Connecting Solar Panels to the Growatt/EG4 Emergency Power Cart

[@LithiumSolar]

G4 UL-Listed Battery... signaturesolar.com/eg4-lifepower4-lithium-battery-48v-100ah/?ref=lithiumsolar (affiliate links) Growatt Inverter... signaturesolar.com/growatt-48v-3kw-150vdc-stackable-off-grid-inverter/?ref=lithiumsolar Please let me know what you guys think and if there is anything else you want to see regarding this power cart!

[@pogoart9625]

An additional battery charge controller is not needed?

[@LithiumSolar]

@@pogoart9625 Correct, the charge controller for both AC and solar is built in to the inverter. It's an "all in one" model.

[@LithiumSolar]

@@shayjohnson5830 No idea, I don't have an electric bike.

[@r.b.l.5841]

@@LithiumSolar I charge my ebike battery which is 14Ahr 48VDC and because the charger for the bike limits the current, it takes about 4 hours from zip to full, hope this helps.

[@wildwestunlimited]

Here's my comment for your YT Algorithm .... You taught me something and I always appreciate that!! NICE job explaining what you have!

[@Steve-wo9uy]

explain things in a straightforward way is a talent, and sir you nailed it.

[@r.b.l.5841]

I found the other reason to put the PV voltage lower ie 2S rather than 3S configuration, is to allow the MPP more room to fluctuate the voltage as it tracks looking for the MPP point on the I-V curve. When I tried using 3S the the voltage was so close to the max of the Inverter, it really didn't do much tracking. Changing to 2S (for me this was 88VDC and the inverter like yours has 145VDC max) the tracking immediately took off and found the MPP point. Great vid, great portable station, great channel. keep em coming.

[@joeybassbass]

Thank you for this. I’m building an almost identical hand truck system as my first DIY solar project, and I didn’t quite understand how to size panels for it. This is a huge help!

[@luisarmandotorres6367]

You sir, have a new subscriber. Thank you for simplifying the information for newbies. I really appreciate it

[@john_in_phoenix]

Very good explanation of what to consider when selecting the right configuration for your panels.

[@goodcitizen4587]

Very practical. We should all have a kit like this. Would be cool to have this running 24/7 for set of loads, to help offset the costs of the gear.

[@cpoul]

Def a waste just sitting in the garage not being used.

[@goodcitizen4587]

@@cpoul A good project would be to run a 2nd fridge or a window AC. That's how I'm pitching this to my wife to spend the $$$.

[@cpoul]

@@goodcitizen4587 I would def use it for something. I couldn't let it sit not being used. I have a honda 2000w gen for sitting.

[@tannermeyers]

Thank you thank you thank you! I’m thrilled you made this video so quickly!

[@luisjimenez5898]

You're the best! Thanks for answering my question. Thanks again.

[@linnmagic]

Can you make a beginner friendly video on how to charge it with an existing solar roof panels? I’m pretty sure lot’s of viewer here wanted to add batteries to their existing solar panels. Thanks for making beginner friendly videos!

[@williamgilthorpe4960]

I did the build. Have not started it yet. Saw some inverter setting upgrades for Battery Type. Would you add a video featuring setting up the growatt inverter settings, and how to hook up and test communication cables between the EG4 Battery and the Growatt Inverter.

[@DCGULL01]

David- thank you for recommending Face Book Market Place &/or Craig's List for more local pick up. I want to buy a couple of Bi-facial panels for my sailboat & a few midsize panels for my Bimini (mine's very large & wide) & finally would consider the dreaded flexible panels for my cabin top if the previous is not sufficient, but- couldn't figure out how ship them??? I bet you grab 2 more cuz you already HAVE connections for it! Hahaha

[@TJWood]

Loved this, great simple design and then got keen and then realized from a quick google that of course being in Australia the inverter and battery are 3-4x the cost and not sold to the general public unless you go through some solar distributor which then wants to charge you $10k for a setup... Sigh, great idea though.

[@nomadic_rider42]

Concise and informative, thanks for the video.

[@toolate6971]

Awesome video! I am happy you did the calculations.

