Would you do Eg4 or something different?

[PreppenWolf]

Does anyone know off hand, how many batteries or Ahs required to run the 6500EX's?

I would consider the max amps possible from both combined, what is your daily usage, and how much power it takes to power the EG4s.

Say you have 3 cloudy days in a row. You'll need at least 85W x 72hrs x 2units = 12.3kWh just to keep them turned on.

If your house uses a very low estimate 15kWh per day (mine is 30-50kWh) you'd need 3x15=45kWh.

So 12.3 + 45 = 57.3kWh minimum bank to survive 3 successive rainy days with no grid or generator.

 

[ADK Homer]

I think you will find most roof mount systems will cost just slightly less than a ground mount like the Skyrack 2.0.

It's the cost of the rails that is the majority of the cost, both systems require a set of rails to mount panels. If you have the room, ground mount long term is the way to go. If you want seasonal tilt, roof mount isn't any good.

While it may take more wire most likely for the ground mount, if you trench once and install a large conduit, you can run more wires down the road easily or run the wires now for future expansion. If your plan is to add a ground mount at a later date, I'd recommend just doing it now and set up for expansion down the road all with ground mounts.

If you are handy and have fabrication skills, it isn't that hard to make a ground mount like the MT Solar I have. My next mount I will fabricate myself, part of the reason I purchased the first one is I only have so many hours, usually weekends, and knew it would add to my timeline to get a system up and running. All the rest of the infrastructure is now in place, so adding another mount I fabricate myself will be an easy addition.

If you really want low priced, then a simple rack system using Unistrut with wooden poles and frame is cheaper than a roof mount.

I agree, but time and capability to get equipment and everything required for the ground mount would set me back awhile. I dont have a welder, but I've wanted for awhile. Getting one and learning will set me back on the project though. Guess I will have to weigh my options there too.

 

[ADK Homer]

Thank you all for the input also. Yeah my roof is shingled and in good shape. I believe its only a 5 or 6/12 pitch, so good for catching those summer rays!

 

[ADK Homer]

I would consider the max amps possible from both combined, what is your daily usage, and how much power it takes to power the EG4s.

Say you have 3 cloudy days in a row. You'll need at least 85W x 72hrs x 2units = 12.3kWh just to keep them turned on.

If your house uses a very low estimate 15kWh per day (mine is 30-50kWh) you'd need 3x15=45kWh.

So 12.3 + 45 = 57.3kWh minimum bank to survive 3 successive rainy days with no grid .

Thanks for response, I meant bare minimum of a UL listed battery to run inverters for inspection.

 

[ADK Homer]

Tonight is Signatures last night of 5% off and free charger with purchase of two 6500EX's. Wonder how sales have been and what upcoming promotions will be there?

 

[timselectric]

They are always running some kind of promotions.
Just have to wait for what you want to be in it.
I took advantage of this one, myself.

 

[EastTexCowboy]

They are always running some kind of promotions.
Just have to wait for what you want to be in it.
I took advantage of this one, myself.

Me too. Got a rack of batteries on sale plus another 5% off and $200 shipping. Dang. I hope they don't run another battery promotion or my wife is gonna be after me to buy more. It's a heavy load I bear ...

 

[Zwy]

I agree, but time and capability to get equipment and everything required for the ground mount would set me back awhile. I dont have a welder, but I've wanted for awhile. Getting one and learning will set me back on the project though. Guess I will have to weigh my options there too.

Go buy the Skyrack 2.0. I don't think you can go wrong with it.

If I was to purchase a complete ground mount and I just might instead of fabricating another pole mount, I'd go with the Skyrack 2.0. It cost me $6700 for the MT Solar delivered plus $1800 for the 2 poles. That was for the 16 panel mount but my panels are 530W and slightly larger than a standard 72 cell. That is $8500 total. The Skyrack 2.0 for 16 panels with seasonal tilt is $3000, I could have purchased 2 of the 16 panel Skyrack 2.0 and had $2500 left for more panels.

You don't have snow to worry about like I get here, the Skyrack would work perfect for you.

 

[ADK Homer]

Go buy the Skyrack 2.0. I don't think you can go wrong with it.

