Update: The TUV listing was the same certification that the LV6548 had to begin with. So it is not special in that regard. And passing inspection may prove difficult. Check out what I recommend on using this inverter safely here: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html If you wish to permit and pass inspection, check out this page: www.mobile-solarpower.com/code-compliant-48v-offgrid-system.html They did not tell me about this inverter till a few days ago. It is $300 cheaper than other LV6548's, and has more features. So it will probably sell out soon. I am building a full system with these units right now that is code compliant. I will be making a dedicated blueprint on my website for this unit! Just found out that the five year warranty only applies if you buy their batteries with it. Affiliate links: EG4 6500EX: signaturesolar.com/eg4-6-5k-off-grid-inverter-6500ex-48/?ref=cPwLcVc0SW-BjN Budget Server Rack Battery: signaturesolar.com/shop-all/batteries/eg4-lifepower4/?ref=cPwLcVc0SW-BjN 0:00 Intro 3:06 Tear Down and Comparison 5:37 Connecting to Battery 6:18 Idle Consumption 6:48 Communication Setup 7:40 Remote Display Setup 8:10 Computer Connection and Data Logging 10:02 Firmware and Compatibility Discussion 11:09 Conclusion ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com Join our DIY solar community! #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com Check out my best-selling, beginner-friendly 12V off-grid solar book (affiliate link): amzn.to/2Aj4dX4 If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Solar. Low prices and great warranty, and they can take your entire house offgrid with their new Powerwalls: ts.la/william57509 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My solar equipment recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first): 12V/48V Lithium Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html Plug-N-Play Systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html Complete 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar and Coupon Codes: -Current Connected: SOK, Victron and High Quality Components. Best prices and warranty around: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp -Signature Solar: Cheap Server Rack Batteries and Large Solar Panels: www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Ecoflow Delta Official Site: My favorite plug-n-play solar generator: us.ecoflow.com/?aff=7 -AmpereTime: Cheapest 12V batteries around: amperetime.com/products/ampere-time-12v-100ah-lithium-lifepo4-battery?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Rich Solar: Mega site and cheaper prices than renogy! Check them out: richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek -Shop Solar Kits: Huge site with every solar kit you can imagine! Check it out: shopsolarkits.com/?ref=will-p -Battery Hookup: Cheap cell deals bit.ly/2mIxSqt 10% off code: diysolar -Watts 24/7: Best deals on all-in-one solar power systems, with customer support and distribution here in the USA: watts247.com/?wpam_id=3 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Contact Information: I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar FTC Disclosure Statement and Disclaimers: Every video includes some form of paid promotion or sponsorship. Some links on this youtube channel may be affiliate links. We may get paid if you buy something or take an action after clicking one of these. My videos are for educational purposes only. Information is subject to change/update at any time. Electricity is DANGEROUS and can kill. Be smart and use common sense :) DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, An affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com
AND......can't believe you didn't comment on this.......you can fit conduit into the inverter holes for the connections! You didn't like those oblong ones. Now you got the goods!!!
@@WillProwse Will you be using the DeWalt rack? I would love to see how you will wire up the system and make it look nice using those (or similar) Racks.
@@WillProwse Hey Will. What about the issue with power on the neutral or bonding of ground and neutral? I'm living off grid in Hawaii and am wanting to upgrade my system. Currently have an older MPP 5000w 240v single phase with a toroidal transformer to achieve split phase power.
@@youngenuf I will be covering this in the next few videos. My original configuration a year ago will actually work fine because the ground conductors are short and protected. There will be current on ground and that's ok. Sounds crazy but installers will be using that configuration and it will pass inspection
@@KINGTHEBEAST I know right I'm so stupid I bought some stuff before I found will I found will about 3 days ago and I realized I made the wrong purchase big time his videos are so great
We have been off the grid for 5 years. In northern canada. I only buy stuff that will approved or showed us. He is the only one i trust regarding solar systems.
And back then, there were two schools of thought. Buy a complete matched system or get the best of each component. I see the same thing here in solar. You can buy a complete kit from a company like MPP, or you can buy the best of each component. Pros and cons on both sides.
I need serious help, I just bought 2 growatts and a gyl battery and I have no idea what I am doing. And looking at this comment, and being a teenager of the 70s I know exactly what you mean about stereo equipment
Lol, yep and had to have the loudest systems, in 85 i had an older Telefunken amp that cranked out 750 watts, added 2 Bose 601on the floor , and two 901s hung in corners, the party always ended up at my house, now we want more watts of energy in a whole new way
All of this equipment will be obsolete in a decade just like the giant receivers of the 1970’s. It will still work great but smaller higher power systems and batteries will come along. I’m still clinging to my McIntosh and JBL 14” woofers with horn tweeters in giant bass ported speaker boxes!
this inverter (pair of them actually), plus their no-screen batteries, combined with the heavy duty rack you posted in another video, is pretty much how I want to roll out the off-grid power for my future home.
These appear to be what most solar enthusiasts are looking for a single solution 120V or combined 240V home solar controller. Totally reasonable price for the specs. I really like the EG4 product line. It is stacking up to be huge contender for an all in one solution. I’ll be watching the short and long term reviews with high interest. Thanks for the video Will.
Thank you so much for everything Will. I’ve lived off grid in a camper for 7 years now. I’m finally getting a house put in soon. Planning to stay off grid. Im so close to ordering my inverters and batteries. I was gonna do EG4 48v server rack batteries. Maybe I’ll do this inverter as well. The 500v input is nice compared to the sun gold equivalent. Although I am attracted to the higher surge wattage and the 20sec surge length of the sun gold. Just a little more research to go before I make my purchase. Thanks again Will. You’re a legend and a hero.
Just an update: I am getting this inverter as well as 2x EG4 5kw batteries!! The company I am having design my system said he asked some sources about the quality of inverter and heard back some good things!!
You're right 500 is great the sun gold only has 390 with their new version. Is this one👉 500 on each side. Two arrays. Sungold can do two arrays ..can this one also and is it 500 per side. It's too late now I already bought the sun gold.. It's going to be okay I'll make it I'm only staying 120 output for now I'm not going 240. I should but I'm not going to I don't need it yet
You are a really good salesman.I purchased two of these and a pallet of (27) 390 watt panels, batteries are next.I'll bet Signature Solar is getting a lot of business from your followers.Thanks for educating us!
I saw the Signature Solar video about 5 min after they released it. I was about to order 2 MPP 6548's ... BUT ... I ordered 2 of these instead. When I first started looking a few weeks ago I almost got 6 of the server rack batteries ...But got convinced to just build my own for 3x the capacity at about the same price. I also ordered 12 more 330w panels as well (to go with my existing 12 panels ... for a total of 8 kw now). Gonna be busy this summer building it all. This is for a completely off grid remote site.
You may not care....but the data logging features are great for optimizing the PV system layout and tracking drains or overall system performance. May not need it all the time, but when its used it helps give a full picture of what is going on.
I bought 4 of these and unfortunately only of them works properly... hopefully just bad first batch. I see Signature solar is pumping out videos to deal with all the issues and hope they get stable soon... for now I am going back to the Mpp 6548s.
I'm already received my two batteries and looks like my inverter should be here in a week. Thanks to you and your videos I'll be turning a two horse trailer into an off grid solar power station for my property.
It's a shame that I bought the LV6548. This is a better unit and it's listed. But if this is listed then the MPP units should get the same listing since they are similar. This unit being listed might force MPP to get the listing now. Not having a Laptop with a serial port made that data cable worthless. But I found that the micro USB port does the same job. I have spotty wifi connection where I mounted my unit so I occasionally will plug in to see the data. While having the removerable screen is nice, I can't recall any time that I have used the screen after I set up all of the parameters. I have never shut the unit down since I connected it. I plan on shutting it down now that I have learned about the bonding screw. I would rather bond at the panel like normal. I hope my ground voltage disappears after I remove the bonding screw
not a shame, i had the 6548 and bought these because i thought they were better.. what a mistake. nothing but problems and signature solar technical support is horrendous. Im going back to the 6548.
