More research is you CAN run them that way...they call it "blind deployment". It obviously has some cons listed but it honestly sounds like it will at least work as an optimizer without CCA/TAP.
Last edited:
EG4 18kPV Q+A general thread
- Thread starter SignatureSolarJames
- Start date
I don't view that as "will at least work", I read that as "it might work, we don't know, you won't know, and we won't help you if it doesn't".
The optimizers already cause weird fluctuations of voltage and current due to the optimization, and since "Blind optimization via PIV (Predictive IV curve technology)" sounds a whole lot like guesswork, I bet you'll also take a significant performance hit even if you are convinced everything is optimizing correctly.
Good points...ugg. Back to the drawing board.
I do need optimizers because my setup is strange...anyone run any other options?
What's wrong with the CCA/TAP for you? they aren't all that expensive in the grand scheme of things, and the 12v output of the 18kpv can power the CCA directly which is convenient.
Two arrays, both with shading issues. One ground mount, one on the 3rd story roof...lots of complexity added.
That's all fine, I don't see why the Tigo system wouldn't work you'd just need the TAP and CCA to complete the setup.
I get you're trying to be cost effective, but $200 for the CCA and TAP is going to be hard to beat elsewhere.
Luxpower_Gilbert
Luxpert @Luxpower USA Team
try Enable PV Arc, if you get an error, this will tell you with optimizers will give you unstable pv input.
Beetle Bailey
New Member
Well...All was good and naturally I had to mess with things.
18K was working good. I had only a 50A running things but wanted to put the rest of the house on the inverter. Changed out the breakers and wire accordingly, turn on the inverter and now with the grid on it's just clicking.....
HELP!!!!!
lol
18K was working good. I had only a 50A running things but wanted to put the rest of the house on the inverter. Changed out the breakers and wire accordingly, turn on the inverter and now with the grid on it's just clicking.....
HELP!!!!!
lol
Zapper77
Renaissance Man
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2022
- Messages
- 2,342
Photos or video would be helpful
Beetle Bailey
New Member
In and out are different. Usually they are the same even when in is low. In is 229.2 / out is 240….I noticed that earlier but figured that would change
Zapper77
Renaissance Man
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2022
- Messages
- 2,342
Disconnect your grid input. Are you using CTs?
How are you using your 18k (upstream grid assist or critical load panel?)
Beetle Bailey
New Member
Yes on CT’s. No upstream yet grid assist yes.
Zapper77
Renaissance Man
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2022
- Messages
- 2,342
Have you tried restarting your 18k? Restart option in the settings menu.
Beetle Bailey
New Member
Figured it out. Stupid on my part….
Input neutral was connected to my sub panel and not my grid panel. As soon as I looked it clicked. Been up since 3…too old for this.
Note to everyone, grid input needs to ALL be connected to the grid panel….
Can't find the answer after searching.. Have an 18k and 6 EG4 Lifepower4 Batteries. The BMS is working after upgrading one of the batteries but I see a flat line when charging. I can see on the web interface the BMS charge limit of 50A which seems a bit low. Do I need to upgrade all of the batteries firmware?
Zapper77
Renaissance Man
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2022
- Messages
- 2,342
Yes. 6 batteries you should see 300 amps charge rate under the battery screen
Using the app you should see 600ah
Edit to include 6 battery example using LCD screen
Last edited:
Zapper77
Renaissance Man
- Joined
- Jul 23, 2022
- Messages
- 2,342
Correct, appears to only see one battery.
Do I need to upgrade the firmware on every battery? From the BMS laptop software I could see all 6 batteries to I'm surprised the inverter can only see 1. I thought I read only the battery connected to the inverter directly needed the newer firmware
