Was reading a thread about the Flexboss/Gridboss and the problems with the software and capability of these units. Some will argue that technology features built into these inverters and components are the way of the future. Reading some of these threads, I have to wonder why someone wants complexity and multiple failure points built into their power generation plus the need for firmware/software updates and large amounts of technical support.
Every inverter I use is simple. I don't use battery communications, I've never seen a need for it. I only use Solar Assistant for data collection, that is the extent of the technological integrations. I installed the inverters, set the desired charging profiles and other settings and produced power. The failure points are pretty straight forward, either the inverters are putting out power, collecting PV power and using it for battery charging or to power loads. I never needed a single firmware or software update on any inverter. They just work. I also didn't pay a huge sum of money for them either. I had one recent contact with technical support and it was due to an error in the earlier edition manual that was corrected in later edition manuals. I don't intend to stand on one foot with my left hand straight out front with my right hand behind my back while doing some weird firmware/software update while chanting, "I'm a beta and not an alpha" tester while tech support is logging into my inverters It is just ridiculous.
I've worked in the automotive and HVAC repair industries for a long time. What I have seen over the years is increases in technology and complexity of systems increases failures exponentially. The simplest systems were built that way in order to last. In the mobile HVAC industry on industrial applications, occasionally I see electronic components replace the older standard mechanical type components that worked for years. I believe some of this is due to older engineers retiring and new fresh out of college engineers trying to reinvent the wheel. I have actually seen such high failure rates with these electrical components that in the end the replacement parts went back to old school mechanical components. The only other reason I've seen the electrical components was the profit margin on service and replacement components by the OE manufacturer. Old school part might cost $10 but a pcb device can cost $1. The old school part sells for $25 retail level, the pcb device can be sold for $400 retail level. Both do the same job, just one has a much higher profit potential than the other and one will not last as long as the other.
Reminds me of the story behind the light bulb and the regulation of light bulbs back in the early years.
Manufacturers created a cartel and if a light bulb didn't meet the set standard, the manufacturer was fined. The standard of course was if the light bulb lasted too long, no one would sell many replacements. Planned obsolesce is to sell more product. Just remember that.
The worst thing I want is complexity when it comes to my power generation. We had a blizzard here this past week and there wasn't any travel with extreme whiteout conditions and 60 mph wind gusts with steady winds in the 40's. Snow/freezing rain, temps around the 25F to 30F area. I've seen this scenario before, the power lines start whipping and lines go down. One time the major transmission lines went down and the area didn't have power for 2 weeks. The last thing I need is for my power generation to go down and trying to troubleshoot some gremlin in such conditions.
I just don't understand the mentality of buying some of these products. Having the latest and greatest doesn't mean you will have power when you need it. Considering the firmware/software updates, these products have not been tested long term. I'm an alpha, not a beta and don't ever intend to become a beta.
onekey.milwaukeetool.com
... I use these tools daily to make a living and if not already so heavily invested in red, I would switch today. 
