This was a GREAT help when commissioning my system. One thing I had problems with after following the video was that I needed to switch my battery dipswitch BACK to the proper "ID" after I put them all in the top position to run the com setup. If you've just got one battery you just need to flip that first dip switch down and you're golden, otherwise check page 24 of the manual.
I like your video. You need insulated bushing on your metal chase nipples for the larger battery feed cables. NEC 300.4(G). Conductors larger than 4AWG
Thank you for reaching out and providing valuable feedback. You are absolutely correct, and we appreciate your keen observation. According to code, ground bushings would indeed be necessary in this setup, and we acknowledge that we overlooked including them in the video. Our intention was to offer a general tech bench setup for better understanding, but your input highlights an important aspect that we should have addressed Thanks again for your input!
great video but the firmware and BMS software is no longer available on the EG4 website under the tabs shown in the video since the website has been changed and the new tab for that stuff: Resources>Software doesn't have the updates. How do we find this now?
Hi @allthingsinteresting649 - You will go to the resources tab and to downloads, search the product that you need firmware/software for and it will list below the product. The BMS tools and test are under the software/drivers section. Here is the link to the 18Kpv firmware: eg4electronics.com/categories/inverters/eg4-18kpv-12lv-all-in-one-hybrid-inverter - I hope this helps! Please let us know if you need any assistance!
I followed this with my battery install. The 2 things that would need to be noted are you pressed (return) you said 2x but actually pressed (enter) return takes you back to a previous screen and enter saves the selection. Also The dip switches at the end (after programming to lux) need to be flipped to 1 up and the rest all down before it will communicate to the inverter. These changes to the video would greatly help a new person out. I had to dig elsewhere for this information as well as the password for the touch screen being “Signature”
Great explanation video. One of the best I've seen so far. Im thinking of getting that combo before end of the year. I have a grid related question, in the event that i want to connect a grid power for ONLY to assist in charging the battery, and NOT to send back to the grid. Is there any specific safe instruction that can be shared to do that? Thanks
So glad it was helpful! To do this, you will enable Off-Grid mode and AC Charge Enable settings in the inverter's screen: Off-Grid mode = Advanced settings | PW = 00000 AC Charge Enable = Charge Tab Start Charge at 46V end at 56V
Can the EG4 PowerPro ESS EG4 18kPV Hybrid Inverter and PowerPro WallMount Battery units be installed with their backs against the floor, or are there specific mounting requirements or limitations for optimal functionality? The crawl space height is too low for the units to be installed upright, so we need to ensure compatibility with this orientation for installation.
It's a great addition to our current EG4 lineup! I would recommend calling us to purchase - 903-441-2090, our customer service and sales department can walk you through getting a freight forwarder lined up.
Thanks for the information. I am thinking of purchasing 2 PowerPro Batteries to be mounted on a separate walls in a L figure or do they have to align on the same wall? I am tight on space.
Hi @jackcooper4889! It depends on what you are using it for as to which pin out you would need. If you'd like to reach out to our tech support team at 903-441-2090, we can help get you set up!
OK connecting battery cables 15:30 looks simple. Well maybe not no mater how I twisted and tweaked the fine wires were totally unruly and refused to all go into the buss bare hole. So I invented a method to make it work. Take a piece of letter paper cut a square about 2.5" to 3" wrap this tightly around the cable end with the wires a little less than flush with the end of the paper. Insert the paper and cable end into the buss hole then carefully wiggle the paper out being sure not to leave any paper bits behind presto all wires inside the hole. One other tip put your little finger into the buss hole adjust the screw such that it is flush with the bore.
I complained about this too -- ferrules are a needed item here but do not come with any part of the system. I could find no 2/0 size ferrules anywhere locally; so I stripped about 10 inches off some solar panel cable and took at one thread of wire, which I then wrapped around the end of each battery cable to bring the fine wires all into a tight bundle. It worked perfectly, but I still ordered ferrules and a crimper from Amazon. In my opinion, this "small" but very important issue is avoidable by the manufacturer and is glossed over in this video.
