Update: The absolute maximum voltage open circuit of the 18K is 600V. Compare to sol ark 15K which is 550V max. And get this! Current Connected is doing pre-orders for the EG4 18K (affiliate link): www.currentconnected.com/product/eg4-18kpv/?ref=wp You can buy 18K direct from signature solar here: signaturesolar.com/eg4-18kpv-hybrid-inverter-all-in-one-solar-inverter-eg4-18kpv-12lv/?ref=cPwLcVc0SW-BjN&PV-product-launch& If you need a sol ark 15K, buy it from current connected: www.currentconnected.com/product/sa-15k/?ref=wp If you need a budget friendly 48V system, go here: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html *Does off-grid solar confuse you?* Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com *Join our DIY solar community* #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com *Check out my Book* Best-selling and beginner-friendly guide to 12V off-grid solar! amzn.to/2Aj4dX4 If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Energy! They will price out a system and get your house offgrid: ts.la/william57509 *My DIY Solar Equipment Recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first):* 12V/48V Lithium Solar Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html Complete Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html Plug-N-Play System Recommendations: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html Complete "Add to Cart" 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html *My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar Products:* *Signature Solar* Offgrid One-Stop-Shop. Best Value 48V LiFePO4, Victron and Offgrid Specific Heat Pumps: www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek *Current Connected* SOK, Victron, Mr.Cool Heatpumps and High Quality Components. Fantastic customer support: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp *Litime* My favorite 12V budget battery!: www.litime.com/?ref=XBIA62RFcalHns *Epoch Batteries* My favorite high-quality 12V battery: www.epochbatteries.com/products/12v-460ah-lifepo4-battery-ip67-heated-bluetooth-victron-comms?rfsn=7352625.50494d *Renogy* A classic 12V solar store that has been around for ages! DC to DC Chargers and more! renogy.sjv.io/n1VjXx *Rich Solar* Renogy's biggest competitor! Similar products, but at a better price: richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek *Battery Hookup* Cheap cell deals bit.ly/2mIxSqt 5% off code: diysolar *Contact Information:* I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar *FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers:* Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :) DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
@Sol-Ark Жыл бұрын
Sol-Ark is flattered that Luxpower has imitated our revolutionary hybrid inverter design, but to suggest that a cheaper inverter is also a better inverter is inaccurate. AC power is more important than DC power, and Sol-Ark provides 25% more daytime AC power critical for those heavy HVAC and well pumps. On the DC side, either way, the batteries get full on sunny days for well-designed systems. That's a long ways towards that price difference right out of the gate, before getting into MPPT comparison. On that note, the MPPT are very different (~50% more for Sol-Ark). Getting to 18kW on the Luxpower is very difficult, requiring maxing out the MPPT which can trigger temperature design concerns on cold sunny days. Whereas it's easy to max out the Sol-Ark PV capacity due to its full sized MPPTs, even without expensive, premium solar modules. Which begs the question - what solar module configuration did Luxpower use to validate its 18kW claim? Can they show any long term endurance testing to verify that specification? Perhaps Will can do his own testing but the video only goes up to ~14kW. Other technical issues - charge/discharge efficiencies are worse and the certifications don't match Sol-Ark - which has UL9540 2020 and UL1741SB options on the market today as required in California and most of the USA grid-tied market next year, and necessary for those utility battery incentives to improve the ROI. Sol-Ark is proud to be the leader in the hybrid inverter. There are many imitations coming out daily, but only one, true original setting the standard. Also - Best-in-class is not just about engineering, innovation and R&D, but it is in the people and treatment of our customer-base. We're now moving into a 300,000 sq. ft. campus sized for 500 employees in our Texas headquarters.
@WillProwse Жыл бұрын
@@Sol-Ark just learned last night about the increased AC output when solar available on the forum last night. Did not know that at all! I posted the spec after I found it. And fortress power seems to be the first imitation. Not eg4. Yes, we will see what listings they will have and how well the support is. I have no idea at this point. I love the competition though! We need more options in the market, for sure. You guys are the leaders in this space 😁 I'm surprised they didn't imitate every specification. Doesn't seem that hard to do. Love what you guys do and have a lot of happy viewers running your units! I don't think I have a single forum member to have complained about your support, either. It will be interesting to see how these other companies will compare. Do you have any plans to lower prices in the future? I assume you guys sell predominantly to installers, but I could be wrong. I feel like the luxpowers and others coming out will be more popular for direct to consumer. I can't wait to see people compete with the 18K in the next year. Perhaps voltronic will come out with something even better. By the way, I sell all of my sol arks through current connected, and they are fantastic! I am glad you work with them.
@WillProwse Жыл бұрын
@@Sol-Ark and yes I need some more strings. They are saying it can go up to 600VDC on the input. I have a lot of viewers that want a sol ark but simply can't afford it and instead buy the lv6548 clones. For $2,999, it's not bad. Not code compliant in some areas but they are cheap and get the job done. Could sol ark make a off-grid specific unit to compete with the lv6548 clones? That would be so cool!! The more competition the better
@WillProwse Жыл бұрын
@@pvbatts there are some variation between all of the models but I'm not sure yet to what extent. They are saying they can have the VOC up to 600 on the EG4 version. I know there are some differences with the fortress power version as well. I put 500 in the video because that's what they recommend is the working voltage. Some of the official documents are not consistent though so let's see what they have when they are listed.
