After numerous issues with my EG4 6500 inverters shutting down for a few seconds every day or two and firmware updates every 3 or 4 months I am looking for a reliable inverter(s). I am off grid but will have grid eventually that I would like as a backup but do not want to grid tie. The 6500s are in split phase with 6 EG4 batteries. Is there an inverter that does not require you to manually update firmware? I was looking at the 12k Sol-Arc but they seem to be shutting down, the 18k pv is raved about from Will but so were my 6500s so not sure if it is worth it. Schneider is a good product but at only 6.8kw it may be too small for a whole home, it also limits you on pv input. I have had 2 Outback inverters running 120v only for 16 years with zero maintenance, Is there an inverter that works these days?
Best replacement for EG4 6500's?
- Thread starter kurts
- Start date
Adam De Lay
Solar Wizard
Sorry you're still dealing with the issue. Last I saw, I thought your system was finally stabilized.
From what I've seen, Victron doesn't encourage you to update your firmware unless you need a specific fix/feature in the next version. While I haven't done it yet, I believe you can update most of their inverters using their VRM by just clicking a button. I know I've been happy with the Victron 5kVA inverters I've been testing. Not sure if they're big enough though for your needs.
From what I've seen, Victron doesn't encourage you to update your firmware unless you need a specific fix/feature in the next version. While I haven't done it yet, I believe you can update most of their inverters using their VRM by just clicking a button. I know I've been happy with the Victron 5kVA inverters I've been testing. Not sure if they're big enough though for your needs.
Thanks Adam, it was stabilized and works good for a few months and then my system starts shutting down every day or two again. It would seem that if you update firmware it should continue to work and not revert back to its bad habits. I leave my house for over a month at a time often and need reliable power. I would keep the 6500s but not willing to update firmware every few months so I am looking at my options. Victron looks like good equipment also but it seem like you have to buy a bunch of devices to make it work, I am hoping one of the new all in one systems will work. I wouldn't mind having a low frequency inverter since they have a longer history of reliability and my Outback inverters have been running on a beach in Mexico since 2007 with zero maintenance required.
Adam De Lay
Solar Wizard
I'll be following along to see what you end up with!
I know a lot of people tend to shy away from Victron because of the fact that you have to have multiple components to perform the same tasks that an AIO can perform. Don't get me wrong, there can be a lot of benefits to AIO inverters, including just the simplicity of install. Component failure is kinda always in the back of my mind. What happens if it fails? If your MPPT fails in your AIO, you have to repair/replace the entire device which means you're completely offline (unless you have another backup AIO). If your Victron MPPT fails, you're only down that single piece, the rest just keeps on working.
I know a lot of people tend to shy away from Victron because of the fact that you have to have multiple components to perform the same tasks that an AIO can perform. Don't get me wrong, there can be a lot of benefits to AIO inverters, including just the simplicity of install. Component failure is kinda always in the back of my mind. What happens if it fails? If your MPPT fails in your AIO, you have to repair/replace the entire device which means you're completely offline (unless you have another backup AIO). If your Victron MPPT fails, you're only down that single piece, the rest just keeps on working.
I have 4 strings at the moment with 3 of them around 350v each. I like the idea of 400-500v pv inputs because of the simple solar stings but I can change panels around if needed. Are people happy with the LV6548 units? Firmware does not have to be manually updated? I like the idea of an inexpensive system to get by with then buying a quality unit when one is proven reliable. I can charge my truck with the cheaper unit later on.
Quattrohead
Solar Wizard
EG4 18kPV is absolutely the way to go, it has been electrically solid even with early firmware. The firmware now does what it should have all along. Update once and done now I would say.
Also you should be able to persuade SS to give you the trade out discount.
Also you should be able to persuade SS to give you the trade out discount.
HardYakka
New Member
My MagnaSine's 4448 and 2812 have been working for 12 years and 7 years respectively, separate components, easy to swap out/upgrade. Outback and Victron MPPT PV controllers.
Building a new house and just ordered 2 more 4448's with Magnasine multi controller and MPPT. Looking for good batteries now, LiPo, they will not be RICH or EG4's ..
