Great set up. We bought lots of solar in 2022 and then some life stuff happened. Now regrouping and trying to decide if we want to use the 3 x growatt 5000 spf or buy 2 x eg4 6000. The ease of use and installation for us as beginners is very appealing. We will either sell the growatts or maybe just have them for 240 only loads. Also 🎉for large families. Our family is small with only 6 😂 We also homeschool. We are home all the time and our power consumption is pretty high. 😬
Man that sustem you been building is amazing. Solar is my hobby and im 100 percent off grid now but im only home 3 days a month lol so i got plenty of charge time between home time. I never see my batteries less than 50 percent and run everything even the minisplit the whole time im home. Thanks for the videos ive learned alot from you
That system is huge..When I went off grid, I built a small house, 650 square feet, plus 300 square feet for the garage..I have (32) 280Ah Catl LIFEPO4 cells, which is 30 KW's, I switched to the EG4 6000 XP too, and have 6000 watts of panels and it runs everything for me and my wife..I do have a wood burner, minisplit, induction cooktop stove, well pump, and the rest of the normal stuff..But we do use alot less energy than we used to, which should be part of the process in my opinion..Down grade now, before civilization forces us to, because it's just a matter of time, and not alot of it..I do have some smaller systems too..A 3000 watt inverter for some rental cabins and out door kitchen and lights..And a 12 volt system for lights, and some other little loads..I don't have communication with any of my systems, they are all DIY batteries made from cells with JK BMS's..I had to use lead battery setting too..Which is mind boggling, since no one is using lead acid batteries with these all in one inverters..Nice job..
Hard to down size when me and my wife have 10 kids (9 still at home) lol. Small house for all of use at 1900-2000 sq ft or so. So we all do what we can and are comfortable with it. Great what you have done but I have no problem with someone being for self reliant in a 4000 sq ft mini mansion than doing nothing at all. We are free to make our own choices like you. So any way you do it I am good as long as they don’t try to stop me or you. 👍
@@rodneyhunt Wow, 10 kids..No..I'm certainly not judging..I don't care what anyone does..I just think harder times are on the way..And downsizing is a good strategy for meeting them head on..But, ya, there's no downsizing for you, atleast anytime soon..LOL..Wow, 10 kids..That's something..Especially these days..Good luck..
I built my own batteries as well. 280k eve cells with jk bms's. I use a couple different inverters neither with communication. I like my 4000 sungold low frequency as it's kinda a tank that always just works
One of the best videos on the 6000XP that is out there !!! I hope you get the battery issue worked out. Wanted to ask if you might put out a short video specifically addressing the battery hookups to multiple EG4 6000XP's. Was wondering how you hooked up the cables - bus bars? communications? etc. Another suggestion is your panel hookup and why you chose the certain size breakers? I'm looking to set up a subpanel to feed my main in the case of an outage with an interlock. My initial thought is two of the 6000XPs and a chargeverter. I's like to set up a combiner box with a couple of 40 amp breakers from the 6000XPs and then a 100 amp breaker running to my main panel with the interlock. Was curious on your thoughts. I also plan on solar coming in and adding some 120 and 240 outlets to power a swimming pool pump and heater. Trying to start small but I can see it growing LOL. Absolutely enjoy all your videos... Thanks.
Yes. Had to cut tons out due to video length. Will try to do more specific info on battery hookups, comms, etc. Your plan sounds good to me. Always make sure you cable going from your panel to your house is correctly sized/oversized. 👍
The breakers are the same ones used on my growatts. 50 amp and used 55amp 8awg wire so it seems ok to me. Not an electrician but for my needs should be fine.
@@rodneyhunt seems right to me as well. I have a 200 watt service in my main so in the event of a blackout, I’ll have the 100 amp from the sub panel, knowing I can’t power everything but at least I know I’ll have essentials plus heat without having to wire up a critical loads panel. Can always plan for bigger when I do the initial wiring between boxes just in case my future includes more 6000xps like you, and I need to go with a bigger breaker in my main panel with the interlock Thanks again.
I’d call Signature Solar and ask a tech to walk you through your settings. If the issue is with the inverter, I know they can access the 18k remotely and make changes and firmware updates, not sure on the 6000xp. I’m running the 6000EX right now and they had issues for almost a year after they came out, but they finally dialed in the firmware and it runs great now. I think most new inverters take some time to get the bugs and firmware sorted out. It’s a great inverter and you have a huge system so I know you’ll get it figured out soon! 👍⚡️☀️
Hey, from watching many videos from EG4 they mentioned you need one eg4LL new version battery to be the master. All other batteries will align after that. Hope that helps with your install!
Same problem here, they sent me another update cable which eventually worked in 10 out of 12 batteries, yet after updating the 10, 9 of them went dead, CMOS error, still trying to get them sorted out 2 weeks later, their customer support is absolutely hideous, almost non existent
When I updated my firmware a few months back I had good luck with setting each battery to host then update them and then setting the dips switches to 0-4 in my case of having 5 batteries.
Friend suggested the following They have a firmware upgrade you have to do for the 18k and the EG4 6000ex. For the Lifepower 4 Battery firmware has to be updated as well as the inverter. EG4 on the form is saying to use the LUX protocol for the 6000xp.
