Sol-Ark 12K 48V Inverter Install (to compare with Growatt 10K)
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2 жыл бұрынThe Sol-Ark 12K inverter is a feature rich inverter. It can run off of a 48V Lithium battery bank. It has two MPPT charge controllers built-in, and a really awesome distribution box making wiring a snap. So why is it not powering my house well?
This video is a installation, and first impressions. O, and don't buy a plastic transfer switch. This video is NOT a detailed test video. That will be coming soon. But please let my know in the comments what testing you would like to see this Sol-Ark go through.
Battery bank is a 30+kWh bank of LiFePO4 48V. I purchased the batteries from Signature Solar. There are two versions available, one with a screen and one without.
Update: There is no longer a discount code available.
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“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
Affiliate Links:
Growatt 5000W Inverter with 450V MPPT Charge Controller 5000ES: signaturesolar.com/growatt-48...
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EG4 Battery, 48V, 100Ah, 5.12kWh, LiFePO4, Server Rack design: signaturesolar.com/shop-all/b...
Waterproof EG4 battery: 48V LiFePO4 Lithium Battery with Bluetooth, EG4 Brand: signaturesolar.com/eg4-wp-lit...
Disclaimer:
My videos are in no way intended to be instructional "how-to" lessons. I am simply documenting my project for informational purposes. Property damage, personal injury, or death may result, even when following manufacturer's instructions. I cannot be held liable for such damage or injury. It is YOUR OBLIGATION to ensure that you are complying with any local and federal laws as well as code and permit requirements.
David Poz, LLC
@SyberPrepper 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video!!! I'm setting up a Growatt now and your videos really help.
@FilAmGabe 2 жыл бұрын
I am excited to see you reviewing this.
@FrugalRepair 2 жыл бұрын
Great demonstration and explaining things along the way!
@kerthulett467 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent demonstrations and explanations...keep up the good work, tests and videos!
@bobolones6834 2 жыл бұрын
Nice vid! I hadnt seen videos comparing SolArks to Growatts.
@defjamsgreen 2 жыл бұрын
THIS IS AN AWSOME VIDEO . CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE FUTURE VIDEOS ABOUT THE SOL ARK VS GRO WATT .
@reggiemkhize7430 2 жыл бұрын
Looking forward to more comparison test. I am yet to see what can challenge the Growatt. That brand is bulletproof.
@TopAdvenTours 2 жыл бұрын
This is so well done. Nice explanation and illustrations. Nice job, thanks
@benssolarandbattery 2 жыл бұрын
Even though I already have one, I'm excited to see it tested properly and thoroughly!!
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
Haha. Thanks Ben. I loved checking yours out.
@jamesshomesolarmore2223 2 жыл бұрын
2 of my favorite video celebrities chatting. Love the content that both of you put out.
@whoguy4231 2 жыл бұрын
Can't waite to see the inverter battle royal!!! Great Video
@Pappy-1 2 жыл бұрын
Looking forward to the next video on the sol-ark.
@yankey4 2 жыл бұрын
Nice brother. I love seeing this kind of testing. God Bless brother.
@almostoffgridgarage3485 2 жыл бұрын
THIS is what i have been waiting for!
@L0Sinc 2 жыл бұрын
Nice work Dave!
@paulomock3741 2 жыл бұрын
You need to intall the app for the Sol-Ark and you can check when it was your overcurrent fault and then looking at the graph you can see how many watts or current
@waynewilliamson4212 2 жыл бұрын
Very informative video. Looks like your going to need a bigger wall pretty soon.
@zakbrinkhoff324 2 жыл бұрын
Can't wait to hear how better this is
@vincei4252 2 жыл бұрын
I've had my Solark for 13 months now and I couldn't be happier. I have 30 solar panels feeding it, two strings of different voltages. It's awesome to see it charging and powering the house drawing 9KW from the panels and not breaking a sweat. Shame you can't keep it 😁 Oh, and the online monitoring software for the Solark is streets ahead of the trash and insane software that comes with the Growatt that I was never able to get working in web mode - super frustrating. The Solark just works.
@margarita8442 2 жыл бұрын
u have blocking diodes for the two strings of panels ?
@mlg779 2 жыл бұрын
You cannot go off-grid with that kind of usage on the solark. You need the Grid connected.
