After struggling for 1.5 years with a 1200 k battery bank and a 15 k SolArk (using an onsite retired master electrician) we gave up and just swapped out for the EG4 18K. True, it does not offer more power than the SA 15 K, but after being told by shop solar who sold us a "kit" and SolArk, and EG 4 that they were working on getting a closed loop system so that we could use the comms cable, a few months ago, we hit a wall. We were told by SA and Eg4, nope, they are no longer working together and have no plans at this point to do so. SA also said that if we use the comms cable with our EG4 LL battery bank and the SA has a failure the warranty will be invalid. Prior to that, in working with several levels of techs and company engineers, we were led down many paths, many little adjustments, but the SA could never read the batteries well enough to switch over to the A/C, separately wired utility hook up to the generator line.... We could do it manually, but had to actually go to the banks to check percentage because SA, could not read %, and did not work well at all unless set to voltage. And there was no way to set up a switch to generator charging when set to voltage.... And, in spite of SA's "top" engineer and highest level support assuring that with sell back turned off, the could not possibly be any leakage back to the power company..... There was leakage! ( We gave up on Shop Solar techs due to constant conflicting ideas with SolArk techs after a few months) One SA tech was so outraged that he wanted our utility service to provide him proof of leak back, because it just wasn't possible considering how he had checked all our settings!
At some point last summer, we finally figured out, on our own that the only leak back possible would be the neutral as we had a 2 pole manual transfer switch between public utilities and the house panel and the 30 amp 2 pole line came direct from the main service box between the cut transfer switch and the utility meter service and was completely separate from the house system...but the entire system is bonded right at the meter. We had a " pig tail" dropping our of the SA that could be used to plug into the 30 amp socket for charging via what I called the "sip" line when plugged into our public service line, or it could be plugged into our gas powered generator if utility service was down. .... So our solution for the leak back on the bonded nuetral was to swap out the 2 pole manual transfer for a 3 pole manual transfer!!! ... Try pricing that out at 200 amps!.... Got blessed by finding a coffin sized used one from a friend at a local electric repair company ($750).... Then there was a problem with SA throwing a error and shutting down, if we chose to go back on grid, or off grid, I don't remember just now... in the PNW we have a very cloudy winter and we want to be able to just swap back to grid to allow solar to recharge the bank quick and cheap when the sun comes out. ...Again, trouble had to do with the bond again.... Now it was too far away and we had to set up a jump bond at the Solar Ark on advice from the SA tech.... We put in on a timer as it could only be connected briefly, but they did not know why..... Sigh..... Are we done yet???? Then the news that the mythical- approved of closed loop communication was a complete fantasy, and the frustration of our bank not staying well balanced and no AP with Battery data available and I just got mad. ShopSolar would give us no help when I complained that they sold me a kit with Batts that were not on the inverter's s approved list because in one of their recorded calls with me from 1.5 years ago at initial purchase, I say how happy I am to be getting an SA15 k with EG4 batteries because my favorite solar guy, W.P. gave great reviews of both products..... They then offered to sell me an EG4 18k with a $1000 discount, but no help on selling the SA15K.... I didn't think I could sell it on a forum with no proof of condition or warranty.... Utter b.s. So... That is why, we finally, in complaining to EG4 about no comms heard about their swap out program.... Yes, we are losing $. And the FedEx Freight truck did not show up yesterday to take the SA to Signature Solar, and yes, we pay shipping, but with a business account I am supposed to get a 70% discount down to $360.... But compared to the wasted time and dollars thrown down the rat hole already? And btw, we are not anywhere near rich, but so far, the EG4 is working fine, no problem with transfers, no jump ground needed. Charges beautifully from solar or grid,... No leak back after setting correction, and apparently competent, easy to reach quality service from Signature Solar...even on the weekends. So that is at least part of my story and reason for participating in Signature solar swap out program. Other than blowing up the SA with some Tan-Tan or throwing it off a cliff, it is the most satisfying option at this point. I'm sure that Sig Sol will find a buyer and hopefully they know to tell them to use SA approved batteries.... As I wish I had known last year.
