LeftieBiker said:
Interlock systems are great, and cheap, but you do have to remember to turn most or all of the breakers off before switching over, then turning on the ones you really need the generator to power.
Actually, I was thinking of putting in an "essential loads" subpanel (connected to the main panel with an ordinary 2-pole breaker); this panel would be permanently connected to the well pump, the fridge output, and 1 or 2 lighting circuits. The main breaker of the subpanel would be the interlock; this unit is expensive, but could be the subpanel plus interlock all in one (https://www.norwall.com/products/Cummins-100-Amp-Integrated-Load-Center-RA-Series-Transfer-Switch-A051C991/). Then my backup AC is connected to the subpanel via an ordinary 2-pole breaker.
As discussed above, the Leaf can't directly supply an inverter big enough to supply my backup power needs (thanks largely to the surge current of my well pump). So I'm actually thinking of a big 3000+ watt inverter/charger (https://invertersrus.com/product/sp-ic3312/) but unfortunately it needs AC input power to charge the connected battery bank. So I'm thinking of adding a second inverter (much lower power) that is driven off the Leaf's 12v and supplies the AC input to the big inverter. Seems a little screwy, but I can't think of another way to drive the well pump from the Leaf, unless somebody makes an inverter/charger that takes a 12vdc input to the charger.