Thank you James Showalter for the excellent products at a decent price. You remind me of a friend of mine who's an electronics geek like me. I bought both the GridBOSS and the FlexBOSS 21. They've been shipped and will be here soon. I'll tie them to 40 - 410 watt panels and 3 - 15kwh LFP batteries with 200 amp Pace BMS in all 3. I'm an electronic tech on CNC machine tools at Americas biggest airplane company with 40 years experience. Did radar maintenance in the U. S. Air Force too. I can't wait to get my home wired up with this stuff. I was looking at the cost of 200 amp transfer switches and you totally hit the mark with the GridBOSS. Keep making great stuff.
Great video, I’m just starting my solar journey and jumped on the Boss’ as soon as they started preordering, received mine yesterday, this video helped answer a lot of technical questions. Thanks! Looking forward to owning my power.
11:32 While I totally respect James and EG4 the answer given as to why no aluminum conductors in the Grid Boss was really really frustrating. It makes absolutely zero sense to exclude aluminum and the reason why is because users can't figure out how to size aluminum correctly? But at the same time James did say all of the terminals in the Grid Boss are CU/AL rated. 13:00 Wouldn't a 200A service use 4/0 aluminum?
@@MyGoogleUA-cam it seems like they do use 4/0 aluminum. Not sure if is actually a little larger than 4/0 copper? I will say I have talked to an awful lot of diy folks they didn’t know copper and aluminum ratings were different. To be fair, I didn’t know that when I first got into it either. I’m actually hoping they just make a change to include that you can use aluminum as well. That would make it truly a drop-in replacement for most homes with a 200a service. Thanks for using timestamps by the way. Makes it so much easier to understand questions when there’s actual context!
@@AdamDeLayDIY Thank you for the reply - we will see what they do in the future. The only thing I am concerned about is the label inside of the Grid Boss. Is there text in large print that says Aluminum conductors prohibited? That would likely be a problem come inspection.
A question I have is this... If this system (Flex and Gridboss) is tied to an EG4 wall mount LFP battery setup, the battery breaker will trip when the rapid shutdown is initiated. How can you use the dry contacts in the FlexBoss 21 to trip a shut trip breaker in-line on the NON EG4 type batteries? Is there a software function in the GridBOSS to do that?
I'll have to leave that question up to EG4. After going through the manual though I'm not aware of any way to program when the dry contacts close or open. It's software, so anything's possible though.
I'll add here some questions for EG4: -Gridboss: *Can you dark start the inverters and gridboss via a generator in gen port? * Can you dark start or power the gridboss and inverters via the smartload ports(ac couple/generator)? *What smart capabilites can you do via the app? * What can the Gridboss monitor? *EMP hardened? Pending testing? -Flexboss *How much solar do you need to achieve 16KW AC output continous and assuming you have good batteries? 4KW pv + 12KW battery min or 16KW pv min? *Why does this inverter have less pv capacity vs 12000xp, even though it is stronger and hybrid? *What would be the Voc pv input recommendation? *EMP hardened? Pending testing?
I'll try to answer. Maybe someone from EG4 will be able to correct me if I'm wrong. -Gridboss: * I'm pretty sure the reason they're adding the darkstart to the flexboss is because it can't be done through the gridboss. * Same as above * You should be able to program the Smart Ports and control when they turn on and off as well as control when the gen starts and stops. * There's a picture in the manual of what you'll see in the monitor center for the gridboss. * Have to leave that one to EG4 - Flexboss: * Since it's a 12kW inverter, you would need a minimum 4kW of solar because I believe solar goes to the loads first. 12kW would come from the battery unless more PV comes in and it would reduce the load on the battery. If you had 16kW of PV coming in, nothing would come out of the battery. * EG4 will probably have to answer this one. I can only assume it's because the Flexboss has more components to do other features that the 12000XP can't do. * PV input range is 100-600VDC. Nominal voltage is 360VDC. * Have to leave that one to EG4
Is there a such thing as a BMS that can accurately report SOC? Why an EG4 inverter can't accept soc data from a shunt is beyond me. Or even having a shunt on board the EG4 or offer that option.
I thought I saw a thread on the diysolarforum where someone created some kind of integration between the Victron shunt and the 6000XP. I'm guessing it's converting the VE Direct to CAN somehow. Might not give you all the details, but at least the SOC.
If the capacity and expandability are not a major concern, will Sol-Ark 15K be a better choice for easy installation to integrate with a grid panel by integrating all, including automatic transfer switch, into one unit at a slightly higher price?
You could go with the SolArk, FlexBoss, 18kPV, MidNite AIO or the NHX. Lots of different options if you’re not worried about expanding. Many people tend to add a manual transfer switch before the inverter so you can still have power in the event that you need to perform maintenance or firmware updates on the inverter. Some AHJs may actually require it. The grid boss could be that transfer switch as well as give you some smart loads if you need them.