@WillProwse Жыл бұрын
@@Sol-Ark what does sol ark think about the fortress power version of this unit? It's been out for a while now.
@joesmith6972 Жыл бұрын
THIS is what I have been waiting for. Please, oh please, let this thing be reliable.
@NeverTakeNoCut-offs Жыл бұрын
My thought exactly. I bought a Sol Ark and I still would even if this had been out. It’s been rock solid. Specs mean noting if the unit dies or glitching constantly.😊😊
@alexandermoore6027 Жыл бұрын
@@NeverTakeNoCut-offs been running a 8kw deye, 15kw solark and this 12kw luxpower. and hands down luxpower is the best value. and the solark has more issues than the others, its very sensitive to unbalanced loads.
@dannelson6980 Жыл бұрын
@@alexandermoore6027 What size loads are running on the Solark? My maximum load is is 7kw, but I still worry about the load balance on the 15kw.
@Version135 Жыл бұрын
Had my solark 15k for 8 months now and it's already got like 13 MWH through it.
@NeverTakeNoCut-offs Жыл бұрын
@@alexandermoore6027 I have had my Sol Ark for over a year and never once had an unbalanced load issue, and I have had some very heavy loads on it. Of course I designed my system based on the published specification and best wiring practices and use the most recent firmware. It's a non-issue for me.
@SpencerLAPower Жыл бұрын
I've been testing this 18k unit for over a week now it's working great And soon I will be able to provide tech support for the 18k units we sell And we will answer the phone. Great video keep up the good work.
@jeffsowers1290 Жыл бұрын
Do you sell complete packages
@SpencerLAPower Жыл бұрын
@@jeffsowers1290 yes
@arthurhammeke8296 Жыл бұрын
That is the cleanest and easily accessible cabinet I've seen so far. Must been a dream to work on.
@WillProwse Жыл бұрын
so easy
@Crusher9mil11 ай бұрын
So I've been doing a lot of research and I found this video to be very informative. I really like all the features on this system, it's got evening I'm looking for and then some. And for the $$ I haven't seen anything else that beats it. I personally don't care about customer support. I've been in IT for +25y & elevator mech for 11y before that and I don't ever call tech support.
@willc4922 Жыл бұрын
can't help but love your content and break downs, that help with understanding what the upside and down sides to all units you show. Really helps when it comes to is this unit for me and my use. And made me realize that what I needed and didn't need depending on application use. Keep the hits coming... love your channel. So very very helpful!!!
@ARLGD11 ай бұрын
Thank you for your kind words! I'm glad to hear that my videos have been helpful in understanding different units and their applications. The Segway Portable PowerStation Cube Series could be a great addition to your outdoor gear. Its massive capacity, fast recharging, and waterproof technology make it a reliable choice for camping and home backup power. Keep exploring and enjoying your outdoor adventures!
@leonardharview4577 Жыл бұрын
Will, I am blown away at your technological capabilities as well as your impeccable communication ability. I'm in Pahrump which is about an hour away from you in Sin City. I'm off grid here with (2) EG4 6500's with (28) 445 watt Eversolar panels all acquired via Signature Solar. Should be up and running in a few days if all is good w/o needing firmware updates. Much of the installation procedures are followed by your incredible input and I thank you very much for what you do for us, your followers.
@VinceBadovinatz88 Жыл бұрын
A friend of mine who's a heavy hauler he's been Heavy Hauling for many years moved to Pahrump from San Diego. Paul is his name now I can't remember his last name dang it. Anyway enjoy your solar. Sure is amazing stuff I wish I was a little bit better at doing it slowly but surely I guess. I can't believe how good most of these DYI peeps are doing😊
@leonardharview4577 Жыл бұрын
@@VinceBadovinatz88 Small world indeed, eh? I drove 18 wheelers for about 10 years 48 states & Canada back in the mid 70's thru mid 80's. Retired now and been prepping for years for what's to come. Stay safe and hope you can become totally self sustaining.
@VinceBadovinatz88 Жыл бұрын
@@leonardharview4577 yes it is ,and thank you very much😊 Paul Goldstein Heavy Haul
@Djhoodrich. Жыл бұрын
Finally a all in one that is not too expensive I want it take my money
@AndyM... Жыл бұрын
This looks like something many people are waiting for, lets see how it goes "in the wild" for a few months, if it proves reliable it'll be a big seller !!! I'm using SMA Sunny Island/Boy which has been flawless for the last 5 years, hopefully they have a good recipe here !!!
@berthogendoorn2133 Жыл бұрын
Well that looks very promising, enough to look after our house and I can start with Net 0 and add batteries in future for backup, much much better than the micro inverters option our solar providers are using (we are less than a kilometre from the ocean and here in Vancouver BC with all that salt moisture etc not friendly to micro inverters), great review and again a great product, UL/CSA it is a no brainier, totally awesome! Thanks Will, you bring such a great resource to alternate energy!!! Keep it up!