@Dreadlk 2 жыл бұрын
@@mlg779 Why! I have used mine off grid with 10.4 KW of panels and it was doing 9Kw for short burst but the continuous power is 8Kw when off grid but it will still charge the batteries with 3Kw at the same time.
@vincei4252 2 жыл бұрын
@@margarita8442 It has two independent solar inputs so there's no need for such things. My arrays run at vastly different voltages but are connected to the independent input on the solark.
@johanncover1988 2 жыл бұрын
It's your setup grid tie or off grid
@SteveDinNC 2 жыл бұрын
I haven't read all the comments, but I'd love to see a comparison of the higher wattage GroWatt verses the Sol-Ark. I know it would be a logistical challenge tho, with the loaned units and all. P.S. Thanks for what you do.
@TK-123 2 жыл бұрын
David, this is terrific. Thank you..
@eDoc2020 2 жыл бұрын
A benefit of the Sol-Ark is that it can participate in New England's ConnectedSolutions program. This pays you if you backfeed the grid to help keep it running smoothly during certain times of need. If you can participate in this you should be able to get a good return on the increased cost of Sol-Ark. If you know anybody participating in this program (or other similar programs which I'm sure exist) I'm sure it would make a nice video. Maybe if you end up with your own to keep long term...
@NeilBlanchard 2 жыл бұрын
I learn a lot watching your videos - but I also see how much there is to learn! I have no idea what a lot of the breakers and phases and the autotransformer are for, etc.
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
O, sorry about that. There is always more to learn. I learn more about this stuff every day. If you want to know more about the auto-transformer, then I have a more detailed video on it: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r72FmdmnuMeXe2w.html
@NeilBlanchard 2 жыл бұрын
@@DavidPozEnergy Nothing to apologize for! I think I watched the one on the autotransformer, and I will watch it again.
@keithcress1335 2 жыл бұрын
Totally agree with FrugalRepair! Your clear reasonably paced repeated details were GREAT. I suspect you're right about overloading just a phase on the Sol-Ark. That is an outstanding benefit of using a transformer to develop the neutral. The inverters then have no idea of any phase imbalance. If the transformer is generously "dimensioned" (the technical term for it) there would be no reason you couldn't support a 10kW 120Vac loading.
@MARKReviews928 2 жыл бұрын
Great video! Can't waite to see the inverter battle royal
@Tranquilitarian 2 жыл бұрын
You have a very nice battery bank, however I do recommend using a staggered takeoff where you connect the cables to the negative of the top battery in the bank and the positive of the bottom battery in the bank thereby making the load on the batteries a little more equal.
@ScubaSam242 2 жыл бұрын
Nice… we have been installing these in the Bahamas for 5 years now
@SeunOjedeji 2 жыл бұрын
I have heard some users saying the 12k Sol-ark is actually a 9k system in practice. I use the 8kw Deye inverter (who are the manufacturer of Sol-ark) and it works flawless plus it's way cheaper than Sol-ark - ofcourse markets are different though. I will pick Deye over a growatt anytime, any day. David should try do a comparison with Deye.
@rodrickingram8731 2 жыл бұрын
I have one of these and this is the most versatile inverter on the market and the easiest to install.
@sterlinrussell2659 2 жыл бұрын
Are you running grid tied or off grid? Thanks
@rickymartin06 2 жыл бұрын
yeah it is a $7k deye chinese inverter with a face lift
@BigJon358 2 жыл бұрын
Good video . Looking forward to your next video
@HabitualButtonPusher 2 жыл бұрын
Glad I watched this. Was about to go solark but hell growatt for me
@robyork6372 2 жыл бұрын
Dito, I was all about the SolArk, but the transformerless inverter is less forgiving than a transformer based one. Transformers are less efficient, but cost about 1/3 and you can make up the efficiency difference with a few panels and/or battery. Additionally, my Growatt SPF 12000 will do 300% for 20ms which is great if you are running near capacity and a motor kicks on.
@wva5089 2 жыл бұрын
You are in a unique place to test the shading issue that eevblog spoke about in a recent video.. I'd love to know how shading of ~4 cells with a coax cable effects these different mppt inverter's algorithms.
@keithpvbatt2040 2 жыл бұрын
Don't forget AFCI and GFCI protection that the sol-ark provides, plus RSD shut down trigger for roof top solar on a home. Its a lot of money but it does a lot of things including CTs for self consumption and time of use battery functions.