Please focus on an RV install! 😀 Looking at an all-in-one for a 50A RV - at the moment, talking myself into split phase. This unit however looks pretty cool - I suppose I could just break the output into two legs and "dogbone" it - but interested in a best practices opinion. Love the videos! Thank you for doing these!
Looking forward to a future video showing split phase with batteries and solar connected. Also testing the full load and surge capability for AC compressor starting. Very exciting to have UL listing now.
I really suggest going with anyone other than signature solar, after spending 17k on a system with two of these in "parallel" (they've not functioned as advertised yet) and 3 months with tech support regarding inverters that arrived damaged, they say the most recent doesn't fall under warranty, and is somehow user error. Only issue is I have followed the manual and tech support staff's instructions exclusively. Customer support and Tech support are helpful but QC and RMA have been an utter disaster.
I think ‘listed’ is the key. That’s the game changer for me. Just need to convince the mrs to pull the trigger. I figure you’re in it for $1300 + $1300 for a 48v battery + $1400 in panels + $1000 in racks and stuff is $5000 for a good start. Anyone doing the same math?
If you could find the pin-out for that cable, you could probably cut the end off the ethernet cable and wire it up however you want and it may work (and crimp a new end on). Also, about 15 years ago, a friend of mine and I were working on a site with a device that required an ethernet cross-over cable (which we didn't have on us). We cut the cable directly in half, and stripped the wires in the middle and just connected the wires together to make a cross-over by twisting the correct wires together. Saved us a 2 hour trip. it just needed to work for a couple of minutes - so it was a quick and dirty.
Well this makes it simple and cheap. You can use 2 inverters and the cheaper eg4 batteries and still have access to all the information via the inverter interfaces. No need to spend extra on the batteries. I assume these can be run in grid tie without batteries as a starting point which allows you to focus on the solar side then add back up capacity as you can afford it.
Nope, they are not grid tie inverter, but can be run without battery (not recommend anyway, too much stress for the hardware) if not in parallel mode. If you look for something more flexible to start with in a grid tie configuration with no battery, look for deye hybride inverter.
Well said Will! I have tried using the software from MPP Solar and have found it to be not user-friendly. I am a firm believer in the Kiss method ( Keep it simple stupid).
Hello from Sacramento CA. This is more what I am looking for. Grid tied/stand alone for my home. I have a 1970 airstream and can put 1600w of panels on it with about 900 to 1300w power feed to the batteries. My needs so far with just two batteries charger from cord and truck alternator last for over 7 days use. But want to add a mini split 240v hvac system and want to use my trailer to add power to my home when not camping why have it sit idle and help pay for it self. 😀
For communication cables you would likely have to use a crossover cable instead to get communications going if you are not connecting either unit to a router or switch.
Sick technology. No shortage of great new stuff. Always fun to watch Will go through these units with every detail. Just so you know Will, in his video last week Bob Wells said "Will is The Man" ☺.
At 85w idle you're looking at 2.04kw per day just to have it on, that can be hard to get in oregon with the clouds and rainy days back to back, what is a ul listed product with the lowest idle draw in a comparable unit?
I am extremely interested in this model. One thing that I think would be helpful for many watching this would be to go over many of the wiring scenarios that it supports. My question for you is this, how do you think this would fair in a mobile application such as an RV with small generator and a few 100 watts of solar.
You need to pass on even the 3kw all in ones if you are only feeding a few hundred watts of solar, the idle consumption alone exceeds your solar input. This particular unit will consume 2.04kw per day just to be on, no loads, that would mean if all you had was 400w of panels (and if that even has enough voltage to run the unit) it would take 5 hours of full sun just to cover idle consumption, before you even begin to create power you can use. I doubt it would work at all though, you won't be in the operating voltage range of the mppt on this unit. For my 3kw growatt connected to 10kw 48v battery the minimum panels it needs to provide me basic rv power needs without heating without cooling without cooking, without water heater, without laundry, just lights, tv, cable modem, router, apartment size fridge, laptop, and usb charging requires 4x 440w panels (1760w of panels). On cloudy days sometimes all I get is enough solar to cover idle consumption in winter even less, on sunny days it brings in 4-5kw usable power on top of idle consumption. This is in oregon, arizona would be more sun needing less panels but not by much. This 1760w of panels is just enough to keep my 10kw battery topped up on a regular basis, but on cloudy days, especially when there are multiple cloudy days in a row I have to drastically reduce power usage to get along ok. I only use 1.5 to 2.5kw of power per day for everything I run, that means the idle consumption of the growatt is often more than the power I use for everything else combined.
@@jimbob3030I'd looked at these for a small, portable system for my utility trailer, but was concerned about both standby power consumption and ability to stand up to rugged use. If not this all in one, what size/type would you recommend?
This is my go to channel for all things Solar - but I disagree the way you dismissed the value of collecting data - and especially your implication that if you do collect the data, that you would have to sit there and watch as it’s being collected 🙄. (Which would be insane). Collecting the data for later analysis and review can give you all kinds of valuable insights about your system and help you to quantify any excess production or bottlenecks in your setup. It’s fine if you don’t see value in it - but many people will!
Will, I just discovered your channel, and maybe you've covered this already - but I feel like most of what you do if off-grid. What if I want it ALL? What if I want a grid-tie system, but also something just like the EG4 6500EX that is easy to do split phase (240V), that covers most or all of my needs while grid is up, but also will continue working with the grid down - yes, large battery rack with units like the EG4-LL48V units. Basically, I want to *augment* solar with the grid when the solar isn't making enough power to satisfy. Maybe load shedding for when the grid is down and PV/Batt doesn't have enough juice? Very cool channel!
This unit does that. Hence the UL Listing. It is grid tied. You should be able to set the time that the unit uses the grid also so you can get the cheapest Time Of Use rate. If you want the premium unit to do that then Sol-Ark is your brand.
Let's clarify a couple of things: Off Grid does not mean completely disconnected from the Grid (it can, but it doesn't have to be). An off grid inverter like this one CAN be plugged into your grid feed and can be configured to switch to pull electricity from the Grid when Solar and Battery can't provide enough. So you would never go without power. What they CAN'T do is Feed any excess electricity produced by your solar panels back through the grid to the Utility company. They can't push up electricity to the grid, only pull from the grid when it needs it. Grid Tie inverters CAN push that excess power up through the grid back to the Utility company. Those are more regulated and require approval from the Utility company before they can be installed because you don't want to push electricity up a wire that may be worked on and end up killing some line workers. Also, with grid tie inverters, it's up to the Utility company to decide how much they are willing to credit you for the electricity you produce and push up to them. In an off Grid converter, You are just consuming electricity from them when you HAVE to so you don't need anyone's permission to setup your system. Does that make it clearer?
I’m at 70 year old man trying to put a system together so I can live and it’s so ridiculously expensive even now. I don’t know who to reach out to to find the answers I just can’t come up with money for an inverter and a charge controller and panels and batteries out and my god it’s so hard I enjoy your videos will process God bless you
What are you trying to run? If you just need power for lights/computer, then some old car batteries, used panels, and a cheap 12v/24v inverter will work fine. I built my first basic system for about $300 total.
And here I am with an Aims 24v 4000w, 12000w surge in entertainment that cost me $1700 last fall. Cannot wait to see what they have in 5 years when we upgrade the house a bit more.
Yeah, I don't know why they use the com port. I guess it's an industrial thing because I see them on industrial equipment all the time. Some laptops designed for Industrial use do still have them, but COM port to USB adapters do exist.
Hoping to see this company come out with something that will take more than 550Vdc on multiple string MPPT controllers. As I recall, their internal control software has a good variation of what you can do in a hybrid mode configuration. I DO like how they've gotten some decently price battery packs and inverter/chargers so they're on my "short list" along with Victron if I can ever afford to go off-grid.
@@jeffwhite3021 I haven't looked into it that much, but if/when we build it would be someplace with relaxed codes if you're off-grid. Idaho, W.Virginia or Texas are near the top of the list. Edit: At a guess it would be if the property was a working farm or semi-commercial enterprise that needs 3-phase power. The HV battery assemblies I've seen are definitely more commercially oriented, as are devices like the Sol-Ark 30k or 60k inverter chargers. The main reason _I_ would like to see string voltage capabilities over 550VDC is to have both a bit of a "cushion" for open circuit conditions as well as the ability to run _slightly_ lower gauge wire from the array(s) to the inverter/charger/charge controller. Also, this higher voltage would NOT be running into the house. It would go to either a dedicated power house or to a power/well pump house.
