Inverter options/recommendations please

[doox00]

I had my eye on the EG4 18K inverter. I am looking for a solution to run panels, batteries, grid and generator. So it will auto switch from solar, batteries and to grid if the batteries get too low. I have a whole house generator right now that I would like to implement somehow as well to charge the batteries if need be.

I think the EG4 will handle my load just fine but if I need to set something up separate for my pole barn down the road I can do later. I plan to have 14k of panels and already ordered 71 Kwh of diy battery storage.

I have a well pump, 5 small mini splits between the house and pole barn (all 1 ton or less). I have 220v circuits in the pole barn for a table saw, dust extraction and air compressor. stove, water heater and dryer are all propane.

What are the popular options for inverters that would work in my situation?

Thanks all.

 

[timselectric]

I had my eye on the EG4 18K pv.

It's not an 18k inverter.
It's a 12k inverter, with the ability to receive 18k of solar.
The name is a bit deceiving.

 

[42OhmsPA]

You really need to do load calculations to determine what you need. You should also pick up a clamp meter capable of reading inrush current to determine the starting surge of your well pump and shop equipment.
Based off your described loads only I'd look the XW Pro(s).
I'm currently running an SRNE ASF 10kw (I have a thread with lots of info). It handles my well pump, dryer, and air compressor just fine but I don't know how it will work out long term...

Edit - also check out that search button, it's amazing.

 

[doox00]

You really need to do load calculations to determine what you need. You should also pick up a clamp meter capable of reading inrush current to determine the starting surge of your well pump and shop equipment.
Based off your described loads only I'd look the XW Pro(s).
I'm currently running an SRNE ASF 10kw (I have a thread with lots of info). It handles my well pump, dryer, and air compressor just fine but I don't know how it will work out long term...

Edit - also check out that search button, it's amazing.

I have a clamp meter, next time I am at the new house I will see what the well pump pulls on start up. I don't have my shop built out yet but it will have multiple 220v circuits for things like air compressor, table saw etc. If need be I can get an inverter for each location, the house and pole barn, I assume they both could share the batteries? Same for the panels?

 

[42OhmsPA]

I have a clamp meter, next time I am at the new house I will see what the well pump pulls on start up.

Make sure it reads inrush current.

I don't have my shop built out yet but it will have multiple 220v circuits for things like air compressor, table saw etc. If need be I can get an inverter for each location, the house and pole barn, I assume they both could share the batteries? Same for the panels?

They should be able to. How far apart are the buildings?
Currently I have 1 AIO running the house and garage / shop. I've thought about wiring a 2nd in. Yes, they can share the same battery bank (assuming the same voltage) but you can't share panels, you'd wire separate strings to each one.

 

[doox00]

Make sure it reads inrush current.

They should be able to. How far apart are the buildings?
Currently I have 1 AIO running the house and garage / shop. I've thought about wiring a 2nd in. Yes, they can share the same battery bank (assuming the same voltage) but you can't share panels, you'd wire separate strings to each one.

I plan to put all the solar equipment in a shed, there will be ~75' to get to the house and about the same for the shop. I have not decided on this yet for sure though. The other option will be put the shed near the shop and then a 100+ foot run to the house.

Maybe it is best to just start off with two inverters, one for the pole barn and one for the house. I would rather go a bit overkill to start with then too small and have to redo half of it later. I would still put everything in a shed though separate from the house and shop.

I saw a video where they started a 5 ton central air unit on the eg4, so I assumed it could start my well pump and other power demanding things.

 

[42OhmsPA]

I plan to put all the solar equipment in a shed, there will be ~75' to get to the house and about the same for the shop. I have not decided on this yet for sure though. The other option will be put the shed near the shop and then a 100+ foot run to the house.

I wouldn't hesitate to run, properly sized, AC wire that far.

Maybe it is best to just start off with two inverters, one for the pole barn and one for the house. I would rather go a bit overkill to start with then too small and have to redo half of it later. I would still put everything in a shed though separate from the house and shop.

That is an option and would give redundancy.

I saw a video where they started a 5 ton central air unit on the eg4, so I assumed it could start my well pump and other power demanding things.

I'm sure it can but I see so many issues posted on here that I can't recommend one. I have personally used the SRNE ASF 10kw and the SGP TP6048, out of the 2 I'd recommend the SRNE. More info here https://diysolarforum.com/threads/srne-asf48100u200-h-10kw.67809/

 

[doox00]

I'm sure it can but I see so many issues posted on here that I can't recommend one. I have personally used the SRNE ASF 10kw and the SGP TP6048, out of the 2 I'd recommend the SRNE. More info here https://diysolarforum.com/threads/srne-asf48100u200-h-10kw.67809/

Okay, I will look into the SRNE, thanks. Does that do the same things as the eg4? Allows you to connect panels, batteries, grid to it and charge the batteries?

 

[OffGridForGood]

When you consider inverter equipment, it would be helpful to know if the budget will support Tier-one or not so much. The top tier equipment is always more expensive (up front) than other options, however is (nearly) always lower stand-by consumption, and better able to support start up loads, short-term overload. Something to consider.

