The BEST Hybrid Inverter

The Sol-Ark 15k continues to outshine the rest.
Subscribe to Gary's channel:
bit.ly/3bLh63w
Get a $100 Lowe's gift card with purchase of a Sol-Ark inverter!
bit.ly/3JLi0cZ
Get ARK battery backup:
bit.ly/3P8mOLy
I also have a Rumble account!
rumble.com/use...
Schedule your consultation today:
bit.ly/3pjRMpr
Get an eBike:
Join our Discord server!
/ discord
Follow me!
/ practprepllc
/ engineer775
/ simplysustainabl. .
/ practicalpreppers

[@WillProwse]

Wow that looks so awesome. You should post all your installs, they are killer. And very simple. This system could help so many people.

[@engineer775]

Thanks Will. I do post all my installs. I only do two a month as I have a lot of DIY customers now that I help through the whole process.

[@AaronBlake]

Yes. This does help! I am going to send this video to my electrician that is going to help with keeping it this neat and tidy!!

[@ShanePresleyC]

I recently found your channel and I find myself often wondering "What would Will Prowse say about this? Why haven't I seen Sol-Ark on Will Prowse's channel". I am a few years out from my DIY system but you both have been so informative. Thank You!

[@ShanePresleyC]

and finally getting through my backlog of subscribed video channels and there is will with a Sol-Ark 🙃

[@JarredSutherland]

@@engineer775 I just received a quote from Lori for the 15k, I'll be going with the Sol Ark rather than the Growatt for .. a huge number of reasons.

[@JasonCarmichael]

I just ordered a 15K. Thanks for creating and posting.

[@pavalenta]

I hate that you've thoroughly convinced me that I can do this kind of system mostly DIY...now I have to spend lots of money! Much Appreciated! :)

[@RJ-cc1fz]

Nice explanation of the wiring from the meter all the way to the loads. I finally understand how it wired thanks

[@willistisdale4293]

Always happy to be the crawlspace and attic dweller for 775

[@infl]

For brick i find that #14 pan head sheet metal screws with conical anchors work really well. Makes things easier if you have to pull things off, and they hold really well if you don’t want to pull things off

[@jdcarnathan]

Looks good! Show us an AC coupled install with microinverters if you do one please.

[@sneakypeo]

Yes please! from all of us with Enphase systems

[@crystalworks1]

That looks amazing. Saving for later when I diagram out a system. The wife and I have decided we are doing DIY solar + batts in the next 8 months after this summer's heat wave brought $500/mo electric bills here in south Texas. Never again. CPS can go rob someone else. Thank you for posting.

[@jeremyjedynak]

Great seeing the Micro-Air EasyStart devices in your videos for the AC units. Do you generally need to do anything similar for well pumps?

[@engineer775]

I haven't had to yet. Most residential well pumps are very easy to start and I don't see them exceeding you 40 amps

[@ciliap]

I'm curious what's the micro air easy start doing

[@AaronBlake]

@@ciliap lowering the required in rush of starting amps. Easier on the whole system.

[@awbean5254]

SCOTT, GREAT PROFESSIONAL INSTALLATION; CABLE TIED WIRES IN THE WIRING TROUGH & NOT A WIRING BEES NEST! DID THE GOVERNMENT REGULATIONS REQUIRE AN ADDITIONAL EXTERNAL 200 Amp DISCONNECT, BECAUSE AS YOU SAID PREVIOUSLY THE SOL-ARK 15k HAS ONE INTERNALLY? YOUR INSTALLATIONS & EXPLANATIONS HAVE DIRECTED ME TOWARDS A SOL-ARK 15k. THANKS, YOU & YOUR TEAM KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Awesome, I love that bypass. Do these batteries support closed loop communication? I didn't see the Communication cable.. Great video by the way!

[@azpcox]

The outdoor gutter SER conduit into the crawl space looks like it’s awfully close to the solar runs from the panels. 2/0 ser doesn’t bend very happily. Happy accident you wish you could move? And I dream of getting a SolArk one of these days. The 15K really is the pinnacle of value, performance, and versatility. Thanks for your channel in keeping me informed as to their progress!!!

[@willistisdale4293]

The pv circuits are in emt all the way through the crawlspace so it’s well protected. The ser cable is run with proper bending radius per the NEC. And no, it doesn’t bend easily 😂

[@tjf1531]

I have used the easy starts on my RVs for years

[@Ted_E_Bear]

Great looking product !

