42OhmsPA
What's in a title?
From what I've read the fans are programmed to kick on at a certain load regardless of temp.
I'm not sure why discharging below 20% would have any impacts.
@SignatureSolarJess
My 18K PV Experience (Part 1)
- Thread starter Henderson
- Start date
I'm not sure why discharging below 20% would have any impacts.
murmeister
New Member
I've experienced the same behavior. As soon as a heavy load runs through the 18Kpv, the fans kick on. We use it as a sort of "what just turned on?" meter.
The inverter is really quite capable and we have been pleased so far. The configuration settings are a bit overwhelming. I think I've mostly figured out what I need to set for our situation but a well-crafted cheat sheet would really help!the 20% came directly from EG4, from what I understand its to help "condition" the battery.
I agree, the configuration is detailed but without a cheat sheet or at least an accurate manual I will have to resort to calling EG4 or SS to make changes. I am afraid to make a change and screw up other parameters. As summer is fast approaching in Arizona, this system is mandatory to operate correctly. I went from a solaredge inverter that failed 2 times and was replaced under warranty...unfortunately, it failed in the peak of the summer and the replacement took months to fulfill even though I could have just bought one online and had it delivered in days...funny how that happens. Guess the warranty replacement is a refurbished unit like most warranty replacements. So far I have not read about any failures on the forums but it is a new product. The fans sound like afterburners on a fighter jet taking off from a carrier, they are crazy loud. Don't know why they did not just add a temperature switch since it knows the internal temps and could easily cycle the fans that wayI've experienced the same behavior. As soon as a heavy load runs through the 18Kpv, the fans kick on. We use it as a sort of "what just turned on?" meter.
Brucey
Solar Wizard
Are you talking about eg4 fan noise or solar edge?
Quattrohead
Solar Wizard
He is talking about the eg4 because the solar edge does not have any fans, just a ginormous heat sink
just referenced the solaredge and the poor warranty response I got and 2 failure in 5 years. I am only discussing the EG4 inverter in this thread
Quattrohead
Solar Wizard
The 18K starts up its fans when it is doing 6 KW or more worth of power conversion, AC output or PV input.
It is very challenging to set up because it is so flexible but I know they are working on improving firmware, software and documentation to streamline this process.
It is very challenging to set up because it is so flexible but I know they are working on improving firmware, software and documentation to streamline this process.
Brucey
Solar Wizard
Sounds like a firmware update could fix the issue of using load versus actual unit temps to control the fans, reduce noise levels for units that are in climate controlled environments etc.
hopefully, EG4 reads these forums and makes changes. It's a great unit and operates the way I want it to for a winter setup. My Lic electrician who helped me for "legal reasons in my jurisdiction" agreed with me that it's well laid out and a solid machine. I will just worry about a summer setup when the time comes, don't want to "rock the boat" and make a change that affects the operation for now. Hopefully, EG4 updates the manual to better match the firmware changes they are making or someone comes up with a cheat sheet, as I stated the manual and the various ways to change the firmware don't appear to be in alignment. The problem with a cheat sheet is everyone's use case is different so that would be difficult too. I am not usually challenged by settings and manuals since I designed and installed all of my systems, but this one has me scratching my head and that requires help from EG4 in the beginning until I can figure it out. Don't want to just push buttons and guess right now.
My experience with 18kpv has also been very good though one thing I'd say is missing is a way to access the monitoring gui through my local network. Yes, you can do it by connecting to the dongle's wifi but you have to be standing next to the unit to do that...I can look at the screen for that. I'd like to access from other places on my local network without having to go through the internet to get to it
great idea, I agree, it would be nice to just IP in and directly talk to the firmware!
ksmithaz1
Solar / EV Junkie
This is described in detail in another thread. Load and/or temperature will cause the fans to kick up.I've experienced the same behavior. As soon as a heavy load runs through the 18Kpv, the fans kick on. We use it as a sort of "what just turned on?" meter.
murmeister
New Member
I agree. Cheat Sheet may be the wrong moniker. How about... Clearly defined options and what happens when you select them sheet?!?
SignatureSolarJess
Online Engagement Specialist
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jbkrntrprz
New Member
- Joined
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Adam, just wondering why you went with victron instead of the 18K when replacing your 2 6500s. I have the 2 6500s and am concerned. Jess at SS just confirmed there were reliability issues with them, (the reason for the special offer to replace with the 18k is obvious). My opinion is if they had so many problems there should have been a recall!
Adam De Lay
Solar Wizard
No worries. The biggest reason was because I was sent the Victron system for review and no one sent me an 18kPV to review
.I was looking for a replacement and just happened to be contacted about that system. I was getting tired of all the little glitchy issues with the 6500s.
Keep in mind their upgrade program you can get a discount towards an 18kPV or a 6000XP.
jbkrntrprz
New Member
- Joined
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Yeah I saw that and I am having those glitchy issues. See if I can sort it out. ThanksNo worries. The biggest reason was because I was sent the Victron system for review and no one sent me an 18kPV to review
I was looking for a replacement and just happened to be contacted about that system. I was getting tired of all the little glitchy issues with the 6500s.
Keep in mind their upgrade program you can get a discount towards an 18kPV or a 6000XP.
Adam De Lay
Solar Wizard
Good luck! I know how frustrating it can be.
bfaubion
New Member
Good to know it’s mostly a positive experience. I was reading through some older reviews that seemed questionable, but it seems like the latest ones are positive. I’ve had some nudge towards a Sol-Ark because some were saying the 18k was a clone with less support, but.. apparently Sol-Ark are sourced from DEYE in China anyways. I like the 200 amp pass through and features for the price. Had considered two 6000xp, yet it seems like the 18kpv is a workhorse for a whole house.
I do have a few questions about it. Considering around 3200 to 4800 watts of panels, and most of my appliances are gas with the exception of the 220 electric oven on a 50 amp breaker. Have a 5-ton AC compressor. Currently use 10KW per day on average.
1) considering PHEV charging, like a Hyundai with 5kw charge.. do you think the 18kpv with one PowerPro battery is enough to charge in the evening (or during the day with full solar) when there are no other appliances or AC being used?
2) about the 200 amp bypass.. if the 18k goes down, can it still bypass that 200 amps through.. is there a manual toggle switch In the unit to allow that? Or should I plan on an external 200 amp MTS? Oof those are expensive!
I do have a few questions about it. Considering around 3200 to 4800 watts of panels, and most of my appliances are gas with the exception of the 220 electric oven on a 50 amp breaker. Have a 5-ton AC compressor. Currently use 10KW per day on average.
1) considering PHEV charging, like a Hyundai with 5kw charge.. do you think the 18kpv with one PowerPro battery is enough to charge in the evening (or during the day with full solar) when there are no other appliances or AC being used?
2) about the 200 amp bypass.. if the 18k goes down, can it still bypass that 200 amps through.. is there a manual toggle switch In the unit to allow that? Or should I plan on an external 200 amp MTS? Oof those are expensive!
