Sol-Ark 15K versus EG4 18KPV - Who Wins?

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

****CORRECTIONS**** Sol-Ark has 3 different datasheets for the same inverter, one stating 17,000 max PV input, one that shows a max 19,000 watt PV input, and another that states 19,500 watt max PV input. The datasheets were updated the inverter kept gaining additional PV input capacity, so the video is not a fair comparison in terms of max PV input.**** www.sol-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15K_Specs_4_27_22-1.pdf www.sol-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/15K-Specs-10-6-22.pdf www.sol-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/15K-2P_SpecSheet.pdf ****EG4 has up to 21,600 watts of AC Coupled capabilities NOT 12,000 watts that were mentioned in my video**** This video digs into the differences between the EG4 18KPV and the Sol-Ark 15K solar inverters with battery backup! ****ATTENTION**** I can not offer turn key installation services for Sol-Ark or EG4 products at this time. The products I can offer turn key installation services on are SolarEdge, Enphase, Tesla, and Franklin Whole Home. If you are interested in a zero cost pressure free quote for turn key installation any of these products, fill out our intake form below... Rocky Broad Solar Intake Form docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSer5w_81iHtdcZBKV8Zuo9KVwJGQsqg_QNV-ePRvmWMiHZ8dg/viewform If you are interested in Sol-Ark, EG4, Victron, or other DIY solar and storage products, check out some ROCK BOTTOM prices on those products using our affiliate links below... Signature Solar affiliate link (CHEAPEST SOLAR PANELS ON THE MARKET and EG4 Products) signaturesolar.com/?ref=uzUOpPif73O10D Current Connected Affiliate (SOL-ARK PRODUCTS) currentconnected.com/?ref=RockyBroadSolar Practical Preppers (DISASTER PREPAREDNESS) shareasale.com/r.cfm?b=1574707&u=4123057&m=99148&urllink=&afftrack= Also check us out at the following places.... Rocky Broad Solar Website rockybroadsolar.com Facebook facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552572026371

[@jim4utube]

One thing I was curious about was the power draw of each unit. I heard the 18K only used 70 watts of power to maintain its functions. Do you know if that's true and what the power draw of the Sol Ark is?

[@grayfurnaceman]

I had a negative experience with the 18PK in the last few months. The product itself is not the problem. Signature Solar was very hard to work with when a warranty claim came about. They were mostly non responsive and I ended up replacing the inverter with the Sol-Ark 15K. GFM

[@bluetrepidation]

I can confirm this support experience with a friend of mine. His EG4 18PK arrived damaged. When connecting battery DC on the phone with Signature Solar support the inverter threw sparks. Took 3 weeks of calls to RMA the inverter. Hopefully the 2nd unit works correctly. Personally I've had to call into SolArk support and they were helpful by phone and email. One SolArk needed a new relay board for AC coupling to work. Original one welded shut. Part was provided free of charge.

[@grayfurnaceman]

The Sol-Ark inverter will be arriving in a couple of days. We will see how this experience is. GFM@@bluetrepidation

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Thanks for the information everyone. I have reached out to both Sol-Ark and EG4 and both were pretty helpful for me, but I did not have any kind of warranty claim to deal with.

[@opietaylor9308]

I hope you don't have EG4 batteries because SolArk will void the warranty. Just some valuable information

[@AndrewVanTil]

@@opietaylor9308 Can you provide a source for that? Who's warranty is being voided?

[@drod6424]

Great job! Enjoyed the white board logic. Very helpful. Thanks for doing this video.🌞

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Thank you for the comment!

