Off-grid energy independence with the EG4 18kPV and PowerPro Battery

☕️ Thanks to LMNT for sponsoring this video! Head to drinklmnt.com/bkxc to get your free sample pack with any purchase. ☕️
🔋 EG4 ESS System: signaturesolar... (affiliate link!)
I've got the EG4 18kPV from Signature Solar paired up with the PowerPro battery. This has been a LONG TIME coming and I'm pretty excited about the future of power production at Everstoke with this big boy!

[@jimberry3569]

Brian, I’m a Master Electrician with close to 40 years of experience. If you need any advice please get in touch!

[@bkxc]

That's great! Thanks so much for the offer.

[@kennethsilvestri4161]

Brian, I’m a retired guy, I did everything in a home or commercial unit. EVERYTHING. I have a pair of good hands. Great work on accomplishing your trade challenges. I’m jealous of your incredible adventure! You should be proud. I’ll ride there one day.

[@bliptripmusic]

It's cool to see it all coming together, impressive you've learned all that stuff. You should probably watch a couple videos about goldfish care tho.

[@bkxc]

Hahaha!

[@illinest]

Electrician here - relatable content. I dont have any experience with those but im not at all surprised that you had a hard time with that sort of industrial product. Minor correction to the 120 vs 220 thing... Voltage differences and different methods of connecting the three phase transformers make it possible to get a range of voltages. 240v is available in American homes, and Ive worked with 208, 277, and 480 in factories and warehouses. Ive also got a tiny bit of experience with 13k volts. There are pros and cons and reasons to use each. I like your everstoke build videos. Thank you for the content.

[@manalotomanaloto]

I think his comment was more about the single phase voltage, 120 (110-130) in the US but 240 in Europe, as an example. Aside from Edison initially choosing 110 (may have been due to lighthouse light bulbs working best with 110), the rest of the world's choices were likely either arbitrary or business related (i.e. dictated by companies that championed electrification). As far as what's better, higher voltage requires less current to support the same load and can use smaller gauge wire.

[@bkxc]

Nice!! Glad you enjoyed it. I’m still a newbie so plenty of learning to do. But yeah, I meant more along the lines of MOST “plugs” and appliances being 120v in the USA and 240v everywhere else. I can’t even wrap my head around some of those crazy 480 volt systems! So interesting.

[@handsformaps3973]

Always a good episode when your dad is there! Dude is helpful and smart

[@bkxc]

He’s a huge help!

[@JoeCincotta307]

Hey Brian, I am officially an LMNT drinker. And only because of you. I got the sampler pack and loved it. Now just placed my second order for a big box.

[@bkxc]

That is awesome to hear! Hope it keeps you cramp free!!

[@antonioCsilveira]

This is awesome. Thanks for sharing the journey, Brian. I love how high-tech you are and your frustrations with lousy products like the plastic panel and the screws and the terrible interface of the software. I really appreciate your honesty and sharing the good and the bad. Happy holidays and amazing 2024 to you and your family.

[@CherokezPittman]

Thank you for your kind words and support! I completely understand your frustrations with lousy products and appreciate the honesty shared by Brian in his video. If you're looking for high-quality outdoor gear and home backup power products, I recommend checking out the Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series. It has an impressive capacity, powerful output, and fast recharging capabilities. Plus, it's built tough with waterproof technology and comprehensive protections. Happy holidays and here's to an amazing 2024!

[@bkxc]

Glad you enjoyed the video! Gotta keep it real about the stuff that will keep you pulling your hair out! Happy holidays to you too!

[@randya9143]

I know it is a little late for you, but EG4 has made the side panel screws 2x bigger and also are not installing them impossibly tight any more. I just got a couple of new ones last week and was happy to see that after my first one was so tight that I still have not gotten all the screws out ! The new ones even came with a lifting rope on both ends to aid in getting it out of the crate.

[@bkxc]

Oh man! That's so interesting! I saw in the manual that there was SUPPOSED to be a rope. Glad to hear that you had the same experience. Still waiting for them to send me the new side panels.

