Chosing between eco worthy 5000 and EG4 6000xp

[buck Taylor]

I am looking at eco worthy 5000 and EG4 6000xp
Can users of both systems give me honest reviews of trouble or success with them.

I know both should work for me and both have deals with server rack batteries that are similar in storage and stacking capacity.

Both units are stackable and can run in parallel with their. respective units.
both are almost plug and go on solar battery inverter charger side to shut off breaker a/c side.
Both can be used in split phase and have similar specs.

I will probably not use remote features or phone computers app features. I will be around to run backup generator if needed. Power use will be fairly minimal.

My System is off grid.
The eco worthy deal I can double batteries and inverter chargers for less than it would cost me to buy EG4. Inverter and batteries .

 

[Heatpumpman]

I have no experience with the EcoWorthy units, only the XP's. Maybe the question is , are the XP's twice as good?

 

[timselectric]

The two main differences are
5kw versus 6kw
And price

 

[42OhmsPA]

You'll need 2 EW to get split phase, 5kW / leg. A single XP will give you 3kW / leg.

 

[Oakley]

Your estimated load and whether you need or anticipate a 120/240 output will help others share their thoughts. i have two 6000xp's at my home, and had the 12000xp been available, i would have went that direction. On another note, I just ordered the EW 10k split phase inverter and two batteries for my weekend place. I rolled the dice and opted to go that direction, but will not have it up and operational for a couple weeks. The price led me in that direction.

 

[buck Taylor]

Your estimated load and whether you need or anticipate a 120/240 output will help others share their thoughts. i have two 6000xp's at my home, and had the 12000xp been available, i would have went that direction. On another note, I just ordered the EW 10k split phase inverter and two batteries for my weekend place. I rolled the dice and opted to go that direction, but will not have it up and operational for a couple weeks. The price led me in that direction.

I may need the 120 for now . The 120/240 option some time in future would be nice
I would like to hear how they compare for you where you have both.

As for cost. I can buy 4 48v 5kw eco worthy batteries and 2 inverter chargers and battery server rack for price of 2 EG4 5kw batteries and one EG4 inverter charger and still be $800 less
. Or price of another Eco worthy inverter charger.

That is the sale prices I am looking at right now.
Both are really tempting as the inverter charger and battery system means I would be able to do everything I need done for now . I like both can be expanded as my system and needs grow.

 

[Oakley]

I may need the 120 for now . The 120/240 option some time in future would be nice
I would like to hear how they compare for you where you have both.

As for cost. I can buy 4 48v 5kw eco worthy batteries and 2 inverter chargers and battery server rack for price of 2 EG4 5kw batteries and one EG4 inverter charger and still be $800 less
. Or price of another Eco worthy inverter charger.

That is the sale prices I am looking at right now.
Both are really tempting as the inverter charger and battery system means I would be able to do everything I need done for now . I like both can be expanded as my system and needs grow.

One thig to realize is the Eco Worthy items on ebay go on sale fairly often. They just rolled off one sale and then rolled into the current one. I was able to utilize the last sale as it aligned with the need. Probably be 2-3 weeks before i get the new system up and running. One thing to calculate out before buying, is do you get just one now and add one later. With two inverters the idle consumption does add up. Yes it is low, but it is also amazing how quickly it does add up. With split phase one needs to try and keep the loads balanced between the legs. One thing that helps if you will be heating and cooling is to use 240 volt devices.

 

[cs1234]

Does the EcoWorthy have UL1741? The EG4 does.

 

[Oakley]

Does the EcoWorthy have UL1741? The EG4 does.

Only thing i heard is they are working on it and the new version 3 batteries are in the works. Nothing heard on the inverters, so these would be best suited for full off grid applications.

 

[uslsml]

I'm assuming you're referring to the EW 5kW AIO that is made by SRNE and not EW's (older?) non-SRNE 5kW AIO. I've used both the 6000XP and the SRNE ASP 10kW (essentially two of the 5kW units in a single box). You really have to know well your load characteristics and your specific requirements, which could strongly favor one or the other.

