We Feared This Might Happen | Replacing EG4 6500EX Inverter | DIY Off-Grid House Build

[@RiggerBrew]

Great to hear Signature Solar stood by the warranty!

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Yes, they were very accommodating. It probably helped that I made sure to document everything in minute detail for them 😄

[@sifis78]

I must say the updating procedure is beyond archaic kind of impressed with your patience and ability to make it work. For the love of God let's just make this easier. Thanks

[@DIY_or_DIE]

@sifis78 haha, yes please, that would be great 🤣 they at least have a new cable so you don't need the 9 pin adapater...but you have to wait for them to ship it so I went to best buy and found the adapter.

[@brentjohnson6654]

@@DIY_or_DIEis the adapter just a simple DB9 to USB cable ISD on many laptops lacking the old DB9 connector?

[@DIY_or_DIE]

@brentjohnson6654 yes, exactly. I just went to best buy and purchased one there.

[@williamhill9432]

So glad you got the power back up and running. I know your wife and dear children appreciate it very much. God Bless and see you next Sunday.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks for joining us 😊 we are so glad to have everything back up and working again! Now we can get back to the build!

[@GavinStoneDIY]

You’re gonna love the 6000xp’s.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Hey Gavin! I've only heard good things about the 6000XPs from other youtubers, so we are excited to be upgrading soon 😄 we are also going to double the size of our battery bank for rainy days. How is your system working out?

[@GavinStoneDIY]

@@DIY_or_DIE it’s working great. I just added another outdoor battery myself. I’m resting my back right now after getting it all installed. So I’ll be editing that video this week probably. Over all I really love the 18kpv. But I’ve never had an issue with the 6000xp’s either. They handle large loads like a champ. And they don’t really take any tinkering or messing around. They do what they’re told.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Excellent, glad to hear they are working out great for you! What is the pros and cons of the 18kpv vs the 6000XPs?

[@GavinStoneDIY]

@@DIY_or_DIE the 18kpv is sealed. So no dust or moisture. Theoretically that’ll help it last longer. Plus no filters to clean. It’s also quieter. Can take in a higher voltage. 600voc. Takes up less space because it’s all in one box. And you don’t have to wire a separate critical loads panel because it can interact with the grid. Has a separate smart output you can set to power loads when the batteries are at a certain level. But, it’s more expensive, and some people like the idea of redundancy having 2 inverters. Similar to your situation, if one goes down the other is there to take up the slack. So it’s really a give and take.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Ahh, that makes sense. In our case we are completely off grid and have no intention of connecting to the grid, so we don't need anything fancy with the AC input side. Does the 18kpv have a chargeverter built into it? It would be nice if we could run the generator through the inverters to charge the batteries, but for now the chargeverter works for that. I'm hoping the 6000XPs will be pretty much plug and play for my setup without having to rewire everything...

[@trumpingtonfanhurst694]

I bought a 6500EX, and due to circumstance didn't use it for 6 months. Without ever using it I did the upgrade thing to the 6000XP and traded in the EX, I hope it doesn't have any problems as I will hook it up soon. Glad you got through your issues, Cheers!

[@DIY_or_DIE]

I've only heard good things about the EG4 6000XP from other youtubers who have already upgraded. We plan to upgrade both of our EG4 6500EX to the 6000XP in the near future. Let us know how it works for you!

[@tkotk77]

I just bought the 6000xp waiting for delivery... ​@@DIY_or_DIE

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Excellent! We are waiting for ours to be delivered as well 😄 looks like we will be installing them together haha

[@flotsamike]

You might consider getting a backup solar charge controller. I have found I can connect to charge controllers to the same battery with no trouble, but if you were concerned you would only turn on the spare when the primary was down.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks for the tip! We are working with Signature Solar to upgrade our inverters to the newer 6000XP model. The new model can output 120/240 on each inverter, so they will truly be able to act as backups in case one goes down!

[@RickMatheny-yi4pg]

So glad Signature came through. As an old farm boy myself, you have to be a a jack of all trades. You have weathered the issues that have been thrown at you. Awesome job. I took up electrical classes in high school and then went on to the US Navy after graduation and was an EM on a destroyer and then a ocean going mine sweeper. Since then I have been an electrician my life. Enough of that. You guys have been awesome in this and I commend you for that. God bless your family.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Rick, thanks for joining us this week 😊 and as a former Navy Nuc, thanks for your service 🫡 I prefer working with electrical to carpentry...looking forward to wiring up the house! We appreciate your encouragement and support. God bless 🙏

[@lcarter194]

What a nightmare. Happy the Generator keeps you with water. This panel is a legacy panel that was upgraded to the Eg4 6000XP and Signature Solar was offering an upgrade for a price. I would have used a separate bolt for each connection on the bus bar. Thanks for sharing. The nice thing is the new inverter Eg 6000XP offers a split phase out of the box.

