diy solar

diy solar

EG4 18kPV Q+A general thread

Gotshocked! said:
Once the pv wires are landed on the inverter, can't you simply throw a breaker or 2 and do the same thing?
To me, the more gizmo's present, the more potential for issues.
I'm just asking how does one safely connect the pv's to the inverter, not more stuff, unless more stuff is necessary and in this case, if it is, Sig. Solar gave me some bad advice.
Click to expand...
On the side of the inverter you can throw that switch to cut PV power TO THE INVERTER. But the wires are still hot if you need to handle them.

You need a disconnect or to do what Gavin describes (or become a vampire and only work when the sun is down).
 
Can someone clarify the PowerPro startup sequence for me.

I've been doing:
1) PowerPro power/BMS button
2) Powerpro breaker
3) 18kpv breaker.
Reverse order for shut-down.

All has been well, I just want to make sure it hasn't been just luck.
 
Gotshocked! said:
Are you referring to a rapid shutdown? My panels are on the ground, so I don't need one of those.

"Steps For PV Connection" on pg 13 & 14 in the manual don't mention anything about anything really.

I send my questions into Sig. Solar as well. This thread is better than nothing, but taking random advice as EG4 gospel could be an electronics-destroying experience.

Hopefully, someone at Sig. Solar is compiling a Q & A list in cheat sheet form or something. Unless one knows, one doesn't know until one blows some shit up, so this one is trying his best to fill in the many gaps in the manual & general knowledge (?) of pv's, batteries, comm. hubs, battery racks, inverters, ac side (a whole other world imo), that are difficult to find, even in multiple online searches. It's quite a f'ing thing.
Click to expand...
If you want to be safe follow NEC and Building Code for your area.
 
Gotshocked! said:
What's the protocol for connecting the pv wire to the inverter?

3.4.2 "Steps For PV Connection" states breakers off. Wouldn't the pv wire be hot unless it was night time? Does it matter?
Click to expand...
Simplest option is to leave an MC4 connector disconnected in each string which will eliminate voltage on the PV circuits. Once connected to the inverter make sure the PV DC disconnect is open, then reconnect those MC4 connectors.

MC4 connectors can be used to isolate parts of the PV circuits, but must not be disconnected under load.
 
Last edited:
y0bailey said:
Can someone clarify the PowerPro startup sequence for me.

I've been doing:
1) PowerPro power/BMS button
2) Powerpro breaker
3) 18kpv breaker.
Reverse order for shut-down.

All has been well, I just want to make sure it hasn't been just luck.
Click to expand...
Did you have PV input last time you turned off and on the powerepro,
 
Zapper77 said:
Did you have PV input last time you turned off and on the powerepro,
Click to expand...
I did not. I still don't. Wednesday's project!


Does that change something? I was just going to follow the manual for start-up - Battery first, PV second.

For shut down I was going to cut the PV, then cut the battery.
 
y0bailey said:
I did not. I still don't. Wednesday's project!


Does that change something? I was just going to follow the manual for start-up - Battery first, PV second.

For shut down I was going to cut the PV, then cut the battery.
Click to expand...
Assuming the powerpro has a precharge resistors. The breakers typically need to be on for it to work.
 
Zapper77 said:
Assuming the powerpro has a precharge resistors. The breakers typically need to be on for it to work.
Click to expand...
I might be confusing myself here....or we have some crossed wires.

I can "power on" the powerpro by hitting the power button, even if the breaker is off. LCD turns on and I get to click around in menus. I then turn the PowerPro breaker on, then turn the 18kpv breaker on.

There isn't really any mention of precharge resistors in the manual..but I'm assuming it's built in based on no sparks flying.
 
y0bailey said:
I might be confusing myself here....or we have some crossed wires.

I can "power on" the powerpro by hitting the power button, even if the breaker is off. LCD turns on and I get to click around in menus. I then turn the PowerPro breaker on, then turn the 18kpv breaker on.

There isn't really any mention of precharge resistors in the manual..but I'm assuming it's built in based on no sparks flying.
Click to expand...


If it’s similar to the LL’s then you would have the breaker switched on first. Then the BMS switch to engage the precharge sequence. I haven’t looked at them real thoroughly yet, so I can’t be sure.
 
Gavin Stone said:
If it’s similar to the LL’s then you would have the breaker switched on first. Then the BMS switch to engage the precharge sequence. I haven’t looked at them real thoroughly yet, so I can’t be sure.
Click to expand...
I just re-read the manual and didn't see anything. Hopefully someone can chime in with the official "best practice."
 