[@rickmorin8840]

I really liked your video. I had installed last June my 8.2 watt solar system with the SolArk 15k and have 15k of eg4 LL battery bank. All work great no real problems. I have grid power with nights free from 8pm to 6 am and basically I have no electric bills except for the grid leakage of around 60w during the day for the SolArk This costs me about $5-7 a month. My batteries get me through the morning till I get solar and then gets me to 8pm after sunset. I don’t have to give back my excess power for this program but I do. This time of year I power my home and maybe 4 others during the day. I’m planning on adding to my battery bank another 30k to maybe go off grid. I’m in Dallas county area of DFW. I have found it almost impossible to find installers for the SolArk and the EG4 in the DFW area and Signature Solar is in the area and so is SolArk.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Hi @rickmorin8840 Thanks for commenting and for the coment! I agree, it is tough finding installers willing to install Sol-Ark and EG4 products in many parts of the country. Looking forward to putting a similar system on my house sometime this year.

[@davidtokhi8602]

Hello Rick. Would you mind mentoring me though a purchase. I am looking to put in a silimar load panel.

[@BuildingHisHouse]

Too many people have complained about solark shutting down for no reason and support unable to determine the reason. Maybe they have fixed that, but I haven’t heard a similar complaint ever from eg4 owners. That made my decision for me.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Fair enough. Thanks for the comment!

[@samfish6938]

another youtuber says you have to separate the 2 200amp circuit breakers or everything goes onto one 200amp circuit breaker, i presume there's some link between them that you pull out as he did not explain it

[@erickblount8033]

Great video, you make it easy to understand. One correction (unless I am misunderstanding), EG4 18kPV manual shows that it can handle an additional 21.6kW of coupled AC for a total of 33.6kW.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

I just double checked the manual and you are correct sir. I hate the fact that no inverter datasheets are the same. It is like trying to compare apples and oranges. I am honestly so upset with myself the more I find that I am misinforming my viewers. The datasheet says "AC Input Current - Max Continuous AC Current" which I took for the max AC coupled input current, but like you said, the manual states 21,600 watts max AC coupled input. I wish I could edit the video without losing all of my views! I think I am going to have to make a follow up video for my corrections, but until then, I will post them in the description. Thanks so much for pointing that out and for watching the channel!

[@simonpaine2347]

I installed a Sol-Ark 15k 3 months ago. Love it. I looked at the EG4 but it seems like it's nothing more than a Sol-Ark 12k with a 15k carcass and some of its features. I'm also pretty sure that it's the exact same Chinese manufacturer that makes them!

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Glad to hear you love the Sol-Ark. They are definitely a reputable brand that stands behind quality. Thanks for watching the channel!

[@icemaniiscott]

I was deciding last month between these same 2 inverters... I ended up going with EG4... a MAJOR factor was the friendly support from their tech support people, answering questions before the purchase and this continued after as well

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Customer service and tech support is a big part of the decision. Thanks for watching!

[@Sparkeee1978]

I have a Sol Ark 12k EMP hardened for 4 years now. It is at our off grid property, and 30kw of EG4 LL server rack batteries, and it's worked (almost) flawlessly for a shed, our RV, starlink, and 460ft 15gpm constant pressure well. We are now coming up on a house build at the same property. We might bring in power, for the house loan mostly, and I've researched a lot, but just haven't decided which model of these to go with. The 200 amp pass through for our North Idaho winters is a huge driver over our current 12k. The only problem I have ever had is when the batteries go into safe mode due to temps outside the allowable LiFePo4 range. Our house build will add temperature control to the power 14X32 power shed, which currently has 2 strings of 8X400w panels. I may go with the EG4 18kpv, and parallel 2 of them. The costs add up, and the $4,000 saved in a parallel system over the Sol Ark can't be ignored. Great video comparison. Thank you

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Glad I could help, and thank you for the comment sir. The EG4 PowerPro WallMount AllWeather might be the better option for batteries on your new build. They have internal heaters to keep the batteries at operating temperature. I would still keep them in as much of a conditioned environment as possible, but it would serve as a backup in case the temperature control of the shed went down. They are also cheaper than the server rack batteries. The only downside is lugging that heavy battery around and getting it mounted. If you don't have a helping hand, the server rack style batteries are much easier to handle. I am kind of leaning the same direction. $2000 per inverter is a good chunk of change.

