EG4 6500ex and 6000ex flickering lights and firmware

[nmewarlok]

If they are discontinued should you continue to list them for sale?

Its not listed for sale, even in your screenshot. Well the refurb is, but there isn't a buy button for a new one. I just bought and installed what I thought was going to be my final solution for 240 last Wednesday. Looks like, even going against all the bad reviews, I should have waited a week. Not only is the 240v unit more attractive but now I cant even finish my build unless I take a chance with refurbished. Im just a little salty. Seems like I bought a paperweight for what I wanted to do, on what I thought was a fairly new and bugs worked through inverter. Feels like wasted money. Very discouraging to say the least.

 

[Adam De Lay]

Its not listed for sale, even in your screenshot. Well the refurb is, but there isn't a buy button for a new one. I just bought and installed what I thought was going to be my final solution for 240 last Wednesday. Looks like, even going against all the bad reviews, I should have waited a week. Not only is the 240v unit more attractive but now I cant even finish my build unless I take a chance with refurbished. Im just a little salty. Seems like I bought a paperweight for what I wanted to do, on what I thought was a fairly new and bugs worked through inverter. Feels like wasted money. Very discouraging to say the least.

You could either go with a refurb unit or see if you can save a few bucks by picking up a used one for sale on the forum. Looks like there's a handful for sale right now, some from people who just upgraded to bigger inverters.

 

[Zwy]

Its not listed for sale, even in your screenshot. Well the refurb is, but there isn't a buy button for a new one. I just bought and installed what I thought was going to be my final solution for 240 last Wednesday. Looks like, even going against all the bad reviews, I should have waited a week. Not only is the 240v unit more attractive but now I cant even finish my build unless I take a chance with refurbished. Im just a little salty. Seems like I bought a paperweight for what I wanted to do, on what I thought was a fairly new and bugs worked through inverter. Feels like wasted money. Very discouraging to say the least.

I always say things happen for a reason. Count your blessings maybe? I've always looked at any setback as an opportunity.

I'd purchase something else for an inverter, take that 6500EX and use it for another purpose. It would work as a charge controller or running a load like a 120V mini split. Even portable power. Many of the problems with the 6500EX was when put in parallel.

I'm waiting now to see if the SRNE 10Kw units will be able to parallel in the future.

 

[bikerider4818]

This is disappointing. I know there are no guarantees with these things but to have it said at this stage that there are no firmware updates upcoming this soon into the lifecycle when all devices are still warrantied.

Any chance we can get some sort of warranty waiver discount on the 6000XP since LuxPower seems to be the future of EG4 branded inverters. I don't need the hybrid stuff so a pair of 6000XPs make more sense.

Exactly. I just bought one 6500ex 6 months ago and have been using it only for 5 months. I was planning on getting a second one, but not with my light flickering and my garbage disposal making everything turn off in the house momentarily, and no more updates, etc. I feel that I justed waisted $1,300. The whole purpose of setting solar up was to save money. Now I'm paying way more money to Signature solar than I was to the electric company. The only option is to fork out a lot more money on a new inverter that hasn't been tested.

 

[Gavin Stone]

Exactly. I just bought one 6500ex 6 months ago and have been using it only for 5 months. I was planning on getting a second one, but not with my light flickering and my garage disposal making everything turn off in the house momentarily, and no more updates, etc. I feel that I justed waisted $1,300. The whole purpose of setting solar up was to save money. Now I'm paying way more money to Signature solar than I was to the electric company. The only option is to fork out a lot more money on a new inverter that hasn't been tested.

I don’t think that’s your only option. They are still offering support for those inverters from what I’ve seen. If you’ve tried the latest firmware and still have issues they are recommending adding the bonding screw. And if the issues still persist then they may have another remedy. Possibly an RMA.

Try contacting EG4.

 

[ChrisG]

There is no long term support for these cheap Chinese inverters. In less than two years it’s been Growatt->MPP->EG4->Lux and us consumers get caught up in this crap. The resellers and manufacturers are loving making these disposable products same as any other type of products we buy.

Save up, size your system and buy Tier 1 products. Buy once cry once.

 

[RV10flyer]

Exactly. I just bought one 6500ex 6 months ago and have been using it only for 5 months. I was planning on getting a second one, but not with my light flickering and my garage disposal making everything turn off in the house momentarily, and no more updates, etc. I feel that I justed waisted $1,300. The whole purpose of setting solar up was to save money. Now I'm paying way more money to Signature solar than I was to the electric company. The only option is to fork out a lot more money on a new inverter that hasn't been tested.

Write it off as a learning experience. We get what we paid for.

 

[RV10flyer]

There is no long term support for these cheap Chinese inverters. In less than two years it’s been Growatt->MPP->EG4->Lux and us consumers get caught up in this crap. The resellers and manufacturers are loving making these disposable products same as any other type of products we buy.

Save up, size your system and buy Tier 1 products. Buy once cry once.

Two 12k’s still purring along after 19 mo off grid.

 

[ChrisG]

Two 12k’s still purring along after 19 mo off grid.

I assume Sol-ark?