@BigDave539 Жыл бұрын
Remember adding a dorm fridge to a camper? lol 😂 love this content!
@GavinStoneDIY Жыл бұрын
Good review. This unit is going to be a big hit I think. And you’re right, that thing is super quiet.
@HubstepCamaro Жыл бұрын
This is the power of competition!
@lorincapson77205 ай бұрын
I took the Upgrade option. Traded in 2x 6000EX for an 18Kpv. I'm glad I did. The new inverter does every thing. I especially like the sealed electronics and imbalance issues are way better. Setting up the 18K was easy. Getting the batteries set up to work was not. I had issues setting this up with my EG4 batteries. Hunting for Battery Firmware for a mixed generation to communicate with each other and upgrading was a nightmare. Inverter: 18Kpv Battery: LL-s, LL-V1, LifePower4
@jacquesdutron9954 Жыл бұрын
Thx Will, I finally found the best way to setup my ultimate solar system. The EG4 18K-PV plus 4 Discover AES 42-48-6650 (each battery has 6,650 amp hour) no system can beat this type of combo.
@jamesreichert Жыл бұрын
That battery seems expensive per kWh, no? Why do you call it part of your ultimate system?
@jacquesdutron9954 Жыл бұрын
@@jamesreichert Absolutely! You got that right. Being the best should come with a price though.
@theinfernalcraftsman Жыл бұрын
Awesome , finally something that just works. This looks ideal for my shop and it should run my AC, lighting tools and possibly my air compressor as well.
@JonasTroyer Жыл бұрын
I ordered mine as soon as Signature Solar had it available to order. Excited to try it!
@frankmurphy5 Жыл бұрын
That thing looks really nice and well built. And it's the first one on the channel where when you show what you're doing on the display, it actually just makes immediate sense to me. Good signs.
@unpluggedtexan Жыл бұрын
As always good video Will. You are one of the lucky few who have been able to get their hands on this thing! I’ve heard a lot of complaints about EG4 inverter software issues. Seems like a lot of people have been burned by them before. I love their 48v lithium V2 batteries though. Hopefully they have solved the software issues.
@SkypowerwithKarl Жыл бұрын
Wow, solar has evolved. My LV6548’s are doing their job(thanks to you) and don’t really have complaints but when I move, these may be sold or left behind. I may be looking at my next inverter. Great job on your review as always.
@hendersonsobers396 Жыл бұрын
This inverter looks very encouraging. Can't wait to see your follow up videos after a few weeks of use. For your next video, can you also look into neutral ground bonding for this device to make sure it's configured correctly for various connection use cases (offgrid, on-grid/grid tied etc).
@veryinteresting591 Жыл бұрын
Amazing how far these units have advanced in the last 5 years. Unreal
@martinbunn8366 Жыл бұрын
I just bought two batteries and the 18k. I’m praying I can use your videos to get my system up and running. My plan is to use a generator to recharge daily, while I’m trying to decide if I need to invest in solar panels. I’m in west central Illinois right on the Mississippi River at lock and dam 19.
@michaelgisselberg3305 Жыл бұрын
Think this will push me over the edge to build my first system. I was worried about code compliance and simplicity of design of alot of older units , I think this paired with eg4 server rack and 12kw Canadian bifacials will be the ticket!
@bschmitty77 Жыл бұрын
What state are you in? If in California the eg4 server racks are technically not allowed because they are not on the cec approved battery list (yet)
@johndawkins9913 Жыл бұрын
@@bschmitty77 thanks for pointing that out. Do you have any information on that being subject to change.
@bschmitty77 Жыл бұрын
@John Dawkins yeah, signature solar said they submitted all the released info and testing for approval. But I'm sure california will take their time and I know the "standards" for those tests being qualified are stupid strict.
@johndawkins9913 Жыл бұрын
@@bschmitty77 thanks. I’m glad to hear that at least the process has started. Unfortunately, we do take forever in California. I’ll hope for good news. If you hear any updates, please reply again. Thanks!
@johndawkins9913 Жыл бұрын
@@bschmitty77 I’ve been in contact w SDGE and Signature Solar the last week trying to get this and the batteries on the CEC list. We are still waiting on SS to provide the testing for the inverter to the contact I have at SDGE and then they will submit. Frustrating, and maybe a bit of a red flag, that SS isn’t eager to provide that. That opens up a bunch of business as soon as these are CEC approved.
@karlInSanDiego11 ай бұрын
sounds like a great upgrade for those of us who originally built string inverter systems before there were any offgrid/hybrid options for grid connected systems. Any panel adds at this point would kill my NEM 1 agreement with utilities. But in the meantime, I could add this, add battery, and when the time is right (after NEM agreement expires) I can add more panels, and handle fully electric home needs plus EV. Thanks.
@Tommy-B. Жыл бұрын
This one is the best fit so far to what I’d like to do.
