That hour is pack with extremely high quality information. I can’t think of the last time I spent an hour in youtube and thought I didn’t waste my time. Thanks guys and excited to try out the product.
will circle back soon to watch this in full. it would be a tremendous help to have a bit better audio quality, please consider. I use a recording app on my phone, as long as the khz are the same as the video then you will be able to sync them up easy.
Thank you for the tremendous information. At the 31:10 mark where there is mention of a portable generator, what is preventing the generator or solar power from backfeeding into the grid? Does this require that you shut the main breaker on the main service panel?
On the subject of your biggest weakness (Q and A segment around 49 minutes in), depending on China for base unit assembly is a major one as their government cannot be trusted. Relocating assembly of base units elsewhere (ideally USA, but at least to a friendlier country like Taiwan or Vietnam) should be in the cards sometime in the next few years in case the CCP orders the supply cut off. You guys are a prime target for this as you are a government vendor and the only supplier of COTS EMP hardened PV equipment. This is also something your supplier should plan on doing, as they are based in Hong Kong and have their own Swords of Damocles to deal with. In terms of the actual Sol-Ark unit, having more modular construction would be the biggest improvement. That way if one module in a Sol-Ark eats it, you just send out a replacement module and the customer ships back the dead one for repair instead of having to send back a 3ft long 80lb box at considerable expense. This also eliminates the need to disconnect and unmount the Sol-Ark in question. This would also be of benefit to installers or other people who may manage dozens or even hundreds of Sol-Arks, as they could keep a stock of spare modules to cut down on repair time. Much lower down on the list of priorities but things that you should consider adding at some point would be some general purpose dry contact/logic level I/O to allow things like finer dump load control than what can be done with the generator connection alone (think the auxiliary connections in Midnite Classics; you can do a lot more besides dump load control) and battery current shunt measurement connections for applications where there are other DC loads or chargers on the same battery bank as the Sol-Ark or Sol-Arks. Take a system that also employs some wind or microhydro capacity which is directly connected to the batteries, for example. There are other things like command sets for the RS-485 and CANbus connections for people who build stuff that needs to talk to the Sol-Ark directly and software APIs for those of us who want to run our own datalogging servers, but that is a tiny subset of your market and the other stuff would be of much more use to more people.
Quite a few of the boards/parts are field replaceable by installers or even DIY homeowners. Yes, we are looking into moving manufacturing here a few years from now. And we also want to add much more load controls. Sorry, letting DIY access to all our write and read registers would be a support drain and possible way to harm the system. We do open them up for large integrators & Utilities. Thank you.
@@Sol-Ark The only write register I see DIY users needing access to would be the export power limit for applications where the Sol-Ark is AC coupling to another system and treating that system like the grid, in which case that separate system can set a dynamic export limit. Everything else would be read only registers for things like real time displays or BYO datalogging apps. An alternative to directly twiddling the export register could be using a logic input to toggle the Sol-Ark between limited power to load/home (AKA export nothing) and grid tie mode with an optional export cap. Or a pair of logic inputs to allow for no export and 3 different levels of export depending on which inputs are on/true.
@@randacnam7321 Why should we trust that our gov't is telling the truth about China. Our Fed gov't lied about Tonkin Bay, WMD's in Iraq (500,000 civilians murdered), Syrian gov't gassings, Wuhan funding, NSA spying, Gitmo torture, I can go on.
Quick question about Smart Load: When OFF-GRID, Smart Load will power loads when battery hits, say 100%, and turn off when you hit, say, 90%. When ON-GRID, then Smart Loads are powered by the grid? (ie, as long as there is grid power, then loads on the Smart Load can stay on regardless of battery SOC?)
I'm not sure of the advantage of having the breakers for battery and AC input on board. It maybe a more simply installation, but you still need to isolate battery power and AC input somewhere before it gets to the inverter. ie. it's not safe to remove or replace the inverter by just using the on board breakers. Great if it doesn't go faulty.
The slides showed optional 64v dc charge available but the talking mentioned 63v. This would be very important for someone considering using non LiFePO chemistry Lithium batteries . It would seem that the maximum use of LMnC or similar chemistries would much favor a 15s configuration with max charge to 63v or I prefer 61.5 and keep the low setting between 42 and 45v. I suppose 16s configuration is ok if actual max voltage is 64 but not so much for 63volt. I guess my 3 questions are boiled down to: 1. Is 42 volt the absolute lowest voltage setting as in cutoff for battery usage ? 2. Is the max charge voltage on special order 63v or 64v or some other value? 3. Is there any reason a lithium chemistry other than LiFePO cannot or shouldn't be used other than just lifespan and safety differences.
