Sol-Ark needs a serious Change!

[robby]

P.s tom brennan has 5 patents....none for anything he invented, none for solar products...portable power llc or portable solar llc has no patents listed....also there are no patents associated with the sol-ark name

Sol-Ark is not the companies LLC name but I also could find nothing under the companies real name. There is also nothing under the DEYE name. That does not mean anything as sometimes Patents used by companies are put under the name of the major share holder and his name may not be publicly known. Evidently @houseofancients has the info but is not willing to produce it.

 

[wattmatters]

Fronius suffered the same backlash when the German people found out it was build in china, they moved the plant back to Germany

Fronius are not German. You might be thinking of SMA.

I doubt Fronius ever manufactured inverters in China.

 

[Roqm]

Take a look at the Sol-Ark firmware and compare it to what DEYE is using. Sol-Arks has new features in it that Deye does not have. If you watched the Sol-Ark Webinars they gave timelines for certain brands of BMS integration and they did exactly what they said. Deye has not had those same integrations done to their firmware, so it's pretty obvious that Sol-Ark is no longer sharing updates with them.

Have you literally looked at both firmware code?

 

[MurphyGuy]

So back to the topic of EMP: if you are worried that it will hit your solar equipment, how well are you prepared for foodstuffs, water, hygiene, weapons, water filtration, medications, decontamination supplies, etc? Do you have spare circuits boards in a Faraday cage to repair your car, radios, phones, or what-ever devices? Do you actually know how to repair any of those things?

Food stuffs: 4 years worth stored + hunting and gardening.. $400 worth of heirloom seeds packed in Mylar in the deep freezer.

Water: I'm in Michigan, water isn't a problem.

Hygiene: 5 to 6 years worth of soaps, shampoos, women's stuff, etc.

Weapons: Do you think we're really going to need weapons? Isn't everyone just going to work together and help each other?

Medications: Enough antibiotics for about three dozen full course treatments + general first aid and some trauma stuff. We keep vitamins and supplements packed in Mylar and we have some other stuff as well.

Decontamination Supplies: Isn't that just soap and water? We do have a radiological meter.. (AN UDR 13) We're a long way from any nuclear facilities and an all out nuclear war isn't on the table. No leader is that stupid.

Yes, we have spare laptops (Panasonic Toughbooks CF31) in a 140db Faraday cage, as well as a dozen handheld 2 meter HAM radios an HF radio, antenna tuners, SDR dongles, etc. . We keep spare IP Cameras, spare routers, multiple types of battery chargers, multimeters, electronic medical devices, USB sticks with libraries, night vision and thermal equipment, LED replacement bulbs, etc.. Phones will be useless. We even keep spare rectifiers and capacitors for the generators as well as a Radian 8048 inverter, 5 kW worth of solar panels, and Flexmax charge controllers.

Our house is outfitted with a 1 nanosecond response Siemens FS140 surge protector as well.

We're basically one step away from an underground bunker.. problem is, bunkers are only good for fire, radiation and extreme weather events.. other than that, they're not good for much else.

We're on borrowed time, between the idiot democrats and the idiot republicans fighting each other, no one is paying attention to what's important.. and there is no fixing it.. I agree with everything you said in that long (but good) post.

 

[Cheap 4-life]

Really! This is the mother of Sol-Ark Inverter, I must be missing something because all I get on a search is this tiny Inverter that is very crappily made. It is still being sold today by several companies.

I kinda resent the “crappily made” comment. I’ve been using 2 of the GTIL2S for 3 years. They only come in 1kw and 2kw models. That might be why they don’t look as beefy but show me any other grid tie inverter under 2kw that’s made better? Also the GTIL2s only cost $400. You get your money’s worth

 

[robby]

Have you literally looked at both firmware code?

How? Both units directly update from the internet or via a special dongle. If they were the same firmware then Deye would have the same added functionality as the Sol-Ark. Also we know that known exploits of the Deye firmware do not work perfectly on the Sol-Ark. From what I have read the closed loop BMS settings on the Sol-Ark and several other aspects of monitoring do not work using Deye exploits or should I say there is no documentation from Deye on how to access these commands. It seems that Sol-Ark is no longer sharing any changes they have made to the code.
I know Sol-Ark has released two updates since I think March and latest one upgrades the MPPT algorithm so that the inverter gets more power from the panels.

 

[Roqm]

How? Both units directly update from the internet or via a special dongle.

It was an intentional question....please elaborate on the features solark has that the deye version doesn't thats added in the firmware (i dont have a solark)....thanks in advance

 

[curiouscarbon]

How?

JTAG interface might be exposed inside the unit.

 

[the_colorist]

Yes they are. I made the comment on a solark installation video on YouTube. Solark then commented on it saying if I did buy a Deye and install it they would remotely shut it off. That they solark are the sole proprietor of that inverter in North America.

