diy solar

diy solar

Growatt SPF 12000T DVM MPV vs 2x EG4 6500EX-48

I did not catch that the EG4 6.5Ks warranty changes depending on the batteries it's used with.
Which batteries get 3 vs 5 years? and why?
This is what I found on their site, but I would not know the answer to 'why'.

3 Year Warranty Supported and serviced out of Texas + additional 2 year warranty added when combined with EG4 Batteries (5 year total warranty).
 
This is what I found on their site, but I would not know the answer to 'why'.

3 Year Warranty Supported and serviced out of Texas + additional 2 year warranty added when combined with EG4 Batteries (5 year total warranty).
That makes sense. It's a sales/synergy thing. "Use our inverter with our batteries and we'll give you another 2 years of warranty." It's not a issue of one battery chemistry being more/less taxing on the inverter.?
 
That makes sense. It's a sales/synergy thing. "Use our inverter with our batteries and we'll give you another 2 years of warranty." It's not a issue of one battery chemistry being more/less taxing on the inverter.?
we also based it on the BMS comms extending inverter charger life
 
Are they UL 1741 compliant or UL1741 listed?

Somewhere around 10 panels to reach 500v; what happens to elec production in shady conditions to that string vs larger number of smaller strings, with the same amount of shading, but the panels are set up in a way the shade affects only one string?

WiFi included ... what was it, the Shine App ... if that is what's included with the new eg4, don't bother with it, you'll be much happier with a pi and Solar Assistant, so the wifi could be a toss up.
 
Well thanks for the feedback. I made my mind up. Yesterday I ordered a Growatt 12K DVM MPV refurb through signature solar paired with 2x EG4 5.12Kw batteries.
(I'll grow out the additional batteries over time)

I wanted these, but sadly they aren't really available...?

I did everything through one of their reps, Madison (who is awesome by the way). She was very knowledgeable and eager to help. If you're planning a purchase and on the fence about some of the details, give them a call and ask for Madison.

I'll start another post once I get everything in and let everyone know how the refurb inverter works and the system as a whole.
 
Since you plan on having the grid as a backup, how are you going to wire the Growatt to the grid?

Have you contacted your elec coop and inquired about their solar policies ... consumer generator is what my coop calls it? They may have regulations that apply even if you only pull from the grid.
 
Are they UL 1741 compliant or UL1741 listed?

Somewhere around 10 panels to reach 500v; what happens to elec production in shady conditions to that string vs larger number of smaller strings, with the same amount of shading, but the panels are set up in a way the shade affects only one string?

WiFi included ... what was it, the Shine App ... if that is what's included with the new eg4, don't bother with it, you'll be much happier with a pi and Solar Assistant, so the wifi could be a toss up.
-not the shine app, watchpower

-shade concerns where shade is concerned, most people are successful in getting their panels in the sun (but you can use 250v if you want, this does both; tigo and other real optimizers are honestly the best way to manage shade

-UL1741 tested by TUV, https://help.dockingdrawer.com/kb/s...ulatory approval,of mark called UL Recognized.
"

ETL vs TUV vs UL Electrical Listings: What are the Differences?​

As far as regulatory approval goes, there isn't a difference between ETL, TUV, and UL listings. Inspectors treat them equally as they are all approved by the US Government as NRTLs. "
 
I live out in the county and don't have some of the permitting/regulation that some of my city dwelling counterparts do.

Us both being in the same area (relatively), are you aware of any Entergy AR issues?

I plan on wiring the inverter after the external main 100A breaker (next to the meter) but before the main sub panel inside, as if it was a normal ATS. No back feeding/net metering.
1656021870551.png
 
Last edited:
UL1741 tested, not UL listed, correct?
TUV listed to UL 1741 Test
only if UL was the test lab would it be UL Listed to UL1741 test

It's a big country, but nowhere in Texas have we seen this kind of nitpickery in person (none of our customers nationally yet either) I doubt as a NRTL it would be legal to override the federal classification of TUV by a local inspector (though crazy ones may try I guess)

There are 4006 electrical inspectors in the USA, anything is capable of being said or thought. if anyone here has an issue with the validity of the TUV UL1741 certificate we want to know, we will reach out to discuss directly
 
I live out in the county and don't have some of the permitting/regulation that some of my city dwelling counterparts do.

