diy solar

diy solar

EG4 6000XP practical with 115VDC?

ATX said:
Thank you for this!! I have two arrays in the backyard facing West and South because of shading and for flattening the curve since Delta pro’s MPPT is limited.
Click to expand...

You could put both arrays on the same circuit if you found some solaredge optimizers (which will convert each panel to 40vdc output), even with them facing different directions.. you would also need the key / piece of equipment that tells them to run even without communication with a solaredge inverter.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong in how solaredge optimizers work. My impression is they will make every panel on your system output 40vdc at whatever amperage it can get from them. So in ATX's case, if they series all six of their panels with solaredge optimizers (and the pieces that lets them run with non solaredge inverters), they would have 240vdc (almost all the time) at whatever amperage each panel supplies, added up.
 
HighTechLab said:
I just found that the MPPT won't start drawing current whatsoever unless the voltage was above 125.0v, and when the MPPT started at 125V, once the voltage dropped below 122v then the MPPT stopped drawing power from the supply.

More than happy to make a video on this a bit later, but I did this test on the demo unit right in the middle of tech support while they were on the phone. Not exactly a studio-quality environment.
Click to expand...
Your test settles it! No need to bother putting together a video.

Glad you validated this for me. 122V is considerably higher 100V (+-) 10% that EG4 has on their documentation.
 
Forget about the solaredge optimizers without an actual solar edge inverter, that key does not exist in the USA and never has.
Perfect test Dexter, thank you.
 
cs1234 said:
You could put both arrays on the same circuit if you found some solaredge optimizers (which will convert each panel to 40vdc output), even with them facing different directions.. you would also need the key / piece of equipment that tells them to run even without communication with a solaredge inverter.

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong in how solaredge optimizers work. My impression is they will make every panel on your system output 40vdc at whatever amperage it can get from them. So in ATX's case, if they series all six of their panels with solaredge optimizers (and the pieces that lets them run with non solaredge inverters), they would have 240vdc (almost all the time) at whatever amperage each panel supplies, added up.
Click to expand...
Thank you for thinking on this. My preference is to invest in storage, that's really what gravitated me towards PowerPro+6000xp.

@HighTechLab - Can a firmware update lower the starting voltage? Is your Demo unit up to date?
 
Quattrohead said:
Forget about the solaredge optimizers without an actual solar edge inverter, that key does not exist in the USA and never has.
Click to expand...
You can buy hacked SE optimizers on AliExpress to adapt panel voltage to a voltage you ask them for and with RSD disabled. There’s a few threads here talking about it. Of course this is not a code compliant approach.

Presumably they have some variant of the mythical key.
 
ATX said:
@HighTechLab - Can a firmware update lower the starting voltage? Is your Demo unit up to date?
Click to expand...
Ah, good point. I just asked my team to update it.

EDIT: updated firmware, low-voltage did not change, but it seemed to track things a bit quicker and more consistent. May be the placebo effect but I would say it's a good idea to do a firmware update.
 
Last edited:
yabert said:
What about higher voltage panel like SunPower E20-435-COM who give 73-85V?
Seem like an expense who can simplified many things.
Click to expand...
Oh not reinstalling the array! I'll save energy left for 300lb power pro ? and wait for 3000xp
 
Here is the MPPT startup on my Lux 12k/EG4 18kPV. Sorry I chopped the top, it's voltage, current and power.
It is cloudy today.
 

Attachments

  • Lux PV1 startup.jpg
    Lux PV1 startup.jpg
    278.5 KB · Views: 22
For comparison sake to 'tier 2' equipment I'm attaching my SRNE ASF (MPPT wake up is 125V) startup from this morning, foggy and cloudy.
MPPT1 is 240VOC
MPPT2 is ~362VOC, might still have some snow on the panels.
 

Attachments

  • Screenshot_20231208-091144.jpg
    Screenshot_20231208-091144.jpg
    67 KB · Views: 14
  • Like
Reactions: ATX
Quattrohead said:
Here is the MPPT startup on my Lux 12k/EG4 18kPV. Sorry I chopped the top, it's voltage, current and power.
It is cloudy today.
Click to expand...
You have provided excellent information!!!

What are your thoughts on this result? At 6:42a, your EG4 18K started production. The specs below show operating voltage for 18K starts from 100v and at 6.42a, your PV input is exactly 100v!

I am not sure why 6000XP did not fire up at 100V when Hightechlab used power supply.
Question - Is your EG4 showing the exact same power that your array is producing? For e.g. Delta Pro shows less than array output because it subtracts (~100W) for powering itself. My thinking is that, you array may be producing higher voltage than EG4 18K app is showing.