• Both worked for me, but the 6000XP frequently would trip the GFCI protection on my 240V EVSE that could not be resolved (6000XP has frequently firmware updates; perhaps a subsequent update fixed this issue but I no longer have the unit to test).
• The 6000XP has separate generator input (in addition to the regular AC input) and also has generator boost function. If the generator input isn't needed as an input connector, it could also be used as a smart load output. The SRNE has only the regular AC input; if you want to use generator you'll need to create your own generator connection.
• The fans on the 6000XP are louder and higher pitch (definitely intolerable if near living quarters). The fans on the SRNE 10kW are not whisper quite by any means but much more tolerable in comparison.
• With the 6000XP's limit of 3kW per leg, it had to be carefully managed since two high-wattage 120V appliances (hair dryer, toaster oven, etc.) could approach/exceed the limit. Having 5kW capacity on a leg required less load management. If there are only two possible high-wattage 120V loads in your system and you could wire them on separate legs, the 6000XP could be fine.
• If your loads are minimal enough that either unit would be more than enough and if you don't need any of the extra features of the 6000XP, you might as well save money by going with the cheaper unit. The SRNE inverters have been fairly reliable for multiple people on the forum.
• SRNE hasn't released a single firmware update since the 10kW units shipped over a year ago. So don't expect firmware updates (like EG4) that tweak/change inverter operations. If you enjoy inverter firmware updates (they can be fun; sometimes they even come with new features!), you'll be bored with the SRNE.

 

[uslsml]

A couple more differences:

• 6000XP has built-in AC output and battery breakers that might (depending on your wiring setup) streamline your installation.
• Installing AC input/output wires was much easier with the 6000XP (more vertical spacing within the unit for wiring).

 

[SnickeringBear]

IMO, you have limited your choices without considering other viable alternatives. A SRNE 10 kw inverter with split 240 is currently about $1700. A SRNE 12 kw hybrid currently is about $2500 depending on where you purchase it.

If you have a single load that needs 240V, then the xp is best choice. If you have a pair of loads that can add up to over 3000 watts, then the xp would have to be carefully configured to avoid overloads suggesting the EW is a better option. A hair dryer, microwave, hot air fryer, dishwasher with heated drying, or any other load that exceeds 1000 watts would trigger this concern. As a side note, I'm installing an SRNE 12 kw split 240V hybrid. I am currently making changes to the wiring at the breaker panel so I can split the loads into 9 different feeds each on a 20 amp breaker. Why? Because I want enough granularity to be able to balance loads across the phases. I previously had set up with only 4 breakers which assuredly would have run into problems at some point in the future. Making changes is easy as the cable runs are still open and accessible. One outlet is specifically set aside for the microwave as an example.

Batteries are still a bit of a chaotic choice. The docan power 30 kWh battery for $2550 is imo a hard to beat price. Compare that with franklinwh batteries currently at $13000 for 30 kWh.

edit: since someone is sure to ask, docanpower.com U.S. store, solar home battery, 3rd item down currently is the 30 kWh battery, click for local pickup in Houston to see the $2550 price.

 

[buck Taylor]

Only thing i heard is they are working on it and the new version 3 batteries are in the works. Nothing heard on the inverters, so these would be best suited for full off grid applicat

I'm assuming you're referring to the EW 5kW AIO that is made by SRNE and not EW's (older?) non-SRNE 5kW AIO. I've used both the 6000XP and the SRNE ASP 10kW (essentially two of the 5kW units in a single box). You really have to know well your load characteristics and your specific requirements, which could strongly favor one or the other.

• Both worked for me, but the 6000XP frequently would trip the GFCI protection on my 240V EVSE that could not be resolved (6000XP has frequently firmware updates; perhaps a subsequent update fixed this issue but I no longer have the unit to test).
• The 6000XP has separate generator input (in addition to the regular AC input) and also has generator boost function. If the generator input isn't needed as an input connector, it could also be used as a smart load output. The SRNE has only the regular AC input; if you want to use generator you'll need to create your own generator connection.
• The fans on the 6000XP are louder and higher pitch (definitely intolerable if near living quarters). The fans on the SRNE 10kW are not whisper quite by any means but much more tolerable in comparison.
• With the 6000XP's limit of 3kW per leg, it had to be carefully managed since two high-wattage 120V appliances (hair dryer, toaster oven, etc.) could approach/exceed the limit. Having 5kW capacity on a leg required less load management. If there are only two possible high-wattage 120V loads in your system and you could wire them on separate legs, the 6000XP could be fine.
• If your loads are minimal enough that either unit would be more than enough and if you don't need any of the extra features of the 6000XP, you might as well save money by going with the cheaper unit. The SRNE inverters have been fairly reliable for multiple people on the forum.
• SRNE hasn't released a single firmware update since the 10kW units shipped over a year ago. So don't expect firmware updates (like EG4) that tweak/change inverter operations. If you enjoy inverter firmware updates (they can be fun; sometimes they even come with new features!), you'll be bored with the SRNE.