[@brentjohnson6654]

Firmware update - seems cumbersome- wonder if many of all in one inverters (with charge controller, etc) have as many steps to update firmware. Good video and thanks for showing us the high level install. You guys are doing great.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Hah, it is a little bit cumbersome, maybe even archaic? It really wasn't a hard process as long as you have all the files available and understand how to run the programs, but it could be confusing if you are not familiar with computer programming.

[@joyceandjohngrambush9488]

Enjoy your videos, may the Lord keep you safe and healthy!

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks for joining us and God bless you 🙏

[@kathryntwitchell1026]

We enjoy watching your progress as you build your new home...and your sweet family! Thanks for taking us along.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks for joining us 😊 we appreciate the encouragement 🙏

[@honeybadger6127]

I would consider looking into putting a soft start or VFD for your well pump. This will allow you to run the well pump on an inverter or smaller generator.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

How do those work? What is a VFD?

[@honeybadger6127]

@@DIY_or_DIE - a VFD is a variable frequency drive. Decades ago, these were WAY too expensive to use on personnel equipment. Now days, they can be purchased from china for less than the pump cost if you purchased it yourself. By maintaining a constant Volts/Hz ratio from the low speed to full speed, the current is held constant at full load amps w/out the pesky surge you see when you start a motor across the line. www.aliexpress.us/item/3256802574374313.html?

[@powerguymark]

Great video thanks for sharing. Glad Signature Solar stepped up, but I myself am not thrilled with EG4 hardware. I own an 18KPV that I purchased based on Signature Solars load test video claiming it could handle the in-rush current to start start a 4 ton HVAC. IMO:These high frequency inverters just don't seem to be very robust. (Obviously since you're already replacing one right?) Keep your fingers crossed I know I am. The first replacement unit signature solar sent me was damaged inside the box but the box had no exterior damage. That means the replacement unit they sent me had already been returned at least once. At least Signature Solars tech support is open for a little while on the weekend. Now EG4 tech support won't even take calls and immediately passes customers off to the vendor tech support. Thankfully, one of the higher-ups in tech support at EG4 helped to solve my collapsing voltage problem with a software update that was causing my air conditioning compressor to shut down. It seems to run fine as long as I'm still ALSO connected to the grid, but that kind of defeats the purpose right?

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Hey there! Thanks for sharing your experience with us! We love hearing from fellow DIY solar enthusiasts 🙂 these high frequency inverters are relatively cheap and still fairly new technology, so we went into this knowing the the inverters might have issues in the future. We got a good year and a half with no major issues, but we aren't running any loads that big! My experience with Sognature Solar has been that they want to help. I've found that phone calls work best with follow up emails to document and confirm things. Hope your inverter lasts you a good long time! Yes, I agree with you that it defeats the purpose if you have to be hooked up to grid power. We have no plans to connect to grid power so we will see how that works out for us. Curious, why did you choose the 18kpv?

[@arnoldreiter435]

great job. this event is why anyone wanting to provide their own power needs to have a good understanding of the system they have. keep at it....both of you are an inspiration!

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks for joining us Arnold! We appreciate your encouragement and support 🙏

[@johnbellrose9165]

So happy you have your electric back and functional

[@DIY_or_DIE]

We are too 😊 now we can get back to the house build!

[@gdegarimore]

I had a similar "defect" on my 6000EX. The display panel wasn't working correctly, I was told they couldn't get a replacement part and would have to replace the entire unit or... upgrade to the XP for $700... which of course I did. (And an SO much happier) I think they are def phasing out the ol' yellers in favor of the XP line of products. I suspect tech support labor on the old versions is getting costly to S.S. hence all the upgrades. Sounds like they've already got you dialed in for a free upgrade on the 6000 XP's curious why you chose two of those rather than just an 18K XP. I'm guessing because the price was right. 😉 Watching you go through the antiquated programing and firmware upgrade process triggered triggered my ptsd, I will NOT miss that! Plus you'll LOVE the new monitoring software. The app is ok by the desktop version is 1000 times better. Enjoy!