@@gdegarimore Everything was on preorder so it's taken awhile to get stuff as the inverter just showed up in mid October. Ordered some tools, books and 4/0 cable. Weather and life has slowed me down a little and when the cable and cutters show up I think I'll be ready to hook everything up.
@@gdegarimore Btw I plan on running my heat and electric blankets at first and air conditioning next summer with the pass through solar charging feature on the ex 6500. It should work well with the 2 batteries but next summer I hope to have the other 4 batteries installed. Good luck with your set up!
I just bought the same inverter and battery for my new cabin, on your opinion here. So I honestly hope that they work. They should be here next week. We'll see how it works.
@@wheels636 bummer! what did the installer charge for install if you don't mind? What is the battery set-up? How many panels? What appliances are you running?
According to Signature Solar the EG4 6500EX-48 is NOT UL Listed. It is UL Certified. Just spoke with them this moring Monday July 18, 2022. Please sort this out.
@@WillProwse Could be a simple crossover cable that's easily available, but sounds like you're ahead of this already. Is the unit ULC certified for Canada?
We have finally been looking to figure out how is the best way to do Solar for our needs on our Rv we don’t have a lot of space with the layout and of course budget and it seems that between the eg4 racks and all in one would be our best options. Would love to pick your brain or one just like it one day to confirm my research.
Wow .! As always I so appreciate that you have the interest in sharing not just the what(s) and the how(s) but the "what Not to do(s)" so to speak....thamk you ...!
I understand that solar is your focus, but have you ever thought about also including a wind turbine into the same unit? I’m in Canada, so solar is massively decreased in winter, so I would ideally like to incorporate both, but I don’t really know how.
I'm in Michigan and have been thinking the same thing wind over solar combo seems like the way to go. The problem i see is there isn't much info on quality residential wind generators.
I don't know much, but the LV6548 has two sets of MC4 connection points so if you get a 48v wind turbine on one set and solar on the other, it seems like that could work🤷♂️
@@thenuthing8258 I don't think that would work very well. The little bit I've gleaned from wind power related videos seems to indicate that the inverters for wind have to be different since they have to constantly adjust the loading as the wind speed varies, that way it can get the max output from it.
If I had to guess, most of the internal differences are probably from natural evolution of the product design and the component source chain of the "Voltronics", rather than something customized for EG4. I had two MPPSolar LV5048's a year apart and they had random differences.
7:10 more than likely it's a cross over cable all you gave to do is plug that rj45 into hub and the other to hub and it should work , criss over cables let them per to per connection
I wonder if the grounding relays are similar as far as neutral ground bonding and the confusion with the LV 65-48. Super awesome unit, so disappointed already bought two lv6548
Still reading and trying to understand all this solar tech. I like it, I find it very interesting. I am a finance guy by trade, so no tech stuff - I have to read, and re-read multiple times for it to stick. My mind just does not work that way. LOL. That said, here is a solar question - if I have an 8kw All in One system, setup with all the bells and whistles to where it produces as a system like that should, and my monthly electric bill never exceeds or at least has never exceeded 5kWh per month, why do solar companies want to install 30kWh systems? Thanks for being kind with what it probably the dumbest question you've ever been asked. I am learning, and want to learn and understand more, so bear with me.
Try an RJ 45 crossover cable or make up one yourself. Rather than straight through as most RJ 45 cables are, the crossover cable pinout is different and used for printers and some controllers.
Just ordered one using your link. Everything in my home is electric except my fuel oil furnace but with the cost of fuel oil now I may have to heat with electric. I will have to buy all the components a little at a time with a limited income. So I have the inverter next is the batteries and solar panels probably used after the inverter is paid off. Thanks for all your info. Keep up the great work.
If you have space and can do it - heat pumps are a very efficient way to heat your house. And modern heat pumps work down to -22F / -30C.. more than twice as efficient as pure electric heaters.
It is likely a serial crossover cable. You can cut the end off an Ethernet reverse a couple pair and use it if you have a crimper. Or buy a crossover cable. I would be curious if that is the case but I think it is very likely.
That's nice wish they would do a 4024 I have there batteries with my outback and midnight controller's works awesome I have 30 more panels too put up.... Keep it up brother
Will, I remember you saying in a video you did, you could not wait til EG4 came out with an all in one that rival the LV6548. When I saw this video, not sure how I missed it, being subscribed and all, regardless, I have been waiting to see what you would cover. As always, great video, great info.
That idle current is my main concern. 1) If I only turn the inverter on when I need to power loads, how much draw is there when the inverter is off? 2) How long does it take for the inverter to start up? The manual says 10-15 sec but I would like to see a real world test. I'd like to primarily use this to charge an EV but don't want it idling when the EV doesn't need charging or isn't around, but I still want it to charge my battery via PV.
That idle consumption of circa 80 watts is about 2 KW a day just in idle. Have a couple of cloudy days and that's 6 KW of battery drain just in idle mode.
I just noticed the manual says it has an automatic power save mode that puts the inverter in standby state when there is no load, then re-starts when a load is detected. This would probably do what you want.
Then turn it off. Or put more solar panels on the roof. It's still 3-4X cheaper than other low idle consumption inverters. So if you have a lot of free cash, buy victron. We have had this discussion for years now and did the calculations. Adding more battery/solar panels is always cheaper than buying a more expensive inverter. But if you're rich, by all means go for it.
@@wmarkedmunds Thanks for pointing that out. I'd love to see a real world test of this for cyclical loads like an EV charger, refrigerator, well pump, etc.
Could this product work when the only power input is a continuous 240v generator? With free mechanical power to the generator, such as a hydro source? Your thoughts?
Going off grid has become so cheap and easy that It almost makes less sense to stay on grid! I mean think about it. Using brand new solar panels you will pay around $0.50 per watt => 8000W = $4000 or so. One of these Charger/Inverters is around $1500. 20KWh of batteries is 4x$1500 = $6000 add anther $500 of hundred for cables, circuit breakers, fuses and you are looking at around $12,000 of equipment. Then add labor and mounting (varies) and you could have a full blown "The utility companies can kiss my a$$" system for around $15,000. Less if you DIY some things and use Used panels. If your electric bill was $200/m, you'd be in the black in 6-7 years.
I did this starting 22 years ago and it was cheaper than the solar market could do back then. In 2018 I did a Phase 2, where I swapped out inverter, batteries and panels with newer stuff. Again much cheaper, using my own labor and searching for the best parts. Today, I would love to start from scratch again with these new products. I am amazed at what EG4 is doing - home run and will probably get better. Now if China can get out of lockdown.......
I went off grid solar for my remote site about 10 years ago (had no other options). Started small and built it up. Then 3 years ago I got a grid tie system for my house (no batteries) which I rolled into a refi on my house and basically got it for free (lower rate). If you work the time of use rates correctly, it works out great and have no power bill at all. I'm now replacing (or expanding, depending on how you look at it) my remote site with all new components. I'll eventually have more solar at my remote site than my house. 50kw solar, 2 x 6.5kw inverters, and 80kw batteries. Together with DIY install and mounting hardware, its < $13k.
I'm not seeing how it saves me money. My utility company charges me less than $3 per day ($2.74) and I average 21kwh of usage per day. If I use your design and numbers, which does not include enough battery capacity,...sb 40kwh storage... it'll take me 15+ years for payback. I can't find a way to go off grid.
@@RoySalisbury free, were you asleep during economics class? Any person with common sense would get the Refi for a lower rate without an excuse to spend the money saved.
Question? Solar input maximum is 500vdc... What is the maximum point voltage on the MPPT curve? I would guess greater than 250vdc. In my opinion, and its only my 50 years of electronics experience, one would prefer to keep solar panel inputs to the combiner box below 150vdc for safety and voltage breakdown considerations. I realize many homeowners are using the higher voltage output solar panels because of limited roof space but for an off grid application I would not recommend an hybrid inverter (charge controller/inverter) with such a high maximum solar input voltage since the software places the efficiency point of the MPPT curve that high. If you concur, please make a change to your recommendations for this product as well as its brother the MppSolar LVX6548 which is, I believe from the same manufacturer. Both units are NOT suited to fully off-grid applications for the reasons stated above. If not? Full off-grid Buyers beware...
