Most reacted posts

Sorry, I was referring to @MaikaiLifeDIY post about the new Sol-Ark MPPT board that includes SunSpec RSD TX. I should have used reply.

Yeah, the wording for pins 5,6 and 7 is ambiguous. Just remove the word normal.

True. I'll also be making an investment that I can't financially justify. I have decent net metering, no TOU, but I'm adding batteries in 2024 because I want to be able to ride out any extensive power outage. I have a 17 KW Generac, but full propane tanks will only last about 7 days and they're...

Even if it is accessible through PowerView, almost for certain access will be gone when we migrate to MySolArk monitoring in May.

A generator connected to the Grid or Gen terminals must power the loads. Others that have experienced this problem connect the generator to a battery charger connected to the battery.

I think it's "don't call us with battery communications issues".

Pytes has a stacking model Pi LV1 One online store lists it at $1,950. per module + $1,000 for the battery control unit. Nominal voltage 51.2V I'm not sure that it's actually available yet.

I once watched a YT video by SunSynk where Keith was proclaiming the bidirectional ability of the inverter while describing the Gen input functioning with Gen Peak Shaving. Either SunSynk revised the firmware to make it work or Sol-Ark modified the firmware and broke this function.

I believe my installer correctly recorded the serial numbers location, but not the designation. I was able to relabel based upon sound assumptions. I think I got it right although B1 to B12 should be B1 to B6 // C1 to C6.

I agree. My neighbor has an 8KW system with optimizers. We (him and I) have an 8.14KW system without optimizers. I see little if any difference in production.

This document explains converting a Generac to 2 wire start.

December generated 1/3 of my power needs and I'm mostly heating with propane. 😥

Use the Sol-Ark panel sizing tool.

If you are in New England check out Tarm Biomass That's where I bought my wood boiler.

I found a newer document that does include the optimizers, but not the 15K.

This video explains the Sol-Ark side of AC coupling.

This is what I have. I'm only cycling the batteries to see how the batteries and system perform. I got batteries solely for backup. I would join Connected Solutions, but the only battery Eversource accepts into their program is Enphase.

Within the next few weeks I'll be adding 20 KWH of batteries to my Sol-Ark 15K. I would set up peak shaving if my utility added Demand charges to residential service. We have a dedicated service for a detached garage that powers the well pump. This they call general service and includes Demand...

10 years ago my life was dependent on a 20 year old Perkins in a sailboat. We got caught in a storm in the Northeast.

Yeah, recently I can't get any data before 1 pm. I also see dead spaces for 5 minutes without 1 minute resolution. I have the premium service. Rather pathetic.

Sol-Ark recommended batteries

I'm not there yet. Batteries are not in place. I'm making some noise because I want this functionality when my batteries are in place. There is no logical reason why this can work on grid terminals, but not gen terminals.

There's no SOC charge limit setting for PV. The best I can do is set loads first, not batteries first. That just extends how long it takes for the batteries to be fully charged.

Then throw in RSD (rapid shutdown). I'm struggling with an installer that doesn't understand TIGO CCA TAP. System is only at blind deployment stage and they say it's ready for inspection. Blind deployment means no RSD.

deleted

You don't need external CTs on the Gen input.

Good luck with rewiring your strings. Last week I went through a similar scenario. The installer was accustomed to SolarEdge and wired 12 Panasonic 400 watt panels in series on my Sol-Ark. Measured 545 volts on MPPT input.

It probably was a single phase inverter. However, if I recall correctly, an external CT was required.

I have 4 Pytes V5 batteries and I've also seen SOC stall at 90%. Once it moves to 91% charge current begins to ratchet down.

I can't wait to get mine operating.

Sol-Ark 8K

It's a 17KW Generac standby generator that is currently connected to 3 separate 200A. Generac service panels that include the transfer switch. This transfer switch is placed between the upper and lower breakers creating a critical loads panel in the lower section. Adding 3 ATS would be costly...

How does OP get to the Days of the Weeks setting?

All of the TIGO MLPE can be made to work with any string inverter except SolarEdge. You just have to engineer a method to turn off the CCA to initiate RSD. Some will argue that the inverter should also shutdown. I don't see why first responders should cut the electricity to your home; leaving...

I use google.ca when I want to find anything Canadian specific.

Not sure if Sol-Ark is the same. Batt: Voltage or percentage battery state-of-charge at which the system stops discharging batteries. If “? Charge” is checked, the “Batt” V / % setpoint will change its meaning and it will now be the upper limit at which the inverter charges the battery up to...

In NH we don't have demand charges for residential service. But the meter for the well pump for our condo has demand charges. However, there's no demand charge for the first 5KW.

Electrician will be back today, hopefully to finish. I wanted him to install the Sol-Ark between the disconnect and the main service panel. Original plans only called for line side tap with the main service panel still connected to the meter. So far he only has the PV conduit installed. He...