@@AdamDeLayDIY Even if SolArk 15K is about $2,000 more expensive than EG4 18KPV, but it integrates with almost everything and easier for installation. EG4 requires $2,000 more for external transfer switch with additional parts and labor for installation, then it would cost even more if expandability is not an issue. ua-cam.com/video/C6Q0u-g3qHQ/v-deo.html
@ I have no direct experience with either product, so what I know comes from my own research and hearing other experiences. The installation and integration for a SolArk vs an 18kPV would be nearly identical from what I can see. Eg4 doesn’t require any external transfer switch. It is recommended by a lot of folks though, even some SolArk installers. Even in my own installations, nothing worse than having to tell your family that the power is going out because you have to re-wire something or update the firmware on the inverter. The big thing I can see from that video you shared is the max output with PV. If you need the extra 3kW continuous during the daytime then it seems like you would want the SolArk hands down. If not, then you just have to make a decision based on the cost and the rest of your needs.
Does the flex boss 21 fit on top of the eg4 indoor battery conduit box the same way as the 12kpv and 12000xp and the 18kpv .. if not … how much space is needed with the fans in vertical orientation? There looks to be about 4-5 inches of free space behind bottom of front panel for airflow
I know that the data can be pulled into Solar Assistant, so it's being transmitted. I would imagine if you could get the modbus datasheet, you could pull the info directly into HA. The other option is to set up the EG4 equipment in SA and then enable MQTT to allow HA to pull from SA.
Confused by the statement that it costs $2,000 more for EG4 18KPV to buy and install transfer switch and parts. Does EG4 18KPV already have a transfer switch which is justed moved to GridBOSS?
@@tdlin1721 the 18kpv has an internal transfer switch to automatically switch between battery and grid power. Many recommend installing an external transfer switch to bypass the inverter in the event that you need to service it. Some AHJs may require it depending on where and how it’s installed. The grid boss has an interlock kit which allows you to bypass all your inverters if needed.
@ so I’m not sure if the grid boss has any actual “automatic transfer features”. The hybrid inverter that connects to the grid boss supplies power to the connected loads. In the event that the inverters cannot supply enough power, the remainder automatically comes from the grid. From what I can see, the big selling points of the grid boss are the ability to simplify multi-inverter installation as well as a listed transfer switch to be installed just past the meter.
This question isn't meant to cause any disrespect, but are the GridBoss and FlexBoss something that was EG4's idea and contracted out to Lux Power? to build? Or are they a Lux Power created product that EG4 is selling with their own tweaks(such as is done with the inverters)?
While I can't speak to any specifics, usually if you look at LuxPower's website, you'll see the "sister model" for lack of a better term. I don't see anything resembling the Flex/GridBoss hardware over there.
@@andyfromtoystory7426 fair enough. The way they were talking, it seemed like they were saying that it was their idea and their own product. I was just curious since most or all of the previous things like inverters were designed by others from what I can tell(might be customized a bit in the firmware but not sure).
@@tjmooney4181 having no first-hand experience with either unit and only going off of the specs, I would probably look at the 12,000 XP simply because it doesn’t have extra grid related features that the flex boss does. It also has a significantly lower price point, which would allow you to add more solar and batteries with that savings. If I had a chance to look at both of them and test them both out, the answer might be different.
@AdamDeLayDIY thanks I was leaning towards the flexboss as I never use the screen, really like the 600v per mppt, my inverter is in outdoor shed, and 10 year warranty seems like an obvious choice
@ I’m sure that the fact that the flex boss is sealed has to be a big factor in the fact that the warranty is doubled. Do you still have the 6500s out in the shed? Were you planning on adding more panels to you existing arrays to need the 600v?
@AdamDeLayDIY i upgraded the 2x 6500s to 2x 6000xps but then upgraded those to the 18kpv and just ordered the flex boss to swap the 18kpv so I can get familiar with it and offer to my future clients. Yes I like using 11 450w bifacial panels for the perfect input for each string 😀
I'm fortunate to have tons of space on my property and I buy the panels by the pallet to get the best deal so I have over 100 in my shipping currently to play with 😉
Thank you James Showalter for the excellent products at a decent price. You remind me of a friend of mine who's an electronics geek like me. I bought both the GridBOSS and the FlexBOSS 21. They've been shipped and will be here soon. I'll tie them to 40 - 410 watt panels and 3 - 15kwh LFP batteries with 200 amp Pace BMS in all 3. I'm an electronic tech on CNC machine tools at Americas biggest airplane company with 40 years experience. Did radar maintenance in the U. S. Air Force too. I can't wait to get my home wired up with this stuff. I was looking at the cost of 200 amp transfer switches and you totally hit the mark with the GridBOSS. Keep making great stuff.