[@ikanik3731]

look into the homegrid stack'd series for heating and modularity

[@opietaylor9308]

I hope you know that SolArk warranty will be voided if used with EG4 batteries

[@KestonSol-Ark]

@@opietaylor9308 Using the EG4 batteries with Sol-Ark's residential inverter product line does not void warranty if running in an open loop configuration. Since we have not integrated EG4 batteries with communication protocol, the warranty may be voided if attempting to run in closed loop (CAN protocol) and the issue may be traced back to the battery and inverter interaction. Although there are lots of resources and claims which show EG4 batteries and Sol-Ark communications are effective, we have this disclaimer of potential voided warranty due to lack of integration testing.

[@johnrush3596]

Eg4 as a brand is 4 years old however eg4 are basically re badged lux power Tek inverters. Lux has been around a lot longer ....

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

That is true. I never really though about it that way. Thanks for the comment!

[@pvbatts]

I think it's also important to point out Luxpower has zero USA employee presence and isn't actually a manufacturer. Always good to Google maps your manufacturer.

[@lessgone]

@@pvbatts I would like to begg to differ. I Currently work here in the US for LuxpowerTek along with several other lovely people. We have sales and tech support teams here in the USA.

[@randya9143]

I used two of the 6000xp inverters and saved a lot of money over these 2 units. That is what you should really look into. For the price of either of these two inverters you could even go with three of the 6000xp inverters and get 3 phase power !

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

I will look into it and maybe do a video in the future. I am stuck with Duke Energy though, who just got rid of net metering, so I need an inverter that can be set to offset time of use rates in order to lower my utility bill. From what I can tell, the 6000xps don't offer as much grid interactive capabilities. I need to do a little more research though. I am honestly pretty new to the EG4 scene. I've been in the industry about 13 years now, mainly installing SMA/Fronius/Schneider early on, and then transitioning over to the main stream SolarEdge, Enphase, Tesla, FranklinWH, LG Chem, etc. The biggest reason was due to the changes in rapid shutdown requirements once everyone adopted the 2014 NEC requirements.

[@gg-gn3re]

Yea you can't grid tie and sell back with them. Other than that they're massively better in all categories. So today as it is seen, "grid tie" is at a premium otherwise you can have grid fallback and battery / solar / inverter and all the stuff with a fraction of the price. I have a large setup and I'd gladly grid tie but I'm not spending $1 extra. The power company should pay for the device so they can have my excess for free, it'd pay for itself and they'd have to fork out the money.

[@garyhiland6013]

@@gg-gn3re These two are routinely referred to as hybrid inverters which by definition can backfeed into the grid. Yes?

[@gg-gn3re]

@@garyhiland6013 some can, some can't

[@ChristopherDos]

The Sol-Ark 15's has higher PV input. From the manual: "Max DC solar input = 19.5 kW (± 5%) | Max input power per MPPT = 6.5 kW | Max input voltage per MPPT = 500 VOC | Max input current per MPPT = 26A (self-limiting)." Also each of the Sol-Ark 15K three MPPTs are equally balanced at two inputs each, 6.5kW and 26A each while the EG4 is can do 2 inputs on the first MPPT at 25A and 1 input on the other two MPPTs at 15A. Those are big differences. I have a Sol-Ark 15K and I have a mix of DC PV and AC Coupled PV with 33.52kW going into it. The Sol-Ark 15K is amazing and their tech support has been first rate.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Hi Christopher, This is very interesting, and I think you are right. I actually reached out to Sol-Ark during the making of this video and they confirmed that my chart was accurate. I went to fact check your statement, and found that Sol-Ark has 3 different datasheets for the same inverter, one stating 17,000 max PV input, one that shows a max 19,000 watt PV input, and another that states 19,500 watt max PV input. It looks like as the datasheets were updated the inverter kept gaining additional PV input capacity. www.sol-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/15K_Specs_4_27_22-1.pdf www.sol-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/15K-Specs-10-6-22.pdf www.sol-ark.com/wp-content/uploads/15K-2P_SpecSheet.pdf Thank you for bringing this to my attention sir!