You can use the external CTs to limit power from the grid. Idle current is 60 watts. The Sol-Ark 5K-1P-N is 120 volt only. The TOU settings allow you to specify battery power limit and to discharge to a specified SOC. Any time slot in TOU settings either defines discharge parameters or charge...

Yeah, I've posted multiple complaints of disappointing tech support through 2024 and again in 2025.

A lot of the get government out of my life I don't get, but I do get the sentiment of the original post. In 1967 I built my first stereo, Heathkit amplifier and speaker boxes that I built for speakers from a HiFi store that I had no idea if they were good. My system was way above and beyond what...

Your diagram won't work for 2 reasons. 1) Assuming the bus bars in the Generac panel are rated 225 amp, the NEC 120 rule will only allow a single 70 amp breaker for solar back-feed. This will limit your allowed PV production to 13,440 watts. You should connect the grid terminals of the Sol-Arks...

I believe that Deye, Sunsynk and Sol-Ark all started with the same firmware, but then each modified as they saw fit. For example I've seen Keith from Sunsynk explaining Gen Peak Shaving on the Gen input terminals. This is a feature that was previously documented as being available on a Sol-Ark...

Not possible in New England. Enjoy your electrical freedom.

There's a power cycle sequence on page 23.

My Sol-Ark went rogue 2 weeks ago and disconnected from the grid. My home continued to be powered until I found the fault yesterday. Lowest SOC was 30%.

SILFAB

Not correct on the Generac. At Gen - Red to 194 DC(+) 12vdc for transfer controls - White to 23 - Transfer control signal wire This is an output to an ATS, not an input. The new wires from the 2 wire kit connect elsewhere on the Generac controller. The inverter relay contact connects to these wires.

Really? What happened to battery agnostic claim?

I paid a solar company to install my system. The electrician wasn't familiar with Sol-Ark. He made a near fatal mistake that I pointed out, putting 12 solar panels in series. The error was probably made in the plans at their office.

Yeah, $300/cord here for semi-seasoned hard wood delivered. I started with about an acre of fallen trees, de-limbed and stacked, mostly pine. When that ran out, it was $175/cord. Every 3 years I had to find a new supplier; always independents that buy a wood processor and eventually give up. I...

I listed my house for sale last week. I had to fill out a "seller disclosure" form that included a question; Are you aware of any unpermitted work? You can always lie, but it isn't difficult for a buyer to search town records and come back on the seller for reimbursement. In some communities...

@robby I agree with you that Sol-Ark is more than a cloned Deye. It pisses me off when the naysayers that have never seen the inside of a Sol-Ark say it is just a cloned Deye. But please stop defending Sol-Ark support. It's not what people from 2 years ago claimed it to be. That's been my...

Installer was on site trouble shooting the string that wasn't producing. When I realized he had 12 panels in series, I pulled up the manual and explained the voltage would be too high. After he understood, he called the office and had a crew come out with a Y cable. 12 in series became two...

My power was restored 9:23 this morning. I waited for an estimated restoration date before engaging my battery. It only discharged to 50% SOC. I'm waiting for the Sol-Ark to update PowerView, so I can see how my battery performed. I found and corrected the comms problem. It was a defectice...

See attachment for bollard requirements.

That must have been the problem. I happen to walk in when he had the breaker in his hand. Pytes sent them a video. They need to put this on their web site.

53.2V is correct for 15 cells. I have 16 cell batteries that sit at 56.7V.

Some folks in MA were required to open the floor and embed bollards in concrete. Bolt down was unacceptable. Your AHJ may not be so strict. 🤷‍♂️

He was like a petulant child.

I didn't get the joke. Another member didn't as well, but we'll move on and forget it. Thank you for the apology.

I don't have my generator connected at this time. Otherwise, I would try it. Note that you need the CTs on the Gen input.

Don't know. I wanted to look at the data preceding the event, but there is no data. :rolleyes: 5 minute resolution of Sol-Ark data is no help.

Sol-Ark first announced the optimizers in 2022 stating they would be available in November (2022).

Yes, it costs more, but will have 300 amp discharge vs 200 amp, so there's that.

Check Time of Use. With the settings as you've shown the Deye will power the loads from the battery up to 8000 watts and will stop powering from battery when the battery falls to 49.0V.

The latest 15K manual shows 60 W. I believe it was 90 W previously.

Yes, Sol-Ark. I don't have batteries.

Unlikely that Sol-Ark is doing this. They would proudly touting this if they were.

And Sol-Ark isn't selling the same Deye inverter. The hardware is different. Just look at the connection terminals; Sol-Ark are more substantial. We don't know what else is different under the hood.