Take a thin string and with it, tie a half hich around the strands to bunch them together. Tie it so that when you pull one end of the string, the knot comes untied. Insert the cable, pull the string out. Works great.
Hi, after connecting the eg4 18kpv to the wall mount battery as shown, how do I start the inverter without blowing out the capacitors? Please explain step by step because I realized nobody is using a precharge resistor for this setup.
Hi! Internal precharged resistor on a few seconds timer. 1. Turn on the inverter's battery breaker first and any in-line breakers on the positive line 2. Turn on the battery breaker If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our tech team at 9034412090, they will be glad to make sure you're up and running smoothly!
I cannot install the firmare because in device manager, the Port COMS & LPT shows an error: "Windows cannot determine the settings for this device. Consult the documentation that came with this device and use the Resource tab to set the configuration. (Code 34)" ideas?
Hello ma'am, please is it true that the EG418Kpv has 3 MPPTs with 600VDC max input on each MPPT? Please i need a clear answer as this is confusing to me. Thanks for your response in advance
Hi! The RS485 is supposed to come with every EG4 battery. If you'd like to reach out to us at 903-441-2090, we can get that ordered and sent out to you!
Where can I purchase the cables needed as shown in video. Rs45? Is this supposed to be rs485? I’ve got the eg4 18 and two eg4 pro battery’s and soon when winter is over I plan to install my adani 30 panel array. I think I have all my parts now? Order#100870 I just want to make sure that upcoming I have what I need to complete the install. Recommendations for safety gear? Thank you.
Guys, how to program this for time of use? Use my batteries between 11-7 and charge them between 7-11? I also have a small solar system that helps charging my batteries
@@ericfitzsimmons1202 price is only $1400. It doesn’t have many features of this 18k, but grid tie minded people don’t need many features other than export limiting.
You will need to check the code of your local jurisdiction and follow it. As far as shipping goes, it's possible with a freight forwarder. Let us know if you have any additional questions!
What is the pinout for the RS232 communications?!?!?!? No one at Signature or EG4 can tell me. The documentation for the battery only references Pin 1 & Pin 8 ‒ RS485_B Pin 2 & Pin 7 - RS485_A Pin 3 & Pin 6 ‒ E-Stop NO
@@Scotty2Balls I did ask the MANUFACTURER. Read above. Everyone uses the "this is a new product, let me check." and then crickets. They can't even really tell me what the correct firmware version is.
I was finally able to figure out the pin out for RS-232 firmware updates. Had to do a lot of digging and troubleshooting. DB9 Pin 2 (RXD) -> T-568B Pin 4 (Blue) DB9 Pin 3 (TXD) -> T-568B Pin 5 (White/Blue) DB9 Pin 5 (GND) -> T-568B Pin 6 (Green)
Unfortunately every time we come up with a new aspect of functionality for ESS the electrical utility comes along and throws a big fat wrench in the mix. I have gotten so sick and tired of permitting authorities and electric utilities that I let all of my employees go and took my business and threw it in the trash and got out of the solar industry all together. 25 years of success and I am sick and tired of all the BS even though the technology continues to get better and better.
This unit is a hybrid unit so it has the functionality of a grid-tied and off-grid system together! It's an awesome unit, let us know if you have any questions about it specifically.