@billjaeger4839 Жыл бұрын
I am shocked! I expected this unit to have the same issues as the eg4 8kexp-240. So glad you were willing to give this a try after you had so many issues with the other eg4. Thank you!
@YipperX54 ай бұрын
If its California compliant, you know it's good. This is the unit a lot of us have been waiting for. I never liked the hybrid units a few years ago, because the cheap ones were sketchy and the good ones were crazy expensive and ran at low PV voc. Having such a high PV voltage and several mppt's is so useful, and with the panels on the market, you can size it cheaply and easily. P.s. they have a lot of "refurbished" units a year later. For around the same price as a 12kpv that's brand new.
@sebastiant5695 Жыл бұрын
Most homes have a 200A panel - the 18K will be so easy to install. It's one less box on the wall. Remove the 200A from the Panel - attach 18K output - back to panel. Done Very Simple. The LV6548 - are so much harder to wire on 240V side. You almost always need a sub panel.
@tombrownca3 ай бұрын
I’d love to see that in a before and after diagram.
@martingargas3217 Жыл бұрын
Just ordered a 16 k array with eg4 6500 ex times 2 from signature solar. I credit Will for the knowledge and training to take this project on. Will, do a segment on insurance/ power company contracts etc. My system is gonna be off grid and uninsured.
@chevrofreak Жыл бұрын
Yep, this is the video I have been waiting for.
@brianchristensen9528 Жыл бұрын
Buyer beware! Be very careful when buying from Signature solar. I purchased a system weeks ago and I'm still sitting on hold with them daily to try to resolve simple issues. I'm not going to complain but please be vigilant, verify... verify... verify if you buy a system from them. Will good vid as usual!
@joniboulware1436 Жыл бұрын
In Texas it does not currently pay to grid tie as those electric plans are much more expensive. But this seems viable for back up power and select off grid power to split system hvac and EV. Ready to get going. Thanks for your thorough instructions.
@chickmagnet2257135 ай бұрын
Im in Texas as well looking forward to using the grid as backup and solar as the primary. Not looking to backfeed at all
@markwaters5578 Жыл бұрын
Will, they need to put you on retainer, as you're doing the field testing work for them. Pointing out the problems with their earlier products and the improvements that will make them better and easier to use. I save your videos so when I get time I'll use them as a buying and setup guide for the system I need. Thank you.
@jarrodvsinclair Жыл бұрын
Will, when you measure sound level it's usually measured at a specific distance (like 3 feet). Great video!
@WWarthog798 Жыл бұрын
Excellent video. Love your very thorough discussion. Keep up the good work.
@Dennis-nd5em Жыл бұрын
You hit the nail on the head with the support issues with signature solar. Sadly, their support has gone from really good to horrible in the past year. The reality is none of this stuff is plug-and-play or perfect and you have issues here and there and will need support. I have been waiting a literally a month for a case on a 6500 from them. It is a sad situation because they are the cheapest around but their support is god awful today.
@traviswilliams5967 Жыл бұрын
Dennis, if you are comfortable letting me know what your email is I will look into this for you tomorrow morning.
@muhdiversity7409 Жыл бұрын
Solark has the same problem. They used to be great now they're beyond awful. To the point where the Solark support guy gas lights you, ignores what you're telling and showing him. I guess Idiocracy is a sign of the times.
@CaliRaftDude Жыл бұрын
I actually drove to signature solar while on business in Texas and visited SS in person. I was treated very professionally, and several hours of questions were adequately responded to. They were also very honest and upfront about manual issues with the 8k and so on. I suspect the "support" issue rises if you find a firmware issue, or need something an actual engineer building the stuff has to address. I was not under the impression they built these here, and I imagine part of that $3k difference (emp protection?) Is access to the people who construct and engineer the systems if needed.
@outontwos47167 ай бұрын
I am currently setting up an EG4 18KPV and just wanted to report my experience so far with EG4 support, I have made 2 calls and have received great support with very short wait times so far, I just wanted to put that out there if anything changes I will post it up. Depending on how this goes I may be buying a second to be able to use Solar and Battery as my primary source (right now I am setting it up as a critical load panel setup only) with grid for back up under extreme load scenario's (it's in a very large house) but we will see, this is my first solar setup (I do have prior residential electrician experience so can't really comment on the DIY end, it could be a bit daunting I suppose but for me it has been pretty simple), so still experimenting.
@natesdiysolar Жыл бұрын
They must be proud of that 18k PV to put it on the front, lol.. that grid supplement is a very cool feature. Have not seen such a feature before.
@a16416 Жыл бұрын
Thanks so much for this review. I’ve been waiting for someone to review this unit and you’re the man I trust.
@arleneallen8809 Жыл бұрын
Software HUI is remarkably similar to the Sol-Ark. As you mentioned, the gripe I have about the Sol-Ark 15k is the amount of room in the wiring area. Also, to use the SA as the grid connect a 200A service panel needs a minimum of 2/0 copper, but SA's punchouts are 1.5". They should have been 2" due to the NEC conduit filling percentage rules. Forget about trying to use 4/0 aluminum.
