diy solar

diy solar

Eg4 inverter future

pvgirl said:
Pages 21 and 49 of the manual show a setting of operation without s battery: https://eg4electronics.com/backend/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/EG4-6000XP-Manual-1.1.7.pdf
Click to expand...
@pvgirl

I appreciate the pointers. I did see that running te inverter without a battery itself, is supported.. and that is a great first step in answering my question.

However, I did clarify to say.. "PV only". (ie, no batteries and no AC input from generator or grid)

The two sections you reference clearly shows that I can set "battery" to "no", and operate it. However, as seen in the screenshot from @Zapper77 above, There is this quote:

"The 6000XP can use energy from PV, Grid, or batteries for powering the output. However, not all the sources are required. In an off-grid situation, the inverter can be used with just batteries and solar as the energy source.<br /> The 6000XP can also be used with just battery and grid. This is useful for power backup or load shifting without the expense of the PV modules. In other configurations, the inverter can operate with no batteries and just use PV and Grid. In this configuration the inverter will power from the PV as long as the PV is providing adequate power. If the PV power fall below the demand of the load, the unit will switch to powering completely from the Grid."

When reading that, and seeing phrases like "just battery and solar" or "just battery and grid", or "no batteries, just PV and grid", starts to give the impression that you'd need 2 of the 3 inputs. Specifically, I'm pointing out that they are not making the claim that it can use any single input alone for operation. They specifically mention a combination of 2 inputs.. repeatedly. This is the part that gives me pause. I would think that if it could operate from any one, or multiple inputs.. it'd be a much simpler statement to write than to give multiple examples. ie, "This inverter can work with any single power source, or any combination of power sources".

Does that make sense?
 
n2aws said:
@pvgirl

I appreciate the pointers. I did see that running te inverter without a battery itself, is supported.. and that is a great first step in answering my question.

However, I did clarify to say.. "PV only". (ie, no batteries and no AC input from generator or grid)

The two sections you reference clearly shows that I can set "battery" to "no", and operate it. However, as seen in the screenshot from @Zapper77 above, There is this quote:

"The 6000XP can use energy from PV, Grid, or batteries for powering the output. However, not all the sources are required. In an off-grid situation, the inverter can be used with just batteries and solar as the energy source.<br /> The 6000XP can also be used with just battery and grid. This is useful for power backup or load shifting without the expense of the PV modules. In other configurations, the inverter can operate with no batteries and just use PV and Grid. In this configuration the inverter will power from the PV as long as the PV is providing adequate power. If the PV power fall below the demand of the load, the unit will switch to powering completely from the Grid."

When reading that, and seeing phrases like "just battery and solar" or "just battery and grid", or "no batteries, just PV and grid", starts to give the impression that you'd need 2 of the 3 inputs. Specifically, I'm pointing out that they are not making the claim that it can use any single input alone for operation. They specifically mention a combination of 2 inputs.. repeatedly. This is the part that gives me pause. I would think that if it could operate from any one, or multiple inputs.. it'd be a much simpler statement to write than to give multiple examples. ie, "This inverter can work with any single power source, or any combination of power sources".

Does that make sense?
Click to expand...
What do you expect would happen if running just from pv without battery or grid and there is some cloud cover? For your appliances to just turn off and then turn back on when there is enough pv?
 
1201 said:
What do you expect would happen if running just from pv without battery or grid and there is some cloud cover? For your appliances to just turn off and then turn back on when there is enough pv?
Click to expand...
In my use-case, yes, that would be 100% fine. I'd likely add batteries later, but it's not in the budget at the moment.
 
Am I reading this correct, the switch panel contains all breakers needed outside of the PV in?

That’s pretty dang cool
 
G00SE said:
Am I reading this correct, the switch panel contains all breakers needed outside of the PV in?

That’s pretty dang cool
Click to expand...
It looks like it has pv breakers as well? At least a pv disconnect switch
 
1201 said:
It looks like it has pv breakers as well? At least a pv disconnect switch
Click to expand...
I see the switch but I think it still needs a 4 post 600v/20a for 2 independent PV strings right?