The unit no doubt is fairly represented in this video. But do not expect SS to be responsive to any form of communication, except perhaps an oder form with credit card info. They are not. Promised phone calls not returned. Hangups. Computer voices. And unacknowledged emails. Alll to avoid a simple question. Makes you wonder about response if you have trouble with the product.
Glad I am not alone.. dealing with signature solar has been a total nightmare. Unfortunately i bought these and am going through problems with the product, its only been a few days and Customer service has lied to me 3 times , promised a tech to reach out to me multiple times, threatened me with a 30% return fee for defective items, and it goes on and on and on. I learned my lesson.. gonna stick with Wills old recommendation, Watts247 and MPP.
@@nightimee no excuse for a company conducting themselves like this. No one knew anything, seems like they are just a middleman for Chinese products. Might as well buy Ali and take your chance. Thanks for posting and good luck.
I asked the support chat on EG4's homepage if they have any 240V AC inverter, but they have not. I will look at other brand, maybe MPP as you have video on those inverter's.
Love these units! THIS is what I want! Great Video! LOl, that Comms cable is now being used by you ! I'm sure the firmware and the FET differences are related. I'm out in Palm Desert, Ca - sunny all day - every day! I saw you with a RVCA shirt... Hey Neighbor!
You have mentioned RV usage in this video and a few other of your e.g. 4 videos but it's very ambiguous as to how it all gets put together. Is it possible you could have a future video demonstrating with an RV instead of another house, as they are both off grid?
I think the VOC increase with this inverter is the real game changer. It will be easy to achieve the max wattage with those numbers. It’s nearly impossible with the 6458’s. Sure wish they had these a few months ago when I built my system. Then again, there will always be a better inverter coming out every year I suppose.
will indicated the solar input side of the unit looked identical. I wonder if the limiting factor is in the firmware and not hardware? maybe a future firmware upgrade for us LV6548 users?
@@MarkJohnsonLnS that would be amazing. But I doubt it. That’s a lot of voltage for just a firmware update. The new mpp 6048 wp also has 500v per input. I think that’s probably the new standard going forward. It’s not a huge issue for me at this point I guess. But it would have made life a lot easier during my initial install. Plus the battery communication. Which isn’t an issue for others but I would like the option to connect my eg4 batteries.
@@VinceBadovinatz88 it is. Unfortunately I tried these inverters last week and they were very disappointing. The new hardware upgrades were great for installation. But somehow they’ve done something cheaper on the power generation. My lights were strobing and flickering terribly. I’ve also used the mpp version and never had an issue. It’s almost like they have a modified sine wave instead of a pure sine wave. I would definitely avoid them. The newer sun gold versions apparently don’t have this issue. I’ve emailed them and asked.
Idle consumption of two of these is 160 Watts!! That's 3.8Kwh of power per day, just putting up more panels is not an option for everyone and more batteries are also expensive. Other than that I like the unit but it's pretty much just another LV6548 clone with some pluses and minuses.
If the regular Ethernet cable isn't working then I'm sure it just needs a crossover cable, nothing too fancy. You can buy one if you don't know how to rewire and terminate one end.
Great video thanks again Will. For your next split phase output video can you please go through all the settings for the e.g. 4 batteries. Also can you explain how to wire the input line in for split phase so both inverters can have line in power
Wow got an email from Signature Solar and it said Thanks for being the first to grab the new EG4 6.5kW Off-Grid Inverter. Could you leave us a review? I left a small review but really cannot about its performance as I need panels and batteries first. Hopefully with in a month or two I will have it up and running.
Wow! Cheaper than any other version of that 6548 Voltronic core that I have seen *and* UL listed!? This is *the* budget inverter to get if you don't live anywhere but the middle of nowhere.
QUESTION for WILL: How to interface a Wind energy system with a Solar energy system, so you have energy production when the Sun is not out??? i am interested (as are many others), are there a y VAWT (Vertical Axis Wind Turbine) systems with inverters, that can combine their energy production to charge batteries of a Solar Panel/Inverter system, such that they compliment one another. Often when the sun is not out, the wind is blowing, and together these two sources of energy could increase production of power to keep batteries charged. But need some method to make sure both systems do not over power the batteries, or maybe a way for the Solar Inverter and the Wind Inverter can communicate with each other. Even if you had a completely separate Wind system, that created and stored power, that later could be used to connect to the generator side of a solar system as if it was a generator, this might work. Will, do you have a y thoughts on this? Any recommendations? Anyone know of any youtube channels tackling this topic?
Update: The TUV listing was the same certification that the LV6548 had to begin with. So it is not special in that regard. And passing inspection may prove difficult. Check out what I recommend on using this inverter safely here: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html
If you wish to permit and pass inspection, check out this page: www.mobile-solarpower.com/code-compliant-48v-offgrid-system.html
They did not tell me about this inverter till a few days ago. It is $300 cheaper than other LV6548's, and has more features. So it will probably sell out soon. I am building a full system with these units right now that is code compliant. I will be making a dedicated blueprint on my website for this unit!
Just found out that the five year warranty only applies if you buy their batteries with it.
Affiliate links:
EG4 6500EX: signaturesolar.com/eg4-6-5k-off-grid-inverter-6500ex-48/?ref=cPwLcVc0SW-BjN
Budget Server Rack Battery: signaturesolar.com/shop-all/batteries/eg4-lifepower4/?ref=cPwLcVc0SW-BjN
0:00 Intro
3:06 Tear Down and Comparison
5:37 Connecting to Battery
6:18 Idle Consumption
6:48 Communication Setup
7:40 Remote Display Setup
8:10 Computer Connection and Data Logging
10:02 Firmware and Compatibility Discussion
11:09 Conclusion
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Does off-grid solar confuse you? Check out my DIY friendly website for solar system packages and product recommendations, and so much more! www.mobile-solarpower.com
Join our DIY solar community! #1 largest solar forum on the internet for beginners and professionals alike: www.diysolarforum.com
Check out my best-selling, beginner-friendly 12V off-grid solar book (affiliate link):
amzn.to/2Aj4dX4
If DIY is not for you, but you love solar and need an offgrid system, check out Tesla Solar. Low prices and great warranty, and they can take your entire house offgrid with their new Powerwalls: ts.la/william57509
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My solar equipment recommendations (Constantly updated! Check here first):
12V/48V Lithium Batteries: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-batteries.html
Solar System Component Directory: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solarcomponents.html
Plug-N-Play Systems: www.mobile-solarpower.com/full-size-systems.html
Complete 48V System Kits: www.mobile-solarpower.com/complete-48v-solar-kits.html
DIY Friendly Air Conditioner/ Heat Pumps: www.mobile-solarpower.com/solar-friendly-air-conditioners.html
Complete 48V System Blueprint: www.mobile-solarpower.com/48v-complete-system-blueprint.html
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
My Favorite Online Stores for DIY Solar and Coupon Codes:
-Current Connected: SOK, Victron and High Quality Components. Best prices and warranty around: currentconnected.com/?ref=wp
-Signature Solar: Cheap Server Rack Batteries and Large Solar Panels:
www.signaturesolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Ecoflow Delta Official Site: My favorite plug-n-play solar generator:
us.ecoflow.com/?aff=7
-AmpereTime: Cheapest 12V batteries around:
amperetime.com/products/ampere-time-12v-100ah-lithium-lifepo4-battery?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Rich Solar: Mega site and cheaper prices than renogy! Check them out:
richsolar.com/?ref=h-cvbzfahsek
-Shop Solar Kits: Huge site with every solar kit you can imagine! Check it out:
shopsolarkits.com/?ref=will-p
-Battery Hookup: Cheap cell deals
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10% off code: diysolar
-Watts 24/7: Best deals on all-in-one solar power systems, with customer support and distribution here in the USA:
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Contact Information:
I am NOT available for personal solar system consult! If you wish to contact me, this is my direct email: williamprowsediysolar@gmail.com
Join the forum at diysolarforum.com/ if you wish to hang out with myself and others and talk about solar
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AND......can't believe you didn't comment on this.......you can fit conduit into the inverter holes for the connections! You didn't like those oblong ones. Now you got the goods!!!
