This screen would make more sense of the PV, grid, load, and battery icons were arranged at the top with the arrows between the top row of icons and the bottom row of indicators (representing the Sol-Ark), then the direction of the arrows would clearly show the operation. Arrows coming and going too and from nowhere are not very meaningful, the user just has to remember what up and down or the color mean for the modes. The only arrows that need to change direction are the load and battery, so the solar arrows will be present going down from the PV to the unit when making power (instead of up to nowhere) and absent when not producing. Same thing for the load arrows except moving up. Also the sign of the numbers seems backwards, especially for the battery. Negative power would seem to indicate discharge instead of charge, but if the arrows were in the proper place, the indicators could use absolute values like some other manufacturers do (i.e. Victron, Skybox). Come to think of it, you could make your code open source like Victron and I could fix it myself. Oh wait, that's too much, never mind. :)
@@lbroome Truthfully our goal is not to sell like other companies. We care about the long term outcomes and any of our customers can tell you that. We listen to innovative ideas and execute. Thank you for your help.
@@HomesteadOnThePreserve If you polled most people and showed them just the number for battery current without any other indicators to signify charge/discharge, my bet is they would never think - indicates charging, but this seems to be common among many inverter manufacturers. I think in Sol-Arks case, the sign could be left off the main display completely and it would be less confusing. I have grown used to it so It doesn't really bother me any more. I will hand it to them, they did re-arrange those icons and it makes much more sense now (at least to me).
Good video. I'm looking forward to a more detailed video on the 12k model, especially the master and slave stacking set up, and how that works for charging batteries with solar and how much solar it can handle while being stack, and if you can have ONE LARGE battery bank or does each inverter still need its own bank. Keep up the great work.
@@Sol-Ark I did call to get info on new updates. Was told there are a lot of updates but the list hasn't been compiled yet. My 1st thought reeeally. Ask for it to be emailed to me when it is completed.
@@offgridbydesign3826 I agree an email should be sent and we will. Feb - Mar are super busy months for our tech team. Few companies move as fast as us to improve capabilities. Thank you.
Is this system have noisy fans as the Growatt? My Growatt is too noisy, not recommended for homes that are one next to another. Could create problems with your neighbors because of the noise.
I'm embarrassed to ask this, but my ignorance outweighs my pride. Is there any way I could configure the SA12 that would discharge my battery back to the grid? I'm not asking because I want to do this. I'm asking because I don't want to somehow accidentally set something that DOES do this. I'm in a grid tie setup now. What I want is for the sun to rise and charge my battery while the house runs on grid. On the days the sun isn't getting the job done the grid help charge the battery. Once the battery is at 100% the panels take over powering the house and any excess power goes to the grid. When the sun goes down the batteries come online until they drain down to 30% and then the grid comes back. When the sun comes up we start the whole works over. Probably the wrong venue for this, but sometimes I feel like I'm on my own to figure this stuff out. Hope this makes sense.
Hi Seawolfvic, No worries, we are help you achieve your energy goals. For a short answer, what you would want to do is enable the time of use setting and make sure to NOT enable the sell check boxes when time of use is on. Time of use is a powerful programming tool to achieve your goals and as such can take some time to understand and get the most out of. We would be happy to help you do so should you reach out to our support team at www.sol-ark.com/contact-us/.
Question: I am having a solar system installed in July. My contractor is installing Enphase microinverters on each panel. We're expecting to install at least 31 panels totaling just over 11kw. I am wanting to add battery backup at some point. The microinverters are going into an Enphase combiner, along with the Enphase Enlighten for individual panel monitoring. Does the Sol-Ark replace either of these devices? Or do I need them, plus a Sol-Ark 12k?
If you wanted Sol-Arks capabilities, you should have bought a Sol-Ark system instead of Enphase. It's typically a lot of electrical work and very expensive to add the Sol-Ark into an existing Enphase system, you're likely better off buying an Enphase battery.
@@joshuasethhill3518 Thanks for the reply. My original post was over a year ago, and I wound up adding a Neovolta N24 to our 11.84kw system in January of this year and it is working out fantastic. It was the better choice for me over the Enphase batteries.
I really like everything that I'm learning from these videos. But question: If not selecting auto dim voids the warrantee and burns out the screen, then why have it as an option. You guys are pretty sharp, I'm sure a future software update will fix this.