 

[buck Taylor]

IMO, you have limited your choices without considering other viable alternatives. A SRNE 10 kw inverter with split 240 is currently about $1700. A SRNE 12 kw hybrid currently is about $2500 depending on where you purchase it.

If you have a single load that needs 240V, then the xp is best choice. If you have a pair of loads that can add up to over 3000 watts, then the xp would have to be carefully configured to avoid overloads suggesting the EW is a better option. A hair dryer, microwave, hot air fryer, dishwasher with heated drying, or any other load that exceeds 1000 watts would trigger this concern. As a side note, I'm installing an SRNE 12 kw split 240V hybrid. I am currently making changes to the wiring at the breaker panel so I can split the loads into 9 different feeds each on a 20 amp breaker. Why? Because I want enough granularity to be able to balance loads across the phases. I previously had set up with only 4 breakers which assuredly would have run into problems at some point in the future. Making changes is easy as the cable runs are still open and accessible. One outlet is specifically set aside for the microwave as an example.

Batteries are still a bit of a chaotic choice. The docan power 30 kWh battery for $2550 is imo a hard to beat price. Compare that with franklinwh batteries currently at $13000 for 30 kWh.

edit: since someone is sure to ask, docanpower.com U.S. store, solar home battery, 3rd item down currently is the 30 kWh battery, click for local pickup in Houston to see the $2550 price.

 

[buck Taylor]

Thank you.
I am interested in all options. If another unit will work better I am all for it. Those two are ones that show up most when I got to supplier websites or look up 48v inverters or inverter chargers. Many others are way undersized or not able to parallel for expansion.
They also have similar straight forward battery systems that can be paralleled to amounts of be battery I can not imagine ever needing in increments of around 5 kw


Truth is updates to software would not be my cup of tea. Main thing I want is to make Shure my battery is kept charged and my solar runs as much as possible in day without draining battery to much. I am willing to run generators to charge if needed. I have 5 kw of solar panels I am putting up in next few weeks I have access to enough extra solar panels I could expand pv array to 20 kw system but that seems over kill for 100% off grid system. My estimated max daily use at this time is less than 1 kw if I go crazy.



Most of my cooking, heating is done by wood, propane and other means. My cooling is done by traditional methods that don't require power.
My lifestyle is closer to Amish or Mennonite than modern American or European.

The more simple units are to care for use and check or maintain the better.

My main use would be refrigeration and freezing food. Charging cell phones and my Milwaukee power too batteries.

Once in great while maybe running a laptop or tv for friends of family.

Batteries and inverter System will be in shed away from buildings I live or. Sleep in . The sheds building with the A/C power will have power supply from the battery shed but are separate in case of fire or explosion.
Hope that clears up some fog

 

[buck Taylor]

IMO, you have limited your choices without considering other viable alternatives. A SRNE 10 kw inverter with split 240 is currently about $1700. A SRNE 12 kw hybrid currently is about $2500 depending on where you purchase it.

If you have a single load that needs 240V, then the xp is best choice. If you have a pair of loads that can add up to over 3000 watts, then the xp would have to be carefully configured to avoid overloads suggesting the EW is a better option. A hair dryer, microwave, hot air fryer, dishwasher with heated drying, or any other load that exceeds 1000 watts would trigger this concern. As a side note, I'm installing an SRNE 12 kw split 240V hybrid. I am currently making changes to the wiring at the breaker panel so I can split the loads into 9 different feeds each on a 20 amp breaker. Why? Because I want enough granularity to be able to balance loads across the phases. I previously had set up with only 4 breakers which assuredly would have run into problems at some point in the future. Making changes is easy as the cable runs are still open and accessible. One outlet is specifically set aside for the microwave as an example.