@@tsp2jxd Oh yes exactly! Finally someone listened. Took years!
@@WillProwse Will you be using the DeWalt rack? I would love to see how you will wire up the system and make it look nice using those (or similar) Racks.
@@WillProwse Hey Will. What about the issue with power on the neutral or bonding of ground and neutral? I'm living off grid in Hawaii and am wanting to upgrade my system. Currently have an older MPP 5000w 240v single phase with a toroidal transformer to achieve split phase power.
@@youngenuf I will be covering this in the next few videos. My original configuration a year ago will actually work fine because the ground conductors are short and protected. There will be current on ground and that's ok. Sounds crazy but installers will be using that configuration and it will pass inspection
Will, you may not realize it, but you provide a great service to us all. MFGs are working much harder to get it right because of your comments.
I totally agree
Ha hahahha
@@KINGTHEBEAST I know right I'm so stupid I bought some stuff before I found will I found will about 3 days ago and I realized I made the wrong purchase big time his videos are so great
We have been off the grid for 5 years. In northern canada. I only buy stuff that will approved or showed us.
He is the only one i trust regarding solar systems.
Reminds me of building sound systems back in the 70's. Every month a better tuner, amp , turntable, etc. would come out.
And back then, there were two schools of thought. Buy a complete matched system or get the best of each component. I see the same thing here in solar. You can buy a complete kit from a company like MPP, or you can buy the best of each component. Pros and cons on both sides.
yup except for me it's my growatts that will collect dust lol
I need serious help, I just bought 2 growatts and a gyl battery and I have no idea what I am doing. And looking at this comment, and being a teenager of the 70s I know exactly what you mean about stereo equipment
Lol, yep and had to have the loudest systems, in 85 i had an older Telefunken amp that cranked out 750 watts, added 2 Bose 601on the floor , and two 901s hung in corners, the party always ended up at my house, now we want more watts of energy in a whole new way
All of this equipment will be obsolete in a decade just like the giant receivers of the 1970’s. It will still work great but smaller higher power systems and batteries will come along. I’m still clinging to my McIntosh and JBL 14” woofers with horn tweeters in giant bass ported speaker boxes!
I’ve been in the solar industry for close to a decade now and I still catch myself watching your great pv videos. Very fun stuff!
this inverter (pair of them actually), plus their no-screen batteries, combined with the heavy duty rack you posted in another video, is pretty much how I want to roll out the off-grid power for my future home.
These appear to be what most solar enthusiasts are looking for a single solution 120V or combined 240V home solar controller. Totally reasonable price for the specs. I really like the EG4 product line. It is stacking up to be huge contender for an all in one solution. I’ll be watching the short and long term reviews with high interest. Thanks for the video Will.
I agree. That eg4 system is great.
Thank you so much for everything Will.
I’ve lived off grid in a camper for 7 years now. I’m finally getting a house put in soon. Planning to stay off grid.
Im so close to ordering my inverters and batteries. I was gonna do EG4 48v server rack batteries. Maybe I’ll do this inverter as well. The 500v input is nice compared to the sun gold equivalent. Although I am attracted to the higher surge wattage and the 20sec surge length of the sun gold.
Just a little more research to go before I make my purchase. Thanks again Will. You’re a legend and a hero.
Just an update: I am getting this inverter as well as 2x EG4 5kw batteries!! The company I am having design my system said he asked some sources about the quality of inverter and heard back some good things!!
Please let me know how you go in the future , I’m in Colombia, building a small countryside house
You're right 500 is great the sun gold only has 390 with their new version. Is this one👉 500 on each side. Two arrays. Sungold can do two arrays ..can this one also and is it 500 per side. It's too late now I already bought the sun gold..
It's going to be okay I'll make it I'm only staying 120 output for now I'm not going 240. I should but I'm not going to I don't need it yet
You are a really good salesman.I purchased two of these and a pallet of (27) 390 watt panels, batteries are next.I'll bet Signature Solar is getting a lot of business from your followers.Thanks for educating us!
It would be nice if Signature Solar actually returned emails or phone calls.
The song goes...... Take the money and run!
I saw the Signature Solar video about 5 min after they released it. I was about to order 2 MPP 6548's ... BUT ... I ordered 2 of these instead. When I first started looking a few weeks ago I almost got 6 of the server rack batteries ...But got convinced to just build my own for 3x the capacity at about the same price.
I also ordered 12 more 330w panels as well (to go with my existing 12 panels ... for a total of 8 kw now). Gonna be busy this summer building it all. This is for a completely off grid remote site.
How's your system working out for you Roy? What type of panels did you order? 8kw's... nice!
Any update on how your liking it?
Been watching for about 3 years, been fun to watch the evolution of everything
The battery communications is typically CAN bus. It's just CAT5 cable. Only two of the 8 wires are used. CAN high and CAN low.
You may not care....but the data logging features are great for optimizing the PV system layout and tracking drains or overall system performance. May not need it all the time, but when its used it helps give a full picture of what is going on.
I bought 4 of these and unfortunately only of them works properly... hopefully just bad first batch. I see Signature solar is pumping out videos to deal with all the issues and hope they get stable soon... for now I am going back to the Mpp 6548s.
I'm already received my two batteries and looks like my inverter should be here in a week. Thanks to you and your videos I'll be turning a two horse trailer into an off grid solar power station for my property.
Been watching you for about a year and your the best on UA-cam by far. Great info, no BS and accurate. Thank you!!
It's a shame that I bought the LV6548. This is a better unit and it's listed. But if this is listed then the MPP units should get the same listing since they are similar. This unit being listed might force MPP to get the listing now.
Not having a Laptop with a serial port made that data cable worthless. But I found that the micro USB port does the same job. I have spotty wifi connection where I mounted my unit so I occasionally will plug in to see the data. While having the removerable screen is nice, I can't recall any time that I have used the screen after I set up all of the parameters. I have never shut the unit down since I connected it. I plan on shutting it down now that I have learned about the bonding screw. I would rather bond at the panel like normal. I hope my ground voltage disappears after I remove the bonding screw
not a shame, i had the 6548 and bought these because i thought they were better.. what a mistake. nothing but problems and signature solar technical support is horrendous. Im going back to the 6548.
Please focus on an RV install! 😀 Looking at an all-in-one for a 50A RV - at the moment, talking myself into split phase. This unit however looks pretty cool - I suppose I could just break the output into two legs and "dogbone" it - but interested in a best practices opinion. Love the videos! Thank you for doing these!
I 100% agree. I'd love to see one of these setup in an RV.
Looking forward to a future video showing split phase with batteries and solar connected. Also testing the full load and surge capability for AC compressor starting. Very exciting to have UL listing now.
I really suggest going with anyone other than signature solar, after spending 17k on a system with two of these in "parallel" (they've not functioned as advertised yet) and 3 months with tech support regarding inverters that arrived damaged, they say the most recent doesn't fall under warranty, and is somehow user error. Only issue is I have followed the manual and tech support staff's instructions exclusively. Customer support and Tech support are helpful but QC and RMA have been an utter disaster.
Just when I think I’ve finally settled on what system I want to use, Will changes my mind…again… Thanks Will!
Matt from the build show made me rethink how I am going to fix my house lol 😂
I think ‘listed’ is the key. That’s the game changer for me. Just need to convince the mrs to pull the trigger. I figure you’re in it for $1300 + $1300 for a 48v battery + $1400 in panels + $1000 in racks and stuff is $5000 for a good start. Anyone doing the same math?
@@eperotti1 you forgot the inverters. $1300 each.
Unless you meant 1 inverter and 1 battery.
If you could find the pin-out for that cable, you could probably cut the end off the ethernet cable and wire it up however you want and it may work (and crimp a new end on).