1) 42 to 43V is the lowest. 2) 63V max batt voltage is special order now, but will become standard. 3) Good question. You can use any lithium you like. One of us has 60KWh of NMC. But we understand it is a potential bomb in the garage/home. So it has a high quality BMS, lots of temp monitoring, encased in solid steel cabinet with fire protection, and active cooling when needed.
Darn good question. Today, the easiest wiring is unfortunately separate buttons. But in 4-5 months, your wish will be granted. We love improving for our installers/customers. Keep the suggestions coming.
Thanks for the detailed explanations. I am still unsure if I can use Smart load function AND also AC couple a microinverter ? Can the generatro port support both functions? (from your explanation it seems that if one ac couples on tehe load port then the generator port cannot be used for anything including smart load)
Hi. I am looking for the LVCO range. Its says 43-63v but this does not tell me much. Will the inverter shut off at 43v? Also what is the charge voltage range? Thanks
Great Video. You mention that if one does not separate out the backup circuit into a sub DB there is a risk of neutral issues. What are the symptoms of a common neutral? We are having an issue where the load power number is influenced by non-essentials switching on and off even-though all testing indicates there are no common neutrals between the backup circuit and non-backup circuit.
Sorry for any misunderstanding. You MUST have a common N for both Grid & Loads & Generator (not separate like Outback or other transformer based solutions). That is why there is just one N bus bar in the system. Please rewire and call us if not resolved.
@@Sol-Ark Thank you, all resolved. I assume the Sol-Ark internal Ct meters are on the live wire and not the neutral wires like some of the other inverters?
Regarding parallel Sol-arks installations. We currently use a single 8K with the intention of scaling up a little in the future. at roughly 41:00 it's stated parallel configuration is only possible with the new 12k model. What are the options for an 8k owner wanting to scale up. Can an 8k run as a slave to a 12k? Can there be 2 8ks or an 8k + a 12K run side by side on a less optimal configuration? i.e. sharing a battery, having their own solar input yet both linked into the loads panel? If none of these options are possible, maybe a trade in opportunity for existing customers when buying 2 units that are compatible in a parallel configuration. Great video, I'm always learning more about the product. Thank you!
That should be possible with the 8K hardware, but it would require a new software revision to repurpose the RS-485 connection in the 8K to be able to talk to the RS-485 parallel connections on the 12K. There may also be limitations on whether the 8K has to be a master or slave.
@@randacnam7321 let's hope so. The 8k has the parallel options in the software, until this video it was assumed it was an option. Maybe they just use identical software on the 2 variants.
@@EastyUK i just saw that yesterday in my settings screen and was wondering. I wonder if itd have to be another 8k. I cant imagine them continuing to make 8ks for very long when the 12k is so comparable in price and gives you a 10 year standard warranty and some of the other goodies.
@@av1204 Certainly. Not sure anyone would not opt for the 12k considering the price difference. Maybe just selling off fabricated stock. Being completely off grid and slowly scaling it's apparent we are going to need another unit for peak capacity. Solark seem to have mixed marketing approach cut between consumer/reseller, they have a new WiFi replacement for the 8k that gives you better remote access. I don't see it on their site at all. Their video on the new software doesn't explain its 12k only without an add-on. Be good if they just emailed all 8k owners and say hey here's an available upgrade. Same with fw updates, is it even possible without calling?
Do you install? Or just sell the equipments. I would do the install but I want it grid tie to sell electricity back but I think that needs more permits so was looking to get someone to install that knows what to do for grid tie installation
If your transformerless inverter has an output transistor fail shorted do you have a DC detect/disconnect? (And don't say a circuit breaker as in current breaker or fuse, shorted output devices can flow currents below that trip point and still pose a danger). Also I noticed you mention Generac generators. I bought a Generac diesel generator in 2015 and I'll never buy another, the support for parts and manuals is non existent (not to mention the design deficiencies that got me to that point).
29:44 Does having a ATS to switch between Grid and Gen , conected through the Grid port, and no battery allows for Net Metering? And the remaining Gen port can be used tor A/C Coupling simultaneously? Or it will back feed to the Gen when Grid is out?
