I added a Second Inverter to my DIY Solar Power System

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

*FULL KIT* (affiliate links) -Eg4 6000XP(SignatureSolar): signaturesolar.com/eg4-6000xp-off-grid-inverter-split-phase/?ref=DiySolarPowerFun ($50 Discount Code: RAY) -EG4-WallMount Indoor Battery(Self heating): signaturesolar.com/eg4-wallmount-indoor-battery-280ah-51-2v-14-3kwh-indoor-heated-ul1973-ul9540a/?ref=DiySolarPowerFun-Solar ($50 Discount Code: RAY) -Solar Panels(SanTan Solar: Search available inventory)www.santansolar.com/?ref=DiySolarPowerFun (%5 Discount Code: RAY) -Panel Racking/Frames: solarpowerdistributors.com/?ref=byhkjzrf (10% off Discount Code: RAY) -Watts247 Combiner boxes: watts247.com/product/pv-combiner-boxes-quick-select/?wpam_id=133 -Ferrule Crimping tool(Amazon): amzn.to/3xgw7oE IWISS's Site: glnk.io/jlyz9/ray(5% Discount Code "RAY5" -Ring Terminals I used: amzn.to/47GcyUQ -HardieBacker Cement Backerboard: www.homedepot.com/p/James-Hardie-HardieBacker-0-42-in-x-3-ft-x-5-ft-Cement-Backerboard-220023/100170507?source=shoppingads&locale=en-US&pla&mtc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D23F-023_014_FLOOR_TOOLS-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-FLR_TOOLS_PMax_G&cm_mmc=SHOPPING-BF-CDP-GGL-D23F-023_014_FLOOR_TOOLS-NA-NA-NA-PMAX-NA-NA-NA-NA-NBR-NA-NA-NA-FLR_TOOLS_PMax_G-71700000102945947--&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjw5ImwBhBtEiwAFHDZxwMtyPmNwzlnYSd0qJBYh-q60C99Ajdwp5HrKoocLJQHDQCmdVgGjBoCYPEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds#overlay -Polaris Connectors: amzn.to/4bDdNog -Torque Screwdriver: amzn.to/3V5q7Iz -Knockout hole punch: amzn.to/4fYCkaq -Step down drill bit: amzn.to/3Tanyns -Klein Conduit Lockout Wrench Set: amzn.to/3T6Cm6w -Anti-Oxy Compound: amzn.to/3XAjP5f -MaxiFlex Nitrile Palm Coated Gloves...amzn.to/3J0K4JD (I love these) -Wire Guage chat: www.bluesea.com/support/articles/Circuit_Protection/1437/Part_1%3A_Choosing_the_Correct_Wire_Size_for_a_DC_Circuit -2/0 IWISS Crimping Tool-(Only needed for eg4 wall-mount batteries): amzn.to/3yp8Z7T -Battery Lugs I used for the 6000xp(Verify these will work for you)...amzn.to/4cN2RVe Klein cl900 Meter: amzn.to/4bKuDBK -BATTERY OPTIONS: ---EG4-WallMount Indoor Battery(Self heating): signaturesolar.com/eg4-wallmount-indoor-battery-280ah-51-2v-14-3kwh-indoor-heated-ul1973-ul9540a/?ref=DiySolarPowerFun ---RUIXU Server Rack Battery: www.ruixubattery.com/?ref=fOKapj_VLUpGf4 (2% Discount Code: RAY) ---EG4 LifePower4 Server Rack Battery: signaturesolar.com/eg4-lifepower4-lithium-battery-48v-100ah/?ref=DiySolarPowerFun ---EG4 PowerPro WallMount Battery(Fully Waterproof): signaturesolar.com/eg4-powerpro-14kwh-all-weather-lithium-solar-battery-wallmount/?ref=DiySolarPowerFun *Give-a-way eligible companies:* Current Connected ShopSolarKits Watts247 Signature Solar Ruixu *Chapters* 0:00 Intro 1:16 Previous System Summary 4:47 Installing New Inverter 6:48 Setup Parallel Communication 8:29 Battery Cables and Communication 9:28 EG4 6000xp Firmware Update 10:51 Configuring Inverters 11:31 Powering On 13:10 Inverter Layout Design Options 13:57 Test and Conclusion @SignatureSolar @CurrentConnected @SanTanSolar *Recommended Solar Stores* (Using these links will help support the channel) Signature Solar.............. signaturesolar.com/?ref=DiySolarPowerFun ($50 Discount Code: RAY) Current Connected........ currentconnected.com/?ref=diysolarpowerfunray SanTan Solar................. www.santansolar.com/?ref=DiySolarPowerFun (%5 Discount Code: RAY) ShopSolarKits................ shopsolarkits.com/1302 ($100 Discount Code: RAY) Ruixu Batteries.............. www.ruixubattery.com/?ref=fOKapj_VLUpGf4 (Discount Code: RAY) PowerQueen Batteries.. ipowerqueen.com/?ref=DiySolarPowerFunRay&KZbin&Ray (Discount Code: RAY)

[@SignatureSolarEthan]

It looks even better with two of them! 😎 Seriously though, what a nice, clean install man. Nice job!