[@jennifersartor]

I just installed a SolArk 15k last month. Both the installer and the data sheet supplied with the inverter list 19,500 Watts of PV niput on 3 different MPPT strings. This is really handy as you can have different size arrays and the inverter has no problem. One limitation is max 6500 watt max at 500V max per string. In my case I was going to run ten panels in series but I had to back it off to eight to keep the string voltage in spec. I ended up with 2 strings of 8 panels in series /parallel (you can run two strings per each of the three MPPT inputs. @@RockyBroadSolarLLC

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

@jennifersartor Looking back I could have really done a bit more research and provided more information in the video. Wish I had known about the datasheet changes before I published it. But at least that gives the viewers reasons to leave me comments. Thanks for the comment!

[@Mike-01234]

EG-4 can go to 600 volts per MPPT Sol-Ark limited to 500 that IMO is a bigger problem for Sol-ark because might mean one more panel in a string current not as important. AC coupling IMO is a waste of money cheaper to just install another inverter since the EG-4 is so much cheaper why would you want to AC couple with other inverters get rid of the other inverters and add another 19kpv. Also lower cost RSD or optimizers work with EG4.

[@genesmith451]

Thanks! I'm in the same boat between these 2. Looking at different forums on both products I'm leaning Sol-Ark

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Glad I could help! I hope to be adding many more videos on these products in the future. Thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@LarryRichelli]

I have just been convinced to go with micro inverters, Thanks

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

No problem Larry! Thanks for the comment!

[@KeyBored101]

Which one did you choose? I'm looking into that as well, too many trees

[@gg-gn3re]

enphase are liek the only ones@@KeyBored101

[@travisschafer4158]

Do they have hybrid micro inverters?

[@johnbrown7722]

"It's rare that that ever happens" - 3:05, New Mexico begs to differ....... Separate from that great video, thank your making it.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@stalwart56k]

Great video!

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for watching!

[@Foxfried]

SOL-ARK Rebadged DEYE inverter + 300% Markup EG4 18K Rebadged Lux Power with a 150% Mark Up. You choose which one but neither company made anything they just slapped there label on a Chinese product and paid for exclusivity to mark up the price. EG4 Previously sold Voltronics 6500 and it was a complete fail with many people complaining about flicker lights and other issues, they stopped and buyers got screwed.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

I don't know much about Deye or Lux Power, but I would imagine tech support has a lot to due with it. A company without good tech support is worthless if and when problems arise.

[@jamesshowalter6362]

EG4 has over 50 techs and engineers, a lot more than labeling goes on.

[@mac1637]

Good breakdown!.... I actually ordered an EG4 18K but the county gave the installer such a hard time with permitting and UL certfication concerns we are changing to Sol-Ark.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

That is a shame to hear, I know some AHJs are much more difficult than others in that regards. Sounds like a pretty good selling point for the Sol-Ark.

[@scotthall1381]

The EG4 is UL certified what was the issue?

[@kenkrick7596]

This is not applicable to most out there but I live at 8,500ft and the 18K has a 2,000m elevation limit. I contacted Sol-Ark and they said there is no limit but the unit may throttle if it overheats due to the thinner air.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Good to know. That is just over 6500 ft. I know that many other equipment manufacturers also have similar limitations when you get into those super high altitudes. That would have been great information for me to include in the content. Thanks for the comment kenkrick!

[@Mike80528]

If you have a whole house humidifier you reduce the risk of overheating and electrostatic shock issues.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

I haven't heard about that before. I will have to do some research and make a video about that!

