Schneider Had Glitches But Fixes are on the Horizon?

[@seanogrady2078]

Hey Ben - are you able to comment further on what the actual issues were that you encountered with the Schneider XW? I've had a Schneider system (SW inverter + controllers) for 5 years running 24/7 and have not yet had any problems. I'm considering upgrading the SW to an XW.

[@vincei4252]

It's funny, before settling on the Solark I looked at Schneider and Magna Sine in depth. I felt like using either you were being nickel and dimmed to death for all the parts of a complete system. The thing that struck me the most about Schneider was the volume of people complaining about the lack of technical support and facing a wall of silence when you have issues. After reading those reviews it was a total no brainer. Glitchy inverter, no thanks.

[@Off-Grid]

Their Tech Support sucks. Luckily we bought our 15.3kW system from a great company who gives lifetime support. I've called them often as Schneider is quite buggy. Videos on our channel of the system.

[@vincei4252]

@@Off-Grid Thanks. I'll check it out. All the best with your journey.

[@jamesbertok2265]

I run an XW 6048 Pro system with (8) L16s, Schneider BCM, and 4 MPPT-60/150. It sounds like the cycling you were getting is what I've experienced when running in State-of-Charge mode. Since I'm not using Lithium-Ion I reverted back to voltage-based triggers for grid-sell and charging, and in voltage mode it runs a lot more similar to the Trace SW 2512 that I ran non-stop for 20+ years. In SoC mode the XW would incur a DC under-volt fault condition before reaching the grid-sell SoC point. The XW is the most capable inverter for motor loads out there but that 12kW surge capacity needs tremendous DC amps. My problem is the battery bank (48V440AH) is insufficient for the XW. With inverters at this level the battery bank voltage drop becomes the issue, in my experience.

[@billjohnson3344]

I didn't know anything about the Schneider setup until bumping into the 'Wild Wonderful Off-Grid' KZbin channel. From their experience - seems like a great system - very modular and reliable. Sure just seems like an Ethernet cable (or gateway firmware update) and tweaked battery parameters would have solved it for this customer. SolArk weakness (in some cases) is the lack of flexibility of charge controllers, which limit how the solar array is wired. No issue here since solar is AC coupled for this install. Schneider charge controller more like standard grid tie inverters - accepting wide voltage range and wide MPPT operating range. Too bad the Schneider wasn't working out - seemed like it could have been a solid system. Nice job on the swap out.

[@Off-Grid]

Josh from Wild Wonderful actually help me when I was setting up our Schneider 15.3kW system. Our system is buggy too though. Videos are on our channel.

[@LithiumSolar]

Very nice upgrade. I love seeing these on-the-job kind of videos! I've never used one of the Schneider inverters, though I've never been sold on what I saw either lol.

[@Off-Grid]

Feel free to check out the 15.3kW install on our off-grid home.

[@irazook7395]

The XW is actually a good product if it is setup correctly. It sounds like the charge parameters were incorrect for the battery type. You cannot use the lithium battery type since it has temperature compensation (at least it still did the last time I checked). For Lifepo4 you need to use a custom battery type and enter charge parameters for the battery you are using as well as making sure temperature compensation is 0mv/cell.

[@benssolarandbattery]

It was setup correctly, many many times, including with the guidance of tech support. You can disable temp compensation or just not hook up the sensors. The XW is a great inverter that was bought by a big company who tried to overcomplicate it and failed. If you DIY it and know how to deal with the little glitches that pop up, great. Most of my installs are for people who want the product to work without having to tinker with it every month.

[@irazook7395]

@@benssolarandbattery I admit I’ve always plugged in the temp sensor so I’m not sure if it completely ignores the compensation value if no sensor data is available. However, it is important that only one sensor is used per system/xanbus network. Multiple sensors can also cause the issues you described. The last time I had tried to disable the temperature compensation for the lithium battery type it didn’t actually accept the zero value and continued to cause issues whenever the battery temperature dropped below approximately 55deg f. However it’s possible they updated something since then as we’ve been using custom parameters for all of our systems. By today’s standards it certainly is not the most intuitive product, especially for most residential applications. Additionally, if the Sol-Ark works well for you and your customers it is significantly easier to support one platform than many.