Posting this here because neither EG4 nor Signature Solar has answered my communications from earlier this week: 1. Sig Solar sold me 2 Victron Lynx Distributors so that I can add a 4th Power Pro battery to my 18K inverter. But it came with no instructions. How and where do I install those and what do I need to do or buy (e.g. what fuses, wiring, etc.). 2. What alternative is there to using a laptop for battery firmware updates? I do not own a laptop, and because I am off-grid -- I would likely lose power to my Mac desktop if I tried to use that (also I would have to go the trouble of relocating my computer to where the 18K and batteries are installed. 3. In testing my 4th battery (I detached the 3rd battery and rewired to #4). I got a "bat open" error and system shut down. What does this mean and could it still be a problem when i get this battery installed (assumedly with one or 2 of the lynx distributors). I have some concern that the battery was damaged in shipping because the box was damaged and the edges of the top cover on the com port side were broken. 4. I received 2 different types of green com cables - some with screw-caps on each end and some with the cap on just one end. None of the wiring diagrams indicate where all of these are to be used - it appears that only one cable is needed per battery, with the primary battery com wire going to the inverter and then 2 com cables going to the primary battery. That leave extras with no use, unless they also need to be used somewhere. Please advise. 5. With regard to the 4th battery - how does it communicate with the inverter? What wires are needed and where do they go (see Q1 above). 6. I also received an orange cable and a gray cable. Are those for the firmware updating or something else? I see no reference to them in any of the manuals. 7. The Sig Solar UA-cam install video shows a ground wire installed from the Power Pro battery to the inverter. This is not in the manuals. What type wire should be used? Does each battery need to be grounded to the inverter? Or can the grounds run from one battery to another? 8. I have seen conflicting info on the battery dipswitch positions. To indicate battery No 1 do you have the first switch up and all other switches down or the first switch down with all other switches up? And in initial set-up - all dip switches are up, correct? 9. Regarding the conduit boxes - I highly suggest making the openings to the battery plugs (on the batteries) a bit larger and the edges of those opening less sharp. Or you could provide proper conduit nipples to better protect the battery cables.
Hi Collin! That is quite a few questions that may require some troubleshooting and documentation to be sent to you. If you'd like to reach out to us directly at engagement@signaturesolar.com with your name and contact information, we can get you connected with the tech department and get your questions answered!
I am cklose to give up they do not reply i want to order but they are not intereste. I am startuing to hate this company their equioment may be good but their employes stink
Hi @lenne02 I’m so sorry you’re having trouble reaching us! If you’d like to reach out to me directly at engagement@signaturesolar.com I can get you connected and find out why you’re not getting through!
This was a GREAT help when commissioning my system. One thing I had problems with after following the video was that I needed to switch my battery dipswitch BACK to the proper "ID" after I put them all in the top position to run the com setup. If you've just got one battery you just need to flip that first dip switch down and you're golden, otherwise check page 24 of the manual.
Thanks for the feedback!
I like your video. You need insulated bushing on your metal chase nipples for the larger battery feed cables. NEC 300.4(G). Conductors larger than 4AWG
Thank you for reaching out and providing valuable feedback. You are absolutely correct, and we appreciate your keen observation. According to code, ground bushings would indeed be necessary in this setup, and we acknowledge that we overlooked including them in the video.
Our intention was to offer a general tech bench setup for better understanding, but your input highlights an important aspect that we should have addressed
Thanks again for your input!
Been looking forward to this video and what perfect timing since i just received my order late last week! Thank you
You are so welcome!
great video but the firmware and BMS software is no longer available on the EG4 website under the tabs shown in the video since the website has been changed and the new tab for that stuff: Resources>Software doesn't have the updates. How do we find this now?
Hi @allthingsinteresting649 - You will go to the resources tab and to downloads, search the product that you need firmware/software for and it will list below the product. The BMS tools and test are under the software/drivers section. Here is the link to the 18Kpv firmware: eg4electronics.com/categories/inverters/eg4-18kpv-12lv-all-in-one-hybrid-inverter - I hope this helps! Please let us know if you need any assistance!
@@SignatureSolar there’s nothing but PDFs on the website now
Any comments on the EG4 over the Sol-Ark 15K for a grid tied zero export system?
I followed this with my battery install. The 2 things that would need to be noted are you pressed (return) you said 2x but actually pressed (enter) return takes you back to a previous screen and enter saves the selection.
Also
The dip switches at the end (after programming to lux) need to be flipped to 1 up and the rest all down before it will communicate to the inverter. These changes to the video would greatly help a new person out. I had to dig elsewhere for this information as well as the password for the touch screen being “Signature”
Thank you so much for your feedback! We will forward this to the marketing department!