Use TOU. In my example from 1:00 to 7:00 it will pull up to 2KW from the battery until battery SOC is 50%. Also set Energy Pattern to Load First. During the day PV will power loads and if inadequate PV, then draw from the battery. Excess PV will charge the batteries.

We're talking about relays not chips.

You're right. I didn't notice I was looking at a 3 pole switch

Today I received an email confirming the transition on May 28. Also a note that historical data will be unavailable until June 28. Maybe it's going to happen this time.

I found normal 100% SOC voltage for these batteries to be 56.7 If I turn off TOU, battery voltage will range from 56.8 to 57.1 when PV is producing. The Sol-Ark wants to utilize the batteries like a shock absorber. With TOU turned off, this doesn't happen and PV production is curtailed. The only...

This blog explains it. You are right about 20.48 KWH. I would think a common sense AHJ would round down to 20 KWH.

When I had my 2010 Generac 17KW standby generator installed, Generac included service life of 1,000 hours in the specifications. That in itself tells why it's not suited for off grid applications.

Correct, the Sol-Ark 15K does not have a grid breaker. My installer mounted a 200 A breaker next to the 15K, as well as a fused disconnect next to the meter.

Three V5 should suffice for the 15K power needs. Each battery is rated for continuous 75A. The only issue I had was a defective communication cable shipped with the OC cabinet. That was easily remedied with a new cable. There's a current thread where a fellow got a defective V5 battery. He did...

It's been 10+ days since I submitted my ticket. With no response, I submitted another one yesterday. This time I didn't even get an automated reply acknowledging receipt of my ticket. 😠 Edit: Today, July 31, I submitted a new ticket request. This time I got an automated reply and a ticket...

I'm in NH and Eversource is my utility. I operated mine for a few days prior to PTO. I did see a few bursts of 100 watts of export, but no response from Eversource. I didn't have batteries. If you're feeling defiant (I was) go to the "Other" tab in the "Limiter" settings and change Zero Power...

I have Pytes V5 in closed loop. Mine do the same thing; it's normal. Float voltage in closed loop is 56.7V.

That TIGO module works with the RSS TX, not CCA/TAP. Outside of the US, where RSD isn't required, it's typical to not have panel monitoring.

Here are the instructions to convert various Generac standby generators to 2 wire start.

No hand truck or any kind of lift. I'm 70+ and so is my neighbor. My driveway is 200'. I do have a John Deere and a cart, but after it's on the cart???????????

At one time Sol-Ark stated damage may occur at 550 volts. It seems they've taken a more cautious approach and simply state maximum VOC = 500V. My installer screwed up and put twelve 49 volt panels in series. The 15K wasn't damaged but most likely would in cold weather. My other system has eleven...

Mine was online from October to late December with PV off (no PTO). Frustrated waiting for PTO, I turned on the PV without grid sell. Within a few days, we had a brief power outage. The Sol-Ark ATS disconnected from the grid, but faulted when the grid came back and did not pass through. I had to...

I have 1:1 net metering unless I overproduce for the month. The overproduction earns about a 60% credit. When I get my batteries in the next few weeks, I'm planning to cycle them twice a week, just so I can verify their capability. Like @millsan1 there's actually a financial loss to deploying...

Periodically check the web site for updated manuals. I found the 15K manual dated June 13 2023 to be vastly improved. There's a new app coming My Sol-Ark.

Your screen shot shows battery usage starts at Time 2 (12:00 noon). Make sure that all time slots are chronological. It's unusual for Time 1 to be 10:00 as delivered it's 1:00

There's a Webinar Wednesday November 15, 6 pm EST.

Check your software version. The latest for the 12K is 6.2.2.2 An update may increase the output.

According to PV Pro settings you should increase this value to reduce the possibility of backfeeding. As I understand it, this is a continuous grid power draw value. If you are drawing from the grid your not backfeeding the grid. Zero Export Power A target value for usage from the grid that you...

I'm also on Chrome and don't see it.

This is nothing new. NEC states: The installation and maintenance of ESS equipment and all associated wiring and interconnections shall be performed only by qualified persons. Qualified Person One who has skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment...

Yes and No? What do you mean?

That's been discussed on the forum ad nauseum. Sol-Ark haters are sure Deye engineered the product. I'm not so sure.

I compared my 2 systems over the last four months, one with optimizers and one without. The 8.14KW system without optimizers outperformed the 8KW system every month. The 8.14KW system has morning shade conditions. The 8KW system has late afternoon shade conditions. Winter months favor the 8.14KW...

This post shows that both Deye and Sol-Ark first imports were May 07 2019. :unsure:

Eversource NH announced new fees outside of their normal rate change schedule. I don't understand buying utility poles from the phone company, Consolidated Communications. Effective Oct. 1, adjustments to charges within your bill’s delivery category increased bills by approximately $5.25 for...