@Version135 Жыл бұрын
I will echo the room concern aluminum wiring eats it up instantly.
@jkj2r80fojf23 Жыл бұрын
I have a harbor freight hydraulic punch and I'm not afraid to use it.
@arleneallen8809 Жыл бұрын
@@jkj2r80fojf23 Yeah. I use expansion couplers to join up to 2" conduit. Keeps an inspector happy.
@MrWatlow Жыл бұрын
You are spot on correct about that but I have been able to get the 15K installed with 2/0 DLO cable on the output and 2/0 THHN on the input. IF you want to save $$$ by using the 4/0 Aluminum it might be beneficial to mount a distribution block in a large wire duct (gutter) under the inverter and just use a short run of 2/0 THHN up to the inverter.
@arleneallen8809 Жыл бұрын
@@MrWatlow Good point. After I did my first one, it occured to me I could run the aluminum 4/0 to a Polaris and go 2/0 copper from there. Too late, but at least that and your thought are possibilities.
@KerbyDaFrog Жыл бұрын
Thank you for all your work. Bought your hardcopy book. Love the videos
@VinceBadovinatz88 Жыл бұрын
What a great video. What a great product I hope the long-term is great. There's no way I can afford it right now but if it's a great product long-term I want to get one. What a great idle consumption. I have to watch the video again I can't quite remember or understand how much PV input you need to make it run. It seemed like that was rather High. That could be one downfall for people that don't have a million panels. I'll have to recheck it or if somebody has time they can let me know in a comment. Very impressive . N once again i really love your video presentations.😊😊
@RayonWhittaker Жыл бұрын
This is the Luxpower 12kW hybrid inverter. It's great to see this as I was eagerly anticipating it for a while now.
@goingagainstthegrain Жыл бұрын
Will, we're building an off-grid cabin. It sounds like this will more than suit our needs!!! 🤞👍
@ElectricCarAustralia Жыл бұрын
This is a "Beast" for the price. Let's hope reliability is good.
@howardsmith6294 Жыл бұрын
I always enjoying your informative video’s. Thank You
@Edgarbopp Жыл бұрын
This looks awesome. I’ll probably get one if people don’t have issues.
@mrplay6294 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for reviewing this one Will i seen it sold out quite quickly already
@jamesshowalter6362 Жыл бұрын
New load just released
@stresstested Жыл бұрын
Just for the record. I called SS a few days ago to get info on my order shipping, and the call was answered in a couple of rings by Amanda. There was no wait at all to talk to someone.
@mortenwinslw2785 Жыл бұрын
Sound should be measured in 1 meter distance. Nice video as always 👍 You can probably set it to "Zero export to CT" and will automatically get your meter to stay at zero.
@NeetuSingh-zu5cu Жыл бұрын
Very high technical inverter wow
@glaflamme6 ай бұрын
I have learned so much from you and have built my own system, choosing the parts carefully based on the information I learned. I love your fair and analytical approach testing and sharing information. Don't let others affect you negatively, I think in those cases they might be trying to rise to your level by posing a false strength. The sad part is they could never reach it and perhaps that fear manifests as negativity 💪 Thank you again!
@helios_ja Жыл бұрын
this is one of those videos that in the first minute I'm like this is just too good. thanks Will!
@johnpatrick1588 Жыл бұрын
My FL utility raised its kWh rates to $0.11 for the 1st 1000 kWh then $0.13 over 1000 kWh each month for residential. Raised about 1 penny. You guys are tough out west paying those high rates.
@zmarko Жыл бұрын
This looks like the solution I want for what I want to do. Nice review, Will!
@5400bowen Жыл бұрын
Hi Will! Your favorite forum member here! Truth hurts, doesn’t it!
@WillProwse Жыл бұрын
What?
@marktravis5430 Жыл бұрын
As always, very thorough and well explained. Thank you Will.
@worthmor51469 ай бұрын
My next house is gonna have this setup. Thanks Will
@cgutowski471 Жыл бұрын
Really hope to see self consumption working on this inverter. I can’t sell to grid in my area but would like to power loads in main panel if critical loads are met and there is excess PV or battery.
@walkingthruyourdata-6019 Жыл бұрын
Yeah, I was going back and forth between the 2(18k and 6500's). It's my first jump into solar for the house. I'll spend the extra and have the options. I'm like you Will, I hate the phone trying to get help, I'll figure it out. sig has some really good PV pallet deals. Go big or go home? Eh...it's better than Solar City for sure...
@jeffsowers1290 Жыл бұрын
Do they have any deals on 550 watt panels
@jeffsowers1290 Жыл бұрын
Can you send me a link I am looking for some panels that are 8 ft long
@MarkSmith-Uzor Жыл бұрын
I love the user interface screen 😊 better than the growatt 12kw.. I wish growatt can upgrade their user interface for their 12kw inverter.
