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Actually it appears that it should be somewhat steeper. Your optimal year-round tilt angle: 28.6° from horizontal Your optimal tilt angles by season: Spring: 28.6° Summer: 13.6° Fall: 28.6° Winter: 43.6° Your optimal tilt angles by month: January: 38.6° February: 33.6° March: 28.6° April...

Keep the pictures coming! Love what you are doing!

Flashing wise, something like this is what I had in mind.. kind of a T-shape rigid flashing that could be screwed thru to hold the PV panels in place and be sealed along the underside edge. I just don't know what to search for to find a product like this. Can anyone suggest something that...

This is what is frustrating. SS know there are issues, but instead of giving workarounds to the issues up front, they just let everyone waste their time and bash their head against the wall trying to get this shit working. There should be a "STOP - READ THIS FIRST!" notice with everything they...

Oh right... interesting! Well let us all hope we never have to worry about that at sea level. :cool:

Just a quick update to the thread. Updated to BMS v4.05 and had the same zero SoC showing at around 90% plus actual charge and it would shut off the discharge relay because it thought the battery was so low. Found this thread, reset to default values and the SoC is much more healthy looking...

I just bought a similar one that also indicates which lines have data flow on them. If I know there is traffic, it takes one more variable out of the troubleshooting

Also @BenFromSignatureSolar @SignatureSolarJames , given the hold times when I have called for tech support, and the fact the guy I talked to knew less than I did, I am sure you guys are getting killed with support calls for the 6500ex in split phase mode. For example, when it's dark and with...

I gotcha, but that kills the potential of bifacials. Also right now, even 29 gauge corrugated is 4 to 5 dollars a linear foot, so it also adds a not insignificant amount of cost. My whole point is to make a roof with about the same cost as corrugated that also creates power.

Thanks for posting, Steve! Looks like a British house? (I grew up near manchester, it has that look ) Using the panels as the roofing is my goal too. My concern with trying to eliminate the leaks thru the layered panels. Let us know how it progresses. I would be interested to see if the...

I have installed about 7 units so far myself at friends and family houses, rebadged Chinese units. I would personally recommend individual units. 1. Less expensive per BTU (bought from eBay seller Senville) 2. More redundant. If a single unit fails you are not totally out of conditioning. 3...

I would if that were practical. However it is ACSR combo from the early 1970s .. i.e. the Neutral is naked aluminum with steel reinforcement, and there is one insulated conductor (not two). Making it hot and having no neutral is not an option. Plus I still want to have 120VAC available from the...

lol.. reminds me of when I was in Vaasa (Swedish fake Finland ;-) ) ... we went out to an island by boat and they had a huge wheeled excavator that must have weighed at least 12000kg out there that they had driven over the ice the previous winter to build their cabin. They had to rent it for a...

Hey all, I am looking at the MPP6048 type split phase units. Was interested in the LE4 but there is a 2 week delay on shipping plus they are considerably more expensive for arguably the same thing. It is hard to get good data on the exact spec differences and getting good internals data is...

Hey @SignatureSolarJames , @SignatureSolarAdam et al, I have been waiting on the phone for a sales person for ages without seeming to get past being 4th in queue. This after a hangup previously. I am looking to buy a 12K off grid system. I get you guys are probably slammed today. Would you...

Not flat. Probably about 10ish percent incline I would think. We don't get a lot of snow, but the braced steel at 40 inches should be plenty to support it. Hence the questions I asked looking for feed back from people that have tried it or experienced it.

That seems more inclined to leak, no? It would seem that the sealant would tear apart with movement of the panels with heat. Hence why roof shingles and most roofing materials are lapped over each other so even if the sealant failed, the water would be less inclined to work itself in.

Haha.. nice. Yep .. that's what I am hoping for actually. Some super cheap used panels that will come in at a lower cost than plywood (currently 50 dollars plus a sheet)

Hey JC, The HVAC tape is sticky as hell... do you think it would hold up tho in the elements? BTW I am in the Atlanta area... so *very* north Florida ;-) However I do go down to Jacksonville a few times a year, so maybe I could swing by your barn supply shop. Who do you recommend? Thanks again!

The rectification can be "lumpy" (bottom graph dotted line) or "Smoothed" with a capacitor. Either way it puts out about 170VDC from 120VAC (again RMS), which is well within the charging range of the 6000EX unit (120VDC to 480VDC charging range). The 6000EX shouldn't care where the DC is coming...