 

[42OhmsPA]

Okay, I will look into the SRNE, thanks. Does that do the same things as the eg4? Allows you to connect panels, batteries, grid to it and charge the batteries?

Pretty much. I don't think it will blend the grid with the batteries and the loads, in other words you're either running off the inverter or your passing through loads and charging batteries until the reach the voltage you program to switch back to inverter / solar / battery.

Do you plan to have anything inspected and/ or sell back to the grid?

 

[OffGridForGood]

Does that do the same things as the eg4? Allows you to connect panels, batteries, grid to it and charge the batteries?

Nearly all AIO (all in one) inverters will have these basic functions: inputs for Solar - often multiple inputs on one inverter; will definitely have terminals for pos/ neg from battery rack (ESS - Energy Storage System) and have a grid input to permit pass-through and charging. These are all very common features, nothing special. Most will also have dry contacts for gen-set start at some low battery set point.

Special inverter features - not as common:
load shaving: using the grid to assist the batteries to supply your loads, working together. (very few have this ability).
net-zero export: feeding a main panel just to the point of balance with a utiltiy input - such that no energy is exported or used from utility.
parallel inverters - very common - ability to parallel inverters together to increase total output. - check how many (max) can be in parallel.
RSD - Rapid shut down feature - if you need this for code compliance for roof mounted PV, some inverters have the signal built in, but typically rely upon optimizers on the PV themselves to recieve that signal.
Arc-Fault-Detection-Disconnection - if you need this for compliance, some inverters (not that common yet) have this feature built in.
Comms - some inverters have built in communications to certain supported battery types.

 

[doox00]

When you consider inverter equipment, it would be helpful to know if the budget will support Tier-one or not so much. The top tier equipment is always more expensive (up front) than other options, however is (nearly) always lower stand-by consumption, and better able to support start up loads, short-term overload. Something to consider.

I guess it depends on the cost difference between something like the EG4 and whatever top tier equipment equivalent would be and the differences between them. Examples of a top tier inverter?

 

[doox00]

Pretty much. I don't think it will blend the grid with the batteries and the loads, in other words you're either running off the inverter or your passing through loads and charging batteries until the reach the voltage you program to switch back to inverter / solar / battery.

Do you plan to have anything inspected and/ or sell back to the grid?

I will not be selling back and nothing inspected unless I legally need to have that done. I will not have anything roof mounted. I am looking to run off solar when its available, batteries when no sun and fail over to grid when the batteries die and having the ability to charge the batteries with a generator would be nice as well.

 

[doox00]

Nearly all AIO (all in one) inverters will have these basic functions: inputs for Solar - often multiple inputs on one inverter; will definitely have terminals for pos/ neg from battery rack (ESS - Energy Storage System) and have a grid input to permit pass-through and charging. These are all very common features, nothing special. Most will also have dry contacts for gen-set start at some low battery set point.

Special inverter features - not as common:
load shaving: using the grid to assist the batteries to supply your loads, working together. (very few have this ability).
net-zero export: feeding a main panel just to the point of balance with a utiltiy input - such that no energy is exported or used from utility.
parallel inverters - very common - ability to parallel inverters together to increase total output. - check how many (max) can be in parallel.
RSD - Rapid shut down feature - if you need this for code compliance for roof mounted PV, some inverters have the signal built in, but typically rely upon optimizers on the PV themselves to recieve that signal.
Arc-Fault-Detection-Disconnection - if you need this for compliance, some inverters (not that common yet) have this feature built in.
Comms - some inverters have built in communications to certain supported battery types.

Thanks for the info, I don't think I will need any of those not as common features you listed. I am looking to use solar when the sun is out, batteries at night and switch over to the grid when the batteries are dead.

 

[DVD]

Your loads are similar to mine - 240 3HP table saw, shaper, band saw one at a time and 2Hp 240 volt dust extractor.
I can’t reliably start/run any one plus dust extractor off my EG4 8K EXP. Inrush currents are up to 75 amps.
I decided to leave the big anchors on grid only and switch the house to the 8K EXP.

 

[doox00]

Your loads are similar to mine - 240 3HP table saw, shaper, band saw one at a time and 2Hp 240 volt dust extractor.
I can’t reliably start/run any one plus dust extractor off my EG4 8K EXP. Inrush currents are up to 75 amps.
I decided to leave the big anchors on grid only and switch the house to the 8K EXP.

Wonder if the EG4 18kpv would be able to do it, I still don't know which inverter I am going to go with, may be going with two inverters, one for the house and one for the shop so I won't have an issue with power. I just want it to be semi simple, the features I need and reliable. And if I go with two I want them to be able to work together. I really don't care which brand it is, I am new to this so don't even really know the brands.

 

[DVD]

Despite several years of dealing with this, I’m still a newbie as well.
I might suggest that you consider inverters that are scalable , or for your heavy startup loads a low frequency inverter. They are not always able to be in parallel. On second thought that may not work out - loads tend to grow over time.