Was thinking exactly the same. It's a terrible problem with a simple solution. Eliminate the AUTO DIM button and make it auto dim if no button is pressed for 1 minute. SOLVED!
Sadly, I agree but maybe not for the same reason you are thinking. The #1 expense is the battery. We have tried to introduce a low cost / high cycle battery but most people prefer lithium (which is also good). So we included built in load mgmt to reduce off grid batt size by 30%. Even still, people under size the batt bank. #2 expense is installation. We made this DIY friendly so installers, electricians, and handmen could quickly install. Still, most people get professional install. #3 expense is the hybrid inverter. We made it 10% more efficient than others, which helps pay for the higher costs. Please understand our development costs + $400K+ in UL Listings is challenging. #4 expense is financing and close to #3. It is ~20% of the entire amount and often hidden in package pricing. #5 is solar panels & mounting. #6 is overkill on safety (rapid shutdown, AC disconnect, DC disconnects) & permits. Until we address the battery, install, & financing, lower inverter pricing won't make much difference. You have no idea how painful this subject has been for my team because we are focused on affordability and customer/installer success. I am ultimately responsible and am incredibly sorry the complete solution is not more affordable for the reasons above. I feel your pain. Tom Brennan Sol-Ark CTO Soli Deo Gloria
@@Sol-Ark What is the number one thing that drives cost for most businesses? Taxes. Number two is regulations. In this case it is UL Listing to be compliant with government red tape. Sadly, the people who want more taxes and regulations tend to not understand it hurts them most.
This screen would make more sense of the PV, grid, load, and battery icons were arranged at the top with the arrows between the top row of icons and the bottom row of indicators (representing the Sol-Ark), then the direction of the arrows would clearly show the operation. Arrows coming and going too and from nowhere are not very meaningful, the user just has to remember what up and down or the color mean for the modes. The only arrows that need to change direction are the load and battery, so the solar arrows will be present going down from the PV to the unit when making power (instead of up to nowhere) and absent when not producing. Same thing for the load arrows except moving up. Also the sign of the numbers seems backwards, especially for the battery. Negative power would seem to indicate discharge instead of charge, but if the arrows were in the proper place, the indicators could use absolute values like some other manufacturers do (i.e. Victron, Skybox). Come to think of it, you could make your code open source like Victron and I could fix it myself. Oh wait, that's too much, never mind. :)
Excellent suggestion on the arrows thing. I think we can fix it in 4-6 weeks. We love improving to help our customers. Thank you.
@@Sol-Ark Ok, you convinced me, I'll buy one!
@@lbroome Truthfully our goal is not to sell like other companies. We care about the long term outcomes and any of our customers can tell you that. We listen to innovative ideas and execute. Thank you for your help.
I had the same thoughts as you but what bugs me the most is the battery discharging as a + and charging as a - WTF!?
@@HomesteadOnThePreserve If you polled most people and showed them just the number for battery current without any other indicators to signify charge/discharge, my bet is they would never think - indicates charging, but this seems to be common among many inverter manufacturers. I think in Sol-Arks case, the sign could be left off the main display completely and it would be less confusing. I have grown used to it so It doesn't really bother me any more. I will hand it to them, they did re-arrange those icons and it makes much more sense now (at least to me).
Great video. What is the purpose of the auto detect home limit sensor function? What will happen if this is not checked?
Good video. I'm looking forward to a more detailed video on the 12k model, especially the master and slave stacking set up, and how that works for charging batteries with solar and how much solar it can handle while being stack, and if you can have ONE LARGE battery bank or does each inverter still need its own bank. Keep up the great work.
The current set up is one battery bank which is connected to all inverters that are stacked
Love the fact that you are still including the 8k. Have a 10 year warranty and would like to see continued software improvements.
We just released a new version of SW with significant features. You are welcome to call us for an update.
@@Sol-Ark I did call to get info on new updates. Was told there are a lot of updates but the list hasn't been compiled yet. My 1st thought reeeally. Ask for it to be emailed to me when it is completed.
@@offgridbydesign3826 I agree an email should be sent and we will. Feb - Mar are super busy months for our tech team. Few companies move as fast as us to improve capabilities. Thank you.