What is really annoying is that the EG4 hardware is seemingly capable, but the software is so flaky and hard to configure. If they could just invest in some decent code and get these things genuinely plug and play with reliable MODERN (no serial cables!!) RJ45 style connections into a laptop or...

Hey Ben, recommendation for best sales guy? I am ready to buy this week. Just want to ensure I will get everything I need, so need someone with experience please. Thanks!

I haven't researched the paid appliance outlet thing yet, so not picked a vendor, but I am already using an app by Liftmaster for gate access control that can also allow access to a mail room. It supports access by Amazon drivers for if customers want something large shipped to the site. It also...

OK.. wow... that was a lot to chew on! Thanks (I think lol ;-) ) In regards to a sub 1000VDC (sub 500VDC most likely), the precautions should be typical of a 3ph AC panel right? (i.e. do I really need to be worried about plastic extension shafts, and boxing monitoring modules for residential...

I know right? It seems very promising for people that need 100kWh storage without it costing 40 grand plus

I feel ya.. the learning curve is pretty daunting! We don't have snow, but it is definitely dreary a lot of days here in January, so it is hard to tell what the array is going to do come June when it is crushingly hot. The thermal cam is the best tool I have used yet for finding problems. Just...

OK.. well I did ask for a suggested angle.. apparently 23 to 28 percent is best for my latitude. As my main concern is to generate AC cooling power during the hottest months and to provide a shading for the vehicles underneath, I have picked 23 percent. This would create 10 feet of elevation...

Hey @Micah123456 .. what cable(s) did you end up getting to get connectivity? I am getting nothing out of my EG4 right now using the cable that came with it.

Or could the flashing be skipped.. push the panels closer together and would a silicon sealant suffice? How much would the panels shift around due to weather and temperature?

I am a neophyte with these solar inverters. What exactly would be the effect on the MPPT of the 60W vs 250W incandescent bulb? Would the MPPT be able to tell the Variac is only 2000W capable and limit itself? Could the software of the inverter be told not to draw more than a certain amount...

Hey @timselectric ... How would that work? Not sure I understand what you are getting at. Could you suggest a picture or link?

Nice looking setup @SkillZUNV ! I have the same units and batteries but just a pair set up for 2P2. I have grid power but it is only 120V (nominal).. in reality it is more like 105 to 108V at the end of a very long power line. I wanted my system to basically turn this into 240VAC of clean...

Thanks all!

haha.. sorry. I was trying to keep the AC input and DC input method threads separate. I am trying to be creative, but it sure is getting confusing. ;-)

Hey all, I am looking for a lower cost waterproof DC volt monitor that I can leave plugged in outside next to the solar array. My array can create up to 500VDC, so obviously the one in the picture is not useful. I can find up to 500VDC meters but not waterproof. Seems like this would...

This is kind of what I was looking at. Seems like some folks have made these batteries.. just wondered if anyone had heard of anyone that had made one successfully on a mid scale (100ish kWh)

Hey @BenFromSignatureSolar , what is the current recommended firmware versions and how do we check?

By everything you mean the charge or you mean the battery destroys itself?

ah.. gotcha. So it cannot be remelted to bring it back to life?

That sounds like a great idea, but not sure how to calculate that. Also not sure which type of resistor I would buy to do that. I am sure Ohm's law is involved at some point right? ;-) Could you please help and make a suggestion on what to buy to achieve this? Suppose I get a waterproof...

Hey all, I have searched and cannot find this, and the tech support is unsure and checking into it. I have a remote shed with 120VAC power available. I want to install a EG4 6000EX to charge 48V batteries and provide me with 240VAC split phase output suitable for large motor loads in one...

So after much reading and research, I am back to looking at Sig Solar but now for a full install kit. https://signaturesolar.com/complete-all-in-one-off-grid-solar-kit-kit-e0000 They obviously have their online ordering, but I don't think I see the difference with the e0000, e0001 etc kits...

Hey @loading ... did you figure out how long is too long?

Hey @SkillZUNV did you get watchpower to actually work? I can't get my laptop to actually get any data from the inverters at all. The laptop sees the com port, but nothing is coming thru. Any tips? Did you get a solution for the 50A maximum cutoff?

You clearly thought this out and it looks to be well engineered. The wind load will definitely be significant, but this looks beefy enough as long as your welds hold. The sliding points for lateral shift should do the trick. If you are using geothermal at 1m then the frost heave won't be...