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Thanks! 👍

[@BigBillFL]

Another good video Ray. Your system is getting more elaborate as it grows. I have the same system as you to power my shop and was considering adding another 6000xp. Thanks for showing how you did it.

[@darrenorange2982]

You could consider power factor corrector also to try to fix some of these issues. That might stop the dimming.

[@Ben-Ken]

It will be interesting to see the wiring setup for both inverters and 2 batteries.

[@RVCrazy]

Nice, so with the second inverter added like this I could charge my wife’s car at the full 48A instead of 25A with the single inverter. Thanks for the video.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

You got it!!! :)

[@ibenglish]

The electrical is the most daunting to me as every DIY job I do there is always collateral damage to myself. Never had an electrical issue because I have avoided doing any real serious electrical work. No risk it no biscuit and so I will undertake 2 solar installs regardless in the near future. Good video and detailed hook ups are what I am looking for. 👍🏻

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Thanks, I would definitely hire an electrician to install it. It wouldn't take him that long if you told him what you are envisioning

[@agtcovert]

Ray, enjoying watching your channel evolve and the content you're putting together. Long or not, details are always good, so is seeing how other people are doing things. Working on my own dual inverter system at the moment, though not with EG4 gear. Kind of wish I'd used the power distribution blocks, I put in a small combiner panel but I'm not sure that was entirely necessary. Looking forward to whatever you've got next. Need to see if there's something I 'need' from your list, I'd love to help you make space by ... relocating the Ruixu batteries. :-)

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Thanks, I need to figure out how to give those away. Shipping is going to be pretty pricey I think.

[@jeremiahnielson]

Why do scientists disconnect their doorbells? Because they want the Nobel prize

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Nice :)

[@anthonyrivera5342]

Could you make a video explaining the maximum allowed PV connection?

[@cory8837]

Just the video I was looking for. Thanks!

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Thank you!

[@kajavaid]

Thanks - can you please share the link for the power distribution blocks you used?

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

This is the one I ordered... from grainger: (Not an affiliate link): www.grainger.com/product/25CC07

[@scottluckman8765]

You should have fuses on you line side taps at the Polaris Taps.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

I'm using the breakers built into the inverter....also the conductors after the polaris connectors are protected by the 100a breaker up stream.

[@MrKasper25]

hi ray, nice video.. but quick question, wouldn't you need 2 60amp breakers for the inverters separated instead of the distribution block for the ac out to panel?

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

I have 2 60 breakers on the breaker panel. In edition, each inverter has a breaker as the power feet out on them. Hope that helps.

[@lcarter194]

Your dad is so good at fixing things .................................................................................................... HIs motto should be if ain't broken I can still fix it.

[@ww321]

I'm not understanding why the lights dim? How big is the AC unit that is starting? How well balanced are the 2 lines in the breaker panel? Thanks for the video.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

I think it will dim will happen with any inverter I install. I think I just need to install a soft start on my 3 ton AC unit. However the dimming doesn't really bother me. Some people say their lights dim with their ac starting even with they are connected to the grid.

[@Mike-01234]

I put a Mirco-air Easy start on my 4 Ton Goodman Heat Pump single 6000XP is able to run it without a problem. The wattage is around 4500-5300 depending no how hot it is outside not much left over for anything else. Probably going to buy another 6000XP and another 14.5KW battery bank. I'm using a Protran2 transfer switch I can control which circuits are on grid what isn't. I plan on installing a 2nd protran to switch more circuits also. Without the soft start pulls 112 amps with the easy start pulls 30 amps to start up.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Things run like a champ for me with 2 units. I like running my entire house to avoid the transfer switchs with limited output circuits... I just can turn off non-critical circuits when the power goes out. I can easily pick and choose what's a critical circuit.

[@jmkennon90]

So are you able to have one inverter connected to your AC and some other major appliances and have the other one connected to other appliances to evenly split the loads ?