[@underthedrone2735]

Kudos to you for taking this project on. I think I would have had to hire someone. The great news is now you know everything needed to troubleshoot any issues later on because you did it yourself. I was just asking about your power supply set up in one of your last videos so this was great to watch and learn from. Living off grid does make one appreciate what most people take for granted.

[@bkxc]

Most definitely, I appreciate it so much now and it’s really cool to have a basic understanding of so many systems.

[@FJB6]

Everstoke looks amazing, can't wait to visit one day!

[@bkxc]

I hope you do! It's pretty dang fun

[@tjmooney4181]

Im also completely off grid and chose 2 6000xps paired with 2 powerpro batteries over 1 18kpv for many reasons including a lot of cost savings but i do admire your setup, congrats and good job

[@bkxc]

That's great!! I just wanted to bite the bullet and get the big boy instead of doing the 2 6000xps

[@tjmooney4181]

@bkxc the only benefit of the 18kpv I could was for grid tie features but definitely not worth the price difference for my completely off grid situation, and I may need to stack a 3rd when my tesla arrives which will be super easy with my current setup

[@jimmyg6215]

Get a set of JIS screwdrivers. Japanese Industrial Standard. I use them on my Japanese made motor bikes and side by side & ATV. Will save u a lot of aggravation. 😊

[@bkxc]

Neat! Never heard of them

[@meilyn22]

Dude, you were made to do this youtube thing. So exciting to watch and follow. Entertaining while still being educational is hard to find these days.

[@bkxc]

Awesome, glad you're digging it

[@BrockBedford]

Congratulations on the power install!! Place keeps getting better every update!

[@bkxc]

Thanks so much! It was a HUGE milestone!

[@tjmooney4181]

A number 1 phillips head with the last 1/16 inch ground off is perfect for those screws 😉

[@bkxc]

Interesting!

[@roost3r]

Congratulations Brian! That seems like quite the undertaking and love that you're documenting and sharing the journey with us. Side note, thanks to you I finally gave LMNT a shot. Love a number of their flavors, but ultimately like the unflavored the best. I mix it with a couple slices of lemon or lime and it's a drink I look forward to more than any other. Dang it's good.

[@bkxc]

Oh wow! You know I really have not tried the unflavored. I have a bunch of them from the various sample packs I have!

[@ElevationEveryWeekend]

Great vid Brian. Looking forward to get my DV9 out to Everstoke for some action!

[@bkxc]

Love to hear it!

[@BCpov]

Looks amazing Brian! I’m guessing the app and the interface eventually won’t matter as it’ll hopefully be set and forget.

[@bkxc]

Exactly! So frustrating at first and then you never have to mess with it again. Thanks Eric!

[@michae8jackson378]

Congrats on getting this done! Keep pushing!

[@bkxc]

Thanks so much!!

[@puckcoach3]

Great job Brian. Congrats and super proud/happy for you 👍😎

[@bkxc]

Thanks so much Jamie!! Hope you're doing well out there!

[@dennismiller1602]

Great info bro, You have a ton of determination for figuring out new systems! Merry Christmas!

[@bkxc]

Thanks so much man!

[@xJuiCYxxJaYx]

Havent been around here this year. Hope you and the wife are doing well. Happy holidays and happy new years

[@bkxc]

Thanks so much!

[@bohemia74]

Congratulations Brian! What a great video! Keep up the great job you do!

[@bkxc]

Thank you!!

[@unionse7en]

The MAIN reason to buy this ESS is it's the cheapest way to get a code compliant UL listed system , almost all jurisdictions require UL9540 2nd edition or later ... the 18KPV is UL9540 3rd edition . (do your permit research carefully) It's not like the old days where you can mic and match components the battery and inverter (Energy Storage System must be tested and approved together* by the testing labs)

[@bkxc]

Most definitely! I waited for the UL listed version to ship!

[@LaurentiusTriarius]

As a Canadian I'd suggest digging a 4ft trench and putting all your water pipes underground. Not heating pipes is a big power saving 😂

[@bkxc]

Hahah, for sure, but they still have to come out of the ground at some point!

[@tomassanesson902]

Awesome nice and Merry Christmas

[@bkxc]

Thanks dude!