[@davemarshall9925]

thanks for showing the panels installed - nice video Boy Want one of these units- do you offer a build workshop at your place? or on my ranch? Id guess you could get 10 participants. to make it worth while

[@WDMurphy]

Thank you so much for these videos.😁

[@pablolopez-sr5cb]

Thank you very much for sharing your videos it helped me a lot..👍👍

[@SheepDoggy68]

Colored tape works well, but I find colored zip-ties hold up better in some applications.

[@camielkotte]

Insurance may make you install pvboxes with breakers and surge protection and grounding with even one panel. It is a "it depends" factor.

[@mikefa5891]

Thanks for another informative video!

[@robertallencad1]

I love you and your channel . Rock on

[@loucinci3922]

Great info. Thanks for sharing.

[@ko2890]

Could you please produce one short addition demonstrating the total completion of all 4 panels?

[@tjkoker]

Fantastic video. FYI, I had to set playback at .75. You talk so fast I had to keep rewinding. LOL. Do you have a more advanced video if some one wanted to hook the unit up to their house for emergency purposes as well as a switching system to engage and disengage.. Thanks.

[@LithiumSolar]

It's funny you mention this. I also receive a lot of comments that I still talk to slow. It seems difficult to get it right...! Haha. Thanks for watching :)

[@ScottPlude]

great video, thanks!

[@offgridwanabe]

Perfect for a short power failure.

[@Vibe77Guy]

I really like this design, although the stationary application I have needs a bit more output. I like the price point of the Sungold 48v 5k inverter. Unfortunately, there's a communication issue between the inverter and the EG4 battery BMS.

[@reypanelo]

very informative , thank you sir

[@antoniocintron2074]

Tnanks for this video

[@sabudjed1135]

Many thanks.

[@kisschaiyarungsee6484]

Thank u so much its super informative

[@shelley131]

Just saw your video, great great information! I was wondering as you have it built and I built one does this portable power bank allow for eps or ups use? Again great video.

[@thatonebeone]

nice.. alway simple explaining

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

Thanks COOP ...

[@edwardwang2594]

i like this set

[@ryantransfiguracion3537]

great content..may try this

[@rogerandroid2186]

Sorry! Dumb question ... but ... If you have solar panels sat in bright sunshine, not plugged in to anything, do they melt or malfunction? Or are they happy to sit there until you plug them in to your charging circuits? Thanks.

[@mondotv4216]

The problem with only two in series is the min voltage for the MPPT to kick in is 50V and you’re not much above that even in full sun.

[@r.b.l.5841]

Even just ambiant daylight will give you the voltage. I have seen this in early morning and late in the day after the sun is past the horizon but still pretty light out, the PV voltage will still be near the normal (for me 88VDC) but the watts (ie the amps) drop off a cliff. Today with full overcast cloudy skys most of the day the voltage was still 82VDC, too bad the wattage was next door to zip. From what I see with my PV you don't need full sun to get the voltage, just the amperage.

[@eddiekytia]

Hello lithium solar.... so if the server rack battery was completely discharged how long would it take to charge from the inverter plugged into a standard 15amp ac outlet? Thanks for all you do!

[@nicosgeo]

Excellent work. I have been with you in this project from the beginning. Can you state the total cost of the project including panels and cabling. And another think. Does the inverter controls lithium charging as well while a load consumes more or less from the panel production.

[@herblapp6134]

My 2 cents is l believe you're ok as the better MPPT converter either automatically senses if you've connected one or the other battery type. It shud have algorithms to effectively control the voltage - current range. It's an either or. You can't mix battery types in one system...it confuses the converter. I don't know what that does because l have done that or read about what happens. I use Victron converters with blue tooth for cell phone ability to monitot. If anything l shared is wrong l ask that l be corrected.

[@mondotv4216]

Yes - it will favour an AC load first and then any remaining solar power will charge the battery. If solar falls below the load the battery kicks in to supply more power. That’s how a hybrid inverter works when solar is connected.

[@George_us]

Why did you turn off the inverter when attaching the solar panels to it? I am trying to find a procedure for energizing and de-energizing a solar system.