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

The way I have it set up, they already are evenly splitting the loads. If I have a 3,000 watt load. It will pull 1500 watts from each inverter. The output of each inverter goes into that power distribution block and that feeds into the main panel. Hope that makes sense

[@about2088]

Long time to hear Ray. Good video as always. What’s going to be the next inverter that you test? I’d suggest the eg4 12k ( has higher surge capacity and bigger dedicated breaker ) Also, if your only experiencing the flicker when switching, get a bigger run time capacitor and which will lessen the surge on the system, as a cheap method vs spending $250 on a soft start

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Great suggestion! I've got the next inverter I'll be testing in my Garage now. :)

[@darrenorange2982]

What is that Bus bar thing inside of your raceway box that you are using for your AC distro to your two inveters?

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

They are two power distribution blocks. During the install I show the part number.

[@unijabnx2000]

have you connected a multimeter to measure voltage at the panel when it kicks on.... and again at a light socket?

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Not at a light socket with my most recent video I measured it at the panel. I think I might need larger feeding into my breaker panel. I didn't account for that large of a surge

[@unijabnx2000]

@@diySolarPowerFunWithRay I saw you measure current.. didnt notice you measure the voltage (dip or not)

[@bhbaker220]

Ray, is it recommended that each inverter AC out be directed to two separate breakers in the panel? I realize with the interlock kit that would not be feasible. Not sure if you measured the inrush on the 3 ton AC. Not sure why one would be reluctant to put in a soft start and that cost is a lot lower than a second inverter.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

I needed the 2inverter anyways.... So I thought I'd try it without the soft start first. The dimming doesn't bother me though.

[@kenminix4780]

Once again love your content, I have a question on the EG4 6000XP, just got it up and running today and was really surprised and happy with the performance until I did a firmware update and after the update was complete it restarted and seemed to work fine for about one minute, after that lost ac output and wifi connection, my question is there a way to factory reset from the touch screen since I can't do it through the app with out a wifi connection?

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Hmmm. I'm not sure about that. You could try following the shutdown process and restart process as mentioned in the manual or call support

[@dareaggaemon2024]

The lights may not need to flicker when the AC turns on. When you have one 6000xp the charge and discharge limit settings are for one inverter. However, when you have more than one 6000xp you have to set the total charge and discharge limit for all your entire system. Your charge and discharge rate should be at least 200amps, not the default 125amps. The main point is it also limits your surge capabilities if it's not set high enough. If you change your settings it should easily start your AC system. 😀 I recommend adding at least one more battery to allow for higher surge capabilities.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Great Catch!... I just set my inverters to 250a. It definitely did help the flickr. I barely noticed it. I think I might need a bigger battery though.

[@kajavaid]

I had to go through every single comment because I knew there would be someone providing an expert advice on the flickering issue - and I was right :). Thanks for sharing the tip.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

It still flickers for me... However it doesn't bother me... I imagine I need another battery

[@dareaggaemon2024]

@@diySolarPowerFunWithRay the rated surge capacity for two 6000xp is 500a DC so that would be what you would need to set the discharge rate to to allow it to operate at 100% of the specs. However, your battery is not rated for 500a. Your battery can handle up to a 300a surge for 3 seconds. So you can set your discharge rate to 300a, but keep in mind that battery max continuous load is 10.24kW.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

hmm...It's hard to read the spec sheet but it look like it might be able to handle anything greater than 205a for 10 seconds and anything over 300a for 3 seconds. But anything over 600a it considers short circuit and will shutoff in under 0.1sec.

[@CLyon-cc9jp]

Joke: I caught my son chewing on an electric extension cord. I was angry, so I grounded him until he could conduct himself properly.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Wow 😂

[@DavidFaris]

I'm curious. What is the recommendation for a soft start and will you be making a video?

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

If I add one I will definitely make a video. I haven't looked into them too much yet.

[@waynesdomain1]

Great video Ray. I was considering the 6000XP as well for my first install. I was a little disappointed with the voltage sag issue you are experiencing as I am sure you are. You mentioned that you plan to try a different inverter. Would you mind sharing what other inverter you are considering?

[@Buggin67]

Bet it’s the new 12k!

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

There's are a lot I'm considering. I've got the next one in my Garage :) ...hopefully this winter I'll have more time to test the main inverters out there.

[@Scat.original]

Great video Thank You Scat

[@bhbaker220]

I thought the NEC code on the PV wire is to have encased in metallic conduit to within 3’ of the termination

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

In the video just before this one I reference the NEC section. I can't remember where it is off hand. Thanks!