SS and Solar Shop are nothing but marketing companies IMHO, multiple presales contact and never got an answer to my specific question, just more sales crap/upselling. Low Freq for the inductive loads works better than HF. Magna's used to be assembled in USA and I'm not sure if they are shipping units made in Mexico or not. Find out shortly as just got an email from my supplier and units are being shipped. My truck was assembled there (Dodge 3500 DW) and other than the normal crap that falls off Dodge's has hardly been broken in with 120K with zero engine/running gear issues.
Time will tell but I'm confortable with what I've experienced and seen.
Zwy
Emperor Of Solar
I run a pair of the LV6548's and still have the original firmware in them. Trouble free and no lights blinking either, I had the 6500EX's before installing the LV6548's.
I do not use the MPPT's in the LV6548's, like you I had string voltage over 250V so I added a pair of EG4 MPPT's that are 500V VOC rated. These only have a single input and I only have 2 strings. Had problems with a phantom F01 code setting in low light conditions but the firmware update fixed it. Yea, I know, you don't want to do firmware updates but these worked fine and would just occasionally set the phantom code. I did a video showing how to install the firmware, not much to it, takes about 3 minutes and you will need the custom cable from EG4.
You could change your strings to get VOC under the 250V. I ran that way for some time, just using half of the array.
As you had the 6500's already, it won't take much to install LV6548's. Be aware that Ian will only provide support for a short time, then you have to deal with MPP. Ian does have a pretty good price on these. I'm probably buying another pair just for redundancy.
knexbuilder
New Member
- Joined
- Jul 1, 2022
- Messages
- 60
I switched from two eg4 6500ex to two Schneider XW pros, and three of their 100 amp mppts. I made the switch back in April of this year and have been really pleased. I have put close to 3 megawatts through them and am very impressed. No issues. Firmwarewise, I did an initial update of everything when initially installed, but other than that I haven't had to do anything at all. They just run. I am keeping an eye out for a firmware upgrade that will allow the mppts to use the BMS communication, but I am also quite content to punch in my own parameters. My recommendation is Schneider. They have a solid reputation in industry
And distributor/installer price on the 15K is ~ $5,500, so see what kind of deal you can negotiate.
RV10flyer
Solar Wizard
- Joined
- Mar 8, 2021
- Messages
- 1,198
My nearly flat porch roof panels on power shed, going to a Midnite Solar 150 start up first on sunny and especially on these cloudy days. SolArks next, Morningstar 600V next, 6500ex’s last. Morningstar has half of the idle consumption of my Midnite Solar.
n2aws
Solar Addict
- Joined
- Oct 24, 2022
- Messages
- 681
Can you clarify this thought? Schneider is a modular system. Add the number of SCC's you want. As such, I'm not really sure what you mean by this.
Kurt’s what did you end up going with? I am in a very similar boat. I have two EG4 6500ex and they are giving me nothing but problems. The update process is a giant pain in the butt. And I still have major flicking lights while running washer. Major voltage leakage onto my pv lines. It took SS a month to get me the ground bonding screws that were supposed to be in the units. would be interested in what you went with as I plan on swapping out mine.
Jack Rabbit Off Grid
Solar Enthusiast
- Joined
- Sep 6, 2021
- Messages
- 477
Currently Magnums are assembled and shipping from Mexico. Another member on here had one last for 3 minutes before it let out the manic smoke. But that’s the only bad story I have heard so far. Well other then warranty claim issues. I have one new in the box as a spare. my neighbor has my old 4024 and it’s 17 this year.
HardYakka
New Member
I did install separately the two Magnum 4448 PAE units, one just to test the advanced router but the second one has been used to provide most of the power required to build the house. It was connected to two solar arrays but given we've had 10 inches of rain in January a portable genset was needed to recharge batteries a couple times.
The new models are noisier than the older units and I found that the ground bars were assembled differently on each unit. Now with that said I was completing the installation diagram and started to add up the additional components recommended by Magnum, etc., and it was a lot more than just a new 6500XP AIO $$, so I ordered one of those. Problem is Current Connect sent it via FedEx Home, which sucks for rural deliveries in this area as they are FOB Eugene 65 miles away, and have had 6 notices to be at home between x-y and have had 6 no shows.. At this point I don't care if they deliver it or not, I've held off doing jobs to stay here waiting, waiting... it can go back 'cause FedEx Home and Current Connect are apparently geared for urban sales. When I have nothing else to do going to see if I can get black listed on FedEx Home, Express is okay here.
