Kohler 20kW Composite Home Standby Generator

I selected this generator because of the kohler engine. I assumed that all the 20KW generators will put out the 20KW, I just wanted the Kohler engine. Another nice thing (I thought) was that Kohler offers several control modules that can be programmed to switch off items in the house to lessen the load on the generator. These loads are supposed to be controllable through the OnCue system. I selected EGD because of the service: I was able to talk to Jared. There is actually a person there (he is not a corporate avatar!) and he really knows generators. I also bought a CAT RP12000E from EGD and it was really nice to work with these people.

First thing, this thing is a beast and I had to use a tractor with the forks on the front to move it. Beware that the installation manuals on line for the Kohler products are all out of date. The installation manual for the 20RESA dated 2/21 is NOT online but the gen came with a bundle of new docs. Kohler is way to stingy on space in area where the gas and elect need to enter the gen. Another nit is that they supply a 12" long 3/4" flex line for the gas. The install manual states specific requirements for the gas flow and they supply this dinky 3/4" supply line, which is way too short too.Once I had the thing hooked up and the batt installed, it started with no issue.

Literally 1 hour after I installed everything, we had a severe storm and the power was out for 16 hours. The gen came right on and powered all the stuff we needed with minimal light blinking and flickering. To understand how smooth this generators power is, when I was using my CAT RP1200E portable gen to power the house, the UPSs were in a constant state of beeping and clicking. The microwave buzzed and moaned on the CAT gen.
Not so for the Kohler, everything was smooth and quiet.

The generator came with Kohlers OnQue remote monitoring. I had to reset the generators OnQue password twice to get it working but it came up and worked perfectlyrnrnNow for the bad news. You can set the basic things up using the generators RDC2 controller users interface.

You can NOT program any of the external load controllers though, for that you need the SiteTech software, which you guessed it - is not available. You have to contact a Kohler dealer for that.

PRO:Smooth flicker free power, Very well built Kohler engineering

CON: Noisy, Very cramped service entrance area, Need a Kohler dealer to program the external control modules

Great product great sound enclosure. The composite seems a little to lightly made but made it easier moving around to install. After install works great and looks great.

We were looking to add a propane generator for emergency backup and found out pretty quickly that there were limited options available in the marketplace. The Electric Generators Direct peeps found us a unit that met out needs and were able to ship it sooner than the committed date. Installed easily and works as it should.

This installs require several technical skills not for the average consumer! .... I have installed 3 Kohler 20kw generators for family & friends they all work great. Electric Generators Direct had a technical person that was very helpful with one of the installs when not using a Kohler ats. ...... Thanks Terry

Your support teem are knowledgeable and very helpful.

Generator has worked well for me however, the housing or shell does not hold up to the deep south Texas sun. The Housing does not hold up as well as I thought it would. Has cracks and the inner flap deteriorates. The unit sits in the shade. Replacement cost on the shell is more than I expected Did not know the warranty on the Housing but it cracked 2 years after purchasing.

I bought this Generator in the summer of 2019. I went with a Kohler because of their reputation of reliability and also because I wanted to do the install myself and Kohler would still stand behind the warranty (I am an Electrician by trade). as long as a factory person did the start-up. Generac would not stand behind the warranty if I did the install. Needless to say they didn't get my business.

So after 9 months and numerous power outages I am extremely impressed with this generator. I installed all of the necessary cold weather options because I live in Alaska. This generator started when it was -37 below. Definitely peace of mind for my wife and I. Couldn't be happier with this Kohler Genset.

After 6 years my generator failed and it should have been repairable but could not get it apart. Now having to by a new generator. Brush holder melted and slip ring worn with deep wear.(on end of rotor) Rotor could not be removed to send off. Was seized to engine shaft. We used appropriate methods to remove the rotor...... solvent, jack screw with impact wrench, large hammer and finally a air hammer with no results. It looks like something could have been applied to the shaft so it would come apart! All of this because of worn brush holder and slip ring! Brushes and slip rings that I am familiar with last a lot longer than 6 years.

I am very happy with my Kohler generator. It responds seamlessly to power outages. Set up is very convenient and easy as far as the control panel is concerned. Excellent design of both the generator and the automatic transfer switch. Generator is very quiet. I am the envy of the neighborhood. I live in Northern California and we are subject to PG&E power shut off's. I'm very happy to be able to depend on my new Kohler generator for uninterrupted power.

I love this generator, it comes on so rapidly that the lights barely blink. The dealer shipped it the same day I ordered it. I couldn’t believe how fast it was delivered.