[@technician1974]

Muy buen video , saludos desde Panamá , el panel bifacial necesita alguna superficie reflejante debajo de ellos para mejorar su rendimiento .👍

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

tal vez en el futuro agregue eso. Gracias

[@technician1974]

@@diySolarPowerFunWithRay 👍

[@CharlesManess]

Love the new video Ray I am about to purchase a EG4 six slot server rack battery cabinet and I want to support the channel but I really don’t understand how the affiliate link works ( I’m not to savvy with these things ) so if you can help I really appreciate it. Keep up the good work 👍👍👍

[@daddio7249]

I have a full server rack and two EG4 6000XP's, any questions feel free to ask. Mine works great, I run window unit A/C's and I have 75% SOC each morning.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Thanks! All you do is click on any of the links in the description, and then navigate to the batteries you want to purchase. I think the click will last for 7 days. If you click on any of the links and then decide you want to order over the phone. It should still give me credit so that would be fine as well...I think. Remember to email me your order number and I will send you something. Also, there is a discount code that will save you $50. You will love those batteries! Thanks for your support!

[@CharlesManess]

@@daddio7249 thank you I will I’m in the process of building my solar pergola I also have the 6000 XP 👍👍👍

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Nice, I want to build one of those. There are a lot of good looking solar pergola's out there.

[@anthonyrivera5342]

Hello, excellent video and explanation. I have a question. If you add another inverter in parallel, would the maximum photovoltaic input increase? Since the maximum per unit is 480v DC, or would it remain the same when connected in parallel?

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Good video recommendation. So one unit can accept two strings at the voltage you mentioned. However since I have two units I now am able to accept four strings at that same voltage. However I would have to do the calculation and make sure my battery is able to accept that much power because that would be a ton of solar. I would have to look it up but I think this battery can accept 200 amp continuous charge... so 200 amps at around 50 volts would be around 10,000 Watts.... so I would not be able to charge battery with more than 10,000 watts of solar. So for my current setup the battery would be the limiting factor on how many solar panels I can connect. I will definitely want to stay under the 480 volts though just to be safe. Hope that makes sense.

[@anthonyrivera5342]

@@diySolarPowerFunWithRay thanks! 🙏🏼

[@donaldhoudek2889]

I know you said that you did not want to install the "Soft Start", but to eliminate the momentary dimming of the lights you really may not have a choice. I believe even adding as second battery you will still have the dimming issue. From a Grid point of view, as I have not completed installing my EG4 6000XP and EG4 outside 14.3kW battery yet, I can say that installing the Micro-Air Soft Start eliminated my dimming while on Grid power. My "Inrush" current dropped from 94 Amps to 24 Amps and the dimming is no longer noticeable (per the wife). The HVAC definitely sounds different at startup and you can tell the difference in how the compressor starts, it is no longer a hard thunk. I can hear my neighbors HVAC systems starting up and there is a BIG difference. I believe that I may have convinced them to purchase the Soft Start on theirs. My HVAC is 20 years old this year and with the Soft Start I hope to get a few more years out of it. Just install the Soft Start. Have a GREAT day!

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Cool. Thanks for the feedback. I think you may be correct. I think no matter what system I put in place may still have the dimming issue. I think I'm going to try it this one more inverter and if that doesn't fix it I'll put the soft start in

[@donaldhoudek2889]

@@diySolarPowerFunWithRay I doubt very much that the 3rd inverter will do anything for the dimming as it is a load issue on the battery. If you have another battery somewhere I would try that as it would have a buffering effect the initial load (voltage drop at the battery side) on the battery.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

@donaldhoudek2889 ah.. yeah, that battery is pretty small.

[@reloadwin82]

You are installing your system outside. How do you protect your system from rain and heat?

[@reloadwin82]

You are installing your system outside. How do you protect your system from rain and heat?

[@HybridShedIraq]

In the morning with solar you will have less dim but anyways this inverter does not have large bus capacitors I opened the lux-power in my channel WPV 6kw and it does have more than the old EG4 but only 4 capacitors like 1200MF at 500v the large 18kpv have like 6000MF.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Cool. Thanks. You have a cool channel! I'd love to jump on a call with you sometime and chat about how they do solar in the Mid-East.

[@HybridShedIraq]

@@diySolarPowerFunWithRay Sure any time :) look for Hybrid shed on F B .