Is this system have noisy fans as the Growatt? My Growatt is too noisy, not recommended for homes that are one next to another. Could create problems with your neighbors because of the noise.
I see that nobody answered your question here, but did you ever get an answer elsewhere? Thanks.
I'm embarrassed to ask this, but my ignorance outweighs my pride. Is there any way I could configure the SA12 that would discharge my battery back to the grid? I'm not asking because I want to do this. I'm asking because I don't want to somehow accidentally set something that DOES do this. I'm in a grid tie setup now. What I want is for the sun to rise and charge my battery while the house runs on grid. On the days the sun isn't getting the job done the grid help charge the battery. Once the battery is at 100% the panels take over powering the house and any excess power goes to the grid. When the sun goes down the batteries come online until they drain down to 30% and then the grid comes back. When the sun comes up we start the whole works over. Probably the wrong venue for this, but sometimes I feel like I'm on my own to figure this stuff out. Hope this makes sense.
Yes. Just call Engineering Support 972-575-8875x2 and they can explain.
Hi Seawolfvic,
No worries, we are help you achieve your energy goals.
For a short answer, what you would want to do is enable the time of use setting and make sure to NOT enable the sell check boxes when time of use is on. Time of use is a powerful programming tool to achieve your goals and as such can take some time to understand and get the most out of. We would be happy to help you do so should you reach out to our support team at www.sol-ark.com/contact-us/.
Question: I am having a solar system installed in July. My contractor is installing Enphase microinverters on each panel. We're expecting to install at least 31 panels totaling just over 11kw. I am wanting to add battery backup at some point. The microinverters are going into an Enphase combiner, along with the Enphase Enlighten for individual panel monitoring. Does the Sol-Ark replace either of these devices? Or do I need them, plus a Sol-Ark 12k?
If you wanted Sol-Arks capabilities, you should have bought a Sol-Ark system instead of Enphase. It's typically a lot of electrical work and very expensive to add the Sol-Ark into an existing Enphase system, you're likely better off buying an Enphase battery.
@@joshuasethhill3518 Thanks for the reply. My original post was over a year ago, and I wound up adding a Neovolta N24 to our 11.84kw system in January of this year and it is working out fantastic. It was the better choice for me over the Enphase batteries.
I really like everything that I'm learning from these videos. But question: If not selecting auto dim voids the warrantee and burns out the screen, then why have it as an option. You guys are pretty sharp, I'm sure a future software update will fix this.
Was thinking exactly the same. It's a terrible problem with a simple solution. Eliminate the AUTO DIM button and make it auto dim if no button is pressed for 1 minute. SOLVED!
When is sol ark going to make a 24 volt inverter?
That would make little sense for a permanent fixed location install, so probably never!
why did you not show battery setup?
Because every battery is different. We are making App notes for battery settings.
Awesome looking product but unfortunately not affordable for most people
Sadly, I agree but maybe not for the same reason you are thinking. The #1 expense is the battery. We have tried to introduce a low cost / high cycle battery but most people prefer lithium (which is also good). So we included built in load mgmt to reduce off grid batt size by 30%. Even still, people under size the batt bank. #2 expense is installation. We made this DIY friendly so installers, electricians, and handmen could quickly install. Still, most people get professional install. #3 expense is the hybrid inverter. We made it 10% more efficient than others, which helps pay for the higher costs. Please understand our development costs + $400K+ in UL Listings is challenging. #4 expense is financing and close to #3. It is ~20% of the entire amount and often hidden in package pricing. #5 is solar panels & mounting. #6 is overkill on safety (rapid shutdown, AC disconnect, DC disconnects) & permits. Until we address the battery, install, & financing, lower inverter pricing won't make much difference. You have no idea how painful this subject has been for my team because we are focused on affordability and customer/installer success. I am ultimately responsible and am incredibly sorry the complete solution is not more affordable for the reasons above. I feel your pain.
Tom Brennan
Sol-Ark CTO
Soli Deo Gloria
If you can afford a car you can afford a huge Sol-Ark system with solar and battery backup.
@@Sol-Ark What is the number one thing that drives cost for most businesses? Taxes. Number two is regulations. In this case it is UL Listing to be compliant with government red tape. Sadly, the people who want more taxes and regulations tend to not understand it hurts them most.