20:30 Here is my situation: A rural community is experiencing lousy power service: power fluctuates whenever the community uses electricity. I plan to power a whole house purely by this inverter on the LOAD breaker; then connect the Utility on the GEN Port and use it to Gen charge battery at specific time of the day (Battery SOC
Hi XYZ, The Load breaker is not isolated from the Gen breaker so I would not recommend that particular setup, however, the Grid breaker can be isolated from the Load breaker via relays. You would then be able to control when the grid charges your batteries via Time of Use and Grid Charge. Feel free to contact our engineers to iron out any details or go over other questions you may have. You can reach us at 972-575-8875 Ext.2 or here: www.sol-ark.com/contact-us/
I LIVE IN PUERTO RICO AND WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU LET ME KNOW WHO IS INSTALLING YOUR INVERTERS ON THE ISLAND. WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF POSSIBLE IF IN THE FUTURE YOU CAN MAKE A RUclips VIDEO USING SIMPLIPHI BATTERIES . THANK YOU
I know the owner......they are a !st class act from top to bottom.....they both are perfectionist (in my opinion)and they are not all about the $MONEY they are more about performance and providing the Biggest Bang for the Buck.You wont find better people to work with.
Наука
Great video.
Just got my 12kw without any delays. It was delivered in the quoted time.
Thank you.
That hour is pack with extremely high quality information. I can’t think of the last time I spent an hour in youtube and thought I didn’t waste my time. Thanks guys and excited to try out the product.
will circle back soon to watch this in full. it would be a tremendous help to have a bit better audio quality, please consider. I use a recording app on my phone, as long as the khz are the same as the video then you will be able to sync them up easy.
Thank you for the tremendous information. At the 31:10 mark where there is mention of a portable generator, what is preventing the generator or solar power from backfeeding into the grid? Does this require that you shut the main breaker on the main service panel?
On the subject of your biggest weakness (Q and A segment around 49 minutes in), depending on China for base unit assembly is a major one as their government cannot be trusted. Relocating assembly of base units elsewhere (ideally USA, but at least to a friendlier country like Taiwan or Vietnam) should be in the cards sometime in the next few years in case the CCP orders the supply cut off. You guys are a prime target for this as you are a government vendor and the only supplier of COTS EMP hardened PV equipment. This is also something your supplier should plan on doing, as they are based in Hong Kong and have their own Swords of Damocles to deal with.
In terms of the actual Sol-Ark unit, having more modular construction would be the biggest improvement. That way if one module in a Sol-Ark eats it, you just send out a replacement module and the customer ships back the dead one for repair instead of having to send back a 3ft long 80lb box at considerable expense. This also eliminates the need to disconnect and unmount the Sol-Ark in question. This would also be of benefit to installers or other people who may manage dozens or even hundreds of Sol-Arks, as they could keep a stock of spare modules to cut down on repair time.
Much lower down on the list of priorities but things that you should consider adding at some point would be some general purpose dry contact/logic level I/O to allow things like finer dump load control than what can be done with the generator connection alone (think the auxiliary connections in Midnite Classics; you can do a lot more besides dump load control) and battery current shunt measurement connections for applications where there are other DC loads or chargers on the same battery bank as the Sol-Ark or Sol-Arks. Take a system that also employs some wind or microhydro capacity which is directly connected to the batteries, for example.
There are other things like command sets for the RS-485 and CANbus connections for people who build stuff that needs to talk to the Sol-Ark directly and software APIs for those of us who want to run our own datalogging servers, but that is a tiny subset of your market and the other stuff would be of much more use to more people.
Quite a few of the boards/parts are field replaceable by installers or even DIY homeowners. Yes, we are looking into moving manufacturing here a few years from now. And we also want to add much more load controls. Sorry, letting DIY access to all our write and read registers would be a support drain and possible way to harm the system. We do open them up for large integrators & Utilities. Thank you.
@@Sol-Ark The only write register I see DIY users needing access to would be the export power limit for applications where the Sol-Ark is AC coupling to another system and treating that system like the grid, in which case that separate system can set a dynamic export limit. Everything else would be read only registers for things like real time displays or BYO datalogging apps.
An alternative to directly twiddling the export register could be using a logic input to toggle the Sol-Ark between limited power to load/home (AKA export nothing) and grid tie mode with an optional export cap. Or a pair of logic inputs to allow for no export and 3 different levels of export depending on which inputs are on/true.
" as their government cannot be trusted". You drank the koolaid.