If that’s the “only” one needed, I’m thoroughly impressed
 
G00SE said:
Am I reading this correct, the switch panel contains all breakers needed outside of the PV in?

That’s pretty dang cool
Click to expand...
Yes, and there is an included PV disconnect switch as well, and given the specs of the MPPT you won't be using more then 2 strings in parallel so you won't need any overcurrent protection. Your install may need a disconnect where the pv wires enter the building or a rapid shutdown system depending where your panels are mounted, how the wire is run, and local code requirements.
 
1201 said:
Curious, what's your use case?
Click to expand...
*edit* Removed the wall of text

Honestly though, I think I'm going to relax on posting to this thread. I feel I may be cluttering it up. I'll just be patient and wait for some details.
 
Last edited:
n2aws said:
So, the project has a couple of phases. but the short version is, I'll be converting a 7x16 cargo trailer into a toy hauler and RV situation. I'll be doing the work in a location that has no power currently. So the initial effort would be installing an efficient minisplit, and charging some batteries for power tools. This way I can work in some level of comfort while building the rest of the trailer out. Longer term, when the 6k eventually supports being AC coupled (ie, curtails output when the frequency rises). the goal would be to AC couple the trailer to my existing home inverter. (This would obviously require running some conduit and wires, but that is a completely different project, and the trailer isn't at my property during the build) I understand that will likely be a future firmware update, so it's not an immediate need.

Anyway, the immediate use-case would be to provide some level of cooling during the day when I'm working on things, and charging up some cordless tool batteries. In this case, cloud cover would stop the AC and chargers.. but that would be ok (cloud cover means it wouldn't be as hot)

Honestly though, I think I'm going to relax on posting to this thread. I feel I may be cluttering it up. I'll just be patient and wait for some details.
Click to expand...
I don't know if that would be safe for the mini splits. I know when I turn mine off it takes a few seconds to ramp down.
How about just a small battery to keep things moving along. Or would that add too much cost/complexity? It would probably pay for itself by capturing some of the excess pv energy that would otherwise go to waste if the minisplits is not using all of it.
 
1201 said:
I don't know if that would be safe for the mini splits. I know when I turn mine off it takes a few seconds to ramp down.
How about just a small battery to keep things moving along. Or would that add too much cost/complexity? It would probably pay for itself by capturing some of the excess pv energy that would otherwise go to waste if the minisplits is not using all of it.
Click to expand...
Yes, adding batteries later is part of the plan.
 
pvgirl said:
Yes, and there is an included PV disconnect switch as well, and given the specs of the MPPT you won't be using more then 2 strings in parallel so you won't need any overcurrent protection. Your install may need a disconnect where the pv wires enter the building or a rapid shutdown system depending where your panels are mounted, how the wire is run, and local code requirements.
Click to expand...
@SignatureSolarJames @Markus_EG4

Is there a possibility for a remote disconnect / rapid shutdown switch on this one, like what can be done with the 18kwpv?
 
On the running with just pv it really isn't usefully to be honest. I have done it with my tp6048 but not from by choice. I ran with just grid and pv for a long time before getting a battery.

When the power goes out from the grid it runs on pv but since that only works while the suns up and clouds cause brown outs I can't see it really being useful other than the coolness factor of seeing it do it which wears off fast :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

D
EG4 Megarevo 8KW Hybrid Inverter Generator Input
2
Replies
25
Views
3K
adolfo
A
SignatureSolarJames
RESOLVED: EG4 6500EX and 6000EX Lights Flickering FIRMWARE
21 22 23
Replies
440
Views
27K
SignatureSolarJess
SignatureSolarJess
S
EG4 6500EX-48 Expansive lesson learned!
3 4 5
Replies
88
Views
4K
RememberTheMagic
R
ill.behavior
50A fifth-wheel upgrade game plan for full-time RV living, boondocking primarily. Thoughts appreciated!
Replies
15
Views
1K
RoadTurtle
R
Back
Top