[@JulianoGSF]

Impressive, you could do a vídeo detailing all the wiring setup.

[@bkxc]

Thanks!

[@deeprootslandscaping4499]

Great system there!! This is the same system my wife and I have decided on i think. To bad the software issue hasn't been fixed. I do love the fact you can add or expand!!

[@bkxc]

Yep, it's a pretty dang cool thing once you get it set up and it runs on it's own!

[@simon359]

My first experience was with Victron, and I don’t think I could’ve done it without the ease of that system. Yes it’s more expensive, but the software is unrivaled! But like everybody else, the first build is the hardest!

[@bkxc]

Most definitely! I kind of poo-pooed the Victron stuff for being so expensive, but just like my MacBook Pro, it's well worth it to get the good stuff!

[@simon359]

@@bkxc I think the only problem with your situation was it was fairly new and needed to get a few bugs out. Especially not having an update manual. I’ve heard a lot of good things about it from people like Will Prowse, but of course, he’s an expert and you and I are the newbies on the block! 🤣

[@bluesolarmx]

The better easy way would have been to acquire reputable inverter/battery brands: Fronius (Austria), SMA (Germany), Enphase (USA)... much more expensive of course, but the real deal.

[@GavinStoneDIY]

Nice work. I think you’ll love the 18kpv. Lots of power when you need it. I’ve heard some other complaints on those pro battery screws. Hopefully they’ll work on changing that.

[@bkxc]

Glad to hear it wasn’t just me!! Hoping it’ll be a great system for years to come.

[@insideouthomeinspection]

Now you have a new skill mastered!

[@bkxc]

On the path to mastery! Not quite there yet!

[@mtadams2009]

Good job, congratulations

[@BittyVids]

My battery cover screws were a nightmare too. I had to try 15 screwdrivers to get them to fit and then had to drill some out.

[@bkxc]

Ugh!! Hate that

[@rongray4118]

Deanna and I are moving two 48 volt Absolyte Gel battery banks today... roughly several thousand pounds more...lol! The things were so, right?!? LOL!

[@bkxc]

Hope it works well for ya!

[@patdrumm3770]

Nice job Brian!

[@bkxc]

Thanks Pat!! It's getting there little by little

[@aaronbunker7076]

hell yeah that Costco jacket is so comfy

[@bkxc]

Yes!! Best $29 I ever spent!

[@garrett79177]

@@bkxcis it the Jach’s one?

[@smoothisfast6644]

Nice job with the mean messages compilation video. Well done.

[@bkxc]

Haha, thanks!

[@brentfrank7012]

Very nice

[@danzigityfz7172]

some mule tape, or pull tape (same thing, just two different names) might help you when pulling your wires through.

[@bkxc]

Yeah, I need to look into that!

[@M-TAdventures]

Good job Brian keep it up Love all your content

[@bkxc]

Thanks a ton!

[@AnonymousMiner2]

Hi Brian, I am Bryan. I have been searching for videos about the EG4 18pkv. Might I consider branding the video a little better? It doesn't show up in searches very well and I love this video. Thanks for the info Brian and good luck!

[@bkxc]

Ah, you're right about adding it to the title! I didn't realize "ESS" is a more generic term!!

[@dievhart]

Nice, can't wait to come ride and see all this...sent Aaron $$ for camping in September/Enduro 😊...but I better make it up before than

[@bkxc]

Fantastic!!!

[@MoxyDave]

Somebody's been watching Will Prowse videos :-) Good job man!

[@bkxc]

Big time!! Doing my research

[@tomridesbikesPNW]

Brian! Are you shooting for this summer to be up and running? Looks like your park is going to be epic! What’s involved in visiting for a ride in the future in your vision?

[@bkxc]

We’ve been up and running, just constantly adding more and more! Go to the website and check it out Everstoke.bike

[@N8MRN]

I would keep a stylus on a string for that touch interface, that's some tiny dropdown arrows!

[@bkxc]

That’s a great idea!

[@DiscoDancerNo1]

@bkxc for ground rods in the future get the itoolco grd01 ground Rod dawg.