Great Video Rodney, My I suggest something that might help you with the communication, I notice you mix 2 type of batteries from EG4 , the LL and the life, now because they use diff DIP switch I will setup the first or main batteries as the LL and the rest as life + make sure you have the jumper set correctly on each battery - LL have diff config for dip switch vs the LIFE ones!! make sure beside the first one, all other diff numbers. even give them higher numbers. see if it work, even try only LL or Life only and see with the right dip switch config
You can use the software and attempt to read the different batteries while your laptop is plugged in. That will tell you if the battery backs are communicating.
Great video. I have a pair of these on the way. I may have missed it. I didn't see surge protection devices, does the 6000xp inverter come with SPD's onboard?
Excellent set-up. What is that wire gangway? I have not been able to find those and seen a lot of folks have them. Thank you! 85Kw of battery? very nice
Did you check your battery update cable? It sounds like you were successfull on a few batteries. Odd that you still had issues. With updating batteries.
Tried 3 different cables so far. One old with green and white wire and two new ones. Only have 3 batteries working. Will try a few more things tomorrow and maybe eg4 or SS can give me some ideas. Just can’t get the boot info to come up so I can pick the right update
Hi, thanks for this helpful video. I just returned a DOA 18kpv (not outputting to load). Signature Solar has refunded me - so now I've decided to order 2 6000XP's instead of one 18kpv. I'm curious to know what gauge electrical wire you plan to use in your final set up? Some of the installations suggest 10awg wire, but that feels a bit lite to me? I'd feel better running 6 awg red, black & white between both inverters & then going to the panel. What are your thoughts? Do you think 6awg will fit in the connectors? I'd rather error on side of oversizing.
Hey Rodney, Did you connect all comm cables of the 12 rack mount batteries in series, then connect the master battery comm cable to the master inverter?
I only have 3 since they have all the features I need to use off grid only, redundancy, 18k output vs only 12k(18kpv), and the price since I would need 2 of the 18kpv’s to get my needed output. 👍
Thanks Rodney! Sorry to hear you’re having issues with battery comms. It seems like I’m always hearing of people having issues with those things. I’m curious how the comms would work since you have 3 inverters in parallel. What happens when your take the inverter offline that has the comms cable to the batteries? Also, what happens when one of your batteries disconnects and it’s in a string with the rest? Good luck!
I will have to try all that. If one battery was off with my growatts it still worked but will need to try once communications are lined out with the eg4’s
Rodney, seems to me you need a small nuclear reactor to power that compound you got running there. and as a thought, when your trying to update the battery firmware, did you set the DIP switches back to all off?
Yes turned everything off, disconnected communication cables, tried each battery dip set to zero and the boot info would not load on most of them. Had a couple update so have 3 lifepower4 that will work. Still working on it now. Will see if I can get the new ll-s batteries setup to communicate to see if they will work. If so I will have six which should help the solar input but not sure how much when the SOC gets higher it may still regulate down too much.
hey! great vidoe! just got mine few days ago. quick question on volts per mppt do you have 330v to each mppt at about 16 amps? or total of 660 to the inverter at 8mps ?
Someone mentioned to call signature solar since the 6000xp doesnt recognize the batteries you have without specific firmware update on the xps. Good luck.
Good job Rodney. You need one of those hydraulic tables from Harbor freight works great. I had to get one to mount my 12 eg4 batteries in my home made cabinet. That’s what happen when you get 80 years old😮. Also mounted my DIY 302ah batteries twice the weight of the 100ah eg4. One question Rodney why don’t you have any help you mention in one of your video that you have a large family 😀.
At 13:19, the bright green LED is blinking. I have a green blinking LED and I CANNOT figure HOW to turn on the inverter!! My customer is NOT happy and I may have to rip it all out and put the OLD 24V lead acid system back in if I can't figure out how turn stop the blinking green LED. SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME!! I got six 48V Lifepower4s in parallel and the inverter will NOT turn on!!
Wow dang! I average 18 to 22 kwh a day usage. 85 kwh I'd be set a while. Going to be ordering this equipment pretty soon and keep going around about batteries. Seeing a lot of buggy junk talked about with EG4 rack batteries but they crowbar you with the few brands they communicate with. Or just ditch it and go all native with the batteries. I dunno?.... Saw someone a day or so ago having that problem with their batteries. It was some bug in the software requiring them to reconnect with the master battery or just another one that would talk to establish comms and then go back to the next battery to update. I just went into early retirement this year after working in DCS systems for the past 25 years. We called that kinda crap "features". lol
Do you have a video explaining how all your battery’s are connected. Like what size wire is going to bus bar and then what size wire from busbar to the inverters. I’m still confused on how all that part of the system works. Thanks great channel I have learned alot
Curious how you wired the EG4 6000XP to the breaker panel. I think that would be very valuable information for folks like me... I have this item in cart just stratching head on how to attach to breaker panel.
Do you have your inverter yet? Basically I just have L1 and L2 on a two pole breaker with the ground and neutral going to each ground neutral bar in panel. Maybe I can get a video on it but I thought this was shown in my install video. Maybe not though
@rodneyhunt Mar 2022 and June 2023. The old(original) battery firmware used a lower data baud rate. Are you able to see the cell data for the batteries that won't update?
