Its been a while since I read what's new. I've caught up on everything thing in this and the original thread. Sounds like a lot of controversy. A couple of points I can make if anyone cares. The original thread that I started on the Lux Power 12K unit was a year ago. Those units were preproduction units. They were supposed to begin selling in November according to GSL. They were selling for under $3000 initially in the Lux Power color scheme. Then they gradually increased in price and GSL stopped selling them individually as we approached the end of last year.
Ian is currently advertising that model for $4049. So he isn't losing a penny on what he paid for that old model if he sells it. It's the externally hinged preproduction model most likely from GSL that they were selling around September or October. Who knows how many samples he bought. GSL was asking for 2 minimum at that time. He probably read the thread and purchased a couple for testing to see if they were as good as advertised. If they worked out, we would probably try to get more and get into an official position to resell. If they didn't, then he would complain about them and use them as a marketing tool to push his MPP Solar models that he loves so much. Ian is behind both Watts247 and MPPSolar. He's basically a one man shop. Who cares what he does except maybe Lux Power.
Now as far as I can tell the new EG4 model is just the 'breaker' version of the old version. If I remember correctly, US rules now require a breaker box in these inverters. So I believe all UL approved inverters will have to come this way from now on. It is my understanding that Lux Power makes this model and that it isn't exclusive or some special model by SS. No one wants the old model without the breaker box and the ugly prototype hinges that don't keep the lid open. Everyone likes to say they 'partnered with the manufacturer' to make their special model. That usually just means they asked them to tweak the hardware or software somehow. Maybe SS can clarify exactly what is different about their model over the standard Lux Power 'breaker' model. I doubt there is any difference. If there is, I would like to understand it.
The point of the original thread was that Lux Power was coming out with a product that might be able to provide the same or better functionality as the extremely overpriced SolArks. It was priced at under $3000 and in comparison with SA it was less than half the price with somewhat equivalent capabilities. In some ways it was superior and in some it was inferior, but the similarity was close enough that the price gap was very compelling. Now that we are seeing the EG4 model's price tag, it isn't nearly as compelling. No one can argue that a breaker box costs more than $2000 more than the inverter was selling for before. I understand Eddie's argument that we can't expect their company to grow if they have to sell their product at near cost. However their price has almost doubled over what GSL was selling them for a year ago, and the components and design probably haven't changed much if at all. Was Lux Power selling them at or below cost to GSL? Maybe Eddie can explain how I might be wrong. So if I have to pay over $2500 for 'service and support' that was supposedly there originally, then people won't buy or will buy the more proven product. I don't care what the made up MSRP is. I have been waiting for over a year for this Lux Power model to be ready for the US market, and it still isn't. One reseller with their own branding isn't ready for market. When can we buy from Lux Power?
Finally, I would like to ask why we are seeing reports of the inverter not meeting its advertised specifications in terms of load. Eddie can you explain this? What does it mean to be able to support surge capability only when it is connected to the grid? The grid supports surge when I'm connected to the grid. Surging up to 12K is expected on or off grid since the inverter is supposed to run 24/7 at 12K. Surge is advertised to be in the class of the Schneider XW+ inverters, but reports are showing that it trips at 12K. Where is the 20KW, 16KW, 14KW surge? All high frequency inverters can do that, even my cheap $200 pure sinewave can 'surge' to its maximum rating. If what has been reported is truly the case, the inverter appears to have absolutely no surge capability. Please explain the improvement with the latest firmware referenced by SS. Is it capable of meeting its advertised ratings or not? If it isn't, then it is nothing but misleading advertising.
Eddie, you need get us the facts real fast, or your company's reputation is going to be severely damaged. I am cheering for you but its getting a little tiresome waiting for reality to happen. Why do you suggest a couple of testing ambassadors? Hasn't your company already demonstrated it meets it advertising? Let's see the engineering test reports.