[@durtisdanger]

Great content and install as always! Appreciate your content very much!

[@madhounddog04]

I'm a disabled veteran and I can't afford something like this. I don't have any extra money to purchase anything like this. I wish I could, but for now I can't. Good luck with your system.

[@HotMannaMinute]

Thank you for your service. God bless you.

[@johnnixon1026]

Sounds like the system I wish I could buy… some day! Thanks for sharing what is possible

[@NumberThree1950]

You didn’t show how you were going to connect the customers standby generator but I assume it would be connected to the generator terminal in the Sol-Arc. Unless it is whole house sized that may be a problem. Sol-Arc neglected to provide protection from overload on the generator input. If the grid is off and you energize the generator terminal the inverter will charge the battery at the full rate you input in the settings. The problem comes in if the the house load plus the charging load exceeds the generator input limit, the inverter will not cut back charging load to protect the generator. The inverter will protect the generator if you run the generator output through the grid input terminal on the inverter. To do so requires a 200A transfer switch upstream of the inverter grid input. So much for the vaunted claim that the Sol-Arc 15k has all the transfer switches you need built in. There should at least three*** on that claim everywhere it is made including the sales brochures. While it is true that the generator can charge the battery, to do so you must have a large generator or try to work around the lack of automatic protection with fixed settings that may not be effective in a dynamic situation. Sol-Arc could fix this in software if they wanted to and they are certainly aware of it. Perhaps they need some you tube attention to the problem to motivate them to do so. We can only hope…

[@neilfarris7198]

This install has alot of moving parts. I'm guessing it was in the 80k range installed. How do you help the customer justify this expense? I love your videos lots of great info.

[@ShanePresleyC]

I think the only way someone can rationalize the expense is to factor in the arguably "irrational" sense of security and peace of mind that everything around you can go to hell but at least you'll still have air conditioning 😀 and yes, I want one!

[@mackfisher4487]

Looks good don't run the class-II Ethernet Cable into you electrical wireway check code.

[@PRPreston]

So far there are two people I trust as far as solar goes, will and Engineer 775. I'm sold on the Solarc 15K unit. So how far south into Florida do you install ? I'd like to discuss further if possible.

[@diySolarPowerFunWithRay]

Do you have a link to that transfer switch?

[@forzdad]

Can you explain more about the solar bypass/transfer switch I see in most of your installs?

[@a-damgrubeer8527]

Don't you need expansion joints were u transition out of the ground.. maybe not required in ur area....great work as always

[@GottaLoveGoats]

Beautiful set up. I am looking to purchase a Sol-Ark for my 100% off-grid home in the very near future, so this video was very helpful. Now I just need someone to help me install it when I’m ready! Would you mind sharing what batteries were used for this set up? I am trying to figure out that part as well. Thanks!

[@onthelake9554]

MIN/ Max is NOT inrush . I have mentioned this in the last three videos with no response . The meter has a inrush button for inrush mode . It is different (more) than Min/Max recording.

[@daronspicher]

What wire runs 300’ from the panels to the solark? About 11 panels per string through what wire to the house?

[@OscarGonzalez-ct6no]

whats the part number for that bypass diconnect

[@8894larry]

How do you get the AHJ to pass you running the neutral in a separate conduit? NEC 300.3B

[@xzibit8614]

Is there a reason why you’re going back to installing a bypass?

[@mikezagorsky]

On the Ethernet on a separate conduit: Could you of run a fiber line in the same conduit as the power?

[@8894larry]

So is the AHJ having you install the main bonding jumper in the 200A disconnect & then separating the grounds & neutral in the main panel?

[@murphyslaw907]

Sol-Ark doesn't list this spec on the 15k. What is the rating L-N? The 12k will only hold ~4000w L-N before it goes into overload. Would be nice to know how tolerant the 15k is too imbalanced loads.

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

I was wondering the same thing. It’s not a good idea to be running a lot of line imbalance if you can help it. Before running an inverter, install an Emporia monitor (16) to get a pattern of current use. Knowing this you can move the loads in your breaker panel to get a better balance based on your life patterns. Microwave, coffee maker, dishwasher and hairdryers at the same time one line will dump ya.