[@bkxc]

Nice!’ I’ll have to check it out

[@dudeonbike800]

Not to be negative or critical, buy why don't you have AMPLE insulation on the wall behind and all around the power unit? If it freezes, you're gonna kill that very nice & expensive power unit. And if you run it even cold, you're going to greatly reduce its output and service life. Hope you have plans to insulate and heat that room properly.

[@bkxc]

The batteries have their own heater! So far so good, and I’m curious to see how things go. I was much more worried about putting it inside my shipping container and the temps hitting 120 degrees in the summer!

[@dudeonbike800]

@@bkxc thanks for the reply. I GUESS if the unit has good insulation within the case, then perhaps you're fine. But if not (and there's a lot of conductive metal in the construction), then it seems like a total waste of battery energy just to keep the unit warm in a freezing cold outhouse of a building. A few bucks for good insulation for that room may pay off in terms of unit life and less reliance on the backup generator recharging the system just to keep the unit warm in a frozen structure through the cold winters. Then the same applies in the summer - insulation will help keep the unit cooler as well. But thanks again for considering my $0.02!

[@scottbowers5019]

you have many skills, the best one is your a doer Mr Home Depot

[@bkxc]

It’s so cool learning all these different systems

[@dchall8]

So is the EG4 something you'd buy again?

[@bkxc]

Yep, I would. But I have no doubt that there will be something bigger and better within 6 months!

[@Joe-pb3lx]

Who makes that gray jacket you are wearing?......and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !!!!!!!! ......and if you are not into the Christmas theme......Happy Holidays !!

[@bkxc]

That's a Carhart jacket, Made in the USA! Not sure the actual model.

[@Joe-pb3lx]

thank you@@bkxc

[@somethingelsehere8089]

Do you have that battery in a heated enclosure? They need to be kept above freezing for charging, (LiFePO4 chemistry)

[@bkxc]

They have their own heater built in!

[@stevencole7331]

Using a electric jackhammer is ideal to drive ground rods

[@bkxc]

Had to be my own jackhammer!

[@Lukeor]

Can't run dc in non metallic conduit inside.

[@GOODLIFECaribbean]

Comment. Love it.

[@bkxc]

Haha nice

[@sparks701]

Ground rods! That is why God created apprentices! Lol.

[@bkxc]

Hahahah! I believe it

[@leomartinez1213]

So does this battery storage have enough power to power a house off grid also. Is it the equivalent to one or two Tesla Powerwalls??

[@bkxc]

Most homes nowadays have a 200 amp service, this is only 50 amps. But I would be very very surprised if I’ve EVER used more than 50 amps (12,000 watts) at my home. But, you can run these inverters and batteries together and add as many as you need. Tesla power wall is 10 kilowatt hours I believe, this battery is 14.

[@johnwambaa9442]

I have the 18kpv and 4 eg4 LL batteries which are 20000 watts. I believe we should not be looking at brands because you pay so much more for say Tesla for only 10000watts. The 18kpv runs a 3 ton AC,well, dryer during summer months. Granted you need quite a bit of panels -at least 10kw and for the AC i got one of those soft-start kits to reduce the start up power on the AC. The 18kpv works great. There is also the Solark brand that works great but the price for this is $8k compared to the 18kpv at $5k with comparable results. Other companies are providing stellar products where Tesla and Enphase don't have to be staple.

[@JClark2600]

Brain, do you have a dual slalom jump track up there like the Auburn bike park?

[@bkxc]

Not yet!

[@wg2060]

Ground rod trauma memories resurfaced.

[@bkxc]

Hahahah! Indeed

[@CJinsoo]

How much to extend service by the local utility?

[@bkxc]

Our neighbors paid $30,000.

[@CJinsoo]

@@bkxc ouch! assumed this property is served by PG&E, for residential service looks like they provide an allowance of $3,300, and if it costs more than that, the customer pays. it may not be any cheaper if served by a smaller utility district, well except for taxes. taxes are a huge part of the cost. one thing to consider for the $30k is that it is life time service. but if you are running this property as a business, then replacing the solar set up every 15-20 years may be business expense. hope this new setup works out.