[@LithiumSolar]

It probably doesn't matter in this example; however, I think it's good practice in terms of safety. Even better would be having a PV disconnect to flip on/off.

[@bill2292]

How about a video on battery management software and apps? I just read the MPP manual about download, unzipping, compatible hosts etc, and I realized there is a lot to it. I'd also like to be able to change parameters remotely, without going to the LCD screen and pressing a lot of buttons.

[@sanseiryu]

I have a 24v 3k MPP Solar unit. 800watts solar panels, series parallel, two 12v 180Ah lifepo4 batteries in series 4.3kwh. The default settings were pretty much all I needed. The setup took all of five minutes, on the lcd.

[@Boplazima]

Hi again thanks to reply to me . I live in the UK and in winter in here is not much sun .. Can this tipe of battery running only with1600w solar panels directly to the inverter thank you..

[@Jkauppa]

two radius r=1m frequency=333Hz (20kprm or above) mass flywheel energy storage, design equation is S=E/m=(pi^2)(r^2)(f^2), gives 300Wh/kg (and 30kWh/kg with 3.3kHz or 200krpm) [units MJ/kg], dont be afraid of jet engines spinning, they dont blow up because of radial acceleration forces, just make the discs from solid metal, very simple, large energy storage for homes, like 1000kg mass disc, giving 300kWh storage, just add maglev opposite on a stick, and a dc or ac motor generator with a distance clutch

[@graysonbaur9366]

Thanks for this and other videos- extremely helpful.. I set up the same exact system (48 v EG4, Growatt 3000 48V all-in-one). I'm using three bifacial panels in series rated at 400W each. I tested them all today (January, NC, full sun, 35 degrees F) and around noon I was seeing on the Growatt readings like this: PV voltage=92V, PV current=18 A; but the power going to the battery was listed at only around 1040 W. Given the V and A readings, I would have expected power to be more like 1600 W, so I figure the power going to the battery is limited by the maximum charge voltage of around 56V. If that is true, is it really worth having a significantly higher voltage than the range minimum? Or am I missing a setting that would allow the Growatt to increase the amperage going to the battery and thus get more wattage? TIA if you or anyone can assist.

[@mehammered]

Sorry I am a little confused, you said that only 2 vs 3 would be good for this because Volts. However, at the end of the video you say you can use MC4 splitters to do 4 panels. Can we do 4 with this set up?

[@trevormcmillan3334]

You can do 4 if you run 2 in series and 2 in parallel.

[@davidutman5366]

Love your videos but please one question, what's the deal with the temperature range? I live in FL, hottest is like 110 coldest is 28... And that was only for an hour or so at night. Why does cold affect your solar panels? Thanks

[@howard922]

Solar panel efficiency drops by around 0.05 percent for every degree Celsius increase in temperature (panel temperature not ambient temperature). On the other hand, efficiency increases by 0.05 percent for every degree Celsius decrease in temperature. The panel is usually rated based on 24c. It’s to do with electrons moving at different rates and escaping from atoms or some such witchcraft! 😁

[@mlg779]

Panels produce a lot more power when is cold. so that is positive.

[@freebirdskoolieofficial8163]

Is there a specific reason you choose a growatt inverter over an EG4? I'm looking to duplicate this system. Great idea.

[@LithiumSolar]

The Growatt was cheaper and did what I needed it to. No reasons other than that.

[@freebirdskoolieofficial8163]

Is this a system where I could start out with one- then later on build an identical generator and connect them together in parrell for more power? Would you say one is big enough to power ac- 2 would be enough to power entire home??

[@el_negro_pr1914]

Thanks

[@pomademahal]

Can I connect solar panels to growatt inverter without battery? Meaning I use it directly.

[@SteveOgunwo-yf4bt]

Do they have any training facility in Virginia where I could get train to become certified

[@saktisaliyeshuha5584]

How much and what are needed for 2 freeze , 1 tv, 3 computer,2 laptop, electric stove,oven,microwave, water heater, blender, electrical hardware, electrical kettle, 1 electrical sofa, 1 electrical, massage chair, 1 electrical bed,1 electrical bath, 1 rice cooker, 1 instant pot ? For eg. Which are durable, cheap, best brands and how many batteries with solars? How much volts or Watts? What are required?