I have about 6200 watts going into 2 inverters. 28 450 watts solarever panels. Then 3600 going into the 3rd inverter at this time. Have more panels just not installed yet. Those are Hyundai 305 watt panels
Awesome video i have been hoping someone would post 3 of these in parallel, now im wanting to see them installed with 2 of the powerpro wallmount batteries 🤞 quick question- what is that black thing between your inverter and load center box? And do you keep the ground neutral bars seperate in the main load panel they are connected to?
@rodneyhunt great thank you so much for the informative videos. I'm excited to swap my 2 6500s and 6 ll batteries with 2 of these 6000s and 2 powerpro wlalmount batteries as soon as I get my final delivery from signaturesolar
I have no experience with these batteries/inverters, but on some videos I have noticed some guys having to set the battery DIP switches. Years ago I had a hair pulling time to get some old computers networked and it turned out to be the little DIP switches. It's always the little things....
Hey Rodney, just started following you and appreciate all your work and the videos you have posted. You mentioned a couple of times in this video selecting a Lead-Acid setting. Why would you use that setting when you're only using LiFE-Po batteries. Either I didn't quite hear you correctly or you may want to check that particular setting.
Had to set to lead acid to get full solar input. Because the battery communications is not working with all batteries. Only 3 working so solar input was regulated down by inverters since it thinks I only have 3 batteries. Will update when I get it all working or before if I can’t figure it out
The lead acid setting is just a manual setting where you set your own charging parameters. It should say “user setting” instead of lead acid. Not the most user friendly menu for sure
I have the EG4 6500 and 6000 and when I increase my float and charge voltage from 56.0 to 57.0 volts my inverters will allow more current to charge my batteries. I even went further and added a eg4 charge controller to my system to allow my batteries to change quicker. The EG4 batteries can not be over charge because of the BMS they are using which is not programmable by the users. When you have loads apply to your inverters the PVC input are shared between the load and battery charging. With the DIY batteries I have made the BMS can be program So all perimeters can be change.
True. But my problem is the battery communication only sees 3 batteries so the inverters limit pv input with the SOC higher. So for now have it on lead acid and works fine. Just can’t tell battery SOC from app. So will work to get batteries updated so they can all communicate with inverters. 👍
@@rodneyhunt Understand hope you get everything figured out. I have 9 EG4 Lipopower4 and 1 EG4LL could never get it to communicate with my eg4-inverter correctly so i just got a Victron smart shunt to monitor my SOC. I am not familiar with the new 6000xp is there a way of setting the amount of ah value are is that collected from the communication with the batteries? Rodney have you consider stacking your batteries cabinets to obtain more room? Well again I wish you luck on your endeavor 🙏🏾
Really nice system! Can I ask where you're located? I'm going to be building off-grid in far northern Wisconsin and trying to guesstimate solar array/inverter capacity for my planned build. Sharing your expertise is helping me plan. Thanks!
I am in southeastern part of North Carolina. The farther north the bigger the array depending on what all you will run. Hvac, water heater, dryer etc will use lots of power. Some use gas major appliances so just depends
I just got it to update by doing the opposite. Once it started working just disconnect and start the next and now all lifepower4 batteries are updated and working
i think with the 6000XP you are NOT supposed to bond the nuetral and ground because they have built in bonding relays for when they decide they need it. Though if you know you need it, then its whatever.
Rodney I just re watched your video while trying to figure out what inverter I want next. Solar is so addictive and my wife don't seem to mind this hobby lol. Anyhow.... Man I'd love to have inverters like that but the firmware issue with so many people and their new style inverters makes me want simple high idle consumption old style inverters for sure. Easier for me to buy a couple extra batteries to make up the difference and skip all the firmware crap
Hey you do what is best first you! But I like these inverters for the ac output and solar inputs! Wish they had auto restart if overloaded. But they may be able to fix that with a firmware update. We will see
@@rodneyhunt I love all this solar stuff and I order new equipment or wire or batteries almost every week for 2 years now. My biggest problem is I'm only home from this semi truck 2 or 3 days a month and sometimes I'm out for 2 months at a time. I'm wanting to try to find a local driving job before long mostly so I can get caught up around the house. Everything is off grid at this point but just kinda thrown together enough to make it work. With such little time at home I have to live most my solar life thru a few of you guys on UA-cam. I have about 10 grand worth of stuff half assed hooked up with another 20 grand of stuff sitting in boxes in the garage. Once I do get to where I'm home more I'll probably need another pallet of panels tho. I've got 4 more victron charge controllers still in the box that I've not opened. I like the idea of me and the wife having electricity without a monthly bill and it will be a necessity if the cancer comes back. It's strange how when I had cancer a couple years ago it made me want to set up my life and home to be monthly bill free. Rodney I appreciate all the time it takes to make the videos and put all the solar together. My wife and I watch and learn and enjoy. Thankyou
Hey thank you for the comments! Yes solar can be addictive lol. I have been doing the same for a little over two years now. If I ever finish my system going to try to help family and friends get some kind of backups as well. Stay healthy and thanks again!
