for Lithium-Ion Battery Systems, like EG4</h3>Solar production in winter can be as low as 10-20% of summer output in many regions across Canada. This is mostly due to shorter days with lower sun angles, and weather factors like snow cover. &nbsp;That means off-grid cabins and homes require diligent energy management in the winter—especially when you plan to be away for long periods of time with no auto-start generator.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-c9p3xy5ialm3nssycj"><img id="c9p3xy5ialm3nssycj" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28Mz4YUgZ37qJ30kDfJq8v3LVOdUpYrVOLwvlTyrGvbrTL5ksMrF3txNoLyc5Uwx.png" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 10% 55%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="3:2" data-caption="" data-positionx="10%" data-positiony="55%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28Mz4YUgZ37qJ30kDfJq8v3LVOdUpYrVOLwvlTyrGvbrTL5ksMrF3txNoLyc5Uwx.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 3/2; object-position: 10% 55%;"></figure>Taking the time to set up your EG4 batteries and inverter for winter is no different than draining your water lines, turning off your propane, and putting antifreeze in your toilets. It can mean the difference between coming back to a functional system or facing costly replacements. Here are some practical tips to keep your batteries in tip top shape during the colder months to ensure they are ready to power up nicely upon your return:1. Reduce Standby Power Draw Idle consumption can gradually drain the batteries over time, especially when there’s minimal solar input during winter. Reducing unnecessary loads will extend the battery’s endurance. Most inverters, including the EG4 6000XP, has a standby consumption of about 50W.&nbsp; At this consumption, 50W * 24hrs means you have to generate at least 1.2kWh of solar per day to compensate. If your solar system isn't big enough to generate that amount of power, turn off your system completely. Otherwise, turn off cirucuit breakers to all non essential loads. Lowering idle power requirements minimizes discharge and helps conserve your battery’s State of Charge (SOC) throughout the winter months.&nbsp;2. Set the Optimal Battery SOC Before You Leave You can optimize battery health over extended periods of non-use by starting with the right State of Charge (SOC). Lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO₄) batteries, like EG4 models, are sensitive to extreme charge levels when left unused for weeks at a time.a. Aim to store LiFePO₄ batteries at 60% SOC: This level is the “sweet spot” to prevent unnecessary chemical reactions that degrade battery cells. Before leaving, check that your batteries aren’t near full capacity or nearly drained. Extended periods at these extremes can strain the battery and reduce its lifespan. b. To charge or discharge your battery, set the Discharge Cut-Off to 60%, turn off the solar switch, and run some heavier loads. Once at the target SOC, turn the entire system off. At this level, your battery may still discharge on it's own at a rate of about 1% per month.3. Battery Charging Limits at Low Temps EG4’s indoor and outdoor wall-mounted batteries come equipped with integrated heaters that activate automatically when the battery temperature hits 0°C. However, if solar power is insufficient to power both the heater and keep the battery above 20% SOC, the BMS will shut off the heater and prevent block charging. If temperatures drop below -20ºC the BMS will put the battery in temperature protection lockdown. Charging/discharging will automatically resume once temperatures warm up. 4. State of Charge Calibration: When lithium batteries are not cycled for long periods, the Battery Management System (BMS) can lose accuracy in calculating the SOC as a percent. This effect is common across all lithium batteries including cell phones and electric vehicles. For example, EV manufacturers generally advise charging only up to about 80% regularly to preserve battery health. However, because electric vehicles contain thousands of individual cells, the BMS will occasionally bring certain cells to 100% to recalibrate and maintain an accurate overall state of charge, ultimately extending the battery’s lifespan. Residential batteries require a bit more manual.&nbsp; TIP: Before you leave, set the EG4 battery discharge control to "Volts" and Discharge Cut-Off to 52V in the winter. 5. Automatic Generator Start Your EG4 Inverter has the ability to start and stop your generator automatically, but not all generators are capable of this.&nbsp; Some can be retrofitted, but if it requires a mechanical choke, those moving parts can be unreliable. We understand that purchasing a new generator isn’t practical for most people, but whenever possible, we highly recommend using a good 240V inverter based generator that has 2-wire auto start capabilities.Final Thoughts By setting a minimum voltage level for storage, limiting extreme temperature exposure, reducing idle power draw, and using an auto-start backup generator, your battery system will be ready to welcome you back for well more than 10 years.Have questions about specific settings or want more tips for optimizing off-grid battery care? Please reach out hello@sol49.com