Thank you for your service!
Good stuff Ac coupling has come a long way since Jack experimented with it back in the day.
Great video, I’m just starting my solar journey and jumped on the Boss’ as soon as they started preordering, received mine yesterday, this video helped answer a lot of technical questions. Thanks!
Looking forward to owning my power.
@@chipbrown8396 awesome! Congrats!
Loved your questions! Thank you!
Thanks! Hopefully they help someone out!
11:32
While I totally respect James and EG4 the answer given as to why no aluminum conductors in the Grid Boss was really really frustrating. It makes absolutely zero sense to exclude aluminum and the reason why is because users can't figure out how to size aluminum correctly?
But at the same time James did say all of the terminals in the Grid Boss are CU/AL rated. 13:00
Wouldn't a 200A service use 4/0 aluminum?
@@MyGoogleUA-cam it seems like they do use 4/0 aluminum. Not sure if is actually a little larger than 4/0 copper?
I will say I have talked to an awful lot of diy folks they didn’t know copper and aluminum ratings were different. To be fair, I didn’t know that when I first got into it either.
I’m actually hoping they just make a change to include that you can use aluminum as well. That would make it truly a drop-in replacement for most homes with a 200a service.
Thanks for using timestamps by the way. Makes it so much easier to understand questions when there’s actual context!
@@AdamDeLayDIY Thank you for the reply - we will see what they do in the future. The only thing I am concerned about is the label inside of the Grid Boss. Is there text in large print that says Aluminum conductors prohibited? That would likely be a problem come inspection.
@ unfortunately the only one I’ve seen in person was a demo model at a conference. I haven’t heard of any type of sticker though.
A question I have is this... If this system (Flex and Gridboss) is tied to an EG4 wall mount LFP battery setup, the battery breaker will trip when the rapid shutdown is initiated. How can you use the dry contacts in the FlexBoss 21 to trip a shut trip breaker in-line on the NON EG4 type batteries? Is there a software function in the GridBOSS to do that?
I'll have to leave that question up to EG4. After going through the manual though I'm not aware of any way to program when the dry contacts close or open. It's software, so anything's possible though.
great video thanks
Thanks!
Awesome video!
@@charleshill7184 thanks!
I'll add here some questions for EG4:
-Gridboss:
*Can you dark start the inverters and gridboss via a generator in gen port?
* Can you dark start or power the gridboss and inverters via the smartload ports(ac couple/generator)?
*What smart capabilites can you do via the app?
* What can the Gridboss monitor?
*EMP hardened? Pending testing?
-Flexboss
*How much solar do you need to achieve 16KW AC output continous and assuming you have good batteries? 4KW pv + 12KW battery min or 16KW pv min?
*Why does this inverter have less pv capacity vs 12000xp, even though it is stronger and hybrid?
*What would be the Voc pv input recommendation?
*EMP hardened? Pending testing?
I'll try to answer. Maybe someone from EG4 will be able to correct me if I'm wrong.
-Gridboss:
* I'm pretty sure the reason they're adding the darkstart to the flexboss is because it can't be done through the gridboss.
* Same as above
* You should be able to program the Smart Ports and control when they turn on and off as well as control when the gen starts and stops.
* There's a picture in the manual of what you'll see in the monitor center for the gridboss.
* Have to leave that one to EG4
- Flexboss:
* Since it's a 12kW inverter, you would need a minimum 4kW of solar because I believe solar goes to the loads first. 12kW would come from the battery unless more PV comes in and it would reduce the load on the battery. If you had 16kW of PV coming in, nothing would come out of the battery.
* EG4 will probably have to answer this one. I can only assume it's because the Flexboss has more components to do other features that the 12000XP can't do.
* PV input range is 100-600VDC. Nominal voltage is 360VDC.
* Have to leave that one to EG4
Is there a such thing as a BMS that can accurately report SOC?
Why an EG4 inverter can't accept soc data from a shunt is beyond me. Or even having a shunt on board the EG4 or offer that option.
I thought I saw a thread on the diysolarforum where someone created some kind of integration between the Victron shunt and the 6000XP. I'm guessing it's converting the VE Direct to CAN somehow. Might not give you all the details, but at least the SOC.
@@AdamDeLayDIY
I'll take a look thanks!
@@MyGoogleUA-cam 👍
Looking forward to pIring a 18k and the flex 21!!!!!!
If the capacity and expandability are not a major concern, will Sol-Ark 15K be a better choice for easy installation to integrate with a grid panel by integrating all, including automatic transfer switch, into one unit at a slightly higher price?
You could go with the SolArk, FlexBoss, 18kPV, MidNite AIO or the NHX. Lots of different options if you’re not worried about expanding.
