Don't Make This Mistake When Installing Your EG4 Solar AC / Heat Pump!

I made a major mistake when ordering my solar equipment, don't do the same!

[@LarryDoti]

I placed an order with Signature Solar and they told me to go with the Canadian solar 385 watt instead of their Bifacial panels I wanted. My 385’s are working great. They said the other panels could damage the mini splits. I’ve been very happy with my system so far. Free AC can’t be beat! Most people have no idea you can power a 12k unit with 3 panels that cost $177 each. They will pay for themselves in one year of usage.

[@rv10flyer84]

You’ll save even more once you go completely off grid and purchase the lower priced 240VAC mini split versions. 32kWpv does it for us at 38° latitude.

[@andys5203]

Awsome update. I am buying my eg4 mini split because of your reviews. Thank you.

[@czexybeast]

Awesome customer service from Signature Solar. I have begun spec’ing the build for the house we’re going to be building GA next spring. Am going with a 12K BTU for the upstairs common spaces and will eventually do a 24K unit for the downstairs common spaces which will include the kitchen and living room.

[@trumpingtonfanhurst694]

Thanks, this is a wrinkle I probably wouldn't have caught either, and I'm planning to install these units. Cheers

[@myhificloud]

Great information and another reason Signature Solar is at the top of the list.

[@GrowingUpGoudie]

Totally understand buying equipment from Signature. Panels are just as inexpensive in Canada if you are using them in Canada and not carting them to the US.

[@jimginnyohio]

Nice tip. I need to check my panels for that too!

[@frostyfroze7352]

Yeah they do go above and beyond, worst case in-line mc4 fuse will provide the protection needed as well

[@DeyeSolar]

Hello. The label marked ISC 12A but actually even u connect 15A panel or parallel solar panel make 20A the unit works. But maximum current allow to pass to the unit is 13A. This will not damage the unit.

[@SmitHVAC.]

Good to know, thank you!

[@kameljoe21]

The company that makes the unit! What are the specs for each of the 2 unit? @DeyeSolar

[@BullCheatFR]

It's mostly a safety issue. Part of the wiring inside the unit, before the fuse, can only handle 12A. Not sure how much of a problem it actually is in real world conditions

[@offgridwanabe]

Chances are in AC mode they would never get to the short circuit limit but in winter it is likely, but why take the chance.

[@SmitHVAC.]

Agreed, it may have never been an issue. Better safe than sorry

[@granbwaprop7162]

I love the precise info thank you

[@OffGridandOutdoors]

So @SmitHVAC, did you end up using the panels after DEYE responded? I am guessing no since SS already said they would replace, but good to know the label actually lower than what the MPPT can take. I will be installing my 4th EG4 unit soon

[@SmitHVAC.]

I did use them for about a week before finding out, they worked fine but we disconnected them as soon as we were notified. The new panels just arrived last week.

[@ich1ban916]

Great info, thanks!

[@newbiesoffgrid]

I just installed this 12k unit and love it. Do you think you could do a tutorial on how the app works on the phone? The mode feature as well as eco and the "anion" function? There isn't any directions on any of this that I've found. Once again, awesome video, thanks so much for inspiring me to get one of these!

[@SmitHVAC.]

I don't think eco or anion have any function of this unit, it's a remote used for many other minisplits.

[@captgrant]

Would a voltage regulator have worked to suppress the extra amps?

[@SmitHVAC.]

I don't think so

[@stusok6981]

Just purchased 12k based on your review. Thanks! But just watched this video and did a check on my panel that have ISC of 12.07...think it would hurt?

[@SmitHVAC.]

No, should be fine!

[@kameljoe21]

I am sorry I do not understand. I read the specs and they are rated for 3.5kwh at 190v or something like that. I would have to double check again. Yet I was pretty sure that four 400 watt panels would never even reach the spec rated for any of their units. Both of their units are 12k and 24k have the same ratings as the mppt is the same.