[@Mike80528]

@@RockyBroadSolarLLC The humidity reduces static build up and also increases the heat capacity of the air (honestly not sure how significant the impact is - probably a number of factors).

[@Alex-Suzanne]

Take a look at the Schneider

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Will do sir. Many more comparison videos to come! Thanks for watching!

[@duhhroku9104]

If hitting any of the limitations of the 18K, couldn't a 2nd inverter be used? Seems like with the cost difference of $2000 that money can be put into a 2nd inverter

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

It sure could. 2K is a lot of saved money! Thanks for the comment.

[@niktak1114]

Some of the 15k specs here are wrong (I don't blame you though because the spec sheet is confusing). The maximum usable PV with no batteries is 15kW, but with batteries it's 18kW. The maximum battery only inverting power is also wrong because it depends on the current battery voltage. At 53V it's ~13.5kW (53V * 275A * lowDC-highDC efficiency * inverter efficiency).

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Good stuff, thanks for the comment!

[@opietaylor9308]

Sol-ark will not cover the warranty if used with EG4 batteries. Im going through this right now. So if SolArk voids the warranty your house insurance will not cover the system as well.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

That I did not know. Thanks for sharing your experience and I am sorry to hear that. Thanks for watching the channel!

[@Mike-01234]

I think the propower battery system is the cheapest battery per watt you can buy that is approved on the California Energy commission list. I'm in AZ which utilities here require you to only use what California allows not sure why probably just to make it more expensive. If I had a choice between the two inverters probably still go with Sol-Ark I might try the Propower battery. The EMP proofing is completely ridiculous IMO because if Nuclear weapons are being used you want to be vaporized. Also you missed one spec the EG4 18KPV has max DC solar voltage input of 600V where the Sol-ark 15k is 500V max DC per MPPT.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

I haven't heard of the propower battery yet, I will have to check it out. If anything the EMP protection might just add some security, but honestly, $2000 is a big chunk of change to protect yourself from something that may not ever happen.

[@JayRuperRoe]

Had my 18k since Aug. and it's been running almost Flawless. Still having lights flicker once or twice a day, that's it.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Good to know! Thanks for the comment Jay

[@pvbatts]

Good breakdown. Solark has 50% more solar ports, 10% more battery charge/discharge amperage, and created the form factor and innovation which EG4 did a pale imitation of. The field experience and support isnt comparable, so bottom budget chasers beware.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Usually you get what you pay for! Thanks for commenting!

[@justicelee26]

They are both great if you have the grid available. The Sol-Ark is notorious for not being able to start large inductive loads such as air compressors and chop saws. Unfortunately, depending on your personal situation, you may need to go with a transformer based inverter like the Schneider. Sol-Ark is worthless if it won't handle your loads.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Thanks for the comment justicelee! That is great to know for many of the viewers. I am connected to the grid and will be using them to offset my utility bills and for emergency backup power, but I know that is not the case for many of the viewers.

[@EastyUK]

I’ve used solark offgrid since 2019, the only issue I’ve seen with large items is imbalance of legs, it’s more sensitive when using very little power, though to be honest once I’ve scaled my battery, solar and have more continuous loads I’ve never had a problem with items like welder, compressor or chop saws and I use them often.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Thanks for the input EastyUK. I know we all have different circumstances and on-site conditions and the devil is in the details!

[@ChristopherDos]

I have a Sol-Ark 15K. The thing is a amazing. While having it off grid, I've thrown air compressors, table saws, huge 15A brushed motor miter saw with nothing more than a light flicker. All the while the normal house loads were running including the air conditioner. I've even had the electric dryer, electric double oven running, and I even kicked on the 4 ton AC and it had a hard light flicker, but everything kept working and nothing showed a loss of power. I know there was an issue with the Sol-Ark 12Ks with inductive loads, but the Sol-Ark 15K is a beast! Highly recommended!

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Good to know!