Does the emergency stop button also shutdown an attached generator?
Great explanation video. One of the best I've seen so far. Im thinking of getting that combo before end of the year. I have a grid related question, in the event that i want to connect a grid power for ONLY to assist in charging the battery, and NOT to send back to the grid. Is there any specific safe instruction that can be shared to do that?
Thanks
So glad it was helpful!
To do this, you will enable Off-Grid mode and AC Charge Enable settings in the inverter's screen:
Off-Grid mode = Advanced settings | PW = 00000
AC Charge Enable = Charge Tab
Start Charge at 46V end at 56V
Can you do a video demonstrating the features and abilities of the smart load/gen input and dry contacts
Thank you so much for your feedback! We will forward your ideas to our marketing department!
Fantastic video! Is the 18k capable of charging batteries and allowing the array to power the house simultaneously?
Yes, absolutely!
@@SignatureSolar Are you interested in UPS uninterruptible power supply?
How tall are you? And, how far off the ground is the bottom of that battery? I don't see any setbacks from the ground outlined in the manual.
Ok. You answered the question at 8:01
There is a problem, you have to remount the 18kpv to add this battery. As 18kpv can have as little as 8 inches from objects
Hi
Can the software/firmware updates and provisioning be done from a mac?
Yes! There is firmware for MAC users!
I would love to see the same video but wiring into the different possibilities this 18kpv has ie side line tap or etc
We will pass that along to our marketing department! Thanks for the suggestion!
Can the EG4 PowerPro ESS EG4 18kPV Hybrid Inverter and PowerPro WallMount Battery units be installed with their backs against the floor, or are there specific mounting requirements or limitations for optimal functionality? The crawl space height is too low for the units to be installed upright, so we need to ensure compatibility with this orientation for installation.
We do not recommend installing units on their backs. The manual shows the recommended configurations.
I guys, looks like a good product. Where can I buy one of these in or delivered to Ireland? Thanks in advance. 👍
It's a great addition to our current EG4 lineup! I would recommend calling us to purchase - 903-441-2090, our customer service and sales department can walk you through getting a freight forwarder lined up.
@@SignatureSolar thank you.
You're so welcome!
Thanks for the information. I am thinking of purchasing 2 PowerPro Batteries to be mounted on a separate walls in a L figure or do they have to align on the same wall? I am tight on space.
You would just need to have them close enough so the wiring can reach! Let us know if you run into any issues along the way!
Where do you purchase a UBB to RS45 for the life of me I cant find one? Plenty of RJ45 USB converters
Hi @jackcooper4889! It depends on what you are using it for as to which pin out you would need. If you'd like to reach out to our tech support team at 903-441-2090, we can help get you set up!
OK connecting battery cables 15:30 looks simple. Well maybe not no mater how I twisted and tweaked the fine wires were totally unruly
and refused to all go into the buss bare hole. So I invented a method to make it work. Take a piece of letter paper cut a square about 2.5"
to 3" wrap this tightly around the cable end with the wires a little less than flush with the end of the paper. Insert the paper and cable end
into the buss hole then carefully wiggle the paper out being sure not to leave any paper bits behind presto all wires inside the hole. One
other tip put your little finger into the buss hole adjust the screw such that it is flush with the bore.
I complained about this too -- ferrules are a needed item here but do not come with any part of the system. I could find no 2/0 size ferrules anywhere locally; so I stripped about 10 inches off some solar panel cable and took at one thread of wire, which I then wrapped around the end of each battery cable to bring the fine wires all into a tight bundle. It worked perfectly, but I still ordered ferrules and a crimper from Amazon. In my opinion, this "small" but very important issue is avoidable by the manufacturer and is glossed over in this video.
Take a thin string and with it, tie a half hich around the strands to bunch them together. Tie it so that when you pull one end of the string, the knot comes untied. Insert the cable, pull the string out. Works great.