Quattrohead said:
All of your questions are telling me you need to hire this out. Installing and commissioning one of these units is not for you.
Quattrohead said:
All of your questions are telling me you need to hire this out. Installing and commissioning one of these units is not for you.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
This is my weakest area of knowledge BY FAR. I'm barely at 101. Honestly, I couldn't care less about electricity. I llove the possibility of being off grid and having the means to produce will be even more important as time goes on. Flipped 3 houses, rewired the engine bay of my supercharged suv and still don't know shit about power.
I have my electrician who will be present while Signature Solar is there holding my hand to commission, so I think I'll be fine, but thanks for your encouraging words.

I now understand this part is needed, so I went to buy it and the screen read that I have a store credit for the exact amount? Whats this? I didn't have a store credit, for the exact amount.

Sig Solar, you guys are fantastic! That's very, very cool. Everyone makes mistakes, and I drilled the guy who was once a sales rep with an obnoxious amount of questions, so he was bound to slip on something I guess.

Thank you Michael!​

Your order number is 96894
An email will be sent containing information about your purchase. If you have any questions about your purchase, email us at customerservice@signaturesolar.com or call us at 903-441-2090.
CONTINUE SHOPPING »

Order Summary​


Print

1 Item​

  • IMO DC Disconnect Rooftop Isolator Switch

    1 x IMO DC Disconnect Rooftop Isolator Switch​

    $89.68
Subtotal$89.68
Shipping$6.98
Tax$4.08
Store Credit-$100.74
Total (USD)$0.00
 
Last edited:
Quattrohead said:
All of your questions are telling me you need to hire this out. Installing and commissioning one of these units is not for you.
Click to expand...
Not sure how easy it would be to find a contractor that can would be comfortable installing one. Unless EG4 or SignatureSolar has better secret support / documentation for contractors.

I guess a lot of the questions were for standard parts of NEC so one would only have to find a contractor willing to put in a DC system they're unfamiliar with.
 
timselectric said:
If the BMS has a pre charge resistor. It's activated at the beginning of the startup sequence. So to utilize it, all breakers must be on, before you startup the BMS.
Click to expand...
Thanks guys.

They definitely need a "quick start" guide for this thing.

I just read the manual again and I didn't see anything on startup/shutdown procedure, no mention of a precharge resistor.
 
How long has it been taking to get a commissioning appointment setup?

I filled out the request this weekend so I haven't heard anything yet, but my final installation D-day is Nov 3rd.

What exactly happens during that process?



I am aiming to have my PV array up and running WED, and I want to use it to boot up and start topping off the battery. I doubt I'll have a commissioning appointment by then...

I think everyone can tell I'm at the "knows just enough to be dangerous" level. Any harm in getting things up and running to get the battery topped off? Grid, load, and my AC coupled GEN connections aren't hooked up to anything yet.
 
Quattrohead said:
Did not get one....the secret sauce is "Signature"
Click to expand...
I put the secret sauce on. I'm not worried...it's been less than a full business day since they opened. Just trying to understand what happens during the appointment and make a plan.



Good news, they are already shipping out another conduit box that was damaged in shipping! Impressed with how quickly they handled that!
 
zanydroid said:
In addition to running into trouble when qualifying grid, that’s going to pass through to your loads and disable AC coupling.

You could consider adding a chargeverter after passing inspection (since that will invalidate UL9540), but it will also not work with any automation
Click to expand...
I am ok (for now) to manually hookup the generator when the batteries run out and the grid is down. Just curious if it will be good enough to charge the batteries again to get through another night and day.
 
matthijs said:
I am ok (for now) to manually hookup the generator when the batteries run out and the grid is down. Just curious if it will be good enough to charge the batteries again to get through another night and day.
Click to expand...
If you know the run book to cold start the AIO in that state, you can probably try different input current limits to figure out something that works.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

M
EG4 PowerPro or Ruixu for 18KPV?
2 3
Replies
43
Views
3K
murmeister
murmeister
B
Solar Pergola Design Check / Feasibility
Replies
4
Views
159
Banjoman
B
RJW
Question: serializing parallel panels
Replies
7
Views
296
RJW
RJW
B
EG4 18kpv + EG4 powerpro wall mount cargo trailer system
Replies
10
Views
328
42OhmsPA
4
H
18KPV Follow Up with JK Inverter BMS
Replies
16
Views
532
shvm
S
Back
Top