[@HybridShedIraq]

​@@diySolarPowerFunWithRay sure you can contct me

[@calvinsloan4915]

I have solar panels installed. Can I purchase this set up with my current solar panels charging theses batteries? thx

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

I'm not sure what setup you have. But AC Coupling is possible... if you have micro or string inverters.(ask your Electrician). I need to do a conversion like this. Arrrrg not enough time.. :)

[@lcarter194]

I am afraid to say that the GRID will always trump Solar with Surges. There may be issues with the wire size feeding the AC units. A soft start will help smooth the rush but at $300 plus is almost a deal breaker for me.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Yeah that's kind of what I'm thinking

[@cylus13]

you probably know by now that you need the soft start if you want the lights to stop dimming. I'm on grid power and my lights dim when the ac comes on.

[@powerwall]

Hi Ray, add one of our battery to your system?

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Possibly. I'm hoping to do more videos this winter. Fall is a crazy time for me :)

[@jefflucas_life]

14:15 Adding another inverter wasn't the fix; watch this far I knew you were right about the softstart to save money.

[@terrybrown5883]

How long will the b280amp battery on the wall connected to the EG4 6000xp last you

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Depends on what you're powering.

[@Mattspd98]

can u do work in anything but a button up shirt.... a lil weird sick setup though!!:)

[@thejadeowlforge8779]

Yay first comment . Love your videos man I’ve really been looking forward into installing this in an off grid home but I was wondering .. if I had x10 450watt panels would it still charge my battery to 100% if I’m only using around 15amps ? 🤔 please advise me thank you

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Hmmm...Your off-grid house is using a constant 15 amps? At 120 volts ac?

[@thejadeowlforge8779]

@@diySolarPowerFunWithRay it would be 240v

[@cgutowski471]

Great video, few questions. Shouldn’t you have 2awg going from Polaris connectors to terminal blocks then keep 6awg going to both inverters grid inputs? Also would have the same in reverse inverter load using 6awg to the terminal block and 2awg to your interlock breaker. Personally I would have a small breaker box with two 50amp breakers in between Polaris connector and inverter instead of terminal blocks. You have no way to isolate the grid connection without turning off your main disconnect outside. Just something to consider.

[@cory8837]

@@thejadeowlforge8779 You'll make about 23kwh a day with that much PV panels. Your 15amp load at 240v would run for about 6 hours if it had access to 23kwh in a battery. You need more PV panels. Rule of thumb is to multiply your array size by 5 hours. So if you have a 4,500w array then multiply it by 5 to get your daily kwh. Only relying on 5 hours of good sunshine a day is an average that includes the winter time and cloudy days.

[@changingmatrix8687]

​@@cgutowski471There is a reason why he is doing it this way instead. He mentioned it on other video posts.

[@LarryeWhite61]

All in the pursuit of the elusive FREE electricity. How much has he spent so far?

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

It is mainly to ensure I have power when the power goes out. The free electricity is just a bonus :)

[@sia3540]

Get different LEDs it fixed my blinking.

[@datalorian]

What's green, has six legs and would kill you if it fell out of a tree? A billiard table.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Lol, Yup!

[@josephvetter7085]

How do you know this joke is a dad joke? When it became apparent!

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

@@josephvetter7085 nice :)

[@duotronic6451]

Clear as mud.

[@lukimy2704]

Addictive, right?

[@mindlessftw]

Wifes and their wind chimes.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

lol :)

[@Mike-01234]

Your Amazon link to the OHLECTRIC taps are not actual Polaris connectors which are made by NSI Industries. Those OHLECTRIC taps not UL listed they might work but do you really want to put all those amps through a clone to save a few bucks? I buy them from Home Depot 100% sure they are UL listed products not a clone.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Thank you, I think I was having a hard time finding them on amazon.

[@robert5]

Love your videos so don't take this the wrong way.... please reconsider the blaring into music. I had to jab at my volume control 2 times.... once to lower the blaring sound, next to turn it back up to hear your voice. Is this what you want every person who tries to watch this video to do? All the other people who don't like it are to nice to say anything. I just want you to make better videos, not hang out and be best buds, so not afraid if you decide I am a jerk.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Thanks for the feedback! I won't make that sound as loud in the future. Other channels have sound constantly playing in the background. I'm not sure I want to go that route.

[@solarcharging9743]

Without any galvanic isolation between these high frequency inverter's DC boost stage and their AC output, you run the risk of damaging your AC appliances. I would never use one of these low cost high frequency, transformerless inverters to power my home's appliances. Any money you save up front, will be lost by damaging your home's appliances.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Many disagree with this opinion. Here's a good discussion on the subject of High Frequency inverters(transformerless) and Low frequency inverters(with a transformer): diysolarforum.com/threads/high-frequency-vs-low-frequency-inverter-does-it-matter.44978/

[@joelhiltz3329]

You're going to get hurt, use a pointer.