@John-mg3ws 2 жыл бұрын
Actually the ct's are extra for 200 amp services. The shutdown "feature" is a bad thing and nobody undertmstand the backup only functions to critical loads! ...and doesnt it say in the manual you cant hook the sol-ark up to panels with afci breakers? By any chance do you work for sol-ark?
@keithpvbatt2040 2 жыл бұрын
@@John-mg3ws No I don't work for sol-ark, but I do install of them. The RSD for the panels is triggered separate with the a push button for fire fighters if there is a fire etc, but if the grid power goes out it will not affect solar for back up power. AFCI/ GFCI is internal to the inverter and required for all UL / ETL US listed DC inputs on inverters and charge controllers over 80v DC for roof mounted arrays. However AFCI and RSD are not usually needed for ground mounted arrays. Our supplier orders Sol-arks with 200 amp cts only, most come with 100amp cts.
@teekay1785 2 жыл бұрын
Add the autotransformer to the Sokark . Measure the standby power used by Solar and some form of efficiency test from battery and battery charging.
@arthurhammeke8296 2 жыл бұрын
I have this issue on the split phase growatt I have. Going to add a autotransformer. Hindsight, would gone the 240v inverter method for my shop, but was looking for an all in one method. Yes, the autotransformer will work on the Solark, others have done it.
@nodoakdozeer1339 2 жыл бұрын
@@arthurhammeke8296 Which split phase Growatt do you have? I have been looking at the 12K SPF 12000T DVM-MPV in part to avoid having to have & wire multiple inverters and 1 or more Mid-Point Transformer.
@MrStevealvey 2 жыл бұрын
Hi David - enjoy your stuff. I have a large DIY solar array and battery back-up system on my home on Pender Island in Canada. My home is electric only and I generate - and use - 14 MWH annually, including electric car charger and pool pumps. This video made me think that you may benefit from adding a Schneider Electric SENSE system to your electrical panel. It's cheap (Home Depot?) and provides real time information about your loads and solar generation, on an IPhone (or Android) ap. It should give you the diagnostic information that you need to 'figure out' why your SolArk is shutting down. I'm a retired EE and assist my friends and neighbours with their installations. I always recommend the installation of a SENSE system as the first step; as none of us knows how we consume energy at the 'per load' level, and how that affects POWER peaks and average load (for back-up duration). Keep up the good work.
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
When did Sense get sold? It was a startup here in Massachusetts.
@DialM4Microcontrollr 2 жыл бұрын
I just installed a Growatt for my fridge and freezer. Using it at 24 volts with 2x Ampere Time 200ah 12v batteries. Just started with it and need to make some adjustments
@jingyu447 2 жыл бұрын
David, I’m the CEO of Fortress Power,we‘re one of Sol-Ark preferred LFP battery manufacturer. our batteries close loop with Sol-Ark. i think it would be a great video you can produce by showing your patriots how closed loop works and why it‘s better for the end users. We will be glad to send you 2 units for testing.
@loucinci3922 2 жыл бұрын
Silly SolArk thinks the water heater is a light buld. LOL. Nice review. I'd like to see more on AC Coupling (frequency shift to turn off grid-tie). Thanks for sharing.
@engdarfatgalalyelectrical1076 2 жыл бұрын
Your work is great and helpful
@robertokine3533 2 жыл бұрын
Hi David, I always watch your videos Am not technical but has interest in solar build up presented by you. Have just watched you tear apart ev batteries from BMW. Have just ordered 5k inverter and battery for my engineer to start a basic solar system for my house. Wish those EV batteries were shipped to me in West Africa (laughter)
@sams5803 2 жыл бұрын
David what are going for a full blown power plant?! I love it! You always have the best inverter videos.
@jugadortipico9533 2 жыл бұрын
Waiting for the next video
@DIYwithBatteries 2 жыл бұрын
It looks awesome 👍
@josed265 2 жыл бұрын
Very Good video,Thank you , From Puerto Rico
@cquintana9326 2 жыл бұрын
I would LOVE to get a Sol-Ark. It is the only unit that will do the configuration I need. However, it is way above what I can budget. Sorry to hear you had issues with it. My configuration: Grid-tie w/net metering or sell to self. 48v Battery backup. Generator backup input. A few panels w/enphase microinverters for AC-couple. Critical load panel. They are going to get left behind just as soon as somebody makes an all-in-one at a lower price point.