Deye is now canceling the distribution and manufacture of the split-phase model in favor of SOL-ARK distribution only for all of North America. Not even Chinese suppliers can purchase split-phase models anymore. I've confirmed this in several different ways.

We have some inverters in the queue currently being manufactured at Deye and I have access to stock but as soon as it's out, there will be no more available.

 

[houseofancients]

Deye is now canceling the distribution and manufacture of the split-phase model in favor of SOL-ARK distribution only for all of North America. Not even Chinese suppliers can purchase split-phase models anymore. I've confirmed this in several different ways.

We have some inverters in the queue currently being manufactured at Deye and I have access to stock but as soon as it's out, there will be no more available.

so how about lion energy then ?
their whole sanctuary system is based around these inverters

 

[the_colorist]

so how about lion energy then ?
their whole sanctuary system is based around these inverters

It's true. I'll update this if I gain further information but so far all of my contacts with the factory are telling me the same thing.

 

[houseofancients]

It's true. I'll update this if I gain further information but so far all of my contacts with the factory are telling me the same thing.

this must mean sol-arc stepped up their exclusive distribution contract, or agreed to pay a higher price, thus cutting out the competition.
bad thing is, sol-ark was already overpriced by a lot, i see pricing sky rocketing now...
feel sorry for the folks in the us getting shafted like this, but hey, that is capitalism

 

[Roqm]

Deye is now canceling the distribution and manufacture of the split-phase model in favor of SOL-ARK distribution only for all of North America. Not even Chinese suppliers can purchase split-phase models anymore. I've confirmed this in several different ways.

We have some inverters in the queue currently being manufactured at Deye and I have access to stock but as soon as it's out, there will be no more available.

Interesting plot twist lol

 

[curiouscarbon]

I just want to say,

@ret60sp has my immense respect for auditing their own inverter’s principle of operation so thoroughly.

Best for these manufacturers to offer LAN ONLY services to their users, in addition to “cloud only”.

“The Cloud” is just someone else’s computer.

Just because a static IP on their end means it’s easier for them to administrate and deploy their service, does not mean you as an end user should be exposed to the threat of denial of service due to reliance on an external infrastructure that lies beyond your control.

Wonder if MQTT will ever catch on for this sort of thing… /fantasy

GOOD ON YOU FOR SPEAKING UP AND ASKING FOR DOMESTIC HOSTING OF CRITICAL INFRASTRUCTURE!!!

 

[robby]

this must mean sol-arc stepped up their exclusive distribution contract, or agreed to pay a higher price, thus cutting out the competition.
bad thing is, sol-ark was already overpriced by a lot, i see pricing sky rocketing now...
feel sorry for the folks in the us getting shafted like this, but hey, that is capitalism

If you knew anything about how the Chinese operate you would know that when they hold the leash they give the commands and not vice versa. There is no Contract or Patent that they will adhere to unless you have an extremely big stick ready to whack them with! Just look at what Apple and Tesla went through. Even with that kind of leverage it's still an uphill battle.
It is more likely a case that they know that Sol-Ark is moving out of their reach and they want to strike a deal that allows them to build and sell products with the newer IP they are creating. I know for a fact that Sol-Ark is coming out with a pretty cool device to compliment the Sol-Ark Inverters. And no, I don't work for Sol-Ark and I am not a Beta tester. I am just a retired EE that some of their employees feel comfortable talking with.

As for price, you do know that Sol-Ark now has to pay a 25% Tariff to bring in their Inverters! On the other hand grey market Deye Inverters coming out of other countries can be shipped in without that Tariff.

 

[poldim]

I think this is a good topic to press the company on. A local only REST API or MQTT client would be great, and there are plenty of open source options available for them to easily leverage.

Below is the standard response I got. I think if more people request this, they will have to prioritize it. Send them an email: support@sol-ark.com

 

[robby]

Therefore, Sol-Ark is made in China and made in Deye. The monitoring system is also the Solarman system from China

No. they use to use Solarman but they now they use Powerview. It's also a Chinese made app but not under the control of Deye. It is not uncommon for most smaller electronics companies to farm out software to third parties that specialize in software development. The App and web portal work great BTW. Just wish the data updates did not take 5 minutes.

 

[houseofancients]

No. they use to use Solarman but they now they use Powerview. It's also a Chinese made app but not under the control of Deye. It is not uncommon for most smaller electronics companies to farm out software to third parties that specialize in software development. The App and web portal work great BTW. Just wish the data updates did not take 5 minutes.

robby, i am sorry, but you're a lost cause.
you probably bought a sol-ark and realize you have been given one up the rear end, and now you' re almost desperately trying to prove yourself right...

there's no sense in having a discussion with someone hell bend on proving themselves right

 

[robby]

robby, i am sorry, but you're a lost cause.
you probably bought a sol-ark and realize you have been given one up the rear end, and now you' re almost desperately trying to prove yourself right...

there's no sense in having a discussion with someone hell bend on proving themselves right

Lol ?
I have made it very clear that my interest in Solar is not based on DIY or working within a tight budget.
My system needed to be top brand reliable equipment with full company service and warranty.
Picking up the phone and in 5 minutes having a Sol-Ark technical engineer and a local dealer is priceless.
I have way to many expensive Time consuming hobbies on my Hand. Try keeping a large pacific reef tank in your living room and you will understand.
BTW an FYI, I already new about the Deye and sun sync inverters. They were on a fall mount next to the sol-ark at half the price. I wanted the best and I bought it.
I am still waiting for the proof you have on the IP and Deye or Sunsyk or Peter being the creators of the design.