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Hey there, thanks for sharing your experience with EG4! We love hearing from other DIY solar friends 🧡 super excited to get the XPs (should be here any day)! I've only heard good things about the XPs compared to the 6500EX. Signature Solar offered us a choice of either the 18Kpv or the two XPs. Some reasons I want the XPs over the 18kpv: 1) size...smaller, takes less space and easier for me to handle alone. 2) I'm hoping install will be straight forward because they will go in the same spot my 6500s are now. 3) redundancy. If one goes down I have a backup and I don't want two 18kpvs right now. 4) I'm not sure what the benefits of the 18kpv is over having two xps 🤷‍♂️

[@Robertbush-s7t]

Good job smart man

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks for joining us!

[@mikeq5664]

Enjoying your journey, glad to see you are back up to full capacity.... keep the faith.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks Mike, we are glad to have you onboard 🫡

[@SI-lg2vp]

I have the same EG4 inverter for back up power with 2 EG4 5kw battery. It works fine 120 volt output. I'm amazed that Signature Solar still has that inverter. Glad you had a good experience with Signature, mine has been hit or miss.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Always glad to hear from other fellow DIY solar enthusiasts 😊 EG4 doesn't make the EG4 6500EX anymore, but Signature Solar still has some used and refurbished units. With Signature Solar I've found the best way to get help amd get prioritized is to call them directly. Email is not reliable or timely.

[@theodorehowe2262]

You did a great job connecting the new solar system ❤❤❤

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Hi, thanks for joining us 😊

[@TallTexasGMan]

Time to add a transfer switch between your inverters and main panel so that you can just connect your generator and not have to rewire your well.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

If I have to ever do this again, I plan to add a 30A outlet for the Well so I can just plug the Well pump either into the outlet or the generator. No transfer switch required in that case

[@JovinaRai]

Hello Guy I like to watch your KZbin video is really beautiful I feel not bored enjoy myself May God Bless You And Your Family 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤❤❤❤❤❤❤💐💐💐💐💐💐💐🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗 Singapore 🇸🇬

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Hello, thanks for joining us from Singapore 😊

[@JovinaRai]

@@DIY_or_DIE Your Welcome Sir Please Take Care Your Family Sir💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻💐💐💐🤗🤗 Bye good night 😴😴

[@DIY_or_DIE]

@JovinaRai we will, thanks you! Have a great week 😊

[@shawnsourk2448]

I'm so glad you explained everything in detail. I'm not very electric literate.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks, most of us aren't 😄 are you interested in solar power?

[@shawnsourk2448]

@DIY_or_DIE I'm in a nursing home, so I don't really care where they get power as long as they have it when I go to watch videos. LOL

[@DIY_or_DIE]

@shawnsourk2448 😄 that is the truth haha

[@michaelcravens3767]

Have you thought of getting a water tank and placing it on a high point on your property so that you will not be so reliant on the pressure tank for all of your water?

[@DIY_or_DIE]

No, but we have thought about building a rainwater collection system once the house is finished.

[@Gerry2210]

Well done, you are pretty knowledgeable, I suppose you have to be when you’re living off grid. I enjoy your videos very much, house is coming along very nicely.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks for joining us 😊 glad to have you along for the journey!

[@Michael-rz7ic]

New to channel, rain every day & 108°? Is that the monsoons of the Southwest? Great detail on solar situation. Peace

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Yes sir, you called it, we are in Southeast Georgia 😄 thanks for joining us! We will be back to the house build next week.

[@AdamDeLay07]

Glad to hear you guys are back up and running!

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks Adam! We are glad to be able to get the unit replaced. Now we are waiting for the 6000XPs to arrive so we can upgrade they system 😁

[@AdamDeLay07]

@@DIY_or_DIE Awesome! I think you'll be very surprised at how much better the 6000xps are. Keep up the great work!

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks, Adam! We are sure going to need reliable power since our new mobile home should arrive next month. Everything is going to be electric, so we are going to have a much higher load demand than we do now. We are going to add a second battery bank as well, which will bring our storage up to 62kw. Hopefully, between that and the two XPs, we will be able to run everything continuously 😅

[@AdamDeLay07]

@@DIY_or_DIE Woohoo! I was wondering when the mobile home was gonna show up. Doubling your capacity is a great idea, especially when everything is switching over to electric. Lots more changes coming! Busy busy!

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Yessir, we are very excited to move out of the RV permanently 😄 just in time for the baby to be born in December!