Please post what you decided and why.
This is learn by doing and learn more by making mistakes.
Good luck

 

[DVD]

As of right now, based on my personal experience with Signature Solar and others’ forum experiences specifically with the EG 18k, if you desire a more plug and play solution, look around so more.

 

[OffGridForGood]

I guess it depends on the cost difference between something like the EG4 and whatever top tier equipment equivalent would be and the differences between them. Examples of a top tier inverter?

cost differences can be x2-x3 ish.
There is no definition for tier one equipment really - more of a general discription on this forum. Expample Tier-one (from general discussions on the forum) would be Victron, Schneider, Outback, SMA, Fronius.
My own selections listed in my signature block, would be considered by many as entry-level-tier-two, however that fit the budget, and in my case if the solar-thing didn't work out, I wouldn't be out any significant $ and so took the chance.
The equipment cost for me was about 1/3 of tier-one stuff, and the idle consumption is x3 - so the price is paid over time.
I have another property that the MPP equipment can be installed in, and move up to higher Tier inverters for my main set up eventually, just waiting to see what the offerings are, price, features. The industry is still new, and rapidly changing.
You may want to follow the same path, or you may want to skip entry level and go straight to top of the line. Depends.

 

[OffGridForGood]

Wonder if the EG4 18kpv would be able to do it, I still don't know which inverter I am going to go with, may be going with two inverters, one for the house and one for the shop so I won't have an issue with power. I just want it to be semi simple, the features I need and reliable. And if I go with two I want them to be able to work together. I really don't care which brand it is, I am new to this so don't even really know the brands.

you are going to need two 12K in parallel for shop equipment. It can take 70A 240 to start large motors, even if they only run 10-20A running/working.
For bigger stuff, VFD's are the way to go.
Since you are planning a solar shed area, it would be better to run the long conductors - to house/work-shop using AC power.
You don't want to be running long DC conductors to another (distant) building to supply an inverter far from the ESS; remember - to supply 10A 240vAC the ESS is supplying 47A x 51.2v - ie big conductors would be needed, voltage sag would become an issue.

Also, under heavy load/charging most inverters are going to be running cooling fans, these can be loud enough to be annoying - in your home at least, no so much in a workshop, but you don't want the inverter in a dusty workshop area either.

 

[doox00]

cost differences can be x2-x3 ish.
There is no definition for tier one equipment really - more of a general discription on this forum. Expample Tier-one (from general discussions on the forum) would be Victron, Schneider, Outback, SMA, Fronius.
My own selections listed in my signature block, would be considered by many as entry-level-tier-two, however that fit the budget, and in my case if the solar-thing didn't work out, I wouldn't be out any significant $ and so took the chance.
The equipment cost for me was about 1/3 of tier-one stuff, and the idle consumption is x3 - so the price is paid over time.
I have another property that the MPP equipment can be installed in, and move up to higher Tier inverters for my main set up eventually, just waiting to see what the offerings are, price, features. The industry is still new, and rapidly changing.
You may want to follow the same path, or you may want to skip entry level and go straight to top of the line. Depends.

I was watching some videos on the XW Pro last night and am considering two of those, enough people have said to choose something other than the EG4 18k so it may be best to look elsewhere, it just seemed easy to use and an all in one package. I am still learning about all this stuff obviously and thinking about how I want my layout to be. The thing is the house has its own service from the electric company, 100 amp service and the pole barn has separate 200 amp service from the utility company. I am thinking of disconnecting the home service with the utility company and keeping the pole barn 200 amp service, most of the heavy hitting equipment is in the pole barn. I would need just an AC line running to the panel in the house from the solar shed, which is 100 - 150' run I am guessing. I can build the shed next to the pole barn to house all the equipment.

 

[NC_hydro]

At the very least I’d go with a Sol-Ark 15k if you’re set on an all in one. Better option would be Schneider, Outback, SMA or Victron (if you’re not needing to deal with inspections)

 

[doox00]

At the very least I’d go with a Sol-Ark 15k if you’re set on an all in one. Better option would be Schneider, Outback, SMA or Victron (if you’re not needing to deal with inspections)

What is the Schneider missing that the eg4 18k has btw, the battery charger?

 

[42OhmsPA]

I will not be selling back and nothing inspected unless I legally need to have that done. I will not have anything roof mounted. I am looking to run off solar when its available, batteries when no sun and fail over to grid when the batteries die and having the ability to charge the batteries with a generator would be nice as well.

If that's the case I'd seriously consider the SRNE or the original version of the LV6548 (you'll need 2 of them to get split phase).

What is the Schneider missing that the eg4 18k has btw, the battery charger?

The only thing it's missing is issues...

 

[doox00]

If that's the case I'd seriously consider the SRNE or the original version of the LV6548 (you'll need 2 of them to get split phase).

The only thing it's missing is issues...

Can I use these panels with two of the Schneiders? See any reason not to go with these panels? Price seems good? 225 per 450 watt panel and $1 shipping for 32 of them. Besides wiring what other hardware would I need and is there a specific bms I should use with diy batteries for the schneider to be able to communicate with?

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