Batteries are still a bit of a chaotic choice. The docan power 30 kWh battery for $2550 is imo a hard to beat price. Compare that with franklinwh batteries currently at $13000 for 30 kWh.

edit: since someone is sure to ask, docanpower.com U.S. store, solar home battery, 3rd item down currently is the 30 kWh battery, click for local pickup in Houston to see the $2550 price.

Thank you I will look into them.
I am asking because I want to know best options at this time.
I just limited it to ones that were available most when I looked up 48 v inverter chargers. All input can save me $1,000s and many headaches.
Several of others were undersized or not able to expand or run parallel or were only components not complete charger inverters.

Features I need.
I need it to handle at least 4.5 to 5kw power input from current solar array more if I expand.
I need at least 5 to 10 kw battery capacity.
It needs to be as simple to hook up and use as possible.
It needs to be simple to replace swap out damaged or faulty components .
It needs to be expandable.
I want it as simple and reliable as possible.

I won't be doing much remote or phone management of system. I will most likely just manually check the inverter or monitors once day if no trouble arises. I am pretty low tech.

System is going in designated shed to supply power to a separate building not part of my living area. So noise is not as much of problem.

My electrician nephew is going to do most of wiring in both for me.

 

[k490]

Better support from EG4.

 

[buck Taylor]

Better support from EG4.

Good to know.
Support is something I will want when things go askew.

 

[uslsml]

The "straight forward battery systems that can be paralleled in increments of around 5kW" is simply the result of using server rack batteries. Pretty much any 48V inverter could be connected to a parallel bank of server rack batteries. The two options might just be due to bundles being offered (which does make the purchase simpler), but you don't have to get them bundled.

Did you mean your maximum daily consumption will be 1 kWh, or did you mean your maximum instantaneous power demand will be 1 kW? Either case, both inverters (plus other small inverters) should work without needing parallel capability. For 1 kWh daily consumption, even a decent-sized horde of hamsters with wheels might be sufficient (and possibly more compatible with Amish/Mennonite lifestyle but maybe too much work to manage their power-generation schedule). But if daily consumption will be only 1 kWh, 4.5-5 kW PV input seems way overkill.

For reliability, both inverters have been successfully used by people in off-grid environments. Similarly, being AIOs, repairs would be just replacing an entire unit (disconnect/reconnect wires). You'll have to decide whether the 6000XP's generator input and greater ease to connect wires are worth the cost difference.

If you're trying to cover expected very-small-usage situation but also wanting to cover very broad potential future expansion, it's difficult to optimize over a wide range. By the time your usage significantly changes, the sweet spot of offerings could be quite different. If having parallel capability rates very high for you, you might want to purchase a matching second inverter (whichever one you end up buying) while the model still is available. Some people who started with one EG4 6000EX/6500EX were unable to purchase another unit for parallel expansion because the model became discontinued. Even if a trade-up program such as https://signaturesolar.com/upgrade-program is offered (typically not the case), the cost (of original inverter plus trade-in cost to upgrade) might not be economically favorable.

 

[SnickeringBear]

A standard refrigerator and a separate freezer each use about 1 kWh per day.

A few led lights used for 4 hours per day will consume about 15 watts each per hour of use. It is not enough to worry over and can be done on DC.

Charging Milwaukee tool batteries will take more than you expect. I'm guessing you have the 18 volt batteries that hold between 2 and 12 amp/hours. If you use them as heavily as the batteries I have are used, you will use about 500 watts each day they need to be charged. I'm primarily using a multitool, skilsaw, light, and drill. As an aside, the Milwaukee pole saw is not as good as the DeWalt pole saw. I have both and will hands down reach for the DeWalt first.

Have you considered purchasing a pre-configured cabinet type power system? I started a thread a couple of hours ago about a company that sells a range of them. IIRC, a 10 kw inverter packaged with 20 kWh of battery storage runs around $5000. You might look into them and compare with the EG4 and EW systems. It is titled Pre-built inverter/battery systems. I'm not shilling for them, but may be worth a look to compare prices with others you are considering.