@a.wgilbert5001 Жыл бұрын
Looks good.. Hopefully Sol-ark drop their prices a bit
@jwam9442 Жыл бұрын
Signature solar needs to improve their customer service. I bought this inverter and it doesn’t discharge power to my load. Got on the phone with someone for two hours trying to resolve and the tech mentioned sending me a new wire, had to check with manager what to do, then tried to update software for batteries, then quit on that. Eventually, told me will receive call from someone which I never did. Very disappointed!
@dallas304life Жыл бұрын
I found a company that will install the eg4 18kpv and eg4 rack to my grid in Texas! I'll have them install a small basic 4.1kw system with my eg4 18kpv and make it legal then i will install the rest of the batteries and the remaining 18kw of solar that i require. So far this is the only way i find to do this in Texas other than going off grid. They really tie it hands here.
@MtJungle Жыл бұрын
Will, another great video!!! In future, can you do an AC coupled system with this and review their monitoring?
@YHWHFOLLOWER10 ай бұрын
Hey Mr. Will, Love your videos, super helpful. I bought the 18K and thought I would let you know the issue I was having. I have a Generac generator hooked up to the inverter and turns out that the dry contacts will not change state when the power shuts off without a battery bank in the mix. I don't have my batteries installed yet so my inverter will not fire up my generator during a power loss. Signature solar tried and didn't get it done so I called EG4 and they tried with no success. The tech said he was going to get with R & D to put that in the next firmware. They were supposed to get back to me and never did. I just bought all my solar cells and Overkill bms units, so I will probably get the battery bank in before they fix it. Just FYI.
@lordofelectrons45137 ай бұрын
Super thanks for the video particularly the programing demo the manual is good but it's so much better watching some one work the interface. I am now installing my 18K but being a inverter newbie it's taking some time to get to know this piece of hardware / software and more info is good info.
@jeffrey5537 Жыл бұрын
I love the content. It gives us hope we can be in charge of our future concerning power. But I find the actual strength and the overtime reliability is a constant money pit.
@tincankiller6454 Жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video, Will looks like a very nice unit, time will tell, might have gone with one/two of these if they had them out a year ago but as with anything in solar new products are coming out every month and there will always be something new around the corner. We are currently running the EG4-6500s as off grid set up and after doing the firmware update for the error 61, they have been working faultless and performing very well. However, with that being said the time to buy is now, we are seeing and will see more issues with supply chains, suppliers' weather due to political, restricted access, or conflicts. If things settle down in the future would be nice to upgrade to something like this unit or even a Solark however the EG4s 6500s are very cost effective to the point we have a redundant system. That would be very hard to do with something like a Solark unless you have ample income. Yes, I know you get what you pay for but it's better than not having anything at all. Stay Safe & Good Luck
@bubbawubba2307 Жыл бұрын
Wish the EG4 6500's I have had an interface like this one. Looks like alien writing from the movie predator. Glad they got to the year 2023 with this model interface.
@josephcormier5974 Жыл бұрын
Thank you it's amazing the technology that is constantly coming out this is more information to consider when setting up an off grid system thank you for sharing this six stars
@whochecksthis Жыл бұрын
HOLY MOLEY! wow... This could be a game changer! Its too bad they are so much more expensive than a pair of 6548's Better options, better wiring pathways, but less output from solar than the pair of 6548's I really wish they had kept or improved upon the 6548's output.
@pvbatts Жыл бұрын
Full disclosure - I work for Sol-Ark. As they say, there is no such thing as a free lunch, and when comparing the price differences, I don't think Will paid enough attention to 25% additional daytime AC output of the Sol-Ark 15kW, as well as the 50% larger PV MPPT inputs. Sol-Ark has responded to Will's pinned comment at the top of the post so I suggest giving that a read for some additional technical considerations.
@keything8487 Жыл бұрын
how would you rate the customer service there? i am on the edge of buying 1-2 of the 15K's..and then this model comes out......o have also heard the 15K doesnt play nice with the eg4 48v batteries?
@redneckminer9164 Жыл бұрын
I just commented separately, but since you work for Sol-Ark, maybe you can confirm my comment. This is what I wrote: I would add a MAJOR difference between the Sol-Ark 15K and EG4 18K inverters not highlighted: According to each of the manuals, the configuration for the EG4 in a whole-home backup setup is very different and more complex than for the Sol-Ark setup. The Sol-Ark allows the connection of the main service panel to the L1 and L2 load connection points while requiring only a single service disconnect between the meter and the inverter, powering the load through an ATS in the event of grid (AC) failure. The EG4 does not do this, according to the manual. It requires a more complex system of an additional feeder breaker requirement and a MANUAL transfer switch, in addition to the service disconnect - in the event you want to use it as a whole home backup. This is a fairly significant difference: (1) It does not automatically power a main service panel in the event of grid failure and (2) There is a not an insignificant amount of equipment configuration changes required to do even a manual transfer switch solution. It's worth noting.