@John-mg3ws 2 жыл бұрын
Be aware that you will be limited to only using the load out breaker/critical load out. When the ct's detect no voltage from the grid, the ac breaker is cut! No way to disable this im told by support. The manual does not say this either. Dont expect to connect to your main panel with the grid breaker and have any backup functionality... i am learning these limits after i bought it!😐 ...im looking at 2 ats's and a disconnect and being limited to 63 amps while grid is up and 37 amps while grid is down with all those additions! Then i will have a 4500 watt limit per leg on top of that! Sol ark is a joke! Dont buy it!
@geraldgrogan 2 жыл бұрын
great video - thanks
@wjf213 2 жыл бұрын
Over loaded SIX TIMES???? I want to know more about why it's doing this. I mean that's just totally unacceptable. I've been thinking about getting a couple of these too, but not so much now. Back in the mid 90's when I was getting into off grid set ups, I had a Trace SW5548 power panel and ran the whole house including window AC's and it never over loaded once in the dozen years I used it. I wish I had brought that system with me when I moved. I'm also interested in auto generator start up and shut down and how that works. My Trace inverter had this feature and I loved it. Worked great with my 33kWh diesel gen set to power the electric heat, water heater, oven and dryer, as well as topping off the batteries when the wind gen wasn't producing....which was 70% of the time. Keep up the great work.
@bentleyjarrard885 2 жыл бұрын
Excellent review, looking forward to the next test results. Based on the price of the Sol-Ark ($7,000) and it only having 9KW, I'd stack 2 x Schneider Conext XW Pros ($3,250 ea. or less if you shop around). That would give you 16KW+ for 30 minutes and 14KW continuous. For some reason Schneider doesn't get much attention. We've been using the older model XW+ for 3 years (AC coupled, mostly in pass-thru mode) with no issues. Its a low frequency type inverter with a massive transformer, its a beast to lift and hang on the wall but it runs a 4 ton air conditioner with no problem. Note that the Schneider does NOT have built in MPPT charge controllers but it does have a 140Amp battery charger when the grid or a generator are available. In AC coupled mode there is no need for an MPPT charger so it works great in our situation.
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
The surge capacity of the Schnieder looks great.
@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity 2 жыл бұрын
I almost went with Schneider until I started reading about their very poor customer service. I’ve got a two 12K system to install. I’ll go with four Magnum 4448PAE if Sol-Ark gives me issues. Installing soft starters, hp dryer and hp water heater.
@bentleyjarrard885 2 жыл бұрын
@@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity No question about it, Schneider is just too big and the customer service is poor. I've also dealt with them on the electrical side with UPS and switchgear installations. Fortunately, I have not had any issues with the 6848 inverter that required replacement parts or service. Magnum is a good choice also.
@bentleyjarrard885 2 жыл бұрын
@@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity I'm using a Hyper Engineering soft starter on my Goodman AC condenser, works super good.
@onthelake9554 2 жыл бұрын
Ben will be here shortly to explain why not to use XW pro's . :>)
@user-dr2pg8fk2i 2 жыл бұрын
Really like the lab, even if there are electricians and inspectors dying inside from code violation overload.
@lasttrain5033 2 жыл бұрын
hi david you sure have come a long way sence the days of that 3000 watt reliable inverter i bought one after watching that video and i steel have it
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
Haha. I still have mine too. Last video I used it in was to make a power backpack for my leaf blower.
@christopherscholz 2 жыл бұрын
David, great video! To troubleshoot the shutdown of your converter, the easiest way would be to hook up a good power quality analyzer, e.g. a PQ3198, Other measurement I’d like to see: Harmonics at the output of your inverter. Harmonics can significantly reduce the lifetime of your appliances. Power conversion efficiency. Many power analyzers have trouble measuring power of inverter based systems accurately. Let me know if you need help with this or if you need to borrow equipment from me.
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
I would love to understand more about how to measure these things. I own an oscilloscope, but I don't think that can tell me harmonics. Are you in Massachusetts?
@christopherscholz 2 жыл бұрын
@@DavidPozEnergy Hi David, in principle you could use an oscilloscope. There are a few major limitations: scopes are not very accurate instruments. Most scopes have only 8-bit samplers, if you use current clamps on an oscilloscope the phase alignment varies over frequency so a deskew will not help much. Scopes only allow you to take only short acquisitions and this might be good enough to trigger on a specific event. For power quality measurements you usually need days, weeks, months or even longer record length. I am out in Dallas, but I’ll shoot you a e-mail. Let’s talk.