[@JasonAndrade427]

The Xw Pro has had some struggles unfortunately, myself I have two of them paired with 5 Discover AES and the Disconnect RS, it’s been a good system and takes some abuse from my off grid woodshop.

[@Off-Grid]

I had trouble getting the Gateway settings to stick. The system kept resetting things the way it wanted it. Took some time but I think I've got all the bugs worked out now. We have a 15.3klW Schneider system. Videos on our channel.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Very nice install, and thank you for sharing. Your co-worker is a beast.

[@benssolarandbattery]

Thanks! I didn't bring him for his good looks and charm. 😆 Those XW's are 120lbs.

[@av1204]

and I learned from this guy that there is a calibrated notch in those shunts.

[@dovetailup8916]

Most likely the installer was clueless on the Schneider setup. Schneider is bulletproof. Never seen any device built as well as the Schneider...

[@benssolarandbattery]

Thats a possibility, but I went through everything with a fine tooth comb, and it still had issues. Keep in mind that this was just sitting there as a backup. Maybe the Evault BMS was throwing it off too? Not sure. Either way, customer got tired if it shutting down, so it went away. Once we installed the Sol-Ark it was all good.

[@user-dr2pg8fk2i]

Deye has done a really good job with the 12k.

[@Off-Grid]

I hear ya, my Schneider system is buggy too.

[@bambino3162]

Two questions. How is the Batt capacity determined? I have 8 12 v 200 AH Lithium batteries which will replace 8 12 v 200 Ah gel batteries. Whta is the voltage on this context 4048 , is it 24 or 48 volts?

[@electromechanicalstuff2602]

Your dead on with the shunt but the voltage drop per 100 amps is literally printed right on the side. So 75 mv per 100 amps

[@guy7gsa]

Love the video, more client installations videos please.

[@Off-Grid]

Feel free to check out the 15.3kW install on our off-grid home.

[@tomscott7292]

I just finished a Schneider SW 4024 with switch gear for an off grid customer. Pain in the ass to wire with limited room to work and firmware that was glitchy at best...lol Yeah....not a big fan at this point! BTW...what's with wearing a face diaper? If your dumb enough to believe those work then the Solark was also a good choice seeing as they are a pain to field service....lol

[@leen.3785]

The XW series are great as long as you DONT follow their setup parameters.. they have weird logic that you have to think around and use in weird ways to get what you want... What glitches were they having? I See they got the NEW insight gateway which makes tweaking things much easier...

[@benssolarandbattery]

Loss of communication every month or 2, error 49 a handful of times, randomly shutting down, overcharging battery in float (seemed like it stayed in CC instead of switching to CV) which caused the battery BMS to shut down. I think there was another thing too, but don't remember what it was. The point is, every month or 2 I had to go there or spend time on the phone with the homeowner and eventually he was fed up with it, as were we. I fought tooth and nail with Schneider and they told me this was completely normal operation, and eventually wished me best of luck...

[@benssolarandbattery]

Oh and the DC voltage was registering 0.5v too high. (Which is in spec with no way to calibrate according to them)

[@leen.3785]

@@benssolarandbattery yeah thats the weird logic crap... there is a 2v flex voltage range that can cause those issues, the gateway needs a onsite firmware update and a Ethernet connection or very close wifi repeater to keep from dropping connection the F49 has to do with the LBCO voltage which must be jimmied to fit within the specificneeds of the battery .. But i do completely understand the frustration.. lol if you do have to deal with them Try to work with Rhodes C. he knows his stuff :)

[@benssolarandbattery]

@@leen.3785 yeah Rhodes was the one who told me this is all normal and didn't offer any way of resolving anything. I'm sure he knows his stuff, but at least give me something to work with. Nobody mentioned anything about a firmware update and now it's in a pile in my shop.