[@junkerzn7312]

Generally speaking, power supplies, power regulators, and so forth (such as the one built into the mini-split) are limited by current and not so much by wattage. It is the current which generates the heat inside the unit and has the potential to overheat the unit. Wattage is a function of current and voltage, and systems obviously also have voltage limits too (otherwise they burn something up internally or arc or whatever). But it is the current that actually generates internal losses and the heat. Now, the MPPT in the mini-split can obviously regulate the power to whatever it wants, and it can even probably monitor the current too. So you can ask... why does the solar panel's short circuit current still matter then? The reason is that MPPTs have to do a periodic sweep on the solar input to find the maximum power point and during this sweep it is effectively shorting the solar array for a few tenths of a second, potentially causing current beyond its maximum rating. Simple as that.

[@kameljoe21]

@@junkerzn7312 So pretty much you are saying that the MPPT needs a heat sink and water block to keep it cooler. I get it now. I was still under the impression that the specs where massive. The range was pretty large which could accommodate a pretty large array. I just wish all of the all in ones had this ability to be solar only and use the grid as back up. Yet non of them are. They all require battery or grid power to work.

[@junkerzn7312]

​@@kameljoe21 The specs are generous. The EG4 supports pretty high voltages on the MPPT input. That does not necessarily translate into high current limits though. The MPPT in the EG4 actually does have a heat sink. But there is a limit to how quickly various components can dissipate the heat. Component cost is always a factor, too. One could make a beefier MPPT but it would also make the unit more expensive. A water block is not something you ever use when you need multi-year reliability. In anycase, I believe the EG4 does work on just solar, but its a trade-off. You can do: (a) Solar panels to EG4 and nothing else, but heating/cooling stops working in the late afternoon as the sun heads down and any excess energy from the solar panels is thrown away. Still, this is a cheap solution. Or (b) Solar panels to charge controller to battery to inverter to EG4 (AC input). This costs significantly more and has higher power losses through the various components, but the mini-split will operate more reliably and excess solar is stored and then can be used to run the unit in the late afternoon and past sunset. Even overnight with enough solar and battery. If I were really cash limited I'd go with (a). But if I had the cash to add battery buffering, I'd go (b) because it is a far more flexible solution and gives you access to AC for other things too. And with (b), the EG4 might not be a good fit anyway. It would be better to go with a 24VDC or 48VDC mini-split that one could connect directly to the battery, removing the inverter and power losses associated with converting to AC. This makes the EG4 a fairly niche product.

[@JWTX]

Have you heard anymore on the back ordered mini splits? I haven't heard anything. Getting a little concerned..... Jeff

[@SmitHVAC.]

Nothing yet, hang in there. Should be soon

[@2006mrderrickh]

Thanks for that information. I am about to purchase from Signature with your referral link. I want to buy some used panels and these are the specifications: Specifications: Rated Power: 250W Open circuit voltage (VOC): 37.6 V Max power voltage (VMP): 30.3 V Short circuit current (ISC): 8.85 A Max power current: 8.27 A Power Tolerance 0/+3% Maximum system voltage: 600V Fuse Rating: 15 A Do you think these will work fine? They are $500 with shipping for 10 panles.

[@SmitHVAC.]

Yes those will work great, you only need 5 but if 10 is the minimum that's still a good deal

[@2006mrderrickh]

@SmitHVAC. Awesome and thanks for the quick reply. I will be ordering today and using your referral. Saved me $50 bucks!

[@SmitHVAC.]

@@2006mrderrickh No problem, thanks for watching the videos. If you use this link it helps them track my referrals as well. Appreciate it! signaturesolar.com/?ref=_KvVrzchAclARI

[@2006mrderrickh]

@@SmitHVAC. I just used your link for a purchase. I had to input your code for $50 discount. Thanks again for all the help!

[@SmitHVAC.]

Thanks! appreciate you using it. Let me know when you get it up and running.

[@racebanning6390]

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