Am I missing something here?

[MrWCLeo]

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

Keeping it simple works for me.

 

[Crowz]

First time I used the 12v right angle drill, the first image, using a paddle bit I caught it on fire. I had to rip out the battery and chuck the tool into the snow. 0/10, not impressed.

That would of made a good youtube vid !

I've installed a few car stereos with mine and several heatpumps. Also we used it to install siding on a few houses since it helps when the channel stuff is up against top of the walls on steep pitched roofs. Good tool so far for me at least.

 

[timselectric]

Mine works great too, but it's 10 years old.
From before quality went south.

 

[Dave911]

no, Im am not confusing pex a with pex b. and you couldnt even pay me to use pex A

pex a (uponor) uses expansion rings and they are failing en masse
pex b uses copper crimp rings or stainless clamps and they are not failing.

I've run a lot of Pex A. I have the Milwaukee Expansion tool. I've used it for baseboard heat. Cold and hot water.
Works great. Menards has been selling Pex A for many years. It was introduced in 1972 in Europe, 1985 in the US. So its not new.
I'm sure some bad pipe and fittings have been made over the 40 years it has been here.

You can use crimp and compression rings on Pex A as well. So you might want to dig into what is actually failing. Tubing or fittings or ?

Check this out:

He points to Chloramine as the issue. Apparently Chloramine is causing other issues as well, beyond plumbing.
Apparently the red pipe is most affected. I use only clear pipe.

Google "Chloramine effects on Pex"

This affects Pex A and B. Its not just Pex A. So back to copper for you!
I'll stick with Pex A.

I first saw Pex A used on air lines in factories.

 

[Flunkyboi]

I'm new here and to solar, but I read the OP's opening argument and know I want to be just like him when I grow up.

I totally agree. I'm a KISS sort, too. An example:

I bought a work burner vehicle a couple of years ago. Got it for a song and know that 300k mile fuselage had a less used engine and tranny installed (JDM). It's a 98 Honda with a sun cooked paint job. Other than the bad paint, I absolutely love driving that antique. More so than my much newer PU and my "pretty" car. Everything works and the dash has simple instrumentation (mostly all analog) and the radio/climate control cluster is small. The dash of my son inlaw's newish F-150 is so busy with crap, even he doesn't know all that is there.

I don't care about nerding out with data logging my new Victron MPPT or my new EG4 AIO. I just want to set it up, use it.

 

[quantum`]

no, Im am not confusing pex a with pex b. and you couldnt even pay me to use pex A

pex a (uponor) uses expansion rings and they are failing en masse
pex b uses copper crimp rings or stainless clamps and they are not failing.

You do you, mkay? 'Nuff said.

He points to Chloramine as the issue. Apparently Chloramine is causing other issues as well, beyond plumbing.
Apparently the red pipe is most affected. I use only clear pipe.

Google "Chloramine effects on Pex"

This affects Pex A and B. Its not just Pex A. So back to copper for you!
I'll stick with Pex A.

I first saw Pex A used on air lines in factories.

True, this is only an issue with the red and blue. I haven't used either but was planning to in the houses I'm building. I've always used translucent -- hundreds of connections for domestic and hydronic, never a single leak for a decade. Thanks for sharing that video, and yes Back To Copper for 1201.

 

[Quattrohead]

Use brass fittings and stainless steel crimp brings and any pex will be just fine.

 

[Zwy]

Zwy, I agree with you, the simpler the system, the easier for the end users to manage and troubleshoot.
My take on Flexboss/Gridboss is that EG4 is designing and marketing to installers and not end users.

I thought the primary reason for these products was more plug and play for the masses. Have certifications and a drop in product that anyone who can read the manual can install.

 

[Dave911]

You do you, mkay? 'Nuff said.


True, this is only an issue with the red and blue. I haven't used either but was planning to in the houses I'm building. I've always used translucent -- hundreds of connections for domestic and hydronic, never a single leak for a decade. Thanks for sharing that video, and yes Back To Copper for 1201.

1201 should move to Chicago. Only soldered copper until the installers decide not to follow code, then Propress copper and Pex is just fine.
I installed some propress copper in Chicago, then the contractors who followed me did the same thing.

 

[jzampieron]

The shading test above took no account of cloudy days. This is where TIGO optimizers fail. And I live in Seattle. Maybe their RSD+monitor device doesn't have this problem, but we'll need to see some proof.

Can you explain that more? I have TIGO optimizers and a lot of cloudy days and shading. System works just fine AFAICT.

 

[quantum`]

I'm too lazy to look up the thread. You know what to do.