@@srica7366 The Chinese people can't trust their government. Why should we?
@@randacnam7321 Why should we trust that our gov't is telling the truth about China. Our Fed gov't lied about Tonkin Bay, WMD's in Iraq (500,000 civilians murdered), Syrian gov't gassings, Wuhan funding, NSA spying, Gitmo torture, I can go on.
Quick question about Smart Load:
When OFF-GRID, Smart Load will power loads when battery hits, say 100%, and turn off when you hit, say, 90%.
When ON-GRID, then Smart Loads are powered by the grid? (ie, as long as there is grid power, then loads on the Smart Load can stay on regardless of battery SOC?)
only thing that gets me its a high frequency and not a low frequency inverter. low frequency is the way to go
Can you please indicate the max current rating of the inverter's dry contacts?
I'm not sure of the advantage of having the breakers for battery and AC input on board. It maybe a more simply installation, but you still need to isolate battery power and AC input somewhere before it gets to the inverter. ie. it's not safe to remove or replace the inverter by just using the on board breakers. Great if it doesn't go faulty.
Does the 50A AC passthrough on the spec sheets means it can bypass the inverter and pass AC from the GRID breaker to the critical LOAD breaker?
Yes. It's actually 63A.
The slides showed optional 64v dc charge available but the talking mentioned 63v. This would be very important for someone considering using non LiFePO chemistry Lithium batteries . It would seem that the maximum use of LMnC or similar chemistries would much favor a 15s configuration with max charge to 63v or I prefer 61.5 and keep the low setting between 42 and 45v. I suppose 16s configuration is ok if actual max voltage is 64 but not so much for 63volt.
I guess my 3 questions are boiled down to:
1. Is 42 volt the absolute lowest voltage setting as in cutoff for battery usage ?
2. Is the max charge voltage on special order 63v or 64v or some other value?
3. Is there any reason a lithium chemistry other than LiFePO cannot or shouldn't be used other than just lifespan and safety differences.
1) 42 to 43V is the lowest.
2) 63V max batt voltage is special order now, but will become standard.
3) Good question. You can use any lithium you like. One of us has 60KWh of NMC. But we understand it is a potential bomb in the garage/home. So it has a high quality BMS, lots of temp monitoring, encased in solid steel cabinet with fire protection, and active cooling when needed.
Where'd you get it from ?which state and how much it cost
To initiate rapid shutdown when you have multiple units in parallel can use the button on the master unit or do you have to turn off on each unit?
Darn good question. Today, the easiest wiring is unfortunately separate buttons. But in 4-5 months, your wish will be granted. We love improving for our installers/customers. Keep the suggestions coming.
Thanks for the detailed explanations. I am still unsure if I can use Smart load function AND also AC couple a microinverter ? Can the generatro port support both functions? (from your explanation it seems that if one ac couples on tehe load port then the generator port cannot be used for anything including smart load)
No you cannot use SmartLoad and AC coupling together. But just wait 3 months and check back with us. We are constantly improving.
@@Sol-Ark Hey been 3 months. By chance any improvement to allow ac coupling and a generator at same time??
Hi. I am looking for the LVCO range. Its says 43-63v but this does not tell me much. Will the inverter shut off at 43v? Also what is the charge voltage range? Thanks
Great Video. You mention that if one does not separate out the backup circuit into a sub DB there is a risk of neutral issues. What are the symptoms of a common neutral? We are having an issue where the load power number is influenced by non-essentials switching on and off even-though all testing indicates there are no common neutrals between the backup circuit and non-backup circuit.
Sorry for any misunderstanding. You MUST have a common N for both Grid & Loads & Generator (not separate like Outback or other transformer based solutions). That is why there is just one N bus bar in the system. Please rewire and call us if not resolved.
@@Sol-Ark Thank you, all resolved. I assume the Sol-Ark internal Ct meters are on the live wire and not the neutral wires like some of the other inverters?
@@jean-philippeghyoot9494 Great. And you are correct. We measure L1 & L2 only.
Regarding parallel Sol-arks installations. We currently use a single 8K with the intention of scaling up a little in the future.
at roughly 41:00 it's stated parallel configuration is only possible with the new 12k model.
What are the options for an 8k owner wanting to scale up.
Can an 8k run as a slave to a 12k?
Can there be 2 8ks or an 8k + a 12K run side by side on a less optimal configuration? i.e. sharing a battery, having their own solar input yet both linked into the loads panel?