[@peterolson974]

Thank you. I'm going off grid. Signature solar said the EG4 will not work above 2000 meters(6500 feet). I will call tomorrow ab😢the solark.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Let us know how it goes. Thanks for watching!

[@Just_An_Idea_For_Consideration]

Not a fair Comparison! I Spoke with Both Companies: SolArk Rep was Rude, Condescending, and generally not DIY friendly. EG4 (via Signature Solar), was polite, they did not have an issue with newby type questions. I ended up purchasing the EG4, their Technical Support, Customer Support was second to None! I strongly recommend each of you consider the EG4 18kPV, I am a very satisfied customer!

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Good to know! I know we all have different experiences and personalities....but no one likes people that are condescending. Thanks for the comment!

[@jennifersartor]

I got good pre-purchase advice from Signature Solar, EG4, AND SolArk! I can't vouch for SolArk's post purchase service because so far I haven't had any issues with my new SolArk 15k@@RockyBroadSolarLLC

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Good to know @jennifersartor I also have had nothing but good experience talking with all of them pre purchase. Have yet to make my final decision.

[@davidtokhi8602]

I need some help figuring out my solar needs and what I build myself with an electrician. Thank you

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

That is not a service I currently offer other than my videos, but thanks so much for watching!

[@samfish6938]

well explaned

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Thank you and thanks for watching!

[@glennmcgurrin8397]

Where do you get that 10 second power number for the 18kpv? I've been unsuccessfully looking for an official source for a peak output as part of dealing with some compliance issues if I want my ac on it as I'd need the peak output to be above the lcked rotor amps of my ac. If there's an official source for that 20,400 number it will save me a lot of work.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Hi @Glennmcgurrin8397. I received this information via email response when reaching out to EG4 tech support before I created my initial video. I was also not able to find it on the datasheet, which was concerning. Every other inverter manufacturer that I am aware of lists the peak output power in 10 sec intervals on the datasheet other than EG4.

[@SkyCharter]

6:18 Gen input not suitable for smaller generators? Can you please elaborate?

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Hi @Sky Charter. It looks like if the generator is larger than 19.2kW, it should be connected to the grid terminal and if it is smaller than 19.2, it can be connected to the generator terminal. This is likely because this is that "80A continuous" threshold that maxes out that 100A GEN port. I was fresh out of the certification process when I made this video and I am going back in again to see exactly what I was getting at in that comment about connecting smaller generators in a different manner.

[@solarcharging9743]

I wouldn't refer to either one of these high frequency, low peak power inverters as champions. If they were champions, they would be using low frequency, transformer based inverter technology which offers a longer life expectancy, a much higher peak power capacity and safer operation because of its use of an iron core, copper wound output transformer which provides galvanic isolation between the DC boost stage and its AC output.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Congratulations @solarcharging9743. You just sent me down the KZbin rabbit hole. Honestly I have not used a transformer based inverter in quite some time, and I did not know the pros and cons of each option. Good stuff.

[@naovideos]

please can you share which other brand and model you recommended then? thanks

[@naovideos]

Have you considered/compared the EP Cube system?

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

I have considered it. I am doing this as a side gig, so time management has been difficult, but the EP Cube does appear to be a pretty simple product to install at an affordable price. Canadian Solar is a massive company that has been in the industry for a while. I bought a stack of their panels from Signature Solar recently for unheard of prices. I couldn't pass it up. I will probably do a review of the EP Cube sometime in the coming months. Thanks for watching!

[@andrewyang1446]

Thanks for this video. I think Solark wins.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Thanks for watching @andrewyang1446

[@dscientist8268]

Have a 8k ask my inside link about upgrade to a 10k said don't, why? The difference is all software

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Hmmm....I am not sure about this to be honest, but thanks for watching the channel!

[@richarda6435]

After seeing the iOS Sol-Ark app reviews, I'd select EG4!

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

It seems like a mixed bag. I hear good and bad from different people. Thanks for watching.