@libertarian1637 2 жыл бұрын
Would like to see your leg to ground as well as leg to neutral. Been an electrician for decades and loved seeing a person rocking Craftsman Professional linesmen pliers; they’ve been my go to for years as, outside of Knipex, have the best handles and performance.
@aspendell209 2 жыл бұрын
The Sol-Ark is much more temperamental to load difference between phases. I've heard as little as 15-20 Amps more being drawn on 1 side than the other can cause shutdowns. The auto-transformer on the back side of the Growatt inverters mitigates that a bit better so as the inverter itself isn't as heavily affected. Also the 70mm die for your crimper should be for 4/0 cables.
@aspendell209 2 жыл бұрын
Engineer 775 has commented on this "feature" many times as he primarily installs Sol-Arks lately.
@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity 2 жыл бұрын
I have an ALL electric house, 3 hp systems (5.5 Tons) with soft start kits, 80 gal electric water heater. My two 12K's hsve no problems. Because my panel was already balsnced and i installed TWO!
@MatthewN8OHU 2 жыл бұрын
David, I ordered the Growatt SPF 5000 ES and autotransformer tonight. Still need to order my solar panels and batteries.
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
Nice.
@careyjohnson1784 2 жыл бұрын
Great job
@mendohomepower7492 2 жыл бұрын
I've installed a number of Sol-Ark 12k (9k) inverters. They function well. But for dollars spent, I'll take the Growatt 5k units with an added transformer in a heart beat. Here in California with PGE, net metering is a losing proposition.
@nodoakdozeer1339 2 жыл бұрын
@Mendo Home Power What do you think about the Growatt 12K,250 with the transformer built in? I like the idea of a simpler overall setup.
@ezerikdaswahreleben2715 2 жыл бұрын
Great, nice explanation just for „ normal „ people . You are very good in it . I like to watch your videos 👌👍
@drc6940 2 жыл бұрын
It's great to see Jack Rickard's plan for frequency shift as a form of controlling inverters come to pass. RIP Jack.
@polarbearigloo 2 жыл бұрын
I like the 2 smaller inverters. makes more sense
@lynnbrooks9134 2 жыл бұрын
I would like to see you test your system using 2 auto transformers to increase each of the legs wattage to 6000 watts. Thanks and great videos!!!!!
@mcsol473 2 жыл бұрын
Beautiful how those 5 monster are togheter
@brucegotohell1323 Жыл бұрын
For electric utility purposes, high voltage is anything above 1KV; the primary side of pole and pad transformers is high. Low voltage (120/240 1P, 208/120 3P, 440/277 3P) is below 1KV. Legal maximum low voltage is 600V, which is why the maximum open loop solar array voltage is around 500V. For all practical purposes, high voltage starts at 6KV, though most utilities use 12.7KV or 14.4KV as the local distribution system voltage. There is no medium voltage. "Safe" voltage is 48V and below. It's why 48V was chosen as the telephone network voltage.
@DavidPozEnergy Жыл бұрын
Great information. Thank you.
@williamjohnston3770 2 жыл бұрын
I'm Happy for you. This is going to be a game changer for you. Congratulations.
@bigblockcutlass123 2 жыл бұрын
I have been running the growatt 12k, 250 volt hybrid you suggested to me since first of June, It has be running my whole house perfect. I did have some issues with it over loading with the drier, central air conditioner, and toaster oven with well pump. I took the dryer off the system and its perfect. House draws about 1200 watts at all time with all the wife loads. This thing switch from grid to inviter at least twice a day, Morning and night. I do not have a large battery bank yet to run through the night. (new batteries out of stock). Only thing I don't like is the solar charger when the batteries start to get top off. For the most part this thing is great. Thanks
@nodoakdozeer1339 2 жыл бұрын
@bigblockcutlass123 What do you not like about the "solar charger when the batteries start to get top off"? I am thinking about getting the Growatt 12K,250 starting with a 6-slot-battery-rack with 48V/100AH EG4-LL Batteries and curious what concerns you have.
@laxmipanta6438 2 жыл бұрын
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@laxmipanta6438 2 жыл бұрын
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@laxmipanta6438 2 жыл бұрын
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@laxmipanta6438 2 жыл бұрын
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@thaihoang9202 2 жыл бұрын
Hi David. We are off grid. Would be good to know how to connect a generator to either set up to charge the batteries during extended rainy day. Enjoyed all your videos. Keep up the good work!
