diy solar

diy solar

Search results

  1. R

    Do you own an EV and charge with solar?

    I started with 12 panels (400w) and two inverters to provide 240v to a solar sub in the garage. I ran dedicated circuit to a NEMA plug specifically for the car. The charge controller is selectable on amperage....which helped. I would easily tax the small solar array and battery bank if I cranked...
  2. R

    EG4 PowerPro batteries suddenly died

    I had that happen one night as well. Never figured out were all that battery power went either
  3. R

    California PCS

    I agree about the non-grid tie/backfeed. Exporting power from the batteries that was initially imported off the grid is not allowed. They are trying to tighten up how you work Time of Use.
  4. R

    New to Solar

    One of my main goals with solar was to charge my EV car. I ran a 240v circuit directly off the solar sub. I then purchased a Lectron NEM 14-50 level 2 charger. I bought it because it didn't cost as much and got good reviews. After the fact, I really like that I can select the amperage output...
  5. R

    California PCS

    So they are telling you what you can and can't do with the power you buy from them? Wow.
  6. R

    Help me decide …

    I have the 18kpv and it's been pretty bullet proof, but it has more functions than I'll ever use. Then there's the price, it ain't cheap. I would start with your 6000xp, then plan to extend off that with a second unit if you can. If you have the extra money ($2000+) get the 18kpv.
  7. R

    EG4 18kpv Update

    Just thought I'd pass along my latest testing. My unit has been running flawlessly, except for the firmware updates. It always shows 'failed update'. So I decided, if it's working well....why worry about it. I've been running most house circuits off it (with a large battery bank) and 7.6kw of...
  8. R

    RS485 Comm Cable

    I tried to use the search function, but I'm still unsure if you can substitue either Cat 5e, or even Cat 6 for a RS485 battery comm cable. Don't have far to go, maybe 6ft. Trying to add two additional Lifepower4 batteries on the floor to a rack of them in the cabinet. Having trouble finding...
  9. R

    Problems with Eg4 6500ex buyer beware.

    Same here Gruic. I must have bought the last two pair of 6500ex's before they started shipping the 6000 and 18kpv. They were constantly problematic. I think SS has realized that with their trade in program. I threw in the towel and bought the 18kpv on my own. It's more than I needed, but I...
  10. R

    Two 6000xp's connected to One EG4 Power Pro battery

    I think originally when I ordered my 6500ex's, the recommendation was for at least one 5.12 server rack batter per inverter (as a minimum). But that was before the 14kw Power Pro was even around. I'd say your good.
  11. R

    Solar as a hobby ROI.

    It is a hobby for me. But it's more about freedom. The power I produce is mine, nobody else's. It's like drilling an oil well in the back yard, then realizing....it doesn't cost much more to drill three more. It's addictive for sure.
  12. R

    Ive had solar for a year and now the utility company charges a demand fee... not cool.

    A couple of my favorites here in Las Vegas (NV Energy) is... 1. Energy Efficiency Charge, and 2. Expanded Solar Access Program Charge So I get charged for being efficient and charged to help others that can't afford solar, etc.
  13. R

    Ive had solar for a year and now the utility company charges a demand fee... not cool.

    Overall VW, you're rates are pretty low....for now. Here in Las Vegas, they are going up to around .15 per Kwh. I think the pamphlet they sent out (similar to yours) shows an example of the customer using 1078 kwh on a 31 day month costing $184.78. Interesting example, but multiple that time...
  14. R

    Needing suggestions for a replacement backup AIO inverter for the 6500EX

    I would check about the 6000xp as well. If one leg is 3000 in 120 and the other is 120... why can't you run one on leg one and the other on leg two. Just run 120 breakers on you solar sub. I has two 6500's and they worked... but we're edgy. It was a constant process of monitoring the system...
  15. R

    Sending AC from one inverter to another

    I remember seeing a Youtube post about this. Is this possible? Like using a 6500ex and send that AC power over to a 18kpv unit. No communication needed between units? Apologize for my ignorance, but does that classify as AC coupling?
  16. R