[@Fester_]

With computer hard drives you have backups of backups backed up. In my solar I have backups which remain tested but unused plus 12v backups if everything goes really t1ts up.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

@Fester_ it's good to be prepared, thankfully we were able to get this resolved pretty quickly 🙂

[@JasonCarmichael]

F90 is the comm board. Sorry that Signature didn't know how to fix it without replacing everything. DIY Solar has several fixes for the F90 in the forum.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

It's not that they didn't know how to fix it. I sent them a thread from DIY Solar detailing the fix that EG4 had done in the past and they said EG4 is no longer supporting that fix and they have to automatically deem the unit defective if it gets an F90 code.

[@rob8823]

Often tech support in alot of industries is following a flow chart that ends at "update firmware" I take the covers off and dive as deep as I can just checking hidden factory connections for tightness and a solid connection rather than a pinched plastic jacket on a wire not stripped or tightend enough. Who knows if that is your problem but I have yet to update firmware.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Yes, that was exactly the case in our instance. I had already checked everything on my side, and the firmware update was their last resort to try before deeming it defective. Thankfully they were very accommodating and as soon as I let them know firmware update did not work they prioritized shipping our replacement!

[@Vinny-i8o]

Nice job looks great my friends 🙂🙏

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks for joining us!

[@elizabethlabore-mihalovits2822]

glad your back up

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks, we are too! It is a huge relief, and now we can get back to focusing on the build ❤️

[@gdunton1]

Now let’s get back to that house. Lol. Be well.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

That is the plan! Exciting updates on the roof in our next video 😊

[@loucinci3922]

Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks Lou!

[@terrya6486]

You will learn that off grid and inverters that need software is not a good Idea. A large transformer low frequency inmurder is the way to go if you really want to go off grid. Imagine where the internet is down and you can't get support or Part what do you do then?

[@loucinci3922]

Any way to run PV2 from array into PV-2 input on EG4-6500EX-01? Maybe it was available and not too much total voltage. As a backup for next time you are down one inverter/charge controller unit. Maybe not. @7:47 we can see two pairs of PV input. Looks like you have two strings. Rats!

[@DIY_or_DIE]

We have two separate PV strings for each inverter, so there wasn't any way we could use the other solar panels because they one good inverter was already maxed out.

[@stevenelson3540]

Looks like you're making good progress! What area of the country are you guys in?

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Hi, thanks for joining us! We are in southeast Georgia.

[@paul.phillips]

I've heard a lot of people having issues wit the 6500's, the 6000xp's are probably the way to go today.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

EG4 doesn't make the 6500s anymore. We are planning to upgrade to the 6000XPs but we needed to get this one replaced ASAP so we can get back to the house build.

[@paul.phillips]

@@DIY_or_DIE Awesome, looking forward to the video. I want to replace my Growatt with a couple 6000xp's, so far reports are very positive.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Yes, I have only heard good things from other youtubers about the 6000XP so far. It seems that EG4 fixed most of the bugs from the 6500EXs. We will definitely be documenting the upgrade and install process, so more solar videos coming in the near future 😀 let us know if there are any details you would like to see specifically when we install the 6000XPs.

[@michaelthomas8800]

Thanks!

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Wow, thanks for the support Michael! ❤️

[@anishaackerman5688]

We are just starting on our build and are interested in doing solar. We like the setup that you have done. We don't want to overstep our boundaries by asking this but we would really appreciate to know from someone that has already invested of how much it costs. If you don't mind giving us an estimation

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Here are the kits which you can buy if you want to build a system just like ours. You can either build a DIY mounting system or buy a kit for a few thousand dollars. Also factor in another 1-2k for the PV wiring, conduit, connectors, boxes, etc that you will need to connect the solar panels to the inverters. EG4 Off-Grid System Bundle signaturesolar.com/off-grid-eg4-system-bundle-12kw-120-240v-output-48vdc-30-72kwh-eg4-lithium-battery-bank-2-x-eg4-6000xp-6x-eg4-server-rack-batteries-bndl-e0008/?ref=diyordie Solarever Full Pallet 31 panels: signaturesolar.com/solarever-410w-half-cell-mono-perc-solar-panel-black-full-pallet-31/?ref=diyordie EG4 Chargeverter: signaturesolar.com/eg4-chargeverter-gc-48v-100a-battery-charger-5120w-output-240-120v-input/?ref=diyordie

[@anishaackerman5688]

@@DIY_or_DIE you guys are amazing!!! Thank you so much ❤️

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Feel free to reach out if you have any more questions! Good luck to you guys! If you do end up building your own system, Consider using our affiliate links to help us out. No extra cost to you, but we get a small commission on anything you buy from Signature Solar after using one of our links 😊

[@rkeantube]

You can prob get a 120 to 240 Voltage Converter Transformer to run the well if you are down to one controller, so you don't have to use the gen.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Sounds interesting but never seen one of those before. How would it connect into the system?