Also, about 15 years ago, a friend of mine and I were working on a site with a device that required an ethernet cross-over cable (which we didn't have on us). We cut the cable directly in half, and stripped the wires in the middle and just connected the wires together to make a cross-over by twisting the correct wires together. Saved us a 2 hour trip. it just needed to work for a couple of minutes - so it was a quick and dirty.
You sure that wasn’t me? Cut it with all I could find, scissors
I bought a 48v waterproof battery and charger a month ago and everything works just as advertised! Signature Solar is quality!
Well this makes it simple and cheap. You can use 2 inverters and the cheaper eg4 batteries and still have access to all the information via the inverter interfaces. No need to spend extra on the batteries.
I assume these can be run in grid tie without batteries as a starting point which allows you to focus on the solar side then add back up capacity as you can afford it.
Nope, they are not grid tie inverter, but can be run without battery (not recommend anyway, too much stress for the hardware) if not in parallel mode. If you look for something more flexible to start with in a grid tie configuration with no battery, look for deye hybride inverter.
Well said Will! I have tried using the software from MPP Solar and have found it to be not user-friendly. I am a firm believer in the Kiss method ( Keep it simple stupid).
Hello from Sacramento CA. This is more what I am looking for. Grid tied/stand alone for my home. I have a 1970 airstream and can put 1600w of panels on it with about 900 to 1300w power feed to the batteries. My needs so far with just two batteries charger from cord and truck alternator last for over 7 days use. But want to add a mini split 240v hvac system and want to use my trailer to add power to my home when not camping why have it sit idle and help pay for it self. 😀
Also, from Sac, in Citrus Heights now. Just bought Solyndra tubes to make a solar carport with :)
A serial to rj45 cable? 1989 called an want their cables back! lol
I was thinking the same thing
No kidding, newer laptops don't even have ethernet plugs or serial ports. The plugs are too big for the slim form factors.
For communication cables you would likely have to use a crossover cable instead to get communications going if you are not connecting either unit to a router or switch.
Ja, was my thoughts too
Sick technology. No shortage of great new stuff. Always fun to watch Will go through these units with every detail. Just so you know Will, in his video last week Bob Wells said "Will is The Man" ☺.
He did?! Aww that's awesome 😁
You should remove cheap from your lexicon and replace with inexpensive as even then lowest cost battery not really "cheap ".
I'd love to have a server rack inverter system like this to go with server rack batteries....
At 85w idle you're looking at 2.04kw per day just to have it on, that can be hard to get in oregon with the clouds and rainy days back to back, what is a ul listed product with the lowest idle draw in a comparable unit?
Your enthusiasm is addictive my friend! Been a while nice to watch you again.
I am extremely interested in this model. One thing that I think would be helpful for many watching this would be to go over many of the wiring scenarios that it supports. My question for you is this, how do you think this would fair in a mobile application such as an RV with small generator and a few 100 watts of solar.
It wouldn't work. These are 48v units. Most mobile applications use either 12v or 24v. There are smaller all in one units that would be a better fit.
You need to pass on even the 3kw all in ones if you are only feeding a few hundred watts of solar, the idle consumption alone exceeds your solar input.
This particular unit will consume 2.04kw per day just to be on, no loads, that would mean if all you had was 400w of panels (and if that even has enough voltage to run the unit) it would take 5 hours of full sun just to cover idle consumption, before you even begin to create power you can use. I doubt it would work at all though, you won't be in the operating voltage range of the mppt on this unit.
For my 3kw growatt connected to 10kw 48v battery the minimum panels it needs to provide me basic rv power needs without heating without cooling without cooking, without water heater, without laundry, just lights, tv, cable modem, router, apartment size fridge, laptop, and usb charging requires 4x 440w panels (1760w of panels).
On cloudy days sometimes all I get is enough solar to cover idle consumption in winter even less, on sunny days it brings in 4-5kw usable power on top of idle consumption. This is in oregon, arizona would be more sun needing less panels but not by much. This 1760w of panels is just enough to keep my 10kw battery topped up on a regular basis, but on cloudy days, especially when there are multiple cloudy days in a row I have to drastically reduce power usage to get along ok.
I only use 1.5 to 2.5kw of power per day for everything I run, that means the idle consumption of the growatt is often more than the power I use for everything else combined.
@@jimbob3030I'd looked at these for a small, portable system for my utility trailer, but was concerned about both standby power consumption and ability to stand up to rugged use. If not this all in one, what size/type would you recommend?
This is my go to channel for all things Solar - but I disagree the way you dismissed the value of collecting data - and especially your implication that if you do collect the data, that you would have to sit there and watch as it’s being collected 🙄. (Which would be insane). Collecting the data for later analysis and review can give you all kinds of valuable insights about your system and help you to quantify any excess production or bottlenecks in your setup. It’s fine if you don’t see value in it - but many people will!
Its nice that quality control didn't screw up, and send you a broken one again.
Will, I just discovered your channel, and maybe you've covered this already - but I feel like most of what you do if off-grid. What if I want it ALL? What if I want a grid-tie system, but also something just like the EG4 6500EX that is easy to do split phase (240V), that covers most or all of my needs while grid is up, but also will continue working with the grid down - yes, large battery rack with units like the EG4-LL48V units. Basically, I want to *augment* solar with the grid when the solar isn't making enough power to satisfy. Maybe load shedding for when the grid is down and PV/Batt doesn't have enough juice? Very cool channel!
I'm with you :)
This unit does that. Hence the UL Listing. It is grid tied. You should be able to set the time that the unit uses the grid also so you can get the cheapest Time Of Use rate. If you want the premium unit to do that then Sol-Ark is your brand.
@@cmquinn2000 not grid tied. This is an off grid inverter. That can use the grid. It doesn't have export capabilities.
Plus it's not Calif rule 21 compliment
Let's clarify a couple of things: Off Grid does not mean completely disconnected from the Grid (it can, but it doesn't have to be). An off grid inverter like this one CAN be plugged into your grid feed and can be configured to switch to pull electricity from the Grid when Solar and Battery can't provide enough. So you would never go without power. What they CAN'T do is Feed any excess electricity produced by your solar panels back through the grid to the Utility company. They can't push up electricity to the grid, only pull from the grid when it needs it. Grid Tie inverters CAN push that excess power up through the grid back to the Utility company. Those are more regulated and require approval from the Utility company before they can be installed because you don't want to push electricity up a wire that may be worked on and end up killing some line workers. Also, with grid tie inverters, it's up to the Utility company to decide how much they are willing to credit you for the electricity you produce and push up to them. In an off Grid converter, You are just consuming electricity from them when you HAVE to so you don't need anyone's permission to setup your system. Does that make it clearer?
Would love to see some split phase testing with an auto transformer. Looking for a good inverter to charge my wife Tesla. Thanks for all you do Will!
Logging data is really good you can tell when something goes wrong with a timelineb
I’m at 70 year old man trying to put a system together so I can live and it’s so ridiculously expensive even now. I don’t know who to reach out to to find the answers I just can’t come up with money for an inverter and a charge controller and panels and batteries out and my god it’s so hard I enjoy your videos will process God bless you
What are you trying to run? If you just need power for lights/computer, then some old car batteries, used panels, and a cheap 12v/24v inverter will work fine. I built my first basic system for about $300 total.
I’m so happy you stay true to your content love watching renewable energy videos
And here I am with an Aims 24v 4000w, 12000w surge in entertainment that cost me $1700 last fall. Cannot wait to see what they have in 5 years when we upgrade the house a bit more.
they need to switch to USB and a coms for computer and get rid the serial connector, laptops have not come with the serial coms for years
Yeah, I don't know why they use the com port. I guess it's an industrial thing because I see them on industrial equipment all the time. Some laptops designed for Industrial use do still have them, but COM port to USB adapters do exist.
Stuck out to me as well. A CD-ROM and a DB9 serial cable in 2022? Even better IMO would be Bluetooth and configure from phone
Hoping to see this company come out with something that will take more than 550Vdc on multiple string MPPT controllers. As I recall, their internal control software has a good variation of what you can do in a hybrid mode configuration. I DO like how they've gotten some decently price battery packs and inverter/chargers so they're on my "short list" along with Victron if I can ever afford to go off-grid.
Under what conditions can residential voltage be over 600 volts?