    CA RESIDENTS: I am seeking advice. NEM 2/3? EV CHARGING? OFFGRID? ETC

    You can get the EG4 18kpv and initially just set it up for TOU battery charging. Then, you could look to throw a couple of solar panels on the ground occasionally. The 18kpv allows to you set up the timing for the battery charging. Then just run your Tesla charger off the battery bank. Stay on 2.0
  17. R

    18kpv Start Up

    Got it hooked up. It's on a 5ghz connection I believe, but I also have a 2.4ghz if needed.
  18. R

    18kpv Start Up

    I finally got it to recognize the batteries. And it's providing power. Now trying to get the dongle to work. Next goal is firmware update.
  19. R

    18kpv Start Up

    I'll give that a try in the AM. It's frustrating to purchase a well built inverter....and then it doesn't work. Even when I had the solar on it, nothing was happening. It showed the voltage from the panels...but wasn't doing anything with it.
  20. R

    18kpv Start Up

    I have tried multiple ways to get this inverter up and running and it won't recognize the batteries. It powers up off them.....then the green battery icon immediately goes to red. I've tried the top battery with all dip switches down. Nothing. I moved to the second one with the dip switches in...
  21. R

    18kpv Start Up

    You think the solar will kick in after I get the batteries 'right'? Thanks.
  22. R

    18kpv Start Up

    No. I just had the original 6500ex setup on the batteries. Maybe that's a issue?
  23. R

    18kpv Start Up

    Just threw the switch, but I have a 'warn light' and the battery symbol is red. I've tried to change battery settings, but nothing seems to work. Same for the solar. It's green at least, shows the volts but doesn't show any incoming watts. I would think it would start working instantly with...
  24. R

    My 18K PV Experience (Part 1)

    I just swapped out my two 6500ex's for the 18kpv. I must say, I've been impressed so far. The build quality and connections are far better. It's not turned on yet and the only hurdle has been finding 2+ inch grommets to fit the wires on the bottom of the case. Definitely needed help getting it...
  25. R

    Solar Panels - Low purchase quantity

    Excellent suggestions. This forum is awesome.
  26. R

    Wind storm in CA, disconnected from grid

    I think you made the right call. Why not protect your investment and know it will be available on the other side of the storm?
  27. R

    Solar Panels - Low purchase quantity

    I'm in Las Vegas. It's not necessarily about being cheap, it's about ordering less than a pallet. Thx.
  28. R

    Solar Panels - Low purchase quantity

    So many vendors want you to order a minimum of ten panels (for the pallet). Are there good places you can order say 3-6 panels and not have to go all in with ten panels that you might not need? Thx.
  29. R

    71! on EG4 6500EX

    I had error 71 once. I put a 48v charger on the bus bar and turned off the 'good' batteries. Brought everything up to four lights, then let it go. I haven't had the same problem since, but have had full sun days in the meantime and have limited the load quite a bit. I emailed SS, and their...
  30. R

    71! on EG4 6500EX

    Thanks Jess. I'll work on that. Hopefully that ends this issue. This stuff should really be plug and play. Especially when buying EG4 inverters and EG4 batteries.
  31. R

    71! on EG4 6500EX

    This is so frustrating....mostly for the money spent. Could a Signature Solar rep comment on Error 71, that seems to a be new issue?
  32. R

    71! on EG4 6500EX

    I just had the same thing. 12 Lifepower4 batteries. Just updated the firmware on each one. Came out to alerts and 3 batteries that had NO lights. Main inverter shows error 71. No fault light. I can't find anything in the manual about error 71. I put a 48v charger on the bus bar and let it go...
  33. R

    My daughter is shopping for an ev she is looking at a bolt

    We've had the Kona EV for over a year, and it's been perfect. Just a commuter car, never planning any trips with it. Only charge at home. The 120v plug is painfully slow. I installed a 240v from my off grid system. The I can adjust the charge controller down to 10 amps so it doesn't tax my small...
  34. R

    EG4 6800EX error 71

    How did this work out? I'm now getting Error 71 on the main inverter and three batteries just completely shutting off.
Back
Top