[@pogoart9625]

Does the battery have it’s own charge controller? Or, does the inverter have it’s own charge controller? Or, is there an understanding that a person is expected to have an added charge controller when they use the solar panels?

[@LithiumSolar]

The inverter has a built in MPPT charge controller. You don't have to add anything extra.

[@МішаМедвед]

Good afternoon, I need such an overview of the settings for the Growatt SPF 6000 ES Plus Hybrid inverter 6kW + Wi-Fi, thank you, battery 5 kW

[@Stizzymack]

Very nice! Is it ok to keep the system on the porch long term as long as it's out of the sun and rain? Is there a downside to keeping the battery and generator outdoors? I plan to run my system from the porch with my panels in the sun as well.

[@tseawell90]

I don’t think these are weatherproof but idk

[@mycabinlife1291]

Did you end up leaving it on your porch? That's what I'm considering too. Maybe in a zippered up shower tent?

[@haripara]

Hi Can you please provide from where did you buy the solar panels.

[@Nezello]

Cut to the chase, how long will it run anything particularly a window air conditioner and with solar attached to it.

[@johnthompson5792]

well done!

[@JeffSkymaster]

Thanks again

[@javi8129]

Cool!

[@jimbob100-d3l]

How did you ground it?

[@trevormcmillan3334]

Does it matter what voltage the panels are as long as you are in the range of the mppt and under voc? Wasn't sure since the system is 48 volt.

[@georgeberz]

Hello I wanted to build this but wanted to hook up a small generator 110v1500w and limit the current draw in growatt unit. Sales lady says 3000w model not suitable w generator . Then I looked at manual and it says use a diesel generator only rated at least 10kva. I'm wanting the portability you just made, and to charge from panels mostly or a small genset like the honda 2200, Any ideas why this inverter is only rated on a diesel generator? seems kinda odd. We live on an Island and we have had 24 power issues in 6 months.

[@eddiekytia]

What is the usable capacity of the 5kw server rack battery when using this inverter? How efficient are theese all in one inverters? Thanks to anyone who can help

[@LithiumSolar]

Inverting efficiency will depend on your load. I generally use 85% in my calculations as you'll pretty much never find load vs efficiency graphs for these types of inverters.

[@timotmill5030]

How is the inverter grounded? Is it grounded differently while non use?

[@LithiumSolar]

While plugged in, it's grounded through the AC input. While operating as a power cart, the inverter IS the ground.

[@SteveOgunwo-yf4bt]

Where do I go buy training to be installing solar system

[@leafnutz2341]

Have you been able to get communications working between the EG4 and the Growatt?

[@LithiumSolar]

I have not tried between these two devices.

[@cayrick]

Very well done and has me thinking hard. Right now I use a Xantrex 12v inverter and 6 - 6V trojan batteries connected to utility power. Auto switchover in the event of a line failure. It is 1100 AH but is not portable considering each or the six batteries is over 100#. Would love to see how you mounted the solar panels. Flat on the ground or some type of frame or rack to hold them? Do you need a charge controller on the solar side to protect the batteries? This is a great setup for when the SHTF scenario.

[@TonyPham-Creations]

Have you encountered any issues with having the EG4 on it's back? I checked with SS & they said "The batteries can be vertical. They cannot be on their back and or upside down." Thanks!

[@LithiumSolar]

What do you mean "on it's back"? Both orientations of 1) with terminals up or 2) with big EG4 logo up are fine. Which side are you referring to as the back? Sorry, terms are confusing 🙂

[@TonyPham-Creations]

@@LithiumSolar My interpretation from the Signature Solar email on the "back" as opposite side of the terminals. If it works with the terminals in the vertical position like you have on your handtruck, that would be perfect for my application!

[@George_us]

SS also told me it is okay to position my EG4-LL on its back. I don't understand why these batteries don't have any opening for cooling and/ or a fan. Doesn't the BMS carry the load current and get warm?