[@leen.3785]

@@benssolarandbattery Selling cheap? lol i wouldn't mind a spare :)

[@fisherus]

Ben and Brawn! New hoist you run on meat and potatoes rather than hydraulic fluid? Nice job and why I probably went a little overboard buying a Sol-Ark 12K instead of a Schneider Conext. First install I've seen without any PV system. Interesting and always a great installation and video.

[@benssolarandbattery]

There is solar there, I just forgot to film any of it. Yes the homeowner definitely got an upgrade, but it's to a reliable inverter we know we can trust.

[@fisherus]

@@benssolarandbattery That makes a lot more sense. I couldn't understand why the customer would pay so much to charge the Fortress when a much cheaper battery charger would be sufficient.

[@Off-Grid]

Probably better you went with Sol-Ark. Our Schneider XW Conext is buggy. It is a 15.3kW system, videos on our channel.

[@carlossantini]

@@fisherus no just charging but u need inverting

[@SpencerLAPower]

What kind of glitches was the xw pro having just curious cuz I have a xw plus

[@benssolarandbattery]

Loss of communication every month or 2, error 49 a handful of times, randomly shutting down, overcharging battery in float (seemed like it stayed in CC instead of switching to CV) which caused the battery BMS to shut down. Also, DC voltage was 0.5v off and every time there's an alarm the entire system shuts down and needs to be manually reset. The point is, every month or 2 I had to go there or spend time on the phone with the homeowner and eventually he was fed up with it, as were we. I fought tooth and nail with Schneider and they told me this was completely normal operation, and eventually wished me best of luck...

[@SpencerLAPower]

@@benssolarandbattery was this AC coupled system at the time?

[@benssolarandbattery]

@@SpencerLAPower correct.

[@SpencerLAPower]

@@benssolarandbattery thanks for your help have a blessed weekend

[@JasonAndrade427]

@@benssolarandbattery who was the grid tie pv manufacturer

[@earthenergyhex]

is the Schneider Conext SW 4kW 120/240VAC 24VDC Inverter/Charger RNW8654024 any good. What are some comparable units I could get instead of it?

[@desertlivinghomestead3202]

Do you design the systems with sol-ark and install them or could you design a system and sell it to someone so they could do there own install curios because I'm looking for some that can build me 25kw system and maybe ship it with instructions on how to install mine you I have 25kw battery bank already.

[@Off-Grid]

I have a 15.3kW system I bought from Northern Arizona Wind and Sun. They've been absolutely amazing to work with and give lifetime support, which I've used many many times. Videos of our system are on our channel.

[@offgridwanabe]

Man those DC wires are close together hope they have a Plastic separator.

[@benssolarandbattery]

In the Sol-Ark? Yes, there's a separator there.

[@defjamsgreen]

That’s a great change out of the Schneider to a Sol Ark inverter . Much larger and it’s possible to effectively run the home . We preppers must use dependable equipment when it comes to being off grid .check out my solar videos, hit like , leave a comment and subscribe .May the solar be with you .

[@dustinmerkley7303]

I'm in the planning phase of an offgrid home in Hawaii. I think thr Sol Ark 12K is going to suit my needs. I like the Discovery AES Battery Lithium & What Battery do you recommend to pair with Sol Ark 12k?

[@Off-Grid]

We went with AGM Lead Acid because we can recycle them, they are cheaper, and when they finally need to be replaced in 5-8 years I'm hopeful that battery tech will have made a much better battery that you can recycle.

[@JPHER217]

Haha i was thinking you were slacking off on the cable management before you said it!

[@jmoyer88]

Is there a benefit to by-passing the Generator input on the Sol-Ark?

[@Off-Grid]

I have a 15.3kW Schneider system and bypassed the generator ok, Videos of our system are on our channel.

[@SetchiPaunda]

you sponsored by Sol-Ark? We have had nothing but success with the XW pro 6848.

[@Off-Grid]

I have a 15.3kW Schneider system and it is buggy. Always throwing false warnings and changing my settings at random. Videos are on our channel.