[@samfish6938]

NHX-10kW - Split Phase 120V / 240V , Outdoor rated, grid Interactive, UL Listed, 4 PV Inputs to 500V,

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

@samfish6938 I'll have to check this out and do a review on it. Thanks for watching!

[@brentjohnson6654]

New subscriber here. I am not wanting any optimizer due to RFI. I have seen optimizer cause radio problems a block away. I have heard of support issues with EG4 mostly from the 6500 lines which may be software weaknesses (not sure if this would be same on the 18k). Also Sol-Ark has had issues reported by installers I follow on KZbin. I am leaning toward Sol-Ark at this time but EMP is confusing to me. I need to research more. I assume EMP protection refers to the unit and not the system. If EMP takes out a panel what good is an inverter? Thanks for the comparison. I wonder how they stack up against Victron? Good video.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Hi @brentjohnson6654 I am in the middle of researching the ability to EMP harden both the Sol-Ark and the EG4 at this time. It is possible on either, as well as on any other solar inverter. The Sol-Ark comes with ferrite core devices to install on the panel leads, but they do state in the manual that they are not necessary. EMP shield flat out says that they are not necessary. You install the EMP protective devices on each MPPT input, the battery input, and the AC side of your home installed at the electrical service entrance equipment. It would protect all components from an EMP. I will be putting out a video in the near future about both options. If you want to avoid optimizers or rapid shutdown modules that communicate through powerline communications, the best bet would be going with a ground mount so you don't have to comply with the rapid shutdown requirements of the National Electric Code. As long as you don't have any shading issues you could just string up the modules and call it a day. I think you are always going to find people with problems and bad experiences anywhere you go. In my opinion either option is a good choice and is far better than many other options out there. I am doing this channel on the evenings and weekends, but I will certainly get around to Victron at some point. Thanks for subscribing!

[@brentjohnson6654]

@@RockyBroadSolarLLC thanks for your response. I am planning on ground mount. I have a couple of acres in the country. The ground mount will have seasonable adjustment. The solar panels seems like they would be vulnerable to EMP so maybe those can replaced if affected. Like I said I am trying to learn. In security operating systems would be rated for a certain level of security and when hooked to a network all of that would invalidate that rating. Anyway all that is hard to test. Not saying you are pushing the EMP, just talking out loud and obviously I don’t know it all. Curious Is what I am. Anyway I have been liking the EG4 or Sol-Ark pricing & functionality and have long liked the Victron reliability. So your video caught my attention. Thanks for listening to my ramblings. All the best!

[@warzoneclips2285]

The ac couple port on the 18k is 90amps not 50

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Hi Warzone, Thanks for the comment. Can you please tell me when in the video I said the AC couple port was 50A? I am unsure of what you are referring to.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Hi again @warzoneclips2285 I want to give credit where it is deserved for you pointing this out earlier. I misunderstood your comment. You are correct sir. The datasheet says "AC Input Current - Max Continuous AC Current" 50A which I took for the max AC coupled input current of 12,000 watts but the installation manual states 21,600 watts max AC coupled input. I am still not sure what they are referring to on the datasheet. Thanks for the comment and thanks for watching the channel!

[@johanea]

Nuclear power is outmost most preferred.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

To each their own! It does produce 24/7 with no emissions! Thanks for the comment johanea!

[@gb6041]

Victron Quattro 15k all the way!

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

I will have to check it out!

[@chaunbot]

600v pv input

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Absolutely!

[@pds4184]

Ark will need to "shrink" their profit considerably to get my money, as it stands on specs and the 2k difference, SolArk will be out of business unless they make some changes.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

I am kind of thinking along the same lines. In a equal price comparison, I would choose Sol-Ark, but $2000 is a good chunk of change!

[@bentheguru4986]

Both have same limitation, American only split-phase crap. EG4 is confirmed, Solark is hard to tell but appears the same.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

What type of electrical service are you using @bentheguru4986?