Hey Morpheus, im same i like to be sure its working then go back and make it purdy n nice. Why make it purdy n nice then something not work have to pull it back apart, doh what a pain in da bootie lol, Where’s Neo need to him to help a friend out. Jeesh since he got saved he dont got time for his real friend no more. Lol sorry just being goofy you look like Lawerence Fishburn. Great video my eg4 6000 and the 14.3 battery and those 88 dollar solar panels coming tuesday. Are you in NC? Just curious thats what state im in. Thanks for posting the vids.
Hey Rodney is there a way I can email you I have a couple of quick questions I also have a bunch of EG4 and victron stuff not as big as your new setup but I'm getting there😂 I'm in the CLT...
@6 minutes it shows you have your PV wires already hooked in without the batteries being connected... hopefully the PV power was turned off prior to this connection or it can screw the system up.
Just started this video and saw on the instructions that L 1 was blk and L 2 was red. And then you wired them L1 red and L 2 blk. That wont be a problem if you wire them all the same. Just thought that was weird and maybe someone else has already mentioned that. Like I said, just started this video.
Just curious, if you're in this deep spending this much, why not build your own system using base components (ie, inverter, charge controller, lithium batteries, bms', etc)? You could have saved yourself tens of thousands of dollars and a system with easily replaceable components when trouble occurs (which it always does). Of course you realize the EG4 6000xp is a non-transformer unit with low life expectancy. You could get a low frequency stand alone inverter that will last you a lifetime for the same money. Always curious how these companies convince consumers to spend this type money for something that is grossly overpriced.
Well I think everyone is free to purchase what they think is best for them. I like the all in one concept when you have or need multiple units. Takes up less space usually and less wiring hassle in my opinion. Not sure but I think the transformer-less will last a long time and with technology changes at some point i will want to upgrade. So for myself makes sense. 👍
Didn’t he essentially build his own system? I would argue he saved tens of thousands of dollars by going this “deep”. I hear about people spending $50K -$100K because they use some “solar installer”.
Great set up. We bought lots of solar in 2022 and then some life stuff happened. Now regrouping and trying to decide if we want to use the 3 x growatt 5000 spf or buy 2 x eg4 6000.
The ease of use and installation for us as beginners is very appealing.
We will either sell the growatts or maybe just have them for 240 only loads.
Also 🎉for large families.
Our family is small with
only 6 😂
We also homeschool. We are home all the time and our power consumption is pretty high. 😬
I know what you mean. A Big family is usually big power usage lol.
Man that sustem you been building is amazing. Solar is my hobby and im 100 percent off grid now but im only home 3 days a month lol so i got plenty of charge time between home time. I never see my batteries less than 50 percent and run everything even the minisplit the whole time im home. Thanks for the videos ive learned alot from you
Sounds good. You must be on the road a-lot
Glad you got that battery comms issue figured out, waiting on the video.
Video Out now! Thanks
That system is huge..When I went off grid, I built a small house, 650 square feet, plus 300 square feet for the garage..I have (32) 280Ah Catl LIFEPO4 cells, which is 30 KW's, I switched to the EG4 6000 XP too, and have 6000 watts of panels and it runs everything for me and my wife..I do have a wood burner, minisplit, induction cooktop stove, well pump, and the rest of the normal stuff..But we do use alot less energy than we used to, which should be part of the process in my opinion..Down grade now, before civilization forces us to, because it's just a matter of time, and not alot of it..I do have some smaller systems too..A 3000 watt inverter for some rental cabins and out door kitchen and lights..And a 12 volt system for lights, and some other little loads..I don't have communication with any of my systems, they are all DIY batteries made from cells with JK BMS's..I had to use lead battery setting too..Which is mind boggling, since no one is using lead acid batteries with these all in one inverters..Nice job..
Hard to down size when me and my wife have 10 kids (9 still at home) lol. Small house for all of use at 1900-2000 sq ft or so. So we all do what we can and are comfortable with it. Great what you have done but I have no problem with someone being for self reliant in a 4000 sq ft mini mansion than doing nothing at all. We are free to make our own choices like you. So any way you do it I am good as long as they don’t try to stop me or you. 👍
@@rodneyhunt Wow, 10 kids..No..I'm certainly not judging..I don't care what anyone does..I just think harder times are on the way..And downsizing is a good strategy for meeting them head on..But, ya, there's no downsizing for you, atleast anytime soon..LOL..Wow, 10 kids..That's something..Especially these days..Good luck..
@@realeyesrealizereallies6828 you are right about downsizing though. Comments can sound harsh but not meant to be that way. 👍
I built my own batteries as well. 280k eve cells with jk bms's. I use a couple different inverters neither with communication. I like my 4000 sungold low frequency as it's kinda a tank that always just works
Does running them in parallel give you 150 amps of service?
Looking forward to the update video, I have the same problem you do/did.
Available now! Thanks
Looking great! 18kW inverter output, 32kWp, 168kWh DIY LFP did the trick for us. No battery communication for almost two years- Not necessary.
Wow nice 👍
what settings did you use for diy lfp battery banks?
One of the best videos on the 6000XP that is out there !!!
I hope you get the battery issue worked out. Wanted to ask if you might put out a short video specifically addressing the battery hookups to multiple EG4 6000XP's. Was wondering how you hooked up the cables - bus bars? communications? etc.