[@TheJjyoung333]

@@Off-Grid I've had no issues with my single xw pro. I had issues initially when I wasn't running ethernet cable behind shielding. I installed as manual suggests and everything works as it should.

[@Off-Grid]

@@TheJjyoung333 I've since dropped to one inverter after realizing we really don't need two. Since then all my issues stopped and the system is working ok.

[@TheJjyoung333]

Any load issues running only one inverter?

[@Off-Grid]

@@TheJjyoung333 no, it can surge to 12kw for for a minute and 8500W for 30min. We rarely get over 6kw at any given time, which is below the inverters output, so I didn't see the need for two inverters unless I wanted to arc weld or something.

[@solarandwindinsouthtexasda1473]

I thought the inverter add a transfer switch in it for that's outrageous price

[@benssolarandbattery]

It does have a transfer switch in it. The one we added was for the Schneider and the homeowner opted to keep it in place with the Sol-Ark.

[@sNEAKYnIGHTmUPPET]

whyeven use the transfer switch? The solark has it built-in, no?

[@benssolarandbattery]

We added that for the Schneider, homeowner wanted to leave it there. It does allow the Sol-ark to be hidden behind it so firmware updates don't shut down power to the house, but makes for slightly longer transfer times.

[@etn06448]

With your experience with Sol-Ark, does it have glitches or random errors? I'm torn between Sol-Ark and Schneider, main draw back is the cost of the Sol-Ark as I am only needing for AC coupled setup. Thanks.

[@benssolarandbattery]

Eric, I've never had a Sol-Ark give random glitches or errors. I have had 1 issue with a very early version of the 12k where the gen relay wouldn't stay on, and after some troubleshooting they just sent a new unit without any hassle. Honestly the tech support alone and knowing that you (presumably a homeowner) can call and speak with them 7 days a week. Schneider screens their calls, won't speak with homeowners as far as I know, is very glitchy, and won't admit fault when there is an issue. I will never install another one.

[@Off-Grid]

I didn't think our Schneider system was over priced but is buggy.

[@seanogrady2078]

@@Off-Grid I currently have a Schneider SW 4048 and 2x Schneider MPPT 60A controllers and have had zero issues with the system in five years, operating between -35 and 45 degrees through the year, 24 hours a day. I've been considering upgrading to an XW inverter for more power and expandability. It's unfortunate to hear "glitchy", "bugs" and "issues", but I'm having no success finding what the issues actually have been from Ben's channel - care to comment from your experience?

[@Off-Grid]

@@seanogrady2078 Hello Sean, It seems like all my problems were from the multi-inverter setup. I've actually disconnected one of them and my just using a single inverter with the three charge controllers. It took a good month or two to get the software issues worked out between the two inverters when I first turned the system on. It wasn't as simple as making one a Slave an the other a Master. I found that very few people actually knew how to do the set up. Once it was working I had calibration issues between the two inverters. There is a playlist on our channel for the solar set up and I'm sure I talk about it somewhere in those videos. Besides that is would randomly send warnings about DC Voltage, AC Coupling, or Multi-Inverter Setup Config issues. I'd change the settings only to find a week or so later the settings had switch back or never stuck in the first place. It wasn't that the system wasn't working, I just got warning messages all the time. In the year I had both inverters hooked up I realized that we never pulled more than around 5.5kW of power and the inverter is rated at 6.5kW with over a 12kW surge. This is when I decided to unhook one of them. That process was relatively easy except that the System Control Panel recognizes there is only one inverter but the online monitory system still shows that it is there but missing and has a warning code that won't go away. I've learned to ignore it and am saving the other inverter as a spare. Hope this helps. All in all our offgrid solar system does what is should but watching other peoples systems with different components makes me think that Schneider was not the easiest or most user friendly way to go.

[@seanogrady2078]

@@Off-Grid That really does help and I enjoyed watching your setup videos. My only complaint about the system we have is the charge controllers are SO incredibly expensive - for what, some power MOSFETs and a transformer...