[@thorbjrnhellehaven5766]

​@@DIY_or_DIE 240V equipment is usually more power demanding than 120V equipment. Check the max peak output, and continuous output at 120V Compare that to peak demand, and continuous demand for the well. Maybe the 120V can give enough power, or maybe the well need too much power.

[@rkeantube]

@@DIY_or_DIE depends, what model pump you got?

[@rkeantube]

@@thorbjrnhellehaven5766 you right, I forgot that if they are using a 30amp well pump one inverter might not be enough to power the converter

[@rkeantube]

@@DIY_or_DIE Victron-Energy-Autotransformer-120-240VAC-32A

[@gabrielstern4992]

Glad you got everything back up and running but again I would recommend when you guys are ready to upgrade both inverters to the eg4 18k and yes you can have 2 of them so you can have one as a back up my mother who is going off grid and has a, well and land too is going off grid and she will have 2 solark 15 k inverters. But with solark I don't think they support eg4 bateries. Think you might need to go to more wattage Dien the road and the 18k has 240 built in and I think with the 18k you can set the genarator as your utility power. Also you may want to consider a diesal generator and just collect vegatable oil from fast food restaurants and run it from biodiesal from a big tank. Good luck and don't forget to insulate well the house VS your camper and get the hvac ductwork set up in your house. And like I said you should check out hvac guys channel on you tube his name is Curtis and he is in Georgia and sells gree flex heat pump systems.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks for joining us this week! All great ideas, especially the biodiesel generator! You are the second person to recommend that this week haha I love the idea though. We are already working with Signature Solar to upgrade our system to the newer 6000XP model inverter. Just like the 18kpv, it outputs 120/240, so the two inverters will truly be redundant. And we can add a third in the future if we want. We are also going to double our battery bank to 62kw of storage for rainy days. I really want to get a military surplus Mep 804-A diesel generator though and see if I can run that on biodiesel haha

[@gabrielstern4992]

​@@DIY_or_DIE​@DIY_or_DIE not necasarely is having 2 18k inverters is redundant as you see they have built in chargeverters and will allow for more expansion VS adding a third inverter. And yes milatary grade diesal generator although my mother's is a Chinese diesal generator she has had for years. Also if you insulate your house well for energy efficiency and bieng green you will find once you are out of your rv and do great ductwork and get a good side discharge micoinverter driven heat pump system your panels will not have to work as hard. Ohh don't forget for the house a good filtration system for the well and the water softener and to test the water to see if you need a naturalizer remember you not going on grid tells the utility companies to screw themselves with the smart meters amd zigby devices that like to zap out appliances and not only that They really are a scheme just to charge more money for customers VS what they actaully use. 60kw is a good size battery bank but like I said 2 18ks from eg4 would be a good upgrade down the road and they do have built in chargeverters and will allow for solar panel wattage expansion. God bieng technically inclined is a gift.

[@daddio7249]

@@gabrielstern4992 The 6000XP's have built in pass through for grid and generator input to run loads or charge batteries. The 18ks are expensive hybrid units, three 6000XP's are less expensive then one 18k.

[@gabrielstern4992]

Sounds like an improvement my brother sells solar systems in California he is into solarks which are, easier to program with the 15 k VS 18k eg4 systems with the 18k which is almost the equivakent of a solark 15k they offer more expansion capibilities remember off grid requires the need to expand that's why I suggested Down the road 2 18k inverters with one as a backup or getting 2 solark 15 k inverters. And you are forgeting the rebates and tax credits also offered. Let's also say I think 60k in battery storage is a good idea but make sure you have enough panels to charge them so you can charge the bateries faster from the excess. ​@@daddio7249

[@DIY_or_DIE]

We will let y'all know how it works out for us once we upgrade to the 6000XPs. More solar videos to come in the near future 😀

[@travishodges5179]

Get a transformer based inverter, high frequency models are emergency use devices, high induction loads like air conditioning and well pumps destroy them, this will happen repeatedly and break your spirit to be off grid. The inverters you have both have chargeverters built into them and can be used for solar charging and generator charging of the batteries flawlessly but the ac side won’t handle large start up loads for very long

[@DIY_or_DIE]

What would you recommend?