[@williamfinley175]

Can you share what model power distribution block you installed. It looks like one side accepts larger cable when compared to the outlet side. Don't you need to run 4/0 In and out on both sides? I found a marathon product 4/0 Al in 4/0 Al out See above

[@FrostbyteVA]

I second this question. I haven’t been able to find 4/0 to dual 4/0 distribution. 15k on order, transfer switch in cart, just need the distribution blocks.

[@williamfinley175]

Link to Datasheet www.marathonsp.com/pdf/datasheets/145x129.pdf

[@onthelake9554]

@@FrostbyteVA 15k has 200amp transfer switch built in .

[@Roscopicotrane]

I think the one wire on the right side of the distribution block is smaller because it's only sized for what it sells back to the grid.

[@MaxGoddur]

How does one learn if your install can have the capability to be on the grid and off-grid? By that I mean if the power is lost from the grid by what means do you disconnect from the grid and allow your home to be off-grid powered? I hear some companies like PG&E will not allow you to use your solar/battery setup when the grid goes down to avoid dangerous back feed when the grid is down. Is this some kind of local rule per state/city and county?

[@Roscopicotrane]

If the grid goes down the inverter does not send any potential to the meter. The house would be running on the load side of the SolArk.

[@ryanl1162]

Hello. I have a question on implementing a generator. When I spoke with Sol-ark they said a portable type generator that worked with a two wire start could be set up like a stand generator. Have you done anything like that?

[@kantill]

Sorry if this seems like a dumb question but with this inverter, you wouldn't need solar panels that have microinverters right?

[@Roscopicotrane]

You can add AC coupled solar to the generator input other than that you can use a string of solar panels without micro inverters to the MPPT inputs.

[@uncivilizedengr4873]

better than eg4? do tell

[@Chameleon8474]

Is it necessary to install the inverter and batteries outside of the house? I was thinking my basement would be best but you seem to install everything outside of living spaces. Is there a reason for that?

[@monti409]

I had a Sol-Ark 12k inverter installed last year, I notice that when there is a momentary grid shut down our power goes out for 10 to 15 seconds, the installer says this is normal to protect the inverter.

[@tomkacandes8286]

Bob is right, no reason for the lag: I’m wondering if they somehow left an external transfer switch in your system?

[@kevinmatthews2620]

as always a spot on video :) pity the UK is different tho :(

[@jamesalles139]

define hybrid. (I have an inverter or two in my Prius) 😜 thanks!

[@keithwingo514]

If you have multiple 15k's, do you still only use the primary's 200-amp or do those stack somehow as well?

[@douglassmith9818]

Question - when installing panels on house rooof, is emt piping required al the way down to where the inverter is mounted ?

[@Roscopicotrane]

Yes

[@douglassmith9818]

@@Roscopicotrane even when it runs outside from attic to basement?

[@electromechanicalstuff2602]

What is the threshold for high voltage DC?

[@EastyUK]

Great vid as always, has anyone asked yet if we can parallel a 12k with the new 15k?

[@ssoffshore5111]

No you cannot.

[@wesleyofficer1237]

Man, all that in a week!? I’ve been working alone for too long 😳

[@CRsolar]

We be doing some of these new 15KW sol arks what size knockouts 1 1/2 in?? Not in manual . Also 4/0 aluminum lugs?

[@engineer775]

Yes inch and a half knockouts and yes the inverter will accept 4/0 aluminum

[@CRsolar]

@@engineer775 thanks much appreciated. Trying to get all parts for am.. You all make some good videos. Nice work also

[@Zorlig]

200 amps into the batteries like it's nothing!

[@ciliap]

You mentioned the micro air did you do a review on that?

[@AaronBlake]

He has a video recently on it.

[@michaelhoppes1655]

what’s your thought on the homegrid batteries

[@AaronBlake]

He has used them in his videos and I believe offers them on his website.

[@DonMuddiman]

How are you getting 13.4kw on two MPPTs when each MPPT can only handle 5.67kW? It appears you are using 32 420-watt panels. Tks

[@engineer775]

The manual is wrong what they did is to take 17 kW / 3 so the limit is actually 6,400 Watts per MPPT.

[@DonMuddiman]

@@engineer775 Thanks Scott, I knew something didn't add up. I'm lookung forward to getting the 15kw I purchased from you installed. I would have never attempted this without the help from your videos. Great work!

[@RJM1011]

Wonderful. 👍

[@karlfair]

Nice work. Doing it in the heat isn't fun.