@kevinhawthorne5257 2 жыл бұрын
Great Video!
@wayne8113 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks David
@roqm1248 2 жыл бұрын
Great video david i dont know if you can go into the inverters logs and see what caused the trip, but if the monitoring was up and running you would've known for sure...hope the testing goes better.
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
Every time it tripped the error code was for AC overload.
@roqm1248 2 жыл бұрын
@@DavidPozEnergy as you said it might be because of an imbalance....out of curiosity was the autotransformer in use?
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
No, I currently have the auto-transformer disconnected.
@randacnam7321 2 жыл бұрын
Almost certainly an overload on one leg. Maximum 120V load on a given phase is 4.8kVA. The reason the Growatts didn't trip is the autotransformer balances the load so the system can handle close to 10kVA on a phase.
@roqm1248 2 жыл бұрын
@@DavidPozEnergy if you dont mind do a torture test with and without the autotransformer....this tells me i might need to get one for my deye8k and thank you for all the videos and test you have done!
@easylooker 2 жыл бұрын
I knew the solark shutting down was gonna happen. You need 2 or more of them to work without shutting down. I've heard of people tying in an autotransformer into them to help with current sharing between L1 and L2.
@brianswenson2686 2 жыл бұрын
Make sure you are in the latest firmware. The early firmware had a low threshold for L1 vs L2 unbalance.
@leighamfairn212 2 жыл бұрын
Hey David, love your content. Is there any advantage to this inverter over Growatt's GRO-SPF 6000T DVM MPV other than the higher mppt voltage? Thanks from Nova Scotia, Canada.
@bearchow1929 2 жыл бұрын
I think all inverter testing should include putting it in a chamber at 120 deg F with full load and let it soak for a while to stabilize temperatures. Then repeatedly hard short the output at least 10 times to see if it survives. This testing gets expensive if you have to buy them to test, but I'm sure many inverter companies suck up to a popular KZfaq website like you and supply inverters to test and probably even give you kickbacks.
@Stubones999 2 жыл бұрын
You may want to install some type of amp draw data logger on your demand side so you can compare apples to apples. It is a common mistake to put more load on one leg than another and often needs to be balanced.
@cliffordwalters2342 2 жыл бұрын
Thanks Poz!
@resleem 2 жыл бұрын
Hey David, great video on the Sol-Ark setup. Question, where did you get your terminal blocks? Could you send me a link to where you purchased them. Thanks and keep producing these kinds of videos!
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
Ebay, so I don't have a link to that, but I found it on Amazon: amzn.to/30pyHrJ
@colinchristie106 2 жыл бұрын
Hello Dave, very good video. On one of your test can you verify that the critical load panel can be maxed out at the rating of the inverter. I have seen where other hybrid inverters of a similar type like Sunsynk and Deye, ask you to keep critical load panel to a minimum and avoid high current draw loads. Also what is the max load the unit can handle suppling the main load panel and the critical load panel at the same time. Thank you for your very informative and fair assessment videos.
@GregBergantz 2 жыл бұрын
Another excellent and informative video, David. One question, though - you mentioned that for a grid-tied AC coupled system the Sol-Ark would be sufficient because it’s UL rated, but what about your battery bank? Does it need to be UL rated as well?
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
I wish I could give a straight forward answer for that. I can tell you that in my particular situation the batteries don't need UL but I think that's because my batteries are in an outbuilding (garage).
@ipstacks11 2 жыл бұрын
You have great content but this is what I keep thinking to myself while watching your video. A simple diagram goes a long way. A picture says a thousand words while still letting you explain it. You are making a video that allows you to use visual aids. Wiring isn't easy for a lot of people and seeing how it is put together in a simple way helps.
@debbiedavis943 2 жыл бұрын
I agree
@justonpreble4083 2 жыл бұрын
I agree but nevertheless love this channel...
@stuarthelgerson403 2 жыл бұрын
Great video David, thanks for your excellent work. You mentioned the loose terminal burned out your surge protector. Curious, did you have a surge protector connected to each whole leg of 120 to protect against possible loss of the auto transformer? Or was it a surge protector for an individual appliance. I'm also working on a auto transformer system and am looking for protection possibilities. Thanks!