[@travishodges5179]

@@DIY_or_DIE signature solar sells good transformer based inverters. The higher input voltage you can get reduces wire cost

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Do you have a specific model that you would recommend?

[@travishodges5179]

@@DIY_or_DIE as far as brand the solark are the one of the best in the industry, but thier price has quadrupled in the past 5 years. I’ve had a grow watt 12k ( 36k surge for induction loads)running for about 5 years with zero issues on my well and homestead. I’d stay with the 48v configuration, because prebuilt batteries are readily available and stackable, so that you can add a rack battery as you can afford it. I’ve gotten the batteries for as low as 800 on Amazon for no name server rack batteries, all have worked fine. Panels are panels that doesn’t matter what kind, they are all ok. Just don’t mix and match on a string or charge controller. If you have 5 old junky panels put them on a string by themselves and a controller of their own and let them put do what they can do.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Awesome, thanks for the great info! Signature Solar has offered to upgrade us to the 6000XP model for free, so we are going to give those a try for now. At least the 6000XPs can individually output 120/240V, so we should be able to run the Well pump even if one inverter goes down. We are also going to expand our battery bank. Now the question is will we need more solar panels 🤔

[@stephenbaker3680]

Hella setup! PRICey lookn..my GOD! They oughta offer inverter and charge controller build-kits. U follow directions & send progress photos so they comfortable to warranty. Anyway...Did I catch u flipn the new inverter on with solar on & the battery brkr OFF?!!! U cld BLOW that inverter! Be CAREfull. They PRICEY!!!!

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Hi there, Signature Solar has some great deals if you buy the components together in a bundle! Also, in USA there is the federal green energy tax credit. Not sure about 2024 but last couple years you get ~30% tax credit back from whatever you spent to install Green energy systems for your home. That helps with the price a lot. EG4 Off-Grid System Bundle signaturesolar.com/off-grid-eg4-system-bundle-12kw-120-240v-output-48vdc-30-72kwh-eg4-lithium-battery-bank-2-x-eg4-6000xp-6x-eg4-server-rack-batteries-bndl-e0008/?ref=diyordie

[@pintobeans2973]

I was totally lost as what you were doing. As being a non-tech person, I was totally lost when they did away with the rotory telephone.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

No worries, it takes a lot of research to understand this solar stuff 😅 that's what youtube is for!

[@travishodges5179]

If they will trade with you for different ones maybe they would give you the value towards a low frequency inverter?

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Maybe, but I'm honestly not dissatisfied with how the inverters were performing and willing to test out the newer 6000XP model. I'm not sure what caused the firmware glitch with the Eprom, but I don't think it had anything to do with low frequency vs. High frequency. It was doing it's job just fine until the software time bomb bricked the onboard computer.

[@jjcross3280]

I obviously don’t have the hard numbers in front of me and I understand budget drives everything, I’m wondering if it makes sense to have a spare inverter on hand. I don’t know what your down time was from when you had the inverter fail and had a replacement delivered and installed. I would imagine there’s a significant fuel cost with supplementing with a generator. If the numbers make it obtainable I would view it as another level of insurance “ a back up for the back up….”

[@DIY_or_DIE]

It probably would be worth it in the long run! We are already working with Signature Solar to upgrade both of our units to the newer EG4 6000XP models, and we are going to double the size of our battery bank. The new 6000XP models are all in one, and can output 120/240V, so they would be truly redundant. And if we wanted to expand we could just add a third in the future. Fortunately, we weren't fully down since we still had one inverter, and Signature Solar worked closely with us to get our replacement expedited asap. From start to finish we got back up and running in about 10 days.

[@patrickgregory2826]

are you going to permanently connect your generator (via an automatic switch unit) to your well whilst still connected to your 'mains'?

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Once we upgrade our inverter to the new 6000XP model we shouldn't have to worry about running the Well off the generator because each unit can output 120/240. Also, I plan to install a 30A outlet for the Well, so in the future no rewiring, just unplug from the mains and plug into the generator.

[@lennieadi]

Hi there. How much pressure to your faucet do you get from that outdoor water tank. Is it a vented hot water tank?

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Our Well Pump is set to trigger between 35-65 psi on our 100 gallon pressure tank. Not sure exactly what that equates to at the tap.