 

[PreppenWolf]

I'm still using the original firmware my inverters shipped with and I don't have light flickering issues. I also never removed the NG bonding screw.

U1 79.02
U2 61.02

 

[DIYPV]

I don’t think that’s your only option. They are still offering support for those inverters from what I’ve seen. If you’ve tried the latest firmware and still have issues they are recommending adding the bonding screw. And if the issues still persist then they may have another remedy. Possibly an RMA.

Try contacting EG4.

Nope.

I’m on the latest firmware and was contacted via email in response a forum post.

I went through the process of dismantling my system and identifying bonding screws as directed and it turns out the bonding screws were already in my inverter.

The “PVA Certified Technical Solutions Specialist” from Signature Solar claimed that my inverter was functioning correctly since it’s been in service for 10 months. Seems like they’re avoiding the known hardware defects that forced them to discontinue these inverters.

Talk about crappy customer service. @SignatureSolarJames @SignatureSolar2015

@EG4_Jarrett, I’ve given up on the “PVA Certified Technical Solutions Specialist” via email. Can you resolve the issues I’m having?

 

[EG4_Jarrett]

@EG4_Jarrett, I’ve given up on the “PVA Certified Technical Solutions Specialist” via email. Can you resolve the issues I’m having?

Absolutely!

Where is your bond located at in your system and what do you have setting 34 set to? Can you send me a picture of your inverters wiring (connections at the inverter and input/output panels with the covers removed)? That would be the definitive pieces of information needed to help me figure out how to solve your issue.

 

[DIYPV]

Absolutely!

Where is your bond located at in your system and what do you have setting 34 set to? Can you send me a picture of your inverters wiring (connections at the inverter and input/output panels with the covers removed)? That would be the definitive pieces of information needed to help me figure out how to solve your issue.

Bonding is in the main panel. I have a sub panel that which is connected to the Inverter AC input. Setting 34 is set to Enable. All bonding screws are present in the inverter.

Can you explain why my inverter is doing the following?

I’ve tested AC Output N to G for continuity with Setting 34 Disabled and got zero continuity. Per your firmware update, Disabling setting 34 should create a NG bond.

I also tested AC Output N to G for continuity with Setting 34 Enabled and zero continuity. Per firmware, this is correct.

Another test was AC Input N to G and I got a pulsing (on and off) continuity. This was with Setting 34 Enabled.

Not too sure what this means, but please chime in on your resolution.

 

[EG4_Jarrett]

Can you send me a picture of your inverters wiring (connections at the inverter and input/output panels with the covers removed)? That would be the definitive pieces of information needed to help me figure out how to solve your issue.

Can you email me these photos? This would be what I need to get you a resolution. Whether it's figuring out what is causing it, or having to get with your distributor for an RMA. A photo of the S/N from the white information panel would be needed too if there is a need for an RMA.

You can DM me those photos or add them here in thread.

 

[DIYPV]

Can you explain why my inverter is doing the following?

I’ve tested AC Output N to G for continuity with Setting 34 Disabled and got zero continuity. Per your firmware update, Disabling setting 34 should create a NG bond.

I also tested AC Output N to G for continuity with Setting 34 Enabled and zero continuity. Per firmware, this is correct.

Looks like @Murphyslaww is having the same NG relay issue with his 6000ex inverter.

https://diysolarforum.com/threads/eg4-6000ex-l1-l2-to-ground-imbalance.72300/post-916581

 

[superj7777]

Does anyone know the thread size / depth of the ground screw? My inverters never had them installed from the factory.

Thanks in advance!
Jason

 

[Adam De Lay]

Does anyone know the thread size / depth of the ground screw? My inverters never had them installed from the factory.

Thanks in advance!
Jason

Which model?
I know for the 6500s any M3, 8mm long screw will work for the bonding screw. I'm not sure if it's the same for the 6000ex.

 

[EG4_Jarrett]

Which model?
I know for the 6500s any M3, 8mm long screw will work for the bonding screw. I'm not sure if it's the same for the 6000ex.

It should be the same for both inverters.

 

[Oldtimmer69]

Bonding is in the main panel. I have a sub panel that which is connected to the Inverter AC input. Setting 34 is set to Enable. All bonding screws are present in the inverter.

Can you explain why my inverter is doing the following?

I’ve tested AC Output N to G for continuity with Setting 34 Disabled and got zero continuity. Per your firmware update, Disabling setting 34 should create a NG bond.

I also tested AC Output N to G for continuity with Setting 34 Enabled and zero continuity. Per firmware, this is correct.

Another test was AC Input N to G and I got a pulsing (on and off) continuity. This was with Setting 34 Enabled.

Not too sure what this means, but please chime in on your resolution.

I had light flickering.. Removed my grounds and neutrals from all 4 inverters and it stopped.

 

[BobbyB]

Hello, been about 6 weeks since last posting on this forum. Has ANYONE found the fix to the eg4 6500ex STROBING LIGHTS? It is INSANE. My inverter is an Early model from March of 2022.

Happens at night WITHOUT PV input as well as during the day with PV input from solar charging. I am latest firmware and it doesn't NOT fix the issue.



Thank you for Amy help you guys can provide.