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
It was a whole house surge protector in my main breaker panel.
@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity 2 жыл бұрын
That is why I have them for my 350-400V solar input, 48V LFE bank, AC output and generator inputs.
@dcuste 2 жыл бұрын
@@DavidPozEnergy I am very disappointed that switch failed you. I was hoping to use them. Is there any way to fix them? Do you know where I can get a similar switch that is better made?
@G36934 2 жыл бұрын
awesome!
@LogicMomentum 2 жыл бұрын
I installed one of the Sol-Arks on an offgrid island, I really do like the unit, it's capabilities, ease of install, Dual 500v Solar, etc. but there are definitely overloading issues. If an AC compressor spikes the load for a split second, it'll shutdown. If there is a big mismatch in 120v load per leg, it'll shutdown. I wish it was a little more forgiving because remote troubleshooting with the client it is a pain.
@av1204 2 жыл бұрын
add an auto transformer. there are videos on how to do it. I had this problem and now it never overloads.
@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity 2 жыл бұрын
That is what a soft starter is designed for. If we can afford a Sol-Ark, we can spend $309 x ? HP’s or AC’s.
@SiriusSolar 2 жыл бұрын
@@av1204 adding the transformer sounds like a great option. How many watts will it add to the idle consumption? And how many wants to the overall efficiency if your standard load is, let's say 1,000 Watts
@MrSeth166 2 жыл бұрын
What about a bank of capacitors? That'll keep enough power for any power spikes...
@DavidHalko 2 жыл бұрын
@@av1204 - “add an auto transformer” - he spent a period of time on this video talking about his auto transformer
@Sanwizard1 2 жыл бұрын
I have also heard of Sol-Ark shutdown over 4500w on a single leg, even when using multiple sol-arks in parallel. Load share comms timing issue between Sol-Arks. I didnt know its also there with one.
@gn02020202 2 жыл бұрын
He put in the transformer so the two legs are from that. The Sol-Ark doesn't see the individual legs. The Sol-Ark only sees the 230v/240v as a single option.
@dig1035 2 жыл бұрын
How'd you know this video was what I was curious about!
@backhoefred 2 жыл бұрын
120 volt requires, a neutral wire for completion of circuit . The reason is there is no balance of amperage. 240 volts doesn't require a neutral to function, they are balanced at zero amps. The power company supplies 120 240 through a center tap transformer from a single leg of there three phase transmission lines. We did this on rock plants to provide ,lights etc for 120 and 240 loads. Fred
@Wyatt333 2 жыл бұрын
I want to know more about the dump load option - to throw over-production of solar to a water tank or an EV..
@jhimbert 2 жыл бұрын
So you ditched the breaker in the panel for the direct connection to the distribution block for the auto transformer? I assume you did this to solve the problem of an accidental trip on the breaker of the auto transformer? So from what I see your running L1 to one side of the dis block L2 to the other side. Feeding those into the breaker and running that to the main l1 and l2 of your panel then running 2 lines out the dis block for the auto transformer and then that neutral you generate to the neutral block on the panel? Also Where did you get the 63 amp breaker?
@marklinton5152 2 жыл бұрын
My understanding is that the 12k can only output 8kw from the batteries. I'd like to see how it handles the surge on battery alone.
@DavidHalko 2 жыл бұрын
That is pretty shady advertising… 12k but only 8kw from battery
@firebird9232 2 жыл бұрын
@@DavidHalko 12k is has 2 charge controller both sized at 500v. worth 2k just in charge controller specs . growatts have 150v and 250v options. 500V is the way to go if you want save ton money on wiring. which is usually $300-600 plus can save money vs having a combination box which is another $200-500 savings
@jamesshomesolarmore2223 2 жыл бұрын
@@firebird9232 the growatt has 450 on the voltage.
@TravisKepler 2 жыл бұрын
Do you know if the Growatts frequency shift for AC coupling? I cannot find anywhere that they do so I thought I'd check with you.
@TRYtoHELPyou 2 жыл бұрын
I've wanted one of these but just one may not be enough. The alte store has them but man.... So much money..... May just go with a cheaper stackable thing in the long-run. This system putting out 72kW tho with a bunch in parallel is pretty sweet
@DaxPallotta 2 жыл бұрын
the limitation is not in the watts but in the voltage. I believe that its 500 volts per tracker. I made that mistake early on and reduced the number of panels in my string from 12 down to 11. Its been 4 months and not a single shut down since I figured this out.