Did you get it resolved?

I am trying to get the app to connect and it will connect to each wifi module.. let me enter the details of my wifi network, but then it won't connect and just keeps saying that the wifi module connectivity is down. Same error on both EG4 6500s... so obviously this is common...

I just got a EG4 package deal with the 4 batteries, 28 panels, rack, inverters, etc. The seller (signature solar) modified the package contents with changes to the panels and some other things and kept the free shipping, etc; you just need to talk to one of their sales guys to help you put it...

What was your result? Did you every get it working?

So the cable I have is RJ45 on one end and USB on the other. You didn't use something like this to plug in to your unit? Could you post a picture of how yours is connected please? I am not sure I understand what you are doing.

How's it coming along? Any resolution? You are not alone! We are rooting for you! ;-)

Right? It is so annoying that SS knows this shit doesn't work out of the box and let us all spend 1000s of collective manhours fighting with it instead of just making a definitive solution (even if that is just saying "Our shit doesn't work. Buy this and this and this and do this and it will be...

I am getting the drivers I have to connect to the USB device and see it as a serial port. There is data /traffic / garbage coming out of the green pair and brown pair of wires to a terminal viewer app (called coolterm). However Watchpower sees nothing at all. Sooooo ... soo annoying and...

I have the same issue.. the best place for photons is basically the northside (east-west) boundary of our property. I plan to mount some of the panels on frames on some extra lumber mounted to the top of a 8 foot tall cedar fence. It will need some extra bracing too due to more wind load and...

I am shopping all the similar/identical internals units and the 6048 Sunpower inverter is $1360 with 10% off and free shipping right now. Sungold TP6048 6,000W 120/240V Output | 48V Solar Inverter Split Phase (Grid Feedback & Batteryless)

Gotcha. Thanks! So I am guessing you didn't find a cable that could just do everything all in one? Or is there a particular reason you went to serial and then back to RJ45?

Hey @SolarScott can you elaborate? I am getting nothing out of my inverter. Windows recognizes and sees the com port with the SigSolar USB dongle in the USB port, but there is zero communication. Can you elaborate on what you did exactly? Thanks!

Thanks JC! So the butt joints have not separated at all? How much leak through do you get? Occasional drip or full on puddles underneath? Double bubble seems like it would be a good choice option.. still translucent so the bifacial panels have the chance to make a little extra. Could you...

Did you end up buying a new USB adapter? If so, which one?

do you have a link to that app please so we can check it out?

Mmm good suggestion. Have you used these, Aaron?

copy that. I will give it a go. I am not specifically looking at solar assistant yet; just trying to get the inverter to give me anything at all to the laptop.

Interesting background! So is a $5/MWh a typical cost for most utilities for generation of power? I suppose the parasitic losses of the Na/S batteries would be pretty high and it would basically degrade to zero charge fairly quickly. Did he give you any insight on whether the losses were...

Agreed... looks like crap .. esp. on a high end house. Also complex steep pitch roofs are generally less than ideal angle wise and orientation wise. Also in my case the buildings are just poorly situated in the shade for a lot of the year, so paneling the roof would be a waste of 90% of the...

Has anyone reported Watchpower working on any of the forums, or is this software just garbage with no redeeming value. It is a little frustrating that Sig Solar would bother putting this on there if it was so worthless. If the shit doesn't work, then fix it or just say it doesn't work. Don't...

This is from the EX6000 user manual on Signature Solar's website where I plan to buy the unit if it will do what I want it to. https://signaturesolar.com/content/documents/EG4/6000ex/EG4-6000EX-48-Version-1.0.0-08-26-2022.pdf I think I talked to Ben(?) there this morning (correct me if I am...

I am on 4.05 version and had the same issue. It shows that it can see the full charge (24v plus) but SoC was zero. Just do a software reset and reboot and it started working fine.

Hey I guess we were posting simultaneously. Please see my recent post. The 6000EX manual on Sig Solar's website said it can use 120VAC input. So is the manual incorrect? Am I misunderstanding something?

So I have four EG4 (no LED batteries) set to DDDU DDUD DDUU DUDD The instructions I saw was the first battery needs to be set to binary DDDU to talk to the inverters, then the others just have to be unique DIP setting. Is that not the case? I am just trying to get the inverter to talk to my...

Gotcha. Thanks.

OK.. Need a couple of days to digest / interpret this! I will let you know how I go on! Thanks @Hedges

Also can we get a specific definition of OFF-GRID, HYBRID OPERATION?