@@jeffwhite3021 I haven't looked into it that much, but if/when we build it would be someplace with relaxed codes if you're off-grid. Idaho, W.Virginia or Texas are near the top of the list.
Edit: At a guess it would be if the property was a working farm or semi-commercial enterprise that needs 3-phase power. The HV battery assemblies I've seen are definitely more commercially oriented, as are devices like the Sol-Ark 30k or 60k inverter chargers. The main reason _I_ would like to see string voltage capabilities over 550VDC is to have both a bit of a "cushion" for open circuit conditions as well as the ability to run _slightly_ lower gauge wire from the array(s) to the inverter/charger/charge controller. Also, this higher voltage would NOT be running into the house. It would go to either a dedicated power house or to a power/well pump house.
I ordered the EG4 (3000W) just this AM. After watching this I changed my order. I hope it comes with cables like the 3000.
Just ordered 2 EG4 batteries, and the 6500EX plus the 6 stack rack. And it's just the start of it all.
Did you install yet? I'm doing the same order soon. What are you planning to run with the 2 batteries, and how's it going?
@@gdegarimore Everything was on preorder so it's taken awhile to get stuff as the inverter just showed up in mid October. Ordered some tools, books and 4/0 cable. Weather and life has slowed me down a little and when the cable and cutters show up I think I'll be ready to hook everything up.
@@gdegarimore Btw I plan on running my heat and electric blankets at first and air conditioning next summer with the pass through solar charging feature on the ex 6500. It should work well with the 2 batteries but next summer I hope to have the other 4 batteries installed. Good luck with your set up!
I just bought the same inverter and battery for my new cabin, on your opinion here. So I honestly hope that they work.
They should be here next week. We'll see how it works.
How did it work? I’m considering 2 of these
@@richardreese5377 haven't got them installed yet. I'm waiting for the installer to do his job. They look nice in the box though.
@@wheels636 Any update?
@@gdegarimore long story short. The first inverter was DOA. The installer put a 3K growatt in temporary. That's whats there until next spring.
@@wheels636 bummer! what did the installer charge for install if you don't mind? What is the battery set-up? How many panels? What appliances are you running?
Have you done a Solar system that will charge your EV car. I am specifically looking for the F150 Lightning?
According to Signature Solar the EG4 6500EX-48 is NOT UL Listed. It is UL Certified. Just spoke with them this moring Monday July 18, 2022. Please sort this out.
7:05 You could just make your own ethernet jumper by making your own cable and matching the pinout of the one they provide.
Yes I am well aware. I have my ethernet crimper at my other house a few hours away though, and the other cord is coming today.
@@WillProwse Could be a simple crossover cable that's easily available, but sounds like you're ahead of this already.
Is the unit ULC certified for Canada?
We have finally been looking to figure out how is the best way to do Solar for our needs on our Rv we don’t have a lot of space with the layout and of course budget and it seems that between the eg4 racks and all in one would be our best options. Would love to pick your brain or one just like it one day to confirm my research.
Wow .! As always I so appreciate that you have the interest in sharing not just the what(s) and the how(s) but the "what Not to do(s)" so to speak....thamk you ...!
I understand that solar is your focus, but have you ever thought about also including a wind turbine into the same unit? I’m in Canada, so solar is massively decreased in winter, so I would ideally like to incorporate both, but I don’t really know how.
I'm in Michigan and have been thinking the same thing wind over solar combo seems like the way to go. The problem i see is there isn't much info on quality residential wind generators.
I don't know much, but the LV6548 has two sets of MC4 connection points so if you get a 48v wind turbine on one set and solar on the other, it seems like that could work🤷♂️
@@thenuthing8258 I don't think that would work very well. The little bit I've gleaned from wind power related videos seems to indicate that the inverters for wind have to be different since they have to constantly adjust the loading as the wind speed varies, that way it can get the max output from it.
+1. Will is the most trusted guy I watch. Would love to learn about wind DIY from him!!!!
@@millennialocracy I'm in MI too, solar still works in the winter too, just less solar hours
Oh yes that is one beautiful unit! I love how these are all evolving over the years it’s awesome. Thanks for the review
If I had to guess, most of the internal differences are probably from natural evolution of the product design and the component source chain of the "Voltronics", rather than something customized for EG4. I had two MPPSolar LV5048's a year apart and they had random differences.
7:10 more than likely it's a cross over cable all you gave to do is plug that rj45 into hub and the other to hub and it should work , criss over cables let them per to per connection
I wonder if the grounding relays are similar as far as neutral ground bonding and the confusion with the LV 65-48. Super awesome unit, so disappointed already bought two lv6548
Still reading and trying to understand all this solar tech. I like it, I find it very interesting. I am a finance guy by trade, so no tech stuff - I have to read, and re-read multiple times for it to stick. My mind just does not work that way. LOL. That said, here is a solar question - if I have an 8kw All in One system, setup with all the bells and whistles to where it produces as a system like that should, and my monthly electric bill never exceeds or at least has never exceeded 5kWh per month, why do solar companies want to install 30kWh systems? Thanks for being kind with what it probably the dumbest question you've ever been asked. I am learning, and want to learn and understand more, so bear with me.
Looks interesting. I would consider anything but Renogy, who has the worst service on Earth and products to match. EG4 may be my next 48v system.
Try an RJ 45 crossover cable or make up one yourself. Rather than straight through as most RJ 45 cables are, the crossover cable pinout is different and used for printers and some controllers.
Well after posting a comment I started reading your comments and I’m just not informed enough to deal with this. Thank you…
Just ordered one using your link. Everything in my home is electric except my fuel oil furnace but with the cost of fuel oil now I may have to heat with electric. I will have to buy all the components a little at a time with a limited income. So I have the inverter next is the batteries and solar panels probably used after the inverter is paid off. Thanks for all your info. Keep up the great work.
If you have space and can do it - heat pumps are a very efficient way to heat your house. And modern heat pumps work down to -22F / -30C.. more than twice as efficient as pure electric heaters.
@@jrherita that is how I was going to go. I was going to either heat pump or Mini Split.
It is likely a serial crossover cable. You can cut the end off an Ethernet reverse a couple pair and use it if you have a crimper. Or buy a crossover cable. I would be curious if that is the case but I think it is very likely.
That's nice wish they would do a 4024 I have there batteries with my outback and midnight controller's works awesome I have 30 more panels too put up.... Keep it up brother
Now THIS is a nice unit!! I've been waiting for someone to really nail this combination!!
Thanks Will!!
Def getting this as an upgrade in the future
Will, I remember you saying in a video you did, you could not wait til EG4 came out with an all in one that rival the LV6548. When I saw this video, not sure how I missed it, being subscribed and all, regardless, I have been waiting to see what you would cover. As always, great video, great info.
That idle current is my main concern. 1) If I only turn the inverter on when I need to power loads, how much draw is there when the inverter is off? 2) How long does it take for the inverter to start up? The manual says 10-15 sec but I would like to see a real world test.
I'd like to primarily use this to charge an EV but don't want it idling when the EV doesn't need charging or isn't around, but I still want it to charge my battery via PV.
That idle consumption of circa 80 watts is about 2 KW a day just in idle. Have a couple of cloudy days and that's 6 KW of battery drain just in idle mode.
I just noticed the manual says it has an automatic power save mode that puts the inverter in standby state when there is no load, then re-starts when a load is detected. This would probably do what you want.
Then turn it off. Or put more solar panels on the roof. It's still 3-4X cheaper than other low idle consumption inverters. So if you have a lot of free cash, buy victron. We have had this discussion for years now and did the calculations. Adding more battery/solar panels is always cheaper than buying a more expensive inverter. But if you're rich, by all means go for it.
Yes good point. Power saving mode is great too.
@@wmarkedmunds Thanks for pointing that out. I'd love to see a real world test of this for cyclical loads like an EV charger, refrigerator, well pump, etc.
Will, it’s so cute how excited you get when you are talking batteries 😂
Could this product work when the only power input is a continuous 240v generator? With free mechanical power to the generator, such as a hydro source? Your thoughts?
3 hours after eg4 dropped their vid on it. Not bad.
How would these hold up to deep well pumps/pressure pumps and large a/c units?
