diy solar

diy solar

Got the EG4 XP up and running! Need some help lol

First off, love the dog picture. However, the BJXXXXXX dongle is the latest version of the Wi-Fi module. If WPA2 is the security chosen for the router and it shows that the Wi-Fi dongle is connected on the router than a port may need to be open on the router. If you could let me know the router brand I can look to see what I can find.

Thanks Jared, Norman is my helper for all my projects lol. I had to euthanize my senior berner last week so things have been rough, trying to keep the puppy busy and engaged with stuff.

The router is an Archer, link is below. I have a good IT guru friend so if you come up with ideas, we can give them a go!

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tp-lin...-wi-fi-6-router-black/6442841.p?skuId=6442841
 
The Wifi software/connectivity for these EG4 units seems to be an Achilles heel, particularly around the Wifi connectivity, its unfortunate they are not alone doing this. It reminds me why network gear has rs-232 console ports that you often use for initial configuration, even though they have a nice gui's that work just fine once you get them talking. Perhaps it will improve.
 
Fun to look at all the creative ways people mount this stuff up. How deep are the posts? Straps may be interesting in the AZ sun, do you actually plan on moving these around much?


So the skids are mounted on casters. I put a few stabilizing posts and quite a few tie downs.

It’s a similar concept to other skids I made previously, these are a little more robust. The other skids were cheaper and did well even in 60+ mph wind gusts where I’m at so we’ll see how these do lol. I’ll report back lol

I plan to turn them a bit seasonally to try and increase PV output. The idea is to turn them for the winter and again in the spring but we’ll see how it goes.
 
The Wifi software/connectivity for these EG4 units seems to be an Achilles heel, particularly around the Wifi connectivity, its unfortunate they are not alone doing this. It reminds me why network gear has rs-232 console ports that you often use for initial configuration, even though they have a nice gui's that work just fine once you get them talking. Perhaps it will improve.

It’s honestly my only issue with the unit so far. It’s been a pain trying to get it setup properly and to be honest, it’s my first AIO unit with wifi so I’m also lacking experience in this category. I’m hoping we can get it sorted out here shortly, then the only thing to work on is the SOC issue and trying to dial it in a bit more
 
Thanks Jared, Norman is my helper for all my projects lol. I had to euthanize my senior berner last week so things have been rough, trying to keep the puppy busy and engaged with stuff.

The router is an Archer, link is below. I have a good IT guru friend so if you come up with ideas, we can give them a go!

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/tp-lin...-wi-fi-6-router-black/6442841.p?skuId=6442841

If you could DM, I want to get a replacement Wi-Fi dongle sent out.
 
Well, got an update!

Did some load testing yesterday and later in the evening, the replacement dongle that Jared had sent out came in.

First off load testing went great. I even got it to run my 2T AC unit after I shut everything else off and then powered it back on after the AC was running. It’ll need a soft start unit as it wasn’t super happy getting it running. Soft start next on the list!

Second, I got the new dongle setup this morning and, we’re up and running! New dongle fixed the issue. Now set up and monitoring with my laptop in the garage.

Next will be building more skids and setting up the rest of these 370w panels. Overall, super stoked! I’m also setting up my 24v system as a backup today.
 

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oops, thats 250 / 70

Yeah, I’m a big fan of Victron products. Super intuitive, I’ve got a 250/70 and a 150/70.

I’m also glad it wasn’t user error haha. Load testing been going well, 2 days on the unit, EPS shut off maybe 3-4 times but I’m finding out my house is wired wonky and there’s quite a bit more draw on one leg vice split more evenly.

Overall I’m super happy with the setup! Now I’ve got a decently stout back up as well lol.

Now it’s onto the batteries. I may post separately in the battery section for this but trying to choose which route I go.
 
We will be here to help!

I got a 150/70 and i love it.
So I’m potentially working a deal for some new, 2yr old EG4 Lifepower server rack batteries. She has 2 plus the 6 rack server, if I go that route I plan on snagging a 3rd pretty quick from signature.

My other though process is the EG4 indoor wall mount or, the Ruixu 16kwh.

I’m just not sure what direction I want to go and, I have 0 experience with LiFePo, battery comms, all that snazzy stuff. Been doing a ton of research so far, just working on what route is the smartest…
 
Ok, update!

Finishing the last skid right now, the final (for now lol) will be:

8S ZN shine 370w panels for PV1 input
7s ZN shine 370w panels for PV2 input

5.5kw input for the XP.

I also have the chance to buy a MPP Solar Hybrid LV6048 for $800. I’m really considering doing this as a backup….thoughts?

Now for the next issue…as well, I’m issue prone lmao

I got the battery setup. It’s 2 Lifepower4’s in the stripped down 6slot rack.

I was able to get comms with battery on my laptop, all cells read around 3.295’s and showing a 50-ish% overall SOC.

I cannot for the life of me get the battery firmware updated. I’ve set address as 0 or even tried 1 (I’ve had luck with it reading on 1 w/1st dip switch up, it won’t read if they’re all down) but every time I try to “get boot information” it will fail every time.

The batteries are older being bought in 2022 but have never been used, updated, anything.

I’ve watched a ton of videos on YouTube on it but, no dice thus far.

Ideas?
 
I would make sure that the select hardware version is selected for the update whether that's 0205 or 0207 and also check to see if the legacy components and .net frameworks are enabled in the windows features.
 

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