Another suggestion is your panel hookup and why you chose the certain size breakers?
I'm looking to set up a subpanel to feed my main in the case of an outage with an interlock. My initial thought is two of the 6000XPs and a chargeverter. I's like to set up a combiner box with a couple of 40 amp breakers from the 6000XPs and then a 100 amp breaker running to my main panel with the interlock. Was curious on your thoughts.
I also plan on solar coming in and adding some 120 and 240 outlets to power a swimming pool pump and heater. Trying to start small but I can see it growing LOL.
Absolutely enjoy all your videos... Thanks.
Yes. Had to cut tons out due to video length. Will try to do more specific info on battery hookups, comms, etc. Your plan sounds good to me. Always make sure you cable going from your panel to your house is correctly sized/oversized. 👍
The breakers are the same ones used on my growatts. 50 amp and used 55amp 8awg wire so it seems ok to me. Not an electrician but for my needs should be fine.
@@rodneyhunt seems right to me as well.
I have a 200 watt service in my main so in the event of a blackout, I’ll have the 100 amp from the sub panel, knowing I can’t power everything but at least I know I’ll have essentials plus heat without having to wire up a critical loads panel.
Can always plan for bigger when I do the initial wiring between boxes just in case my future includes more 6000xps like you, and I need to go with a bigger breaker in my main panel with the interlock
Thanks again.
@@Barc7580 glad to help
Your dB readings are inline with my findings for similar loads.
Thank you for the sound meter link. I added to my cart.
👍
I’d call Signature Solar and ask a tech to walk you through your settings. If the issue is with the inverter, I know they can access the 18k remotely and make changes and firmware updates, not sure on the 6000xp. I’m running the 6000EX right now and they had issues for almost a year after they came out, but they finally dialed in the firmware and it runs great now. I think most new inverters take some time to get the bugs and firmware sorted out. It’s a great inverter and you have a huge system so I know you’ll get it figured out soon! 👍⚡️☀️
Got it working a few hours ago. Will do an update video. Thanks
Excellent video! Appreciate your presentation style and tips.
Glad it was helpful!
Hey, from watching many videos from EG4 they mentioned you need one eg4LL new version battery to be the master. All other batteries will align after that.
Hope that helps with your install!
I just got all the lifepower4 batteries updated and now they are working! Thanks
Same problem here, they sent me another update cable which eventually worked in 10 out of 12 batteries, yet after updating the 10, 9 of them went dead, CMOS error, still trying to get them sorted out 2 weeks later, their customer support is absolutely hideous, almost non existent
Ask them first the free update device. Gavin stone diy homestead has a video on it. Hope that helps! 👍
When I updated my firmware a few months back I had good luck with setting each battery to host then update them and then setting the dips switches to 0-4 in my case of having 5 batteries.
I set the dip switch all to zero, disconnected comms cables, stopped all charge and discharge. No luck so far
Great video. Clean power coming out of those? No flicker or other weirdness in the house?
No flicker at all. Everything seems to run fine. Just need to get the battery communications issue lined out
Friend suggested the following
They have a firmware upgrade you have to do for the 18k and the EG4 6000ex.
For the Lifepower 4
Battery firmware has to be updated as well as the inverter. EG4 on the form is saying to use the LUX protocol for the 6000xp.
Was able to update yesterday and is now working. Video update coming soon
To be clear, LUX protocol selection in the battery for the CAN protocol, but EG4 battery type selection in the inverter settings is what works.
@@intDavid I have EG4 selected and working. 👍
Great Video Rodney, My I suggest something that might help you with the communication, I notice you mix 2 type of batteries from EG4 , the LL and the life, now because they use diff DIP switch I will setup the first or main batteries as the LL and the rest as life + make sure you have the jumper set correctly on each battery - LL have diff config for dip switch vs the LIFE ones!! make sure beside the first one, all other diff numbers. even give them higher numbers. see if it work, even try only LL or Life only and see with the right dip switch config
I have only been trying lifepower4. Great ideas though
You can use the software and attempt to read the different batteries while your laptop is plugged in. That will tell you if the battery backs are communicating.
Just got them all updated somehow lol. Will do a video update. Thanks
You definitely have skills I like to view this especially up close at times but fyi moving the camera around back & forth Woh too much Ya know. Thanks
Always a work in progress! 👍
Great video. I have a pair of these on the way. I may have missed it. I didn't see surge protection devices, does the 6000xp inverter come with SPD's onboard?
No but I will add at some point. I have one on my electrical panel only right now
Consider using crimp metal ferrules on the ends of stranded wire it prevents loose cords under the bolts
Great tip! I have some of those but forgot about them lol
Excellent set-up. What is that wire gangway? I have not been able to find those and seen a lot of folks have them. Thank you! 85Kw of battery? very nice
You can get wireways at mcmaster.com or if you have a local electrical store. Many different versions you can see which works best.
Did you check your battery update cable? It sounds like you were successfull on a few batteries. Odd that you still had issues. With updating batteries.
Tried 3 different cables so far. One old with green and white wire and two new ones. Only have 3 batteries working. Will try a few more things tomorrow and maybe eg4 or SS can give me some ideas. Just can’t get the boot info to come up so I can pick the right update
how do you split the batteries around the inverters? also, how do you connect the load when you have multiple ones?