I am new to understanding solar power systems. Your information is great . Thanks
these guys are kicking ass. (and yes I do mean Signature Solar).
Yet another excellent, enthusiastic video, Will! Thank you!
Going off grid has become so cheap and easy that It almost makes less sense to stay on grid! I mean think about it. Using brand new solar panels you will pay around $0.50 per watt => 8000W = $4000 or so. One of these Charger/Inverters is around $1500. 20KWh of batteries is 4x$1500 = $6000 add anther $500 of hundred for cables, circuit breakers, fuses and you are looking at around $12,000 of equipment. Then add labor and mounting (varies) and you could have a full blown "The utility companies can kiss my a$$" system for around $15,000. Less if you DIY some things and use Used panels. If your electric bill was $200/m, you'd be in the black in 6-7 years.
I did this starting 22 years ago and it was cheaper than the solar market could do back then. In 2018 I did a Phase 2, where I swapped out inverter, batteries and panels with newer stuff. Again much cheaper, using my own labor and searching for the best parts. Today, I would love to start from scratch again with these new products. I am amazed at what EG4 is doing - home run and will probably get better. Now if China can get out of lockdown.......
I went off grid solar for my remote site about 10 years ago (had no other options). Started small and built it up. Then 3 years ago I got a grid tie system for my house (no batteries) which I rolled into a refi on my house and basically got it for free (lower rate). If you work the time of use rates correctly, it works out great and have no power bill at all.
I'm now replacing (or expanding, depending on how you look at it) my remote site with all new components. I'll eventually have more solar at my remote site than my house.
50kw solar, 2 x 6.5kw inverters, and 80kw batteries. Together with DIY install and mounting hardware, its < $13k.
I'm not seeing how it saves me money. My utility company charges me less than $3 per day ($2.74) and I average 21kwh of usage per day. If I use your design and numbers, which does not include enough battery capacity,...sb 40kwh storage... it'll take me 15+ years for payback. I can't find a way to go off grid.
@@RoySalisbury free, were you asleep during economics class? Any person with common sense would get the Refi for a lower rate without an excuse to spend the money saved.
@@chrissubleski200 I'm wondering. Do your numbers include heating and cooking also?
Question? Solar input maximum is 500vdc... What is the maximum point voltage on the MPPT curve? I would guess greater than 250vdc. In my opinion, and its only my 50 years of electronics experience, one would prefer to keep solar panel inputs to the combiner box below 150vdc for safety and voltage breakdown considerations. I realize many homeowners are using the higher voltage output solar panels because of limited roof space but for an off grid application I would not recommend an hybrid inverter (charge controller/inverter) with such a high maximum solar input voltage since the software places the efficiency point of the MPPT curve that high.
If you concur, please make a change to your recommendations for this product as well as its brother the MppSolar LVX6548 which is, I believe from the same manufacturer. Both units are NOT suited to fully off-grid applications for the reasons stated above.
If not?
Full off-grid Buyers beware...
Plug and play. Done and done.
The unit no doubt is fairly represented in this video. But do not expect SS to be responsive to any form of communication, except perhaps an oder form with credit card info. They are not. Promised phone calls not returned. Hangups. Computer voices. And unacknowledged emails. Alll to avoid a simple question. Makes you wonder about response if you have trouble with the product.
Glad I am not alone.. dealing with signature solar has been a total nightmare. Unfortunately i bought these and am going through problems with the product, its only been a few days and Customer service has lied to me 3 times , promised a tech to reach out to me multiple times, threatened me with a 30% return fee for defective items, and it goes on and on and on. I learned my lesson.. gonna stick with Wills old recommendation, Watts247 and MPP.
@@nightimee no excuse for a company conducting themselves like this. No one knew anything, seems like they are just a middleman for Chinese products. Might as well buy Ali and take your chance. Thanks for posting and good luck.
I asked them recently. They said the 3kW version will be UL listed soon too! Wish they had a 3kW 24V UL listed system too.
I asked the support chat on EG4's homepage if they have any 240V AC inverter, but they have not. I will look at other brand, maybe MPP as you have video on those inverter's.
Oh sweet!!! I'm so gonna upgrade to that
Yay! You are going to setup split phase, can't wait.
Love these units! THIS is what I want! Great Video! LOl, that Comms cable is now being used by you ! I'm sure the firmware and the FET differences are related. I'm out in Palm Desert, Ca - sunny all day - every day! I saw you with a RVCA shirt... Hey Neighbor!
I like the all in one. But I am disappointed in that they do not have a UL listed all in one with 240V output.
You have mentioned RV usage in this video and a few other of your e.g. 4 videos but it's very ambiguous as to how it all gets put together. Is it possible you could have a future video demonstrating with an RV instead of another house, as they are both off grid?
I think the VOC increase with this inverter is the real game changer. It will be easy to achieve the max wattage with those numbers. It’s nearly impossible with the 6458’s. Sure wish they had these a few months ago when I built my system. Then again, there will always be a better inverter coming out every year I suppose.
Same boat
will indicated the solar input side of the unit looked identical. I wonder if the limiting factor is in the firmware and not hardware? maybe a future firmware upgrade for us LV6548 users?
@@MarkJohnsonLnS that would be amazing. But I doubt it. That’s a lot of voltage for just a firmware update. The new mpp 6048 wp also has 500v per input. I think that’s probably the new standard going forward. It’s not a huge issue for me at this point I guess. But it would have made life a lot easier during my initial install. Plus the battery communication. Which isn’t an issue for others but I would like the option to connect my eg4 batteries.
@@GavinStoneDIY gosh 500 per side is awesome
@@VinceBadovinatz88 it is. Unfortunately I tried these inverters last week and they were very disappointing. The new hardware upgrades were great for installation. But somehow they’ve done something cheaper on the power generation. My lights were strobing and flickering terribly. I’ve also used the mpp version and never had an issue. It’s almost like they have a modified sine wave instead of a pure sine wave. I would definitely avoid them. The newer sun gold versions apparently don’t have this issue. I’ve emailed them and asked.
About time!
Idle consumption of two of these is 160 Watts!!
That's 3.8Kwh of power per day, just putting up more panels is not an option for everyone and more batteries are also expensive. Other than that I like the unit but it's pretty much just another LV6548 clone with some pluses and minuses.
Pretty sweet, man things have come so far in the last few years!
If the regular Ethernet cable isn't working then I'm sure it just needs a crossover cable, nothing too fancy. You can buy one if you don't know how to rewire and terminate one end.
It won't work with cross cable. You need a specific cable or build one.
Great video thanks again Will. For your next split phase output video can you please go through all the settings for the e.g. 4 batteries. Also can you explain how to wire the input line in for split phase so both inverters can have line in power
240 volts please. I am thinking about getting a system to run my floor heat.
Proust, you are a champion.
Always learn when you post. Keep up the great work!
Wow got an email from Signature Solar and it said Thanks for being the first to grab the new EG4 6.5kW Off-Grid Inverter. Could you leave us a review? I left a small review but really cannot about its performance as I need panels and batteries first. Hopefully with in a month or two I will have it up and running.
Yessssss, I've been waiting for this sucker! Let's gooOOO!!!
You can make your own cable, probably just crossover instead of straight through
Wow! Cheaper than any other version of that 6548 Voltronic core that I have seen *and* UL listed!? This is *the* budget inverter to get if you don't live anywhere but the middle of nowhere.
QUESTION for WILL: How to interface a Wind energy system with a Solar energy system, so you have energy production when the Sun is not out???
i am interested (as are many others), are there a y VAWT (Vertical Axis Wind Turbine) systems with inverters, that can combine their energy production to charge batteries of a Solar Panel/Inverter system, such that they compliment one another.
Often when the sun is not out, the wind is blowing, and together these two sources of energy could increase production of power to keep batteries charged.
But need some method to make sure both systems do not over power the batteries, or maybe a way for the Solar Inverter and the Wind Inverter can communicate with each other.
Even if you had a completely separate Wind system, that created and stored power, that later could be used to connect to the generator side of a solar system as if it was a generator, this might work.
Will, do you have a y thoughts on this?
Any recommendations?
Anyone know of any youtube channels tackling this topic?