[@50Acres]

I installed 3 huge EG4 systems for a friend and my experience was similar to your's. Horrible manuals, questionable tech support and just not fun at all. I'm not a big fan of signature solar.

[@bkxc]

Cutting edge also means a version 1 product that is rough around the edges. I’m hoping now that we’re rolling I can set it and forget it!

[@50Acres]

@@bkxc yea I’m sure it will be. Once we got the systems up and running they seemed to do what they were supposed to. It was just a lot more difficult than my Victron stuff.

[@heavydutymtb4275]

I'm confused is it solar or do you have a power line coming in?

[@bkxc]

Solar is the main source and then we can use the gas generator to also add power. In the future I will keep adding more and more panels so we don’t need to use the generator!

[@KestrelYI]

@@bkxc Gotcha. I was curious about how you guys were planning on keeping this thing fed.

[@knucklesinahalfshell7888]

How does the charging go on cloudy days?

[@bkxc]

It's been very slow going the past couple weeks with the clouds. BUT, right now I have everything wired in series, with half the panels in a sunny spot and half the panels in a shady spot. When you've got that kind of mix the lowest producer drags down the whole string. I'll get things moved around soon and hopefully have everything in more direct sun, and it should perform MUCH BETTER, even on cloudy days.

[@montykahle8780]

Does it have a generator auto start

[@bkxc]

It does have that option!

[@ianlamberts1199]

Hi BKXC can you do a bike review of your new bicycle or did i miss it

[@bkxc]

Nope, no bike review yet!

[@shangin14]

😀👍👍👍💪

[@Thescreamingeagle3]

get on the bike,and i will ask my friends aliens to give you tech of the electric universe 😇

[@bkxc]

Sounds like a deal

[@matt45540]

Are you accepting resumes?

[@bkxc]

We can pay you with fresh air and a campsite!

[@solarcharging9743]

This isn't the biggest and baddest of them all. If you had purchased a low frequency, transformer based inverter charger like a Sigineer HP20048D 20 kW with its much higher surge capacity, longer life expectancy and much cooler operation instead of this 12 kW, lower surge capacity, hotter running inverter charger, then you'd have the biggest and baddest inverter charger of them all.

[@BretMech]

Do you have experience with this generator? looks interesting. 18K here also with 16.5 BF array, and 2 EG4 LL server racks, working great!

[@bkxc]

There’s always gonna be another one!

[@solarcharging9743]

I repair both high frequency and low frequency inverters for a living. Have done so for the past 24 years. So I'm thoroughly familiar with this tech. Your inverter might be working fine now, but come back in a couple of years and let me know your inverter is doing. With my experience repairing lightweight, high frequency, transformerless inverters, I suspect that the news won't be good.@@BretMech

[@BretMech]

Interesting, thanks for the comment, what part of these inverter-chargers are you seeing as the failure point? @@solarcharging9743

[@quickquote1568]

The MOSFETs and electrolytic capacitors. High frequency, transformerless inverters, run much hotter due to their high switching speeds and the lack of an output transformer to buffer the surges and inductive kick back, the MOSFETs and caps are subjected to a lot of stress which leads to early failure. That's why all of the major, name brand inverter manufacturers like Schneider Electric, Outback Power, Magnum Energy, and Victron Energy all use low frequency inverter technology in their design,

[@ToddNZMTB]

I thawed I thaw a DIY solar setup

[@bkxc]

Hahaha, Sylvester!

[@ibenglish]

You lost my attention halfway through that overdone infomercial for salty hydration. Good job selling those though 👍🏻

[@bkxc]

It's kept the channel alive, love my LMNT!

[@ibenglish]

Wife uses that product so it must be good but the pitch was just a bit too long for me. Glad it makes you money and no fault to you there. ✌🏻 And 👍🏻@@bkxc

[@murfinator81]

Can you possibly be any more dramatic???

[@bkxc]

Hahaha, we found the Signature Solar employee

[@dreadlocksoutdoors492]

my favorite youtuber for this type of project is Will Prowse www.youtube.com/@WillProwse

[@bkxc]

Most definitely, watch a ton of his videos!