[@Bacardibombillo]

What kind of issues on that Schneidee XW+...? I'm having issues also.

[@Off-Grid]

I have a 15.3kW system and it is buggy. Always throwing false warnings and changing my settings at random. Videos are on our channel.

[@markavery2888]

What problems were they having? I was looking at the for my Sol-Ark but hesitating since I have an extra XW on the shelf.

[@benssolarandbattery]

Loss of communication every month or 2, error 49 a handful of times, randomly shutting down, overcharging battery in float (seemed like it stayed in CC instead of switching to CV) which caused the battery BMS to shut down. DC voltage was off by 0.5v as well. The point is, every month or 2 I had to go there or spend time on the phone with the homeowner and eventually he was fed up with it, as were we. I fought tooth and nail with Schneider and they told me this was completely normal operation, and eventually wished me best of luck... In a scenario where you're the installer and it's at your house and you know how to mess with it and fix it when it glitches out and can actually get in touch with tech support, sure it's an OK inverter. I won't install the old one at my house though.

[@markavery2888]

@@benssolarandbattery Thanks, I actually called SolArk yesterday and had a few questions. I actually got a person, that is more than Schneider... I have yet to get the correct person on the phone. Even though I already have all the system components except an RSS and MPP80 I think I will just get the SolArk as it is SO much more compact and ready to go.

[@Off-Grid]

Mine seems to throw random warnings that turn out not to be warnings at all and the InSight system isn't the best. It also likes to reset settings to their defaults at random so after months I've finally gotten it to hold the settings I wanted. It is a 15.3kW system, videos on our channel.

[@SpencerLAPower]

@@Off-Grid you may need to update the Gateway

[@Off-Grid]

@@SpencerLAPower I'll look into that.

[@Leonardo-mw7tn]

Sol-ark is a Chinese rebranded inverter Deye and gsl make them

[@benssolarandbattery]

Definitely. I'd still use them any day of the week over Schneider.

[@Leonardo-mw7tn]

Yes but you are over paying 🤷‍♂️

[@user-dr2pg8fk2i]

So what were the glitches?

[@beckfordelectrical]

What the customer do with the schneider inverter?

[@Off-Grid]

I hope they found someone who could use it. They do work once you get the bugs out. We have a 15.3kW system, videos on our channel.

[@beckfordelectrical]

@@Off-Grid yah I watched you guys all the time. Hope you do more videos on them inverter

[@Off-Grid]

@@beckfordelectrical Thanks for watching. We will have more videos on the solar as we have had a couple issues that needed resolved. Right now our videos are up to the winter storm back in February and I was trying to get the generator hooked up to the system.

[@ryancaesar5547]

Hey Ben I have a question can the sol ark inverter with as a none split phase inverter ??

[@vincei4252]

You mean to put out just 120V? No, I don't think it can. You could put the Solark output into a transformer and pull 120V on the other side. It'll have to be a pretty beefy transformer, though.

[@benssolarandbattery]

The Sol-Ark 12k can operate at 120/240v, 208v single phase, 120/208 with 2 inverters, 120/208 3 phase and single phase 230v.

[@ericbentsen1597]

Can you expound on what the problem was with XW Pro?

[@benssolarandbattery]

Loss of communication every month or 2, error 49 a handful of times, randomly shutting down, overcharging battery in float (seemed like it stayed in CC instead of switching to CV) which caused the battery BMS to shut down. DC voltage was off by 0.5v as well. The point is, every month or 2 I had to go there or spend time on the phone with the homeowner and eventually he was fed up with it, as were we. I fought tooth and nail with Schneider and they told me this was completely normal operation, and eventually wished me best of luck... In a scenario where you're the installer and it's at your house and you know how to mess with it and fix it when it glitches out and can actually get in touch with tech support, sure it's an OK inverter. I won't install the old one at my house though.

[@benssolarandbattery]

And since you work for Schneider... Installers all over the country are fleeing your products for lack of support and constant issues. It was a solid inverter when you took it over from Xantrex, but now it's riddled with glitches.