[@IXISSV]

Cant you get more solar panels? Here in the UK, they're pretty cheap right now 😁

[@DIY_or_DIE]

I sure could, but I don't really want to get more right now unless we absolutely need them. Once we get close to finishing the house we are going to rebuild our solar power system and expand it.

[@stephenpriebe944]

I wouldn't ever figure all of this out. 🙂

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks for joining us! We didn't know much about solar when we got started, but that is what youtube is for 😊

[@offgridliving4128]

You need a spare inverter or two.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

We are working with Signature Solar to upgrade our 6500EXs to the newer 6000XP models. Since the 6000XPs can each output 120/240 they will be truly redundant instead of being dependant.

[@noworriesmate5903]

Would it not be better to not have them problem to begin with.🤔

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Life might be pretty boring if everything worked out perfectly, but certainly less stressful 😅

[@michellerobert3238]

👍👍👍👍

[@DIY_or_DIE]

❤️

[@stevenfrazier8939]

why didn't you take advantage of their replacement upgrade program and get the EG4 6000XP? What you installed is known to have massive problems. In November we got the EG4 18Kpv and it has been perfect. Plus it uses only 70 watts of self consumption.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

We ate working with Signature Solar to upgrade both of our units to the 6000XP models. In this case we needed a replacement as soon as possible though so we could get power back and keep going with the house build. Glad to hear the 18kpv is working great for you! We have only heard good things about the 6000XP models so far. It seems like they solved most of the issues people had with the EG4 6500 EX inverters. Are you off the grid?

[@stevenfrazier8939]

@@DIY_or_DIE Yes, we are 100% off-grid with 14.6 kilowatts of SEG BiFacial solar Panels, 60 Kilowatts of Lifepo4 DIY batteries by Apexium and the EG4 18Kpv. we also have the EG4 chargeverter connected to an All-Powers 6500 watt Diesel generator running on settled and filtered waste veggie-oil we get from a local restaurant. We have on hand and ready for use 275 gallons of oil stored in an IBC Tote. The oil has been filtered down to 1 micron and sent through a water separating finishing filter. To God be the glory.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Wow, that is quite an excellent setup! Love the idea of using a diesel with recycled waste oil. Genius! Out of curiosity, what made you choose the 18Kpv instead of getting two 6000XPs? We are going to get the two XPs and are also going to double our battery bank, so we will have 62kw storage.

[@stevenfrazier8939]

@@DIY_or_DIE The 6000XP had not been released at that time. we got the 18K on sale for $5,199 when normal price was $5,599 we also got free shipping on everything we got from Signature Solar. We got a pallet of 36 Bifacial solar panels for $5,600. The 18Kpv only uses 70 watts of self consumption and the surge capacity of 14,000 watts and a leg imbalance of 8,000 watts sold us over other inverters. If you are okay with the 50+ watts of self consumption each EG4 6000XP's use then the redundancy is good to have in case a unit fails. We do wish we had an extra inverter and might get one.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

That's an awesome setup y'all have there! We are excited to upgrade to the 6000XPs. Now that we are brand affiliates with Signature Solar they are offering to upgrade our units for free, so can't say no to that opportunity 😄 of course we will keep y'all updated on how that works out for us.

[@GroovyVideo2]

I got 35,000 hours contenous hours from my Victron Phoenix inverter before it acted up

[@DIY_or_DIE]

That's nice! 4 years is pretty good. We are working with Signature Solar to upgrade our 6500EXs to the newer 6000XP models. The 6000XP can output 120/240 on each inverter. We will keep y'all updated on how they work out!

[@you166mhz]

12:55 - why is the music playing in the background ? ... just asking ...

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Shhh, don't tell everyone else, you're the only one who noticed so far 😄

[@randomtv.9486]

low frequency inverters like victron ,schinider SMA outback or magnum sine ... more robust..just saying

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Maybe we will get an opportunity to test some of those out one day!

[@sleepingbear6116]

Do you really need the charger i thought was iside the all in one? Yellow box

[@DIY_or_DIE]

The output from gas generators is considered "dirty" not pure sine wave. The inverters should be able to hack it, but honestly this just makes it easier imho.

[@sleepingbear6116]

@@DIY_or_DIE but it doubles the costs of unit? So why buy one? Get a good charger, good inverter. Cost a little more I suppose but it will work? Advertised as off-grid device too? If I missing something? Let me know. But as is sound's like it's useless? Unless you have etra cash to throw at. I don't.. better to buy individually? Dyi or go broke 😂😂 just saying. This system seems like a waist of money? Unless have clean power to charge battery's or the grid.