[@bentheguru4986]

@@RockyBroadSolarLLC We over in the land of nature wanting to kill you at every turn, Austraila. 240VAC single or 415VAC 3-phase. Country is slowly dropping to 220 but we see 220 all way up to 260VAC (thanks to plenty of cheap grid-tie solar-only inverters jacking up line voltages. We don't use 110VAC or split-phase nonsense. Just an Active, Neutral and Earth with a MEN link at boards.

[@houseofancients]

Sol-Ark are rebadged Deye inverters EG4 18K pv are rebadged luxpower inverters

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Thanks for the comment. I had heard that about EG4 but I was not aware of that with Sol-Ark. Good information!

[@ChristopherDos]

From what I understand of the situation, Sol-Ark contracted with Deye to have them make Sol-Ark's inverter and their contract gives Sol-Ark exclusive access to North America, while allowing Deye to rebrand the Sol-Ark as their own for the rest of the world. Sol-Ark also has their own firmware for their inverters while Deye has a different firmware for theirs.

[@houseofancients]

@@ChristopherDos I suggest you look at the court case I posted. Sol-ark does nothing but rebadge, and provide us service. The have an exclusieve distribution for deye's inverters. Basically the same as sunsynk does for South Africa, Australian and Europe

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

I will look into it!

[@noutilitybill]

Deye has been manufacturing inverters for over 25 years.THey use a lot of Japanese components electronics and their quality control is excellent.When you buy a large quantity of inverters like more than 2 or 3 hundred you can have them customized with features like your own name,different buttons and switches and change up software.Solark did this.Solark software is not much different than my Deye inverter,the display icons are in a row rather than in the 4 corners.Also I used to have shut downs on my Deye until I changed the amperage limit from my batteries to like 100 or 150A.The amperage in to inverter from batteries is not the same as the amperage out to the load.You can overload any inverter by sucking more amps out than what it's rated for.Just like taking too much power from the grid at your service panel you will flip a breaker and have to reset it

[@brentfrank7012]

It’s interesting how you can see the bias towards SolArk in all of these reviews of EG4. It’s like watching a Chevy fan reviewing a Ford. 😂

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

I am honestly on the fence. If cost were not a factor, Sol-Ark would likely be my first choice, but that difference in price sure isn't pocket change. Thanks for commenting!

[@mahendrapatil2908]

Both are manufactured by deye

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Sol-Ark is manufactured by Deye while EG4 is manufactured by Lux Power. Thanks for watching!

[@fauxque5057]

Nobody wins. Both are over priced. In 3 years something newer and better will appear. And the price will drop on these.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

That is the nature of the business. Once a product is 2-3 years old it is ancient in solar years. Thanks for watching!

[@wadebrewer7212]

Price has already dropped on the SolArk. I have one and paid 2k more than present day prices. That's the way this stuff goes. Sungold just released a hybrid for a fraction of the price of either of these. Am I irritated I paid more? Of course. Do I regret? No. If you wait for the right prices....you will be waiting forever.

[@WorldInANutshell]

Sungold is a joke. Buy one and keep the box so you can return it after you file credit card dispute. Software is buggy. Customer support is a smokescreen. The unit feels like a paper weight.

[@wadebrewer7212]

@WorldInANutshell I have a 3kw sungold on a solar generator I built using lifepo4. Inverter works fine.

[@URackADisciprine]

This video is incomplete with some misinformation. Some important intricacies between the two were not explained either. Better to do your own research and compare the two.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

Hi restotool, Thanks for the comment. Can you please elaborate? What information was not accurate? Please share anything I missed here in the comments so my viewers can get the full picture.

[@joelhiltz3329]

This guy in pajamas forgot to clean up and us not an authority on the subject.

[@RockyBroadSolarLLC]

LMAO! Yeah, it looks like I needed to brush the back of my head a little better! After watching that video, I now make sure to use a hand held mirror to take care of that cowlick! Thanks for watching!