[@TonyPham-Creations]

@@George_us oh wow, ok, looks like we have some interesting potential here, thanks George! I wondered that about fans too

[@LithiumSolar]

The original response is confusing. You mentioned they said it can be vertical but cannot be on its back. Well putting it on its back (what we think is the back) puts it in the vertical orientation. I wonder if it was a typo and they meant to say it cannot be on it's face (terminals down). This is something they should really add to their user's manual...

[@Kindafu]

hey amigo, did you make a video of how you set up and wire your larger solar arrays?

[@christopherkruft7192]

I mistakenly reverse the polarity on one of my solar panels. Have I ruined the MPPT charger? And if so what do I do next? I am getting no reading on the Pv input

[@Zbee167]

Good stuff! How long does it take to charge from zero to full with these solar panels? Thanks for sharing.

[@w3bb0y]

It's roughly a 5kw battery and he was getting 450ish watts from solar. Taking into account some loss (10% ish) then maybe 12-14 hours

[@mondotv4216]

Depends on the amount of solar insolation and how many panels you connect, temperature etc. It’s a 3kW inverter so technically you could charge your 5kW battery in 2 hours. That would require a minimum of 10 x 300W panels (typically if you want to max out an inverter you’d go to 3.6kW because panels only perform at their rated output for a short period each day.

[@xBucket13x]

I have a Question, I heard there is that issue with the 48v units and a hazard of being electrocuted if you touch the terminates, after it is charged and live. from what i have researched, it seems to only be an issue with 48v setups. could you recommend a 24v set up for this same kind of build?

[@oneshot_onekill4618]

Building a 24V system would you choose MPP or Growatt?

[@macEboy]

If one didn't want to use FB Market to shop or craig's, do you have a link to buy from? Amazon? I understand shipping... Thanks!

[@eduscopelive4015]

Super

[@200sxtony]

Great video! I was wondering if you know of any similar invertors that output 220V (and have a not so high minimal voltage input like the 5000SE)

[@chimpmunkboy8850]

There are quite a few that have had issues with these batteries. Have you had issues with?

[@LithiumSolar]

Issues with the LifePower4? No issues here, what kind of problems have you had?

[@stevenrauschelbach5913]

👍

[@GmanfromTexas]

Please reply for help. I dont understand this terminology .I have a 24v /3000w PowrMr inverter. The PV specs are: Max Power 4000W, Max open voltage 450V, MPPT input voltage range 120-400vdc, Im trying to hook up a 400w solar panel. Volt meter gives me 37v at the mc4 connector but the inverter does not recognize it

[@LithiumSolar]

Your panel is producing 37V and it sounds like your inverter needs a minimum of 120V.

[@GmanfromTexas]

@@LithiumSolar oh that’s what it means. No wonder it doesn’t see the panel. I tried to use a portable 400w panel as not have a giant permanent mount panel just for emergencies but I guess that won’t work hu.

[@gushardy4421]

What are your panel specs?

[@GmanfromTexas]

@ 3000 w inverter. 24v. PV max power 4000 W. MPPT 120-400

[@gushardy4421]

@GmanfromTexas those are the inverter specs.

[@GrandPrix46]

How long would it take to charge to full from ~20%?

[@igorkvachun3572]

Yes sistema🔋 ⚡🔌💡👍

[@jasonbroom7147]

Is there any particular reason the volume of your videos has dropped off so much? I hope everything is OK.

[@LithiumSolar]

I just don't have time anymore. I'll get back to it soon hopefully.

[@jasonbroom7147]

@@LithiumSolar - I totally understand that. Just know that your content was some of the best out there and there are probably more than a few folks who do miss it. Take care and do what works for you. :)

[@danielgregarek]

Hello With the 2 300w solar panel How to charge that system that you make?

[@LithiumSolar]

The inverter has a built-in solar charge controller.

[@shaystern2453]

good math stuff

[@robertkat]

And how much did all this cost?