 

[houseofancients]

Lol ?
I have made it very clear that my interest in Solar is not based on DIY or working within a tight budget.
My system needed to be top brand reliable equipment with full company service and warranty.
Picking up the phone and in 5 minutes having a Sol-Ark technical engineer and a local dealer is priceless.
I have way to many expensive Time consuming hobbies on my Hand. Try keeping a large pacific reef tank in your living room and you will understand.
BTW an FYI, I already new about the Deye and sun sync inverters. They were on a fall mount next to the sol-ark at half the price. I wanted the best and I bought it.
I am still waiting for the proof you have that degre

and with that post, you just proved you feel a bit butthurt..

btw, i highly doubt you have seen a sunsynk , unless you are in the UK , or africa, but the you wouldnt have seen a sol-ark..

hence, any discussion with you is pointless, as you simply make up stuff..

wasnt aware i needed to prove anything to you..

 

[robby]

and with that post, you just proved you feel a bit butthurt..

btw, i highly doubt you have seen a sunsynk , unless you are in the UK , or africa, but the you wouldnt have seen a sol-ark..

hence, any discussion with you is pointless, as you simply make up stuff..

wasnt aware i needed to prove anything to you..

LOL your like a little kid, you make up stuff about knowing exactly who owns the Sol-Ark IP then when we ask you for some proof you disappear. Then you claim Deye was the first company with the Sol-Ark Design , later you changed that to Sunsynk! Since I have shown proof that Sol-Ark had the design on their website since April 2018 I have been asking you for proof that Deye or Sunsyk had the same model back then and you have also dodged that question.

You have nothing to prove because you have nothing to prove it with!

Addressing your butt hurt statement I will prove that I knew exactly what I was buying into. After my visit to my first local Solar Shop I posted this as my First Message on Diysolarforum:

https://diysolarforum.com/threads/deye-inverter-ul-listed-available-in-us.13942/post-261171

As you can see I already knew about another Deye clone for half the price before I even bough the Solark.
Another store I went into had Sunsynk and Deye together on a wall together. I avoided these cheap inverters because they are built cheaply and they have no warranty. I would rather pay double for a much better build quality unit plus full customer service and a 10 year warranty.
The Sol-Ark 12K was well within my budget since it was cheaper than the SMA stuff I was originally going to buy.

 

[solar8484]

Yes they are. I made the comment on a solark installation video on YouTube. Solark then commented on it saying if I did buy a Deye and install it they would remotely shut it off. That they solark are the sole proprietor of that inverter in North America.
And yes it's way more pricey than a deye but you also have a support staff and a built in emp shield so to speak

I doubt Sol-Ark can legally shutoff an inverter you paid for and own.

 

[solar8484]

Deye is now canceling the distribution and manufacture of the split-phase model in favor of SOL-ARK distribution only for all of North America. Not even Chinese suppliers can purchase split-phase models anymore. I've confirmed this in several different ways.

We have some inverters in the queue currently being manufactured at Deye and I have access to stock but as soon as it's out, there will be no more available.

Sounds like Sol-Ark is enforcing their exclusive distribution agreement. So, you can still get non-split phase version from Deye?

 

[solar8484]

No. they use to use Solarman but they now they use Powerview. It's also a Chinese made app but not under the control of Deye. It is not uncommon for most smaller electronics companies to farm out software to third parties that specialize in software development. The App and web portal work great BTW. Just wish the data updates did not take 5 minutes.

That sounds fishy. Most US small companies provide monitoring software using US based cloud services that have low entry cost.

 

[solar8484]

Take a look at the Sol-Ark firmware and compare it to what DEYE is using. Sol-Arks has new features in it that Deye does not have. If you watched the Sol-Ark Webinars they gave timelines for certain brands of BMS integration and they did exactly what they said. Deye has not had those same integrations done to their firmware, so it's pretty obvious that Sol-Ark is no longer sharing updates with them.

LIke what? I've asked for such comparison in previous posts. No one has provided any concrete comparison of significant functional differences. BTW, I can see from Sunsynk videos that they have made firmware changes that don't appear to be in Deye or Sol-Ark. It doesn't prove they complete control or ownership of firmware. It's more consistent with OEM customizations that are common.