Specs for 18K - https://eg4electronics.com/backend/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EG4-18KPV-12LV-Spec-Sheet.pdf
 
42OhmsPA said:
For comparison sake to 'tier 2' equipment I'm attaching my SRNE ASF (MPPT wake up is 125V) startup from this morning, foggy and cloudy.
MPPT1 is 240VOC
MPPT2 is ~362VOC, might still have some snow on the panels.
Click to expand...
This is great comparison. Its really odd that 6000xp did not wake up at 100v as per specs, even when tier 2 equipment accurately works.

Solar Wizard’s 18K PV did wake up at 100V in his test (not a lab test so still some more vetting needed)

@Will Prowse - Can you please consider testing lower end of PV input voltage of AIO inveters that you review on your YT channel? EG4 6000XP has PV input starting from 100V but it appears to start only at 125V.
Reason: Your testing/review will help customers that have PV array designed under 150V for portable solar generators like Ecoflow delta Pro and interested in expanding their setup using AIO inverter.
Additional info: EG4 18K PV appears to start at 100v PV input but not 6000xp. (see production graph picture from Quattrohead above)
 
Just buy a specific MPPT designed for 48v. I have a 150/35 Victron MPPT that claims to start when solar rises (something like) 5-12v above the current battery voltage.
 
ATX said:
This is great comparison. Its really odd that 6000xp did not wake up at 100v as per specs, even when tier 2 equipment accurately works.

Solar Wizard’s 18K PV did wake up at 100V in his test (not a lab test so still some more vetting needed)

@Will Prowse - Can you please consider testing lower end of PV input voltage of AIO inveters that you review on your YT channel? EG4 6000XP has PV input starting from 100V but it appears to start only at 125V.
Reason: Your testing/review will help customers that have PV array designed under 150V for portable solar generators like Ecoflow delta Pro and interested in expanding their setup using AIO inverter.
Additional info: EG4 18K PV appears to start at 100v PV input but not 6000xp. (see production graph picture from Quattrohead above)
Click to expand...
I don't totally get the distinctions between the voltage ranges listed in the manual, but it does mirror what the manual calls the "MPP Operating Voltage Range" of 120-385 VDC. It also lists "DC Input Voltage Range" of 100-480 VDC. If the MPP doesn't operate until ~120 volts, I don't see what the 100 volt level. Perhaps that's the "wakeup" point, but doesn't start being able to pull power until ~120 volts.
 
AZ Solar Junkie said:
I don't totally get the distinctions between the voltage ranges listed in the manual, but it does mirror what the manual calls the "MPP Operating Voltage Range" of 120-385 VDC. It also lists "DC Input Voltage Range" of 100-480 VDC. If the MPP doesn't operate until ~120 volts, I don't see what the 100 volt level. Perhaps that's the "wakeup" point, but doesn't start being able to pull power until ~120 volts.
Click to expand...
It takes 120v to wake up. But can continue to produce down to 100v.
 
Zapper77 said:
Just buy a specific MPPT designed for 48v. I have a 150/35 Victron MPPT that claims to start when solar rises (something like) 5-12v above the current battery voltage.
Click to expand...

What would that setup look like? PV > Victron 150/35 > EG4 PowerPro > Ecoflow Delta pro > Sub-panel?

Today I have PV > Ecoflow > Sub-panel
What I want PV > AIO inverter + PowerPro > Sub-panel
My setup is in the garage, space is limited and aesthetics are important. That is the reason for not buying another Ecoflow Delta unit.
 
ATX said:
What would that setup look like? PV > Victron 150/35 > EG4 PowerPro > Ecoflow Delta pro > Sub-panel?

Today I have PV > Ecoflow > Sub-panel
What I want PV > AIO inverter + PowerPro > Sub-panel
My setup is in the garage, space is limited and aesthetics are important. That is the reason for not buying another Ecoflow Delta unit.
Click to expand...
If you want to maximize low voltage solar. You need a low voltage mppt. AIO are geared towards high voltage arrays.
 
timselectric said:
It takes 120v to wake up. But can continue to produce down to 100v.
Click to expand...

@AZ Solar Junkie @timselectric - Can you please consider explaining what B and C means for 6000xp?