@pvbatts Жыл бұрын
@@keything8487 I've worked for various manufacturers in this market and originally was an installer. Sol-Ark impressed me from day one with its army of in-house support. It's an amazing thing to see dozens of tech support personnel in a single office, undergoing group training, sharing and learning from each other. Scaling up technical support with growth is a challenge that every manufacturer larger and small struggles with. Often a manufacturer will have a small, but talented support team that can be hard to contact. Alternately, you can have an off-shore team that isn't particularly good. Sol-Ark is scaling their support staff in house in an appropriate manner, such that the job is enjoyable rather than overwhelming. Which results in better, more responsive support. That also means at Sol-Ark can get a new hire who may need to escalate a simple issue to someone with more experience, but you can get someone on the phone and also be assured that talent is being cultivated and grown in house. EG4 also seems to have a large team, but only if you include Signature Solar - their material distribution parent company who does not hold the product warranty. I think EG4 is providing an impressive amount of industry leadership given they were founded in 2021, but you get what you pay for. Ultimately, EG4 is a new company, and their contract manufacturer is non-exclusive and also new to market. This stuff is expensive - some users (especially pro installers) will want a field tested product with a strong warranty holder and great support. Others simply need to access power at the lowest possible cost, and hopefully realize the cost savings come by testing out a lower cost, newer product. The main thing that rubs me the wrong way about the hype from this EG4 inverter is that it is being presented as both cheaper and better. That is almost never the case regardless of the industry. In this case, the technical specs are not the same - particularly with the PV MPPT + daytime AC output capacity. I'd like to see EG4/GSL/LuxPower/Fortress actually put up a case study where they show the inverter operating at 18kW for long duration endurance testing before taking a victory lap - I'm a bit confused about what solar panels and string layout they would actually use to get up to that 21kW of PV capacity or 18kW of PV processing power, which makes me think that spec has not been thoroughly tested.
@pvbatts Жыл бұрын
@@redneckminer9164 To make a cheaper inverter, EG4/Luxpower reduced the solar MPPT input (which again is odd as they are claiming a larger PV capacity than Sol-Ark) and they also reduced the AC output capacity (which is more important than DC processing power IMO). However EG4/Luxpower "copied" the Sol-Ark 15k overall design, particularly regarding the 200A grid pass through / disconnect. Both inverters can pass through 200A from the grid to the main panel and will disconnect from the grid during an outage. Both inverters will likely require an external grid disconnect per the local utility - and I would encourage installers to consider not just a knife switch disconnect, but to spend slightly more on a manual transfer switch to be able physically circumvent the entire system if ever necessary. Likewise, either inverter can also be used to backup a subpanel rather than the main panel. So perhaps the manual you are looking at is referring to that possible configuration. What I would say is that when backing up 200A service (i.e. 48kW), keep in mind many homes require more than 12kW in backup mode unless actively managing their power. The Sol-Ark model can do 15kW during the day, and also has a very strong load management integration with Savant, whose load control platform has dropped significantly in price over the past year with the launch of their new controller. So Sol-Ark has a very good solution if that additional load management is needed, whereas it's not quite as elegant to implement robust load management with the EG4 system. Some DIYers will want to chase cost savings down to the very bottom so they can afford grid independence - I get it. But at least for professional installers, it's nice to have a relatively cheap safety net for when the client actually needs a little bit more backup power than they originally thought.
@redneckminer9164 Жыл бұрын
@@pvbatts The extra equipment and pro installation costs of a separate feeder breaker and manual transfer switch for the EG4 are at least $1500-2000 right there. The Sol-Ark requires a single service disconnect. And it's an ATS. Factor in the added output, and it's worth the extra $3K, imo.
@DrAriene Жыл бұрын
Great review as always Will. Thank you.
@dangoras9152 Жыл бұрын
Will I been waiting for u to get one too see how they are there nice..... Keep it up brother
@Dan-kk2oe Жыл бұрын
Hey Will, great informative video as always! The only comment here is in minute 8:25 where you explain the CT positions. The manual actually says the arrows should be pointing toward the inverter.
@jlimpa4070 Жыл бұрын
I was about to ask about this as well. The way Will has it makes more sense to me but everything in the manual shows it facing towards the inverter
@plasmaman9592 Жыл бұрын
In your next video about this can you talk about what you can do if you have more than the 12kpv to charge? For instance if you have 2 server rack tower banks and 30kpv and want to charge faster than 12k. A side question: is there a limit on how much you can sell to the power company where you live? Do other areas have limits?
@thmanj Жыл бұрын
So so happy to see this review! So dope!!!
@bryanmathew20795 ай бұрын
Ya He's easy@ 😂eyeS
@DJLsbVapes Жыл бұрын
Man, I miss the teardown, does it have a good size transformer
@PhG1961 Жыл бұрын
Waw, really awesome and very informative. Great video, as usual!
@xyamom Жыл бұрын
I'm excited to see what the Wi-Fi and Web service looks like
@chrishall5141 Жыл бұрын
As a retiring educator, I am most impressed with your work, and your abilities. That said, if we have a unique scenario, we are thinking about doing in our lives, is there a way to communicate with you about that? Fee set up? Friendly help? I’m sure you’re quite busy. Anyway, thank you for your time.