[@ericbentsen1597]

@@benssolarandbattery We really appreciate feedback from our customers, good and bad. XW Pro has gone thru several firmware revisions and it's important to verify the latest firmware in XW Pro + InsightLocal, and the region code must be properly applied (very important). We have recently posted our Commissioning Guide which will be a huge help to those unfamiliar with our products. solar.schneider-electric.com/xw-pro-commissioning-guide/ There are currently thousands of XW Pro systems in operation, installed by solar Pros, and whose customers are happy. We have enhanced our support team and increased hours of operation.

[@Off-Grid]

I have a 15.3kW system and it is buggy. Always throwing false warnings and changing my settings at random. Videos are on our channel.

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

= or = Use FERRULES on ALL Stranded Wires ? COOP ...

[@benssolarandbattery]

Not needed if the lugs are rated for it.

[@DIYwithBatteries]

Wow awesome 😊👍

[@dangoras9152]

Ben the inverter u pull out do u sell them ...

[@benssolarandbattery]

Yes I was planning on selling this one on ebay. There's nothing wrong with it after all! (According to Schneider)

[@stoofaloof1661]

@@benssolarandbattery Would lile to buy it

[@xzibit8614]

What did you end up doing with the XW pro?

[@Off-Grid]

Once you get the bugs our it works. We have a 15.3kW system that is working ok now. Videos on our channel.

[@Madactionmedia]

No legit explanation for why not to use the Schneider.

[@benssolarandbattery]

Loss of communication every month or 2, error 49 a handful of times, randomly shutting down, overcharging battery in float (seemed like it stayed in CC instead of switching to CV) which caused the battery BMS to shut down. DC voltage was off by 0.5v as well. The point is, every month or 2 I had to go there or spend time on the phone with the homeowner and eventually he was fed up with it, as were we. I fought tooth and nail with Schneider and they told me this was completely normal operation, and eventually wished me best of luck... In a scenario where you're the installer and it's at your house and you know how to mess with it and fix it when it glitches out and can actually get in touch with tech support, sure it's an OK inverter. I won't install the old one at my house though.

[@Madactionmedia]

I don’t believe that for a second honestly there is definitely something much more blatantly wrong. Not that I don’t love sol-Ark’s but that’s not a good reason to bash Schneider.

[@benssolarandbattery]

@@Madactionmedia OK if there's something wrong, typically a company will try to help you fix it. Or at least point you in the right direction. Or at least give you some sort of a hint? There was nothing blatantly wrong. This has happened with multiple units. Give me one good reason to keep installing Schneider over other companies. Sorry to sound defensive here, but they've screwed us multiple times.

[@Off-Grid]

I have a 15.3kW system and it is buggy. Always throwing false warnings and changing my settings at random. Videos are on our channel.

[@hollywoodj500]

Sol Ark Inverters are suck, they can't even turn on a 1.5 HP air compressor.

[@benssolarandbattery]

Their surge capacity is definitely lacking. That being said, this has been installed for a year now and has not once glitched or shut down. I'm working on testing the newer schneider firmware to see how it does now too.

[@Starkchris]

Easy and problem free🤙🏻

[@RJ-cc1fz]

Nice and easy video. Fair-ite what?

[@benssolarandbattery]

Thanks! Ferrite bead. They're used to choke high frequency electronic noise in circuits.

[@Salted_Caramel88]

That XW pro install was absolutely poor just at a glance. Nevertheless, not intended to be installed with an ATS like that. That tells me everything I need to know about this "glitchy" XW Pro. If that wasn't physically installed and wired correctly , then I HIGHLY doubt it was configured properly in the interface, as well as having good firmware. This is REALLY a p*ss poor claim against a great system. Either you know what you're doing, or you don't. It's quite evident the latter.

[@benssolarandbattery]

Thanks for the high praise Joe... I came into this one after it was installed, as did the transfer switch because the system kept shutting off. It was configured properly and continued to glitch. Thanks for watching.