Hi, after connecting the eg4 18kpv to the wall mount battery as shown, how do I start the inverter without blowing out the capacitors? Please explain step by step because I realized nobody is using a precharge resistor for this setup.
Hi!
Internal precharged resistor on a few seconds timer.
1. Turn on the inverter's battery breaker first and any in-line breakers on the positive line
2. Turn on the battery breaker
If you have any further questions, please don't hesitate to reach out to our tech team at 9034412090, they will be glad to make sure you're up and running smoothly!
great job Kelly! Easy to follow - Easy to Install!
Glad it was helpful!
I cannot install the firmare because in device manager, the Port COMS & LPT shows an error: "Windows cannot determine the settings for this device. Consult the documentation that came with this device and use the Resource tab to set the configuration. (Code 34)"
ideas?
Hi! If you'd like to reach out to our tech department at 903-441-2090, we can get you a resolution!
Hello ma'am, please is it true that the EG418Kpv has 3 MPPTs with 600VDC max input on each MPPT? Please i need a clear answer as this is confusing to me. Thanks for your response in advance
Yes, that is correct!
Hey is it a rj45 cable or is it a rs45 cable cuz I can't find a rs45 cable?
Hi! The RS485 is supposed to come with every EG4 battery. If you'd like to reach out to us at 903-441-2090, we can get that ordered and sent out to you!
If the outdoor battery is mounted to the ground and the area gets flooded - how high can the water get before causing an issue to the battery?
Hi! It has not been officially tested but we have had customers report that they have flooded an inch or so and the unit has been fine.
Where can I purchase the cables needed as shown in video. Rs45? Is this supposed to be rs485? I’ve got the eg4 18 and two eg4 pro battery’s and soon when winter is over I plan to install my adani 30 panel array. I think I have all my parts now? Order#100870
I just want to make sure that upcoming I have what I need to complete the install. Recommendations for safety gear?
Thank you.
Its the read/write cable - signaturesolar.com/eg4-usb-read-write-cable/
@@SignatureSolar just the one is all I need? I thought there was two? Can I purchase both from you if so? Thank you 😁
Yes! You can purchase them with us!
Is there a way to upgrade the inverter firmware without a smart phone?
Hi! Yes! Firmware on the 18kpv can be done by logging in through the monitoring platform at monitor.eg4electronics.com
The EG4 web site differs from the info given here. I can't seem to find the firmware file.
Hi! If you’d like to email engagement@signaturesolar.com with the firmware you require, we can get that to you!
What size conduit used for power pro to power pro is used? 1.25 pvc does not let the Degson connectors to fit thru
If 1.25 is code compliant in your area, you can upsize to the next size that will let the connectors through :)
@@SignatureSolar so why would you send connectors that won't allow the cable fit thru
@@SignatureSolar so why send fittings that won't accommodate the cables
Guys, how to program this for time of use? Use my batteries between 11-7 and charge them between 7-11?
I also have a small solar system that helps charging my batteries
Give our tech support department at call at 903-441-2090, they will be happy to assist you!
Can you run four power Pro batteries to 1 inverter
3 is UL listed and approved, but up to 5 can be connected.
Sol are vs eg?
When will eg4 have a grid tie focused inverter that’s zero expert ready out of the box to compete with Growatt MIN?
In what ways is the MIN easier?
@@ericfitzsimmons1202 price is only $1400. It doesn’t have many features of this 18k, but grid tie minded people don’t need many features other than export limiting.
HUh, wut?
We reccomend reaching out to EG4 to answer this question :)
Do you have products designed for Africa?
You will need to check the code of your local jurisdiction and follow it. As far as shipping goes, it's possible with a freight forwarder. Let us know if you have any additional questions!