If I was to purchase a complete ground mount and I just might instead of fabricating another pole mount, I'd go with the Skyrack 2.0. It cost me $6700 for the MT Solar delivered plus $1800 for the 2 poles. That was for the 16 panel mount but my panels are 530W and slightly larger than a standard 72 cell. That is $8500 total. The Skyrack 2.0 for 16 panels with seasonal tilt is $3000, I could have purchased 2 of the 16 panel Skyrack 2.0 and had $2500 left for more panels.

You don't have snow to worry about like I get here, the Skyrack would work perfect for you.

I will definitely have to look into that. My panels are 108 cell mono percs. 68x44 roughly. I will still need ground mounts no matter what. I already have more panels than will fit on my south facing roof.

 

[ADK Homer]

On another side note, I will prob have to buy one server rack batt for inspection..should I do the standard or LL Eg4. I may be able to utilize it for a separate system down the road, so was leaning towards LL, whole still trying to keep costs down.

 

[Gavin Stone]

On another side note, I will prob have to buy one server rack batt for inspection..should I do the standard or LL Eg4. I may be able to utilize it for a separate system down the road, so was leaning towards LL, whole still trying to keep costs down.

I’d go with just the lifepower. Unless you like the flashy display.

 

[timselectric]

I also vote for the Lifepower4.
It's simple. Which translates to less things to fail.
I've had one for over a year. Cycled daily with no issues. Operating just like the day it arrived.

 

[ADK Homer]

Thought I had read about possible issues with basic. Ive read so much stuff...cant keep my head on straight?

 

[Gavin Stone]

Thought I had read about possible issues with basic. Ive read so much stuff...cant keep my head on straight?

I’ve had both types for right around a year. They both work great without problems. I just don’t really see the need for the extra cost.

 

[ADK Homer]

I’ve had both types for right around a year. They both work great without problems. I just don’t really see the need for the extra cost.

?Agreed. $250 that can go towards my 280ah cells.

 

[timselectric]

I didn't need a screen. I never look at the battery, anyway. I bought it for a (relatively) cheap way to get my initial test system up and running. Just for proof of concept. But, it has remained a part of my system. (Until I find another job for it)

 

[ADK Homer]

I didn't need a screen. I never look at the battery, anyway. I bought it for a (relatively) cheap way to get my initial test system up and running. Just for proof of concept. But, it has remained a part of my system. (Until I find another job for it)

Are your other batteries of similar cells..100ah? Or do you have it tied to a different bank.

 

[timselectric]

Are your other batteries of similar cells..100ah? Or do you have it tied to a different bank.

Diy 280ah cells.

 

[ADK Homer]

Diy 280ah cells.

Does that pack still play well with the others..just cuts in and out much more?

 

[timselectric]

Does that pack still play well with the others..just cuts in and out much more?

They run fine together. When in parallel they don't have to be the same capacity. They balance with each other by the voltage. In the middle of the charge/discharge curve the SOC's will drift a little from each other (Because the voltage doesn’t change much). But they all reach full and empty together.

 

[ADK Homer]

They run fine together. When in parallel they don't have to be the same capacity. They balance with each other by the voltage. In the middle of the charge/discharge curve the SOC's will drift a little from each other (Because the voltage doesn’t change much). But they all reach full and empty together.

Ok, good. I didn't know if you had more than one system set up as they can communicate with the 6500s

 

[timselectric]

Ok, good. I didn't know if you had more than one system set up as they can communicate with the 6500s

No communications for me. I prefer to use my own settings. I did use communications at first. Because I didn't know anything about LFP batteries. So I played it safe, until I gained the knowledge.
Almost every time someone has an issue with charging. It's due to BMS communications. And removing the communications usually fixes their issues.

 

[dcg9381]

No communications for me. I prefer to use my own settings. I did use communications at first. Because I didn't know anything about LFP batteries. So I played it safe, until I gained the knowledge.
Almost every time someone has an issue with charging. It's due to BMS communications. And removing the communications usually fixes their issues.

I'm in this boat, but still focused on the inverters and power output side. Have good reverences to BMS settings? I believe I can get it to work in EG-4 mode, but it's a hassle.

 

[timselectric]

I'm in this boat, but still focused on the inverters and power output side. Have good reverences to BMS settings? I believe I can get it to work in EG-4 mode, but it's a hassle.

BMS settings are somewhat based on personal preferences. But this is what I'm set at.

 

[ADK Homer]

I can get the 24v 200ah LL for $50 more than standard 48s..thoughts?