Batteries all connected to the same bus bar with all inverters. Then each inverter has a breaker going to my load panel.
Hi, thanks for this helpful video. I just returned a DOA 18kpv (not outputting to load). Signature Solar has refunded me - so now I've decided to order 2 6000XP's instead of one 18kpv. I'm curious to know what gauge electrical wire you plan to use in your final set up? Some of the installations suggest 10awg wire, but that feels a bit lite to me? I'd feel better running 6 awg red, black & white between both inverters & then going to the panel. What are your thoughts? Do you think 6awg will fit in the connectors? I'd rather error on side of oversizing.
I used 8awg but I think 6awg would fit. 8awg is called for in manual but you can always go bigger if the breaker works with it.
Hey Rodney, Did you connect all comm cables of the 12 rack mount batteries in series, then connect the master battery comm cable to the master inverter?
Yes all in series then the master battery to master inverter.
Where do we terminate surge protection for 2 inverters (off grid, standby genset, 4 dc strings from ground mnt array)??
Will need to do a video on this topic soon.
Why 4 of those EG4 6000XP inverters instead of the 18K inverter the signature solar sells?
I only have 3 since they have all the features I need to use off grid only, redundancy, 18k output vs only 12k(18kpv), and the price since I would need 2 of the 18kpv’s to get my needed output. 👍
Thanks Rodney! Sorry to hear you’re having issues with battery comms. It seems like I’m always hearing of people having issues with those things.
I’m curious how the comms would work since you have 3 inverters in parallel. What happens when your take the inverter offline that has the comms cable to the batteries? Also, what happens when one of your batteries disconnects and it’s in a string with the rest?
Good luck!
I will have to try all that. If one battery was off with my growatts it still worked but will need to try once communications are lined out with the eg4’s
@@rodneyhunt good luck!
@@AdamDeLay07I’m glad my Sol-Arks just work. No bat coms. Almost two years. One bad dongle. Not bad.
👍
Rodney, seems to me you need a small nuclear reactor to power that compound you got running there. and as a thought, when your trying to update the battery firmware, did you set the DIP switches back to all off?
Yes turned everything off, disconnected communication cables, tried each battery dip set to zero and the boot info would not load on most of them. Had a couple update so have 3 lifepower4 that will work. Still working on it now. Will see if I can get the new ll-s batteries setup to communicate to see if they will work. If so I will have six which should help the solar input but not sure how much when the SOC gets higher it may still regulate down too much.
Thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching!
Do you have all your batteries bus'd together as one bank or do you have separate banks connected to the inverters separately?
One busbar running all inverters together
Nice
Wonderful info
Thanks
hey! great vidoe! just got mine few days ago. quick question on volts per mppt
do you have 330v to each mppt at about 16 amps?
or total of 660 to the inverter at 8mps ?
I have 330 at around 10 amps i think on each MPPT. Except the new array which is 18 or 19 amps at 220 or so volts
Someone mentioned to call signature solar since the 6000xp doesnt recognize the batteries you have without specific firmware update on the xps. Good luck.
👍
Put the inverters on Luxpower. I had to do that with my EG4 Power pro battery before it would communicate.
Will try that. Thanks
I was able to get mine to communicate using 0 after updating firmware on batteries.
@@Dmkjr 👍 Hopefully I can get mine to update at some point
Good job Rodney. You need one of those hydraulic tables from Harbor freight works great. I had to get one to mount my 12 eg4 batteries in my home made cabinet. That’s what happen when you get 80 years old😮. Also mounted my DIY 302ah batteries twice the weight of the 100ah eg4. One question Rodney why don’t you have any help you mention in one of your video that you have a large family 😀.
Also I mounted three of the old eg4 6000 in Parallel for my work shops a couple of years ago still working good no problems.
Stubborn lol. I get help when I don’t have a choice.
I'm getting code 28 a bunch of times for no reason. Any advice?
Check communications cable setup.
Thanks for sharing, I hope I don’t run into problems with mine…you seem like a wizards with this stuff and it’s got u stumped, I have no chance! Lol
No just learning as I go and asking questions to SS and EG4 through emails. 👍
At 13:19, the bright green LED is blinking. I have a green blinking LED and I CANNOT figure HOW to turn on the inverter!! My customer is NOT happy and I may have to rip it all out and put the OLD 24V lead acid system back in if I can't figure out how turn stop the blinking green LED. SOMEBODY PLEASE HELP ME!! I got six 48V Lifepower4s in parallel and the inverter will NOT turn on!!
Is the inverter in lithium or lead acid for battery setting? If lithium make sure dip switches are correct and if so have batteries been updated?
i would hit up will prowse. he installed these with the same batteries and got it going. there is a special setting he did.
Already got it running. It is the next video in the series. Thanks
Wow dang! I average 18 to 22 kwh a day usage. 85 kwh I'd be set a while. Going to be ordering this equipment pretty soon and keep going around about batteries. Seeing a lot of buggy junk talked about with EG4 rack batteries but they crowbar you with the few brands they communicate with. Or just ditch it and go all native with the batteries. I dunno?....