What is the pinout for the RS232 communications?!?!?!? No one at Signature or EG4 can tell me. The documentation for the battery only references
Pin 1 & Pin 8 ‒ RS485_B
Pin 2 & Pin 7 - RS485_A
Pin 3 & Pin 6 ‒ E-Stop NO
@@Scotty2Balls I did ask the MANUFACTURER. Read above. Everyone uses the "this is a new product, let me check." and then crickets. They can't even really tell me what the correct firmware version is.
You can use a straight through Cat 5 or Cat 6 cable and it will work. Let us know if you have any other questions, we are happy to help!
I was finally able to figure out the pin out for RS-232 firmware updates. Had to do a lot of digging and troubleshooting.
DB9 Pin 2 (RXD) -> T-568B Pin 4 (Blue)
DB9 Pin 3 (TXD) -> T-568B Pin 5 (White/Blue)
DB9 Pin 5 (GND) -> T-568B Pin 6 (Green)
Unfortunately every time we come up with a new aspect of functionality for ESS the electrical utility comes along and throws a big fat wrench in the mix. I have gotten so sick and tired of permitting authorities and electric utilities that I let all of my employees go and took my business and threw it in the trash and got out of the solar industry all together. 25 years of success and I am sick and tired of all the BS even though the technology continues to get better and better.
Grid tied
This unit is a hybrid unit so it has the functionality of a grid-tied and off-grid system together! It's an awesome unit, let us know if you have any questions about it specifically.
@@SignatureSolar impressive
the obligatory comment ............. here
Posting this here because neither EG4 nor Signature Solar has answered my communications from earlier this week:
1. Sig Solar sold me 2 Victron Lynx Distributors so that I can add a 4th Power Pro battery to my 18K inverter. But it came with no instructions. How and where do I install those and what do I need to do or buy (e.g. what fuses, wiring, etc.).
2. What alternative is there to using a laptop for battery firmware updates? I do not own a laptop, and because I am off-grid -- I would likely lose power to my Mac desktop if I tried to use that (also I would have to go the trouble of relocating my computer to where the 18K and batteries are installed.
3. In testing my 4th battery (I detached the 3rd battery and rewired to #4). I got a "bat open" error and system shut down. What does this mean and could it still be a problem when i get this battery installed (assumedly with one or 2 of the lynx distributors). I have some concern that the battery was damaged in shipping because the box was damaged and the edges of the top cover on the com port side were broken.
4. I received 2 different types of green com cables - some with screw-caps on each end and some with the cap on just one end. None of the wiring diagrams indicate where all of these are to be used - it appears that only one cable is needed per battery, with the primary battery com wire going to the inverter and then 2 com cables going to the primary battery. That leave extras with no use, unless they also need to be used somewhere. Please advise.
5. With regard to the 4th battery - how does it communicate with the inverter? What wires are needed and where do they go (see Q1 above).
6. I also received an orange cable and a gray cable. Are those for the firmware updating or something else? I see no reference to them in any of the manuals.
7. The Sig Solar UA-cam install video shows a ground wire installed from the Power Pro battery to the inverter. This is not in the manuals. What type wire should be used? Does each battery need to be grounded to the inverter? Or can the grounds run from one battery to another?
8. I have seen conflicting info on the battery dipswitch positions. To indicate battery No 1 do you have the first switch up and all other switches down or the first switch down with all other switches up? And in initial set-up - all dip switches are up, correct?
9. Regarding the conduit boxes - I highly suggest making the openings to the battery plugs (on the batteries) a bit larger and the edges of those opening less sharp. Or you could provide proper conduit nipples to better protect the battery cables.
Hi Collin! That is quite a few questions that may require some troubleshooting and documentation to be sent to you. If you'd like to reach out to us directly at engagement@signaturesolar.com with your name and contact information, we can get you connected with the tech department and get your questions answered!
I am cklose to give up they do not reply i want to order but they are not intereste. I am startuing to hate this company their equioment may be good but their employes stink
Hi @lenne02 I’m so sorry you’re having trouble reaching us! If you’d like to reach out to me directly at engagement@signaturesolar.com I can get you connected and find out why you’re not getting through!