PV INPUT DATA
NUMBER OF MPPTS 2
INPUTS PER MPPT 1
MAX. USABLE INPUT CURRENT 17/17A
MAX. SHORT CIRCUIT INPUT CURRENT 25/25A
A - DC INPUT VOLTAGE RANGE 100-480 VDC
B - UNIT STARTUP VOLTAGE 100 VDC ± 10 VDC
C-MPP OPERATING VOLTAGE RANGE 120-385 VDC
NOMINAL MPPT VOLTAGE 320 VDC
 
ATX said:
@AZ Solar Junkie @timselectric - Can you please consider explaining what B and C means for 6000xp?


PV INPUT DATA
NUMBER OF MPPTS 2
INPUTS PER MPPT 1
MAX. USABLE INPUT CURRENT 17/17A
MAX. SHORT CIRCUIT INPUT CURRENT 25/25A
A - DC INPUT VOLTAGE RANGE 100-480 VDC
B - UNIT STARTUP VOLTAGE 100 VDC ± 10 VDC
C-MPP OPERATING VOLTAGE RANGE 120-385 VDC
NOMINAL MPPT VOLTAGE 320 VDC
Click to expand...
B - I assume this is when the MPPT Turns on, but no power is produced. (Worth noting that MPPT Idle consumption goes up but the solar isn’t sufficient to offset the MPPT usage) just my opinion.

I could be way off.
 
ATX said:
@AZ Solar Junkie @timselectric - Can you please consider explaining what B and C means for 6000xp?


PV INPUT DATA
NUMBER OF MPPTS 2
INPUTS PER MPPT 1
MAX. USABLE INPUT CURRENT 17/17A
MAX. SHORT CIRCUIT INPUT CURRENT 25/25A
A - DC INPUT VOLTAGE RANGE 100-480 VDC
B - UNIT STARTUP VOLTAGE 100 VDC ± 10 VDC
C-MPP OPERATING VOLTAGE RANGE 120-385 VDC
NOMINAL MPPT VOLTAGE 320 VDC
Click to expand...
A. It can produce from a voltage between 100-480v.
B. And requires 100v +or - 10v to start (wake) up.
C. Works best between 120v and 385v.
320v is the optimal efficiency.
 
  • Like
Reactions: ATX
ATX said:
You have provided excellent information!!!

What are your thoughts on this result? At 6:42a, your EG4 18K started production. The specs below show operating voltage for 18K starts from 100v and at 6.42a, your PV input is exactly 100v!

I am not sure why 6000XP did not fire up at 100V when Hightechlab used power supply.
Question - Is your EG4 showing the exact same power that your array is producing? For e.g. Delta Pro shows less than array output because it subtracts (~100W) for powering itself. My thinking is that, you array may be producing higher voltage than EG4 18K app is showing.

Specs for 18K - https://eg4electronics.com/backend/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/EG4-18KPV-12LV-Spec-Sheet.pdf
Click to expand...
I think it shows actual PV power produced per input. It idles around 70w so obviously this is a drop in the ocean (>1%) for it's maximum 18,000w total production.
I would like to track the startup with full sun.....I can look back but not 100% sure on the conditions on previous days so would prefer to do it "live"
 
Zapper77 said:
Just buy a specific MPPT designed for 48v. I have a 150/35 Victron MPPT that claims to start when solar rises (something like) 5-12v above the current battery voltage.
Click to expand...
This would be the ideal situation. I have used the Victron 150/60 for 3 years. LOVED it. Yes, it started at 60v.

Tho the only problem I had was it doesnt log data more than the basics without using VRM which is an additional $300 purchase to get to where the AIOs already include. I paid $1100 for a Victron 150/60, a raspberry pi, a Victron VE direct cable, SD card and extra cables. ALL of this would not be needed if OP just rewired the array.
 
ScrotusGobbleBottom said:
This would be the ideal situation. I have used the Victron 150/60 for 3 years. LOVED it. Yes, it started at 60v.

Tho the only problem I had was it doesnt log data more than the basics without using VRM which is an additional $300 purchase to get to where the AIOs already include. I paid $1100 for a Victron 150/60, a raspberry pi, a Victron VE direct cable, SD card and extra cables. ALL of this would not be needed if OP just rewired the array.
Click to expand...
OP has two arrays of three panels facing different directions. What will happen with an MPPT when it seeks optimal power when three of the panels in series aren't as lit up as the other three?
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

DanielForrest
Need help with solar array setup for my eg4 6000xp
Replies
14
Views
578
DanielForrest
DanielForrest
Jblack
Charging problems EG4 6000XP/Generac 7.5kW PowerPact
Replies
7
Views
537
Jblack
Jblack
M
6 EG4 WallMount Batteries + 3 EG4 6000XP Inverters
Replies
16
Views
772
Quattrohead
Quattrohead

diy solar

diy solar
Back
Top