EG4 18kPV Hybrid Inverter versus EG4 FlexBoss21-16kW AC

[bplturner]

What's the difference between these two? Is it only the UL certification? FlexBoss seems to have higher power ratings for inputs and outputs. I'm using this in a battery backup application for computers -- solar is future.

Do I have to have UL rating in Georgia to use this as backup power? No energy will go back into the grid.

EG4 18kPV Hybrid Inverter | EG4-18kPV-12LV | 48V Split Phase 120/240VAC | UL1741, CEC

Discover the EG4 18KPV Hybrid Inverter | EG4-18KPV-12LV | 48V Split Phase 120/240VAC | UL1741, CEC Certified, available at Signature Solar. This all-in-one solar inverter offers 18kW PV input, 12kW output, remote monitoring, and seamless grid-tie/off-grid functionality. Ideal for homes and...

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EG4 FlexBOSS21 16kw AC Hybrid Inverter | 48V Split Phase | 21kW PV Input | V1.1

Discover the EG4 FlexBOSS21 16kw AC Hybrid Inverter at Signature Solar. This versatile 48V split-phase inverter/charger supports up to 21kW PV input, offers robust off-grid capabilities, and seamless integration with EG4 GridBOSS for comprehensive energy management. Get real-time remote...

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[FilterGuy]

The UL certifications are pretty much equivalent. The flex may not be on all of the CA lists yet, but that is coming soon.

The Flex 21 has a few primary differences from the 18Kpv:

• The Flex 21 does not have a gen port.
• The Flex 21 only has 90A pass-through (The 18K has 200A pass-through)
• The Flex 21 has a higher output when solar is present.
• The Flex 21 is lower priced than the 18Kpv

EDIT: Corrected the first line
If the system will have a gridBOSS, the 18Kpv FlexBOSS is the no-brainer choice.
If the system will not have a GridBOSS, it depends on whether you need the pass-through and/or the Gen port.

 

[bplturner]

Thanks for your response. I didn't even know GridBoss was a thing but looks like 18kPV is what I need -- the 200A pass through will help as I do a lot of welding.

Other than this and batteries, is there anything else I need to satisfy standards? Is there a reference for Georgia by any chance?

Thanks again!

 

[Lawrence_SoCal]

Joe Ordia of Solar Surge had a nice YouTube video with EG4 (CEO?) a few months back (Product Intro) that talked about the design of the GridBOSS/FlexBOSS 21 (what was moved out of the 18kpv and moved to GridBOSS, why, in which circumstances that is desirable, etc)
The idea was to make the FlexBOSS 21 cheaper by moving features out if it vs the 18kpv (especially applicable for those that need more than 1 hybrid inverter)... and making the overall system a bit more modular

there are also a couple of threads here comparing the 2

My $0.02 ... these hybrid inverters may well end up having a lifespan like a current model natural gas hot water heater, NOT like a circuit breaker. So, having a way (pre-wired, tested, etc) to easily bypass the 'hybrid inverter system' if need be is recommended. The GridBOSS sort of does that (but could still be its own failure point) and adds smart load features.

 

[Lawrence_SoCal]

If the system will have a gridBOSS, the 18Kpv is the no-brainer choice.

Did you mean that, or was that a brain fart, and you meant that if someone has GridBOSS, then using the matching FlexBOSS 21 (cheaper, newer design) is the no brainer choice? If committed to GridBOSS, which has the features removed from 18kpv, why pay for them again in the 18kpv? I'm sure there are specific scenarios where that would be true, but I'd have thought in general, no.

 

[FilterGuy]

Did you mean that, or was that a brain fart, and you meant that if someone has GridBOSS, then using the matching FlexBOSS 21 (cheaper, newer design) is the no brainer choice? If committed to GridBOSS, which has the features removed from 18kpv, why pay for them again in the 18kpv? I'm sure there are specific scenarios where that would be true, but I'd have thought in general, no.

Oh Crap.... It was a presidential moment. I should have said FlexBOSS.