Actually can you recommend a good write up or video explaining the background to this "The resistor circuit I described above will have DMM biased to PV-; that is that voltage? It could be 183V for a transformerless inverter, 0V or 366V for a DC coupled inverter, and that voltage could change...

Wise words, Steve, but the shunt wasn't the issue in this case. It wasn't misreading the current or voltage... just showing the SoC as zero even as it showed having 24V being read. Definitely a software issue. As many people have said... Do the factory reset! :-)

How did you go on? Does it work with just a panel and no other hardware?

Yeah, I saw that when I actually looked at it harder, hence the edit from before. It would be nice if they would release a more complete diagram tho showing all the wiring that is incomplete on that diagram.

Can you clarify if this is the correct wiring diagram for the internals?

Did they say why not on the variac?

For the purposes of this discussion only and because "offgrid" is a vague term, I am going to state Off Grid as getting power from the power company, but not trying to push my solar power back on to that grid. (One way grid power) So Hybrid means you can charge the 48V batteries with AC right...

So the Variac with no split phase shouldn't matter, right? I get that it would be slow to charge, but it would get there eventually if outputting 240VAC. It sure would be nice if Sig Solar would do a little research and dev to give us some options for 120VAC charging on this unit. Then perhaps...

@JCSchwarb This is what I was asking about from your post on page 2.. which company was this?: "If you are in north FL I can point you to an excellent company, otherwise suggest looking for pole barn supply company close to you. They will provide everything including posts, metal trusses...

Hey Ben, Not sure we are talking about the same thing. I am not trying to directly convert the 120VAC to 240VAC. I am trying to power and charge the batteries from 120VAC by direct (AC) or indirect (AC Converted to DC) means. If I then unplug the 120VAC input, The inverter should be then...

Gotcha. So what does this part of the manual mean then? GRID INPUT Acceptable Input Voltage Range 65 - 140 VAC (Appliances)

No kidding! I didn't think they were even selling commercial panels back then. @Tecnodave .. how much did they back then? What is the story behind that install?

I am just trying to keep it simple and use one device. Also 120A 48VDC chargers are not inexpensive, so I want one unit to handle everything. I guess I am missing something as I am new to these type of units. Very confused.. I have read definitions of Hybrid offgrid and several sites say I can...

Looking forward to seeing them installed and see how they do. I know it is getting cold up there right now! I spent some time in Vaasa and the winter there is no joke.

Any recommendation on an attentive sales person? The guy I have been talking to seems to be gone a lot. Not responded to an email or phone call in a couple of days.

Awesome.. thanks so much! Very kind! Thoughts on a good place to study an dlearn about this sort of thing? Youtube can be real hit and miss.

Hey Will, The video seems to be down still. How are Sungold TP6048 users doing with their install? Any issues? Just looking to do a simple single unit install right now. They are quite a bit less expensive than the EG4 version with the same internals. PS Quick question: Do you only post...

I doubt it. It is making 240VAC from 120VAC single phase. I am just looking for a way to charge these batteries with 120VAC even if I have to get creative to do it. Kinda frustrating that these split phase all in one's don't do it natively.

The manual specifically tables single and multiple (split phase) specs if they are applicable so it would definitely need an update if this is *per* phase. It is a big difference! :-)

Also... Is there one single unit used in every market internationally or is there a specific US version that presumes a stable grid? We get VAC from the grid anything from 108VAC on super hot days up to 123VAC when neighbor demand is low. I guess it is somewhat stable but we get several outages...

Yep.. open it up is about all you can do, but again, they make fake grade A cells too. Short of capacity testing the cells you can never be sure. Just torture load test it a few cycles.. I had my inverter set up running two toaster ovens, a 6kW resistance heater and an air compressor at the...

I have been led to believe Low Frequency inverters are better for big induction loads. The 6000EX is low freq and handles 240VAC output without the need for multiple units. I want the flexibility and features of this unit in particular.

They should be fine for inductive loads as long as you plan for up to 10X startup surge. This means enough inverter and batteries to handle the surge. I am actually doing something fairly similar to you with a small camper park. I priced the commercial coin style washers and dryers and they...

Hey all, I have an bunch of Santan SSG 240W used panels that I want to use for roofing on an outbuilding. I don't currently have any other power needs in that building so not ready for a full system out there. I also have an unused Senville 240VAC 24000 BTU inverter minisplit heatpump that...