[@LithiumSolar]

$0.99

[@МішаМедвед]

Good afternoon, I need such a review for Growatt SPF 6000 ES Plus Hybrid inverter 6kW + Wi-Fi thank you battery 5 kw

[@ErikRave]

Are you sure you can only connect 2 330Wp panels to that large inverter?? Looks not right to me.

[@LithiumSolar]

I explained the calculations in the video.

[@ErnestBadu]

wow

[@leerodriguez902]

E👍xcellent

[@XFBO]

Curious about the solar charge time running 600 watts worth of panels for that specific server rack battery size, anyone???

[@xBucket13x]

nice follow up video. I love this build, small enough to move around the house or for a bug-out in a pinch. should you feel like donating any of your older model setups to a newb solar enthusiast.. im new and looking for a bug-out sized version of this.

[@BobBob-il2ku]

It says 4500watt PV input max but you’re saying 600 watts is getting close to the max. Can anyone explains?

[@LithiumSolar]

Yes, the theoretical maximum is 4500W; however, you need to stay within the operating parameters of the controller - Voc, Vmp, and Imp.

[@ko2890]

A grateful subscriber. Excellent job. I'm actually in process of 100% replication with one modification. Could you do a 3rd video that would show the specifics of connecting the 4 panels and also adding one additional battery that would not be on the cart. Could you show how to add and remove additional batteries so as to have the cart as you shown and I'd have an extra batter in two different locations. ( I got a super deal on 3 of these batteries and want to take the cart between the 2 locations where I would leave one battery at each place

[@gushardy4421]

Can anyone help me understand the solar panel part of this system.

[@LithiumSolar]

What question(s) do you have?

[@gushardy4421]

Thanks. Inverter 1 VOC is 500VDC Nominal Operational Voltage is 360VDC MPPT voltage range is 120-450VDC Inverter 2 VOC is 450 Min solar Voltage 120VDC There's no range like inverter one. My solar panel spec is Open Circuit Voltage 38.2 Voltage at PMax 30.6 I'm in a hot climate. It never gets cold. How many panels can I run in series on each inverter with these panels? There is no range on inverter 2

[@gushardy4421]

On inverter 1, VOC is 500. Based on the panel spec, can I do 3 panels in series and the remaining panels in parallel?

[@mlg779]

You can easily put 3 panes in series. Not sure why you are saying that you can't.

[@LithiumSolar]

I just explained why you cannot. You will exceed the max Voc on the charge controller on a cold day.

[@mlg779]

@@LithiumSolar ON a cold day when the panels are already connected to the inverter, as soon as the panels are at the right voltage, the inverter will start producing power and voltage will drop. You will never reach Max VOC on panel already connected.Foe example I have 10 CSUN CSUN310-72P in series. VOC is 44.8V but the inverter is running them at 316V right now.

[@LithiumSolar]

@@mlg779 That is not how it works. You see max Voc before the charge controller turns on in the morning. I've seen it happen many times on my own system. Yes, once the controller starts producing power, voltage drops to around Vmp; however, I'm talking about BEFORE charging begins. Another example is when your battery bank is full. The controller will shut off and you'll once again see Voc on your array. You absolutely need to take this in to account with your calculations.

[@mlg779]

​@@LithiumSolar let me rephrase. If you connect the 3 panel to the inverter in the middle of the day and you are in Alaska with snow on the ground that can reflect extra light on the panels, and it is very cold, I agree with you, you can have higher voltage well above. If you have 3 panels permanently connected, that as soon as you have daylight, the system will start producing power, then you will be at Vmp. I do not have an extra panel to test, but if you have one please prove me wrong. I am really curious. I live in Georgia and I would not hesitate to connect 3 panels in series to this system.

[@JohnJohn-nh5mj]

Doesn’t matter is the panels are 12v or 24v

[@LithiumSolar]

No, it doesn't matter. All that matters is that the voltage of the array of panels falls within the specifications required by the inverter. If using 12V panels, you'll have to connect more of them in series vs using 24V panels obviously.

[@SarahStuff-p5u]

Gotta admit, something at this amp not grounded....sure makes me nervous.