Us both being in the same area (relatively), are you aware of any Entergy AR issues?

I plan on wiring the inverter after the external main 100A breaker (next to the meter) but before the main sub panel inside, as if it was a normal ATS. No back feeding/net metering.
This will be fine. The utility company can't tell you what you can power from their grid. (And they actually couldn't care less) As long as it doesn't create any problems with their system. Neither of these inverters are grid tied inverters. (They don't interact with the grid) they are only a connected load, just like a vacuum cleaner.
 
A quick forum search yields considerable confusion on ul tested vs ul listed when it comes to passing inspection in certain areas.
 
This will be fine. The utility company can't tell you what you can power from their grid. (And they actually couldn't care less) As long as it doesn't create any problems with their system. Neither of these inverters are grid tied inverters. (They don't interact with the grid) they are only a connected load, just like a vacuum cleaner.
Do not be so sure of that. My coop did say they would have to approve my connection to the grid even though the system cannot feed the grid.
 
Do not be so sure of that. My coop did say they would have to approve my connection to the grid even though the system cannot feed the grid.
They may have some regulation for that, but they sadly have no way of knowing. ?

I will have to of done something bad for it to come to their attention. I plan, exceedingly, to not let that happen.
 
They may have some regulation for that, but they sadly have no way of knowing. ?

I will have to of done something bad for it to come to their attention. I plan, exceedingly, to not let that happen.
If a lineman every drives by the house, I'm sure they know what solar panels look like. :whistle:
 
If a lineman every drives by the house, I'm sure they know what solar panels look like. :whistle:
Lets explore this idea:

A lineman drives by my property, sees a bunch of solar panels on my shop from the road (~200' away at the closest). Then what, he thinks "They have solar panels. I'm gonna get them, and their little dog too!" ? He has no reason to care. No reason to think anything is awry - because its not. But whatever, lets say his spidy sense tingles and he takes interest.
Then what? He isn't a meter reader so he can't trespass.
But Let's say he works dual-role lineman/meter reader. Here we are entirely smart meters, so no meter readers anymore, but for the hypothetical, lets say he has 'something' (exigent circumstances) that will allow him to trespass onto my property legally (Yes, trespassing legally isn't trespassing?).
Then what? There are solar panels on my shop, a external utility disconnect adjacent to the meter, and nothing else for him to see. He can't go into my garage, shop, or utility room.
But whatever, let's say I let him in. Show him the whole system. He asks me "Is that inverter thingy approved by Entergy?".
Me: "You know, I really don't know or care if it is. It's my appliance in my home. They have no more regulation of it than my water heater. But thanks for stopping by. Try to stay cool out there."

This whole thing is like being afraid to cut the tags off your mattress or getting in trouble for using a aerosol can in a manner other than directed by the manufacturer (to be clear I am not advocating huffing, talking about spraying it upside-down or something similar).

It's looking for something to worry about/fear. Don't. We live in the freest society on earth. If you don't pick some ones pocket nor break their leg they will leave you alone, Karens aside?.
 
Well thanks for the feedback. I made my mind up. Yesterday I ordered a Growatt 12K DVM MPV refurb through signature solar paired with 2x EG4 5.12Kw batteries.
(I'll grow out the additional batteries over time)

I wanted these, but sadly they aren't really available...?

I did everything through one of their reps, Madison (who is awesome by the way). She was very knowledgeable and eager to help. If you're planning a purchase and on the fence about some of the details, give them a call and ask for Madison.

I'll start another post once I get everything in and let everyone know how the refurb inverter works and the system as a whole.
Cool, I want to hear all about how the 12K works for you. Do you own a back brace. My growatt weighs more than the woman I married last century. Robert did a great job for me.
 
Back
Top