Winter Battery Care for Off-Grid Seasonal Cabins

The Canadian Electric Code (CEC) Rule 64-112 (4)(g)(i) deals with the interconnection of power production sources, particularly solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, to the load side of service equipment or a distribution panel. This rule limits the combined current from all power sources to 125% of the busbar’s rating or conductor ampacity to prevent overloading and ensure electrical safety. To help us out, the writers of the code book, thankfully clarified the rule in the appendix: Appendix B - Notes on Rules (2024 CEC code book) Rule 64-112 subrule 4)g)This Item recognizes equipment installed to limit the current on the busbar or conductor to prevent overloading. Consideration should be given to ensure that in the event of equipment failure, the busbar or conductor will not become overloaded. An energy storage system is a load when charging and a source when discharging. Here are some key points of this rule:<ol><li>It applies to interconnections on the load side of service equipment or distribution panels </li><li>The rule allows the total current from all sources (utility + PV) to reach up to 125% of the busbar or conductor ampacity </li><li>This 125% limit includes both the main overcurrent device (e.g., main breaker) and the PV system's overcurrent device, installed as far away from the main breaker as possible </li><li>The purpose is to prevent overloading of the busbar </li><li>Unlike the National Electric Code (NEC) 120% rule in the US, the CEC uses a 125% limit</li></ol>Therefore, if homeowners wanted to add more solar panels to an existing electrical system, they would typically need to upgrade the main service panel to safely accommodate the additional solar, which can be quite costly!<blockquote>There is a high chance that a customer will back off from his solar contract if I propose him to upgrade his main panel, as the added labor and cost is upwards of $5,000 for the new panel, says John T, Director of Sales EG4.</blockquote>Power Control Systems (PCS) to the RescueIn the US, the NEC recently introduced a new rule, 705.13, which allows the use of Power Control Systems (PCS) to connect to existing electrical panels and dynamically manage and limit the back-fed current on the busbar, without violating the 120% rule, vs. Canada 125% rule - we get an extra 5% due to our cold climate? Even though Canada has had this rule since the 2021 CEC code book, and further clarified in Appendix B, section 64-112 subrule 4)(g)(i) of the 2024 CEC code book, residential products that could take advantage of this have not&nbsp; been available in Canada.&nbsp; Until Now!The EG4 18K-pv, 12K-pv, FlexBOSS18, and FlexBOSS21 Hybrid Inverters can support ample PV and eliminate costly panel upgrades, as illustrated below. &nbsp;This means that as your energy needs grow, you can add more solar panels and battery storage to your existing system with EG4. &nbsp;This is a major innovation that enhances integration and makes solar more financially accessible for homeowners in the US and Canada.&nbsp;<figure id="figure-90a92qgjvm3nku9k1"><img id="90a92qgjvm3nku9k1" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28zjSUJK42ZwtqBz2WqVT3aHyy0fpiTZg04hpbQeNJLCkkQerlnlgiI8uN3YdINM.png" alt="EG4 18Kpv PCS" title="EG4 18Kpv PCS" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/28zjSUJK42ZwtqBz2WqVT3aHyy0fpiTZg04hpbQeNJLCkkQerlnlgiI8uN3YdINM.png" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: undefined undefined;"></figure>Sol49 Will Help You With PCS Settings &amp; Warning Labels EG4 inverters monitor the supply side with CTs to ensure that it will never add more power to the busbar than it can handle. At the time of install, Sol49 will help you with the PCS settings on your EG4 inverter and provide you with the appropriate warning labels for the electrical panel that you’re backfeeding. To stay within the code, the PCS Setpoint will be set at 80% of the busbar value.Send us a message to learn more about EG4’s PCS systems and pricing at <a href="mailto:hello@sol49.com" data-mce-href="mailto:hello@sol49.com">hello@sol49.com</a>Sources Naveen Tera, EG4 - <a href="https://issuu.com/northamericancleanenergy/docs/nace_novdec2024-web?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ" data-mce-href="https://issuu.com/northamericancleanenergy/docs/nace_novdec2024-web?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ">Avoiding Costly Main Panel Upgrades</a>

Say Goodbye to Costly Main Panel Upgrades with EG4's Power Control System

First Point Energy Supply

Energy battery storage supplier. Our customers are Solar Installers and Electricians. We provide affordable backup power systems for residential, commercial, and primary power systems for off-grid applications in Canada

Blog

Winter Is Coming: Is Your Generator Ready?

Up to $50,000 in Government Funding for Battery Systems o...

Understanding Tare Loss: Why Today's Off-Grid Inverters A...

Home Battery vs Generator: What delivers better back-up p...

Winter Battery Care for Off-Grid Seasonal Cabins

Say Goodbye to Costly Main Panel Upgrades with EG4's Powe...