@wahlmanc 2 жыл бұрын
Can you share what settings you used for the Gyll batteries in the Solark setup?
@peteasmr2952 2 жыл бұрын
Id also be curious load per load how efficient each inverter operates.
@MrButuz 2 жыл бұрын
I wouldnt be messing around with any of these budget units myself those two big yellow beasts are all you need for 24/7 reliability. Sad to see them unplugged!
@kingarthurthe5th 2 жыл бұрын
Could you compare the idle consumption between them? I know on paper the growatt should consume more, but it’d be good to have some real numbers
@lunatik9696 2 жыл бұрын
This was my main quesiotn. Some say you can always add a solar panel to compensate, but that ignores the battery drain.
@SiriusSolar 2 жыл бұрын
Yes I'd like to know the answer to this as well. And maybe broken down so we know how much the grow-watt is wasting and how much the transformer is wasting.
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
Hi Travis Sanders. In case you haven't seen it, I have a video where I show the Growatt idle consumption with and without the auto-transformer: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/r72FmdmnuMeXe2w.html
@SiriusSolar 2 жыл бұрын
@@DavidPozEnergy awesome. I've been so busy lately I must have missed that video thank you for the link!
@mikehart2555 2 жыл бұрын
@@DavidPozEnergy ...and the idle consumption on the Sol-Ark, please?
@McCuneWindandSolar 2 жыл бұрын
Dose the Sol-ark have a built in split phase. In a way that's one reasion I like kind of like the transformer I have. if one phase is out of balance it will not see that on the primary side going to the inverter.
@lunatik9696 2 жыл бұрын
I think David became confused about the wire gauge. Lower gauge wire is actually larger. Higher gauge is smaller. Whenever possible if you have it, use the larger wire if higher current is an issue. I have 8S2P 24V 200 A-hr batteries system (5 KW), but my BMS only allows 50A charge or discharge. I have 6 gauge wire (18" - 55A) connecting my batteries. That allows over 1250 W safely as nominal voltage is 26V or more. My greatest load with A/C is about 1050W allowing 85% efficiency is about right. My newer system (waiting on batteries from China) will be 48V and #6 wire should be sufficient even though I am increasing the load, the current will be less.
@GeraldPUR 2 жыл бұрын
Why not use a softstarter to prevent the overloads? Excellent review and looking forward for the next one
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
Soft-starts are great if the cause of the overload is a large compressor load kicking on. But I don't have large compressors randomly kicking on (like AC's).
@martinkeding4228 2 жыл бұрын
I would be very interested in a comparison / review / pro-con or the Growatt 12kw unit to your current setups.
@dig1035 2 жыл бұрын
Thumbs up and subscribed!
@AdministrativeReload 2 жыл бұрын
I am curious how the two options stack up in terms of cost, standby consumption, and inverter efficiency
@arleneallen8809 2 жыл бұрын
Not easy to do, but getting a sense of which net meter inverters work best in the AC coupled mode, and even harder to do, a parallel Sol-Ark install. I have to do two of them, hence my interest. Also, quick shutdown wiring and performance would be useful since the rule making on a lot of that stuff has gotten a bit crazy imo. Thanks. Looking forward to the follow-ups. One more thing. A spec that's hard to find for some inverters, especially the Chinese, is THD. If you could throw a scope on your units, that would be valuable. Some digital equipment is enormously sensitive to distortion.
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
I own two oscilloscopes. It seems every time I put one on an inverter to show the wave, there is always someone telling me I'm doing it wrong. LOL, and I probably am! I don't have a background with scopes. I'm happy to plug mine on, just please keep expectations in check due to my limitations.
@arleneallen8809 2 жыл бұрын
@@DavidPozEnergy Thanks for the reply. That was just a thought. I'm much more interested in the AC coupling tests of various kinds. I have a Sol-Ark but haven't installed yet. Waiting for more of the EG4 batteries to be delivered. Bigger project for me is the Sol-Ark using Can-Bus and the batteries using RS-485. As best as I can tell they won't speak at the data layer unless some kind of bridge is built. Maybe not a problem, but if its a problem I will have to design and code a bridge. Might be able to get away with simply setting the various voltages in setup, but it sure would be nice if they actually talked.
@DavidPozEnergy 2 жыл бұрын
I'm running mine with Voltage settings only.
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