[@BillCoSmith]

Ya

[@craignehring]

Man I can dig this but I sure as heck can not afford this

[@GottaLoveGoats]

Oh it’s very expensive. I can’t imagine anyone doing this if you are in the city or close to a grid, but if you are truly off-grid, it might be a long-term benefit…or just what you have to do to have AC power!! My husband and I are 100% off grid and I have to tell you that I have a very strong, newfound respect for power, specifically how difficult it is to get consistent, reliable power. Not only that, how wasteful I used to be back in the city. Crazy.

[@heidimathers7485]

We bought (2) 12k's before the 15k came out, didn't know it was coming. Were hoping our Solark purchase isnt gonna be the worst purchase we have ever made but its looking like it is. Frankly for equipment costing the same as a new car to say were anything less than totally pi$$ed off doesnt even get close. We have been blamed, the electrician has been blamed, the dongle has been blamed but the solark equipment is great! We have some many videos of Solark's engineers telling us its everything but them we can post its a total joke. how is this gonna act when the grid goes down, or even when the internet goes dowm... P.S. Solark... out in the country the internet goes down all the time.

[@ursodermatt8809]

i don't think it is a crash hot idea to having the inverter and the batteries on the outside.

[@nach335]

I could buy a lot of chinese inverters for that money.

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

What toroids are you using on the battery leads?

[@ssoffshore5111]

They come with the inverter.

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

@@ssoffshore5111 Wow, Sol-Ark thinks of everything.

[@hoocli]

Have you had any grid backfeed issues? My 15k has worked perfectly aslong as there are batteries to fill. However randomly in the afternoon it will start backfeeding to grid when I have it limited to load and grid sell turned off. Still waiting for approval. I have mine setup to power load first. Sol Ark told me to try setting to battery first and see if that helps. I haven't been able to try due to rain. Otherwise perfect system.

[@niktak1114]

Mine hasn't had that issue. What wattage did you set for your Zero Export Power?

[@hoocli]

@@niktak1114 0

[@niktak1114]

​@@hoocli That's probably the issue. Try 60W.

[@hoocli]

@@niktak1114 I'll try, can you elaborate on what that does. I just assumed that ment it wouldn't Export but new to this.

[@niktak1114]

@@hoocli It needs a bit of a buffer to avoid back feeding. I've seen recommendations in the 50-100W range for that setting. 60W has been working well for me. How much has it been backfeeding?

[@matthewellisor5835]

F08

[@showaltermicro]

faraday cage the batteries

[@wesleyofficer1237]

300 second delay 😅

[@johnmirbach2338]

🤓🖖✌👌👍😎

[@michaelflagulant]

SIDE NOTE: co2 falls and doesn't rise, therefore it is not an effective green house gas (upper atmosphere gas) to cause global warming. what really is happening is the sun is tossing out alot more energy, that in turn makes the earth (a giant magnet) heat up the water (like a microwave) and also has lines of intense flux (invisible magnetic waves) that increase lightning, colors on sky, etc. this also increases ring of fire (volcano/metal in microwave) activity and ice cap melting (water in microwave). so the whole world is an electro-magnetic and at the mercy of the sun, not carbon (us) emmisions. that is just the excuse to point fingers at us while trying to take down global population. not sure who knows this or not!?

[@infl]

Carbon dioxide will diffuse to multiple layers of the atmosphere

[@infl]

There’s a lot more physics to it than that, but co2 in the upper atmosphere definitely messes with things closer to the ground. Feel free to google it

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

Lol confused? Follow the money, politicians and their friends are all in position to make green money.

[@infl]

@@SkypowerwithKarl Renewable energy is stupid expensive. The entire market would not exist without government subsidies and tax credits. The federal government gets nothing back for their investment.

[@SkypowerwithKarl]

@@infl No argument there. Utilities are starting to balk on buying power from solar customers because they don’t need it as much when the sun makes it’s peak verses depend peak. Utilities don’t have enough storage(batteries) and storage is the most expensive part of the system. Real world, off grid, four seasons, typical family home, batteries alone will run 18 to 20k. So you can imagine what the outlay of utility scale battery is. I’m off grid most of the time and pro solar but the eco fanatics have no clue. The politicians probably do know so they’ll position while the getting’s good then run when when reality strikes. Solyndra 2.0

[@andrewyang1446]

Beacause they’re transformerless, they don’t handle surges well. Are you Solark-affiliated or sponsored somehow?