If none of these options are possible, maybe a trade in opportunity for existing customers when buying 2 units that are compatible in a parallel configuration.
Great video, I'm always learning more about the product. Thank you!
id like to hear that answer as well
That should be possible with the 8K hardware, but it would require a new software revision to repurpose the RS-485 connection in the 8K to be able to talk to the RS-485 parallel connections on the 12K. There may also be limitations on whether the 8K has to be a master or slave.
@@randacnam7321 let's hope so. The 8k has the parallel options in the software, until this video it was assumed it was an option. Maybe they just use identical software on the 2 variants.
@@EastyUK i just saw that yesterday in my settings screen and was wondering. I wonder if itd have to be another 8k. I cant imagine them continuing to make 8ks for very long when the 12k is so comparable in price and gives you a 10 year standard warranty and some of the other goodies.
@@av1204 Certainly. Not sure anyone would not opt for the 12k considering the price difference. Maybe just selling off fabricated stock. Being completely off grid and slowly scaling it's apparent we are going to need another unit for peak capacity. Solark seem to have mixed marketing approach cut between consumer/reseller, they have a new WiFi replacement for the 8k that gives you better remote access. I don't see it on their site at all. Their video on the new software doesn't explain its 12k only without an add-on. Be good if they just emailed all 8k owners and say hey here's an available upgrade. Same with fw updates, is it even possible without calling?
Do you install? Or just sell the equipments. I would do the install but I want it grid tie to sell electricity back but I think that needs more permits so was looking to get someone to install that knows what to do for grid tie installation
Can I replace a solar edge inverter that has 13,2 00 watts of panels on it without taking the solar edge combiners off the panels
Which communication cable you use to stack two 12K Solar-Ark between master and slave?
Ethernet. We provide.
If your transformerless inverter has an output transistor fail shorted do you have a DC detect/disconnect? (And don't say a circuit breaker as in current breaker or fuse, shorted output devices can flow currents below that trip point and still pose a danger). Also I noticed you mention Generac generators. I bought a Generac diesel generator in 2015 and I'll never buy another, the support for parts and manuals is non existent (not to mention the design deficiencies that got me to that point).
29:44 Does having a ATS to switch between Grid and Gen , conected through the Grid port, and no battery allows for Net Metering? And the remaining Gen port can be used tor A/C Coupling simultaneously? Or it will back feed to the Gen when Grid is out?
@Sol-Ark ?
does this work with enphase IQ7+? I have 31 panels already running
when will you add the 12K model to SAM NREL software? please also create a tutorial on how to design sol-ark using SAM
We will check into that. Thanks.
Does the Inverter need to match the generator capacity?
20:30 Here is my situation:
A rural community is experiencing lousy power service: power fluctuates whenever the community uses electricity.
I plan to power a whole house purely by this inverter on the LOAD breaker; then connect the Utility on the GEN Port and use it to Gen charge battery at specific time of the day (Battery SOC
Hi XYZ,
The Load breaker is not isolated from the Gen breaker so I would not recommend that particular setup, however, the Grid breaker can be isolated from the Load breaker via relays. You would then be able to control when the grid charges your batteries via Time of Use and Grid Charge.
Feel free to contact our engineers to iron out any details or go over other questions you may have. You can reach us at 972-575-8875 Ext.2 or here: www.sol-ark.com/contact-us/
what if i desire to run off of solar and batteries and use the grid as my back up, never selling even 1 watt to the grid?
I LIVE IN PUERTO RICO AND WOULD APPRECIATE IF YOU LET ME KNOW WHO IS INSTALLING YOUR INVERTERS ON THE ISLAND. WOULD LIKE TO SEE IF POSSIBLE IF IN THE FUTURE YOU CAN MAKE A RUclips VIDEO USING SIMPLIPHI BATTERIES . THANK YOU
You can find a bunch of installers anywhere in N.America here. www.sol-ark.com/distributors/
How come there’s no 12 volt or 24 volt inverters?
if a generator is attached to this would it show a generator icon on the screen?
Yes
How much it cost
$7,000
@@markogrba1 $6500 cheapest I can find for a 12kw
I know the owner......they are a !st class act from top to bottom.....they both are perfectionist (in my opinion)and they are not all about the $MONEY they are more about performance and providing the Biggest Bang for the Buck.You wont find better people to work with.
$6K unit...they are not about the money...lol