Saw someone a day or so ago having that problem with their batteries. It was some bug in the software requiring them to reconnect with the master battery or just another one that would talk to establish comms and then go back to the next battery to update.
I just went into early retirement this year after working in DCS systems for the past 25 years. We called that kinda crap "features". lol
Lol. We have some “new” dcs at my job and now it just randomly freezes up. Features that’s awesome
Do you have a video explaining how all your battery’s are connected. Like what size wire is going to bus bar and then what size wire from busbar to the inverters. I’m still confused on how all that part of the system works. Thanks great channel I have learned alot
Will need to add that video. Not sure if it is explained in on if my videos in the 6000xp series but you can check it out.
Curious how you wired the EG4 6000XP to the breaker panel. I think that would be very valuable information for folks like me... I have this item in cart just stratching head on how to attach to breaker panel.
Do you have your inverter yet? Basically I just have L1 and L2 on a two pole breaker with the ground and neutral going to each ground neutral bar in panel. Maybe I can get a video on it but I thought this was shown in my install video. Maybe not though
My 2-EG4 6000XP recognized all 12 of my Lifepower4.
How old are your eg4 batteries? I have had some longer than others so maybe that is the problem.
@rodneyhunt Mar 2022 and June 2023. The old(original) battery firmware used a lower data baud rate. Are you able to see the cell data for the batteries that won't update?
@@theadventuresofarenaissancman yes
@rodneyhunt in that case. I suspect it's the cable, but you were able to update some of your Lifepower4 Batteries?
Yes. Have no idea what’s going on with the rest
Thanks for that very interesting. Have a great year, M
You too! 👍
How many solar panels and what are they wattage with the 3 eg4 xp
I have about 6200 watts going into 2 inverters. 28 450 watts solarever panels. Then 3600 going into the 3rd inverter at this time. Have more panels just not installed yet. Those are Hyundai 305 watt panels
Awesome video i have been hoping someone would post 3 of these in parallel, now im wanting to see them installed with 2 of the powerpro wallmount batteries 🤞 quick question- what is that black thing between your inverter and load center box? And do you keep the ground neutral bars seperate in the main load panel they are connected to?
Ground neutral bond connected in panel. Turned off on inverter.
That is just a surge protector for the ac panel
@rodneyhunt great thank you so much for the informative videos. I'm excited to swap my 2 6500s and 6 ll batteries with 2 of these 6000s and 2 powerpro wlalmount batteries as soon as I get my final delivery from signaturesolar
Where is the ground rod for your system connected?
@@rodneyhunt for emp?
I have no experience with these batteries/inverters, but on some videos I have noticed some guys having to set the battery DIP switches. Years ago I had a hair pulling time to get some old computers networked and it turned out to be the little DIP switches. It's always the little things....
I did have them all set. Forgot to add for video. Thanks
Hey Rodney, just started following you and appreciate all your work and the videos you have posted. You mentioned a couple of times in this video selecting a Lead-Acid setting. Why would you use that setting when you're only using LiFE-Po batteries. Either I didn't quite hear you correctly or you may want to check that particular setting.
Had to set to lead acid to get full solar input. Because the battery communications is not working with all batteries. Only 3 working so solar input was regulated down by inverters since it thinks I only have 3 batteries. Will update when I get it all working or before if I can’t figure it out
The lead acid setting is just a manual setting where you set your own charging parameters. It should say “user setting” instead of lead acid. Not the most user friendly menu for sure
Yes need a few options!@@joshuacrosbymusic5223
I have the EG4 6500 and 6000 and when I increase my float and charge voltage from 56.0 to 57.0 volts my inverters will allow more current to charge my batteries. I even went further and added a eg4 charge controller to my system to allow my batteries to change quicker. The EG4 batteries can not be over charge because of the BMS they are using which is not programmable by the users. When you have loads apply to your inverters the PVC input are shared between the load and battery charging. With the DIY batteries I have made the BMS can be program So all perimeters can be change.
True. But my problem is the battery communication only sees 3 batteries so the inverters limit pv input with the SOC higher. So for now have it on lead acid and works fine. Just can’t tell battery SOC from app. So will work to get batteries updated so they can all communicate with inverters. 👍
@@rodneyhunt Understand hope you get everything figured out. I have 9 EG4 Lipopower4 and 1 EG4LL could never get it to communicate with my eg4-inverter correctly so i just got a Victron smart shunt to monitor my SOC. I am not familiar with the new 6000xp is there a way of setting the amount of ah value are is that collected from the communication with the batteries? Rodney have you consider stacking your batteries cabinets to obtain more room? Well again I wish you luck on your endeavor 🙏🏾
Just got them working. Will do an update video. Thanks
Really nice system! Can I ask where you're located? I'm going to be building off-grid in far northern Wisconsin and trying to guesstimate solar array/inverter capacity for my planned build. Sharing your expertise is helping me plan. Thanks!
I am in southeastern part of North Carolina. The farther north the bigger the array depending on what all you will run. Hvac, water heater, dryer etc will use lots of power. Some use gas major appliances so just depends
I had to exit out of the bms test program each time to update firmware on lifepower4 batteries
I just got it to update by doing the opposite. Once it started working just disconnect and start the next and now all lifepower4 batteries are updated and working
i think with the 6000XP you are NOT supposed to bond the nuetral and ground because they have built in bonding relays for when they decide they need it. Though if you know you need it, then its whatever.