One item I'm curious about but have not investigated is EG4 and EW power usage by the inverter. SRNE inverters developed over the last few years have a low power consumption mode which can help a bit with battery depletion. If I am correct, the EW inverter has low power consumption since it is made by SRNE. It might be helpful to find out if inverter consumption might be a concern.

 

[Crowz]

Doesn't eco-worthy have the 10kw srne clone too?

 

[42OhmsPA]

A SRNE 10 kw inverter with split 240 is currently about $1700.

Where are you getting that price from? It sounds high compared to what I paid for 2.

Better support from EG4.

Some would argue that.

Doesn't eco-worthy have the 10kw srne clone too?

Yes, listed on their website.

 

[aussiesam]

EG4 has:
Split phase
200A battery breaker
AC breakers
PV disconnect built in.
More configuration options
Better monitoring software
2 * MPPT
Better support
Frequent updates

 

[buck Taylor]

The "straight forward battery systems that can be paralleled in increments of around 5kW" is simply the result of using server rack batteries. Pretty much any 48V inverter could be connected to a parallel bank of server rack batteries. The two options might just be due to bundles being offered (which does make the purchase simpler), but you don't have to get them bundled.

Did you mean your maximum daily consumption will be 1 kWh, or did you mean your maximum instantaneous power demand will be 1 kW? Either case, both inverters (plus other small inverters) should work without needing parallel capability. For 1 kWh daily consumption, even a decent-sized horde of hamsters with wheels might be sufficient (and possibly more compatible with Amish/Mennonite lifestyle but maybe too much work to manage their power-generation schedule). But if daily consumption will be only 1 kWh, 4.5-5 kW PV input seems way overkill.

For reliability, both inverters have been successfully used by people in off-grid environments. Similarly, being AIOs, repairs would be just replacing an entire unit (disconnect/reconnect wires). You'll have to decide whether the 6000XP's generator input and greater ease to connect wires are worth the cost difference.

If you're trying to cover expected very-small-usage situation but also wanting to cover very broad potential future expansion, it's difficult to optimize over a wide range. By the time your usage significantly changes, the sweet spot of offerings could be quite different. If having parallel capability rates very high for you, you might want to purchase a matching second inverter (whichever one you end up buying) while the model still is available. Some people who started with one EG4 6000EX/6500EX were unable to purchase another unit for parallel expansion because the model became discontinued. Even if a trade-up program such as https://signaturesolar.com/upgrade-program is offered (typically not the case), the cost (of original inverter plus trade-in cost to upgrade) might not be economically favorable.

 

[buck Taylor]

Thank you.
Yes the bundle options are one of selling points .
Bundle options are coming in at much less than components individually.


Also batteries and inverter being same company though not important is a selling point. I hope to have less communication problems between them. I hate fixing complicated electronics

Right now I us about 500 wat every few days. Using my tools and cell phone.
I used to charge my Milwaukee batteries phone on a 200w 12v panels an 2 12v parallel wired battery inverter system.
Inverter failed on that system couple years ago.
Think one of my workers left cover open in snow storm. I lasted me over 2 years.
When I built my cabin it kept 8 drills and impact drivers going simultaneously.

Yes 5 kw of panels is over kill.
I was helping friend and traded some work for some used off solar farm 245w 30.7v panels
Then about a week or so ago I made another deal with him to get some more I have 18 at this time and can buy a pallet of and some more loose ones or if he needs some more work done it is way he can pay me and not feel in debt . I figure i am into all of them less than $800 in trades and cash. His sister bought a hundred pallets from solar farm and they sell them to people few at time. They have one pallet of 25 left.
I am building timber frame structure this week to use as canning and summer kitchen / barbeque area. It can hold all 18 on roof.
I could put more panels on walls above horse rubbing height .the south east and west walls are all out in open and get hours of direct sun every day This would be good wind break .

I still have other panels that ran some 12v and 24v small systems. One system I quit using because some meth heads stole my charge controller and inverter when I was up herding for summer.

I am a cowboy that lives most of year as cow and sheep herder on mountains and deserts .
I come home and live in off grid cabin and go do farm work or work with my horses and livestock.
Last time I lived on grid was over 15 years ago when I was in marine corps. Most of last 25 years I have spent off grid.