Many people tend to add a manual transfer switch before the inverter so you can still have power in the event that you need to perform maintenance or firmware updates on the inverter. Some AHJs may actually require it. The grid boss could be that transfer switch as well as give you some smart loads if you need them.
@@AdamDeLayDIY Even if SolArk 15K is about $2,000 more expensive than EG4 18KPV, but it integrates with almost everything and easier for installation. EG4 requires $2,000 more for external transfer switch with additional parts and labor for installation, then it would cost even more if expandability is not an issue.
ua-cam.com/video/C6Q0u-g3qHQ/v-deo.html
@ I have no direct experience with either product, so what I know comes from my own research and hearing other experiences.
The installation and integration for a SolArk vs an 18kPV would be nearly identical from what I can see. Eg4 doesn’t require any external transfer switch. It is recommended by a lot of folks though, even some SolArk installers. Even in my own installations, nothing worse than having to tell your family that the power is going out because you have to re-wire something or update the firmware on the inverter.
The big thing I can see from that video you shared is the max output with PV. If you need the extra 3kW continuous during the daytime then it seems like you would want the SolArk hands down. If not, then you just have to make a decision based on the cost and the rest of your needs.
Awesome 🎉thanks 👍
Thanks TJ!
Does the flex boss 21 fit on top of the eg4 indoor battery conduit box the same way as the 12kpv and 12000xp and the 18kpv .. if not … how much space is needed with the fans in vertical orientation? There looks to be about 4-5 inches of free space behind bottom of front panel for airflow
Great minds think alike! This was actually one of my questions that I wasn’t able to get to during the stream. I’ll see what I can find out.
The signature solar video has some b-roll of it mounted just like this.
I hope the add HomeAssistant integration with EG4 equipment at some point
I know that the data can be pulled into Solar Assistant, so it's being transmitted. I would imagine if you could get the modbus datasheet, you could pull the info directly into HA. The other option is to set up the EG4 equipment in SA and then enable MQTT to allow HA to pull from SA.
Confused by the statement that it costs $2,000 more for EG4 18KPV to buy and install transfer switch and parts. Does EG4 18KPV already have a transfer switch which is justed moved to GridBOSS?
@@tdlin1721 the 18kpv has an internal transfer switch to automatically switch between battery and grid power. Many recommend installing an external transfer switch to bypass the inverter in the event that you need to service it. Some AHJs may require it depending on where and how it’s installed.
The grid boss has an interlock kit which allows you to bypass all your inverters if needed.
@@AdamDeLayDIY Thanks for your reply! Thus, GridBOSS has both internal and external transfer switches. It saves only the external part?
@ so I’m not sure if the grid boss has any actual “automatic transfer features”. The hybrid inverter that connects to the grid boss supplies power to the connected loads. In the event that the inverters cannot supply enough power, the remainder automatically comes from the grid.
From what I can see, the big selling points of the grid boss are the ability to simplify multi-inverter installation as well as a listed transfer switch to be installed just past the meter.
This question isn't meant to cause any disrespect, but are the GridBoss and FlexBoss something that was EG4's idea and contracted out to Lux Power? to build? Or are they a Lux Power created product that EG4 is selling with their own tweaks(such as is done with the inverters)?
While I can't speak to any specifics, usually if you look at LuxPower's website, you'll see the "sister model" for lack of a better term. I don't see anything resembling the Flex/GridBoss hardware over there.
Lux doesn’t have these products that eg4 is promoting….
@@andyfromtoystory7426 fair enough. The way they were talking, it seemed like they were saying that it was their idea and their own product. I was just curious since most or all of the previous things like inverters were designed by others from what I can tell(might be customized a bit in the firmware but not sure).
Flex boss or 12000xp for complete off grid project?
@@tjmooney4181 having no first-hand experience with either unit and only going off of the specs, I would probably look at the 12,000 XP simply because it doesn’t have extra grid related features that the flex boss does. It also has a significantly lower price point, which would allow you to add more solar and batteries with that savings.
If I had a chance to look at both of them and test them both out, the answer might be different.
@AdamDeLayDIY thanks I was leaning towards the flexboss as I never use the screen, really like the 600v per mppt, my inverter is in outdoor shed, and 10 year warranty seems like an obvious choice
@ I’m sure that the fact that the flex boss is sealed has to be a big factor in the fact that the warranty is doubled.
Do you still have the 6500s out in the shed? Were you planning on adding more panels to you existing arrays to need the 600v?
@AdamDeLayDIY i upgraded the 2x 6500s to 2x 6000xps but then upgraded those to the 18kpv and just ordered the flex boss to swap the 18kpv so I can get familiar with it and offer to my future clients. Yes I like using 11 450w bifacial panels for the perfect input for each string 😀
I'm fortunate to have tons of space on my property and I buy the panels by the pallet to get the best deal so I have over 100 in my shipping currently to play with 😉