I turned off that function in inverters.
Rodney I just re watched your video while trying to figure out what inverter I want next. Solar is so addictive and my wife don't seem to mind this hobby lol. Anyhow.... Man I'd love to have inverters like that but the firmware issue with so many people and their new style inverters makes me want simple high idle consumption old style inverters for sure. Easier for me to buy a couple extra batteries to make up the difference and skip all the firmware crap
Hey you do what is best first you! But I like these inverters for the ac output and solar inputs! Wish they had auto restart if overloaded. But they may be able to fix that with a firmware update. We will see
@@rodneyhunt I love all this solar stuff and I order new equipment or wire or batteries almost every week for 2 years now. My biggest problem is I'm only home from this semi truck 2 or 3 days a month and sometimes I'm out for 2 months at a time. I'm wanting to try to find a local driving job before long mostly so I can get caught up around the house. Everything is off grid at this point but just kinda thrown together enough to make it work. With such little time at home I have to live most my solar life thru a few of you guys on UA-cam. I have about 10 grand worth of stuff half assed hooked up with another 20 grand of stuff sitting in boxes in the garage. Once I do get to where I'm home more I'll probably need another pallet of panels tho. I've got 4 more victron charge controllers still in the box that I've not opened. I like the idea of me and the wife having electricity without a monthly bill and it will be a necessity if the cancer comes back. It's strange how when I had cancer a couple years ago it made me want to set up my life and home to be monthly bill free. Rodney I appreciate all the time it takes to make the videos and put all the solar together. My wife and I watch and learn and enjoy. Thankyou
Hey thank you for the comments! Yes solar can be addictive lol. I have been doing the same for a little over two years now. If I ever finish my system going to try to help family and friends get some kind of backups as well. Stay healthy and thanks again!
i had the same problem had set all different pin address on batteries then power down all the batteries then one by one power up.
Thanks. Was able to get them updated yesterday and video update coming soon.
Hey Morpheus, im same i like to be sure its working then go back and make it purdy n nice. Why make it purdy n nice then something not work have to pull it back apart, doh what a pain in da bootie lol, Where’s Neo need to him to help a friend out. Jeesh since he got saved he dont got time for his real friend no more. Lol sorry just being goofy you look like Lawerence Fishburn.
Great video my eg4 6000 and the 14.3 battery and those 88 dollar solar panels coming tuesday.
Are you in NC? Just curious thats what state im in. Thanks for posting the vids.
Yes NC! Thanks
Hey Rodney is there a way I can email you I have a couple of quick questions I also have a bunch of EG4 and victron stuff not as big as your new setup but I'm getting there😂 I'm in the CLT...
My email is on my channel under business I think
I don't see anything that says business at all, no worries.
On my channel page go to the arrow next to description. Says self reliant next to arrow. Click arrow then view channel email
Does this thing work with diy 48v battery and random bms?
It should but you may not have communication. You can just run with voltage settings
@@rodneyhunt that's good, your setup of 3x is what I'm looking at. These units are great, they got so many breakers and shut off switches built in.
Liking it so far
How big is your house? Why do you need 3-- 6000 watt inverters?
i'm trying to understand.
Only 1900sq feet or so. But have big family, homeschool kids, stuff just runs all the time lol.
👍
@6 minutes it shows you have your PV wires already hooked in without the batteries being connected... hopefully the PV power was turned off prior to this connection or it can screw the system up.
It was all off. Thanks
That cable spaghetti are triggering my OCD...
Lol. I will be putting in some flex conduit soon
Why wouldn’t you just run 1 eg4 18k ?
Not enough output power for my needs. I would need 2 and at the time didn’t want to spend the money. Have a big family and EV to charge as well
Just started this video and saw on the instructions that L 1 was blk and L 2 was red. And then you wired them L1 red and L 2 blk. That wont be a problem if you wire them all the same. Just thought that was weird and maybe someone else has already mentioned that. Like I said, just started this video.
Probably just misspoke. They all need to be the same indeed! Thanks for pointing this out
Just curious, if you're in this deep spending this much, why not build your own system using base components (ie, inverter, charge controller, lithium batteries, bms', etc)? You could have saved yourself tens of thousands of dollars and a system with easily replaceable components when trouble occurs (which it always does). Of course you realize the EG4 6000xp is a non-transformer unit with low life expectancy. You could get a low frequency stand alone inverter that will last you a lifetime for the same money. Always curious how these companies convince consumers to spend this type money for something that is grossly overpriced.
Well I think everyone is free to purchase what they think is best for them. I like the all in one concept when you have or need multiple units. Takes up less space usually and less wiring hassle in my opinion. Not sure but I think the transformer-less will last a long time and with technology changes at some point i will want to upgrade. So for myself makes sense. 👍
Didn’t he essentially build his own system? I would argue he saved tens of thousands of dollars by going this “deep”. I hear about people spending $50K -$100K because they use some “solar installer”.
@@watchman1982Indeed! 👍
For what these cost there should never be an problem. Especially out of the box.
True! Unfortunately ever company seems to be having firmware type issues at this time.