[@dalejones2108]

How many watts is your generator?

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Generator is a harbor freight Predator 8750 watts

[@dalejones2108]

Thanks

[@Jeff-vt8kn]

If the generator is a Harbor Freight, get rid of it and go with a Genract

[@DIY_or_DIE]

I'm keeping my eye out for a military surplus MEP-804A diesel generator. I think it would be really awesome to run a diesel off of recycled waste oil, as some of the other commenter's have recommended.

[@kayakeux]

Firmware see a clone so it is shutting it down. Someone forgot to input serial number in your device before shipping. SS error.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

We ran these inverters for almost a year and a half with no issues, so it wasn't an issue from the manufacturer. Something happened which caused the eprom to lose its memory.

[@kayakeux]

@@DIY_or_DIE I would recommend to search your code in DIY Will Prowse's forum. It talks about a 60 days delay after firmware update.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Yes, I already found that thread and sent it to SS. However, probably should have mentioned this in the video but EG4 is no longer providing custom firmware files any more as a fix, so the units are deemed defective immediately if they have this issue.

[@user-ix5qd1bp4q]

Which part of 🌏 ?

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Southeast Georgia, USA

[@punkrawqer]

Unfortunately those LV6548's are garbage, it's not if they fault but when. Mine went out in 1 months time, I upgraded to the 18kpv and never looked back.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Hi, thanks for joining us! How long have you been running the 18kpv? What do you like about the 18kpv that the EG4 6000XP does not have? We are planning to upgrade the 6500EXs to the 6000XPs, so curious what is the main differences?

[@punkrawqer]

@@DIY_or_DIE my biggest reason to go 18kpv over the 6000xp was the build quality. They are built better and their screens are colored and super easy to use. Also has the ability to sell back to the grid if ever in the future that becomes available. It’s super nice to have one unit on the wall and only have to use one screen for controls. The ability to utilize 18k of constant solar DC input is also great. Not sure about the 6000xp but the 18kpv can have solar input into the grid input side if it is from solar panels with micro inverters (AC coupled).

[@punkrawqer]

Also the VOC input is much higher at 600 over the 480 VOC for the 6000xp

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Ah, gotcha! We don't have any plans to connect to the grid, so aside from maybe better quality construction, I think the 6000XPs are going to be more suited to our needs for now. How long have you been running the 18kpv?

[@punkrawqer]

@@DIY_or_DIE Since February fully off-grid. We have logged over 10,000kwh so far with zero issues.

[@henryheinrich6581]

😇👍👍👍👍👍🙏

[@DIY_or_DIE]

❤️

[@user-ei3ml8jo1s]

Cheap high frequency inverters.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

What is a better option?

[@user-ei3ml8jo1s]

@@DIY_or_DIE Schneider XWPro or Victron. Both low frequency inverters. Those cheap MOSFET driven inverters are just people asking for trouble which you found out the hard way.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

I've heard good things about both Schneider and Victron. But for now, at least Signature Solar is working with us to upgrade to the newer 6000XPs, so we will see how those work out!

[@connyscheringa6106]

✌❤❤🤗

[@DIY_or_DIE]

❤️

[@VBD288]

Sounds like the solar system is not dependable

[@DIY_or_DIE]

It was dependable with no issues for a year and a half, without losing power, so take it for what it's worth. Power grid was just down for days in areas after the hurricane went through, but we had Power 😃 things break, we fix them, life moves on 🙏

[@mortenmyhrmoen7592]

🇳🇴👍👍🥇

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Thanks! ❤️

[@philgarcia2097]

6000xp is more efficient

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Yes, I've heard great things about the 6000XP

[@Jennifer-007]

Signature sucks, shoulda bought Victron.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Well maybe Victron will offer to replace my system one day 😄

[@daveziegenfusd]

What Victron would be the equivalent to a pair of 6500EX inverters? Have been considering that upgrade.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

Good question, I'm not sure. But I've only heard good things so far from other youtubers about the newer EG4 6000XP models.

[@Jennifer-007]

@@DIY_or_DIE The same youtubers getting free equipment no doubt.

[@DIY_or_DIE]

@Jennifer-007 🤷‍♂️ who knows. Anyways these inverters have performed great for us for a year and a half with no major issues, so we are willing to give the newer model a shot and see how they perform.