@lassewestvanghougaard4856 Жыл бұрын
This looks like the all-in-one inverter I've been waiting for to run my entire house. My daily consumption is 20-30kWh and I would like to tap into the grid to charge up the batteries during off-season if needed based on cloudy days. No sub panel needed? Run entire main breaker panel with a single inverter? Count me in!
@sociopathmercenary Жыл бұрын
@xLifeOnTheRoadxLOL My house is nearly 4000 sq ft and all electric. In January and February here in Ohio, I pull four to five thousand kilowatts per month. The minimum I've seen is 1500 kilowatts in one month. With an average of only four peak sun hours per day and an electric rate of 11 cents per kilowatt-hour, it would take me thirty years to pay off a system.
@lassewestvanghougaard4856 Жыл бұрын
@LOTR A 2500 Square foot house need heating and cooling. 8-10kWh can be expected daily when the temperature outside match the temperature inside. What gets me up to the 20-30kWh is also from charging an EV that has a 60kWh battery. Food for thought: Driving 50 miles on it equates to roughly 11kWh of daily consumption EXTRA on top of what the entire house uses. Gas here is California is 4.5 $/gallon and electricity is 0.42 $/kWh Basically an energy efficient EV cost the same in electricity as a Toyota Prius costs in Fuel.
@Tobias-uf2oj4 ай бұрын
Hi Will, thanks for all tbe great videos. In the comparison to the Sol Ark at the end, it's worth noting that the Sol Ark 15K has a 15kW inverter, but the 18K PV only has a 12kW inverter. Per kW, the Sol Ark is still slightly more expensive, but not as much as this comparison would suggest.
@jimmychopps Жыл бұрын
Most inverters don't like standard generators because the phase drifts as the generator speeds up and slows down, they call instead for an Inverter generator. I think that Sol-Ark can charge from a standard generator. Can you test the EG4 18KPV's standard generator compatibility?
@lunatik9696 Жыл бұрын
Have you considered connecting an EG4 48V 100A chargeverter directly to the battery. It is designed to work with generators. It would essentially perform the same.
@KelvinFPV Жыл бұрын
@@lunatik9696 only problem I see using a charverter is if the inverter has software to monitor charging and usage of the battery, you just took that out of the picture by charging from the side.
@quattrohead Жыл бұрын
Seconded test various generators with this unit.
@muhdiversity7409 Жыл бұрын
The way the Solark handles the generator input is incredibly stupid. It is supposed to be one of the better ones which makes me wonder how bad and awful the other inverters are.
@muhdiversity7409 Жыл бұрын
btw, I'm 100% positive that this is manufactured by the same company that manufactures the Solark in China.
@ross5547 Жыл бұрын
I like my sol-ark 15k. It works without issues
@TobyCostaRica Жыл бұрын
I hope the smaller units get upgraded with new fans/heat management so they run quiet enough for to have in your workspace
@gernotritzau5948Ай бұрын
It's the exact same setup as Fortress has it, we actually just did 8 of them in tandem on a project in Virginia, including 8 Fortress energy fault batteries
@chevrofreak Жыл бұрын
I would love a follow-up video on this after it has been used for a while. Some follow-up videos on other products that have been good for you would be cool too.
@tuberdave1 Жыл бұрын
Once again thank you for a thorough unbiased video 😊
@marcinw4660 Жыл бұрын
this is gold. electric gold
@LarryRichelli8 ай бұрын
The Sol-Ark is now down to just a little over $6K
@TRYtoHELPyou Жыл бұрын
This is perfect for new home builds too yeah? Super pumped to see this. Thanks for sharing!
@joehenthompson2023 Жыл бұрын
Great content Will. I'm amazed on how hybrid inverters have evolved in the last 12 months. Can this unit operate as a 240v single phase system if you love outside United States? Thanks again.🙂
@danielmitchel1189 Жыл бұрын
Hi Will, can you test sine wave and 60 cycle accuracy under various loads? Also test LED lights, which we all use, with the inverters.
@jamesreichert Жыл бұрын
I'd also like to see this.
@TechMadeEzy Жыл бұрын
Always enjoyed your videos and style 👍🏼
@mattbrew11 Жыл бұрын
If you hook two of these up in parallel can you send 24kW to the grid or batteries? 500A? How many EG4 batteries can each each 18K be connected to? Thanks!
@TheJensss Жыл бұрын
Great video! Had been nice if you mentioned whos the OEM manufacturer for this unit, so people can have the option to import it for a lower price. Another version would also be required for almost everyone outside North America, so knowing the actual manufacturer would be helpful
@WillProwse Жыл бұрын
It's lux power but they won't sell direct. it will be a few distributors only
@TheJensss Жыл бұрын
@@WillProwse okay, thanks for the info.
@itswhiskeytime8538 Жыл бұрын
@@TheJensss He actually said Lux Power in the Video.
@TheJensss Жыл бұрын
@@itswhiskeytime8538 ah okay, I didn't get that
@jamesshowalter6362 Жыл бұрын
they are open outside the USA
@karlInSanDiego11 ай бұрын
Wow, you made this thing sound like a dream come true. Thanks for the comprehensive video.