OUTSTANDING review! That was a lot of work, especially when Mother Nature throws you curve balls. Price for what you get is awesome, I was trying to evolve from grid tie/solar power stations/small invertors and batteries to something closer to this and was looking at the EG4 products, about $3k for only a 6000 watt, 5KW battery, but may need to jump in with both feet for whole house solution. Thanks for the work to bring us this option!
Very good review. I have a SolArk 12K with the same battery setup as you (4 eFlex batteries, Durarack case, and Guardian Gateway). I had too much trouble with the battery separator/holder pieces, so I omitted using them. They are such a tight fit, that with the rack door closed they aint going anywhere. Fortress customer service/support is awesome and the main reason anyone would spend the extra $. They walked me through the entire firmware upgrade and proper closed loop settings on the SolArk. The Guardian Gateway I find of limited use and was expensive, but figured I might as well go for broke at this point and have the full monty. I learned a lot about my system.
Its great to see these products developing, and even better that your experience and sharing with your 206k subs helps us better understand the value being offered while hopefully, giving the manufacturers insight on how they can improve
Next level review of a next level product. DIY is no joke. The amount of knowledge required to do it safely and correctly is daunting. Doing the work of professional installers is a lot of WORK! While it is challenging, it is also very rewarding. The money you can save is substantial, but truly understanding how it all works is priceless...for some folks. I would really like to know what mount you used. Those look really impressive!
Since this is Luxpower unit, that’s odd it would require phase matching for the ac input. Generators obviously wont do this, so it was likely an issue with the settings. I’ve hooked different inverters to my EG4 18kpv without that issue. Good video. Appreciate it.
What an incredible system, That is like it's own Sub Station, WTG Prof, You did well to stick it out get it all up and running, But If your in the mountains did the power company burn you when it came to getting the power to your Door or was the grid power not far from where you built ?? well done you should be proud of all your efforts,👍
You'd be hard press to find something in this price range this complete. I was looking at the EcoFlow solution, and man, that's like 3x the price of this for their whole kit. All 15 batteries 3 inverters and wall unit was like 55k. This seems to have greater power density, greater solar/wind input and can be installed outside for 16k. Nearly 4x as less.
At 5:09 into the video after you said the system could output 120kw you cut have inserted a cut scene to National Lampoon Christmas Vacation when Chevy Chase plugged in his lights 🤣
Hi Professor I was planning to install a full stack of Delia pro ultras (30kw) along with smart home panel 2 foot LED than this system costs-! Can you Tell me The Main difference between these 2 systems once installed? Thx!
Huge Question… We need to provide lithium battery (LifePO4 chemistry) backup for our remote site radio repeaters. The sites have AC utility power with propane fueled standby generators. The issue ? If we use a 12v 100ah battery to provide emergency power, how can we safely and effectively keep the battery charged/maintained without damage to the battery? Our old method of lead acid backup used a “battery tender”, but it’s not advised for lithium. Any ideas? Thanks!
All the commonly available 100 Ah, 12.8 V LiFePO4 batteries have built-in BMS. This means you can just hook the battery up to a power supply of around 14 Vdc and the battery will automatically stop charging when it is topped off. Alternatively, you can just hook it up to a battery tender. This works because you aren't dealing directly with the cells. The BMS protects against over charging and discharging.
HoboTech Question #1 EG4 6000 XP off grid unit thoughts #2 EG4 Indoor 280 watts 48v battery with wire box 5 or 6 400what solar panels on the roof of many Off grid system Idea for my Cargo trailer
@@HOBOTECH Please Understand when I am Done Custom Building this Cargo Trailer if I am on a Job only the AC or Diesel Heater will be working while I am working I have a Honda EB2800I that powers tolls Ann Heating if Needed I Do live in Nebraska and have access to 4000 and 6500 Oman’s since it is my Company
@@HOBOTECH I did buy the Solar Panels Already 10 X 400 watt Bifocal Panels Most Days my guys bring the small 12ft try with 4000 Onan on them 2 Line Trucks have 6500 Onan I just Tried of Motels and going to stay in this new 24 cargo starting 2025
The door knocker’s wanting have you upgrade to solar do not want to talk about battery’s 🔋 🪫 and with the price of panels dropping they’re not ready for you to say anything about this.
That’s because batteries are typically AC coupled and that adds a lot of cost to typical grid tied solar systems. The setups shown on videos like this are DC coupled and that helps save thousands of dollars. But unless you’ve got a reputable installer willing to setup such a system then you’re going to have to learn to do these kinds of things yourself.
ENVY 12K INVERTER ONLY: gohobo.io/envy12k
FULL HOME BACKUP KIT: gohobo.io/fortress
*Qualifies for 30% federal tax credit!*
Will Prose would be proud !! 👍
I have 18kW HF inv, 180kWh and 32kWp. Off the electrical grid 2.5 yrs and loving it.
OUTSTANDING review! That was a lot of work, especially when Mother Nature throws you curve balls.
Price for what you get is awesome, I was trying to evolve from grid tie/solar power stations/small invertors and batteries to something closer to this and was looking at the EG4 products, about $3k for only a 6000 watt, 5KW battery, but may need to jump in with both feet for whole house solution. Thanks for the work to bring us this option!
I have the EG4 18Kpv, aka luxpower 12kw. from the internals of the Fortress, looks like the same inverter. I am very happy with this inverter.
Very good review. I have a SolArk 12K with the same battery setup as you (4 eFlex batteries, Durarack case, and Guardian Gateway). I had too much trouble with the battery separator/holder pieces, so I omitted using them. They are such a tight fit, that with the rack door closed they aint going anywhere. Fortress customer service/support is awesome and the main reason anyone would spend the extra $. They walked me through the entire firmware upgrade and proper closed loop settings on the SolArk. The Guardian Gateway I find of limited use and was expensive, but figured I might as well go for broke at this point and have the full monty. I learned a lot about my system.
Its great to see these products developing, and even better that your experience and sharing with your 206k subs helps us better understand the value being offered while hopefully, giving the manufacturers insight on how they can improve
Next level review of a next level product. DIY is no joke. The amount of knowledge required to do it safely and correctly is daunting. Doing the work of professional installers is a lot of WORK! While it is challenging, it is also very rewarding. The money you can save is substantial, but truly understanding how it all works is priceless...for some folks. I would really like to know what mount you used. Those look really impressive!
Thanks Hobo! I always enjoy your videos and learning new things. Much appreciated👍
Wow! Great job Tom! What a fantastic system you have put together. Loved the video.
Looks like luxpower make. Most popular one is the eg4 18kpv.
Since this is Luxpower unit, that’s odd it would require phase matching for the ac input. Generators obviously wont do this, so it was likely an issue with the settings. I’ve hooked different inverters to my EG4 18kpv without that issue. Good video. Appreciate it.
Great and informative product review, Thanks!
What an incredible system, That is like it's own Sub Station, WTG Prof, You did well to stick it out get it all up and running, But If your in the mountains did the power company burn you when it came to getting the power to your Door or was the grid power not far from where you built ?? well done you should be proud of all your efforts,👍
Looks like a lux power / eg4 18kpv. Are there any differences in specs or just customized software?
Screen is in a different location. I'm sure there are other differences including software.
Warm today in the valley 113 this afternoon... we are in sun city.
You'd be hard press to find something in this price range this complete. I was looking at the EcoFlow solution, and man, that's like 3x the price of this for their whole kit. All 15 batteries 3 inverters and wall unit was like 55k. This seems to have greater power density, greater solar/wind input and can be installed outside for 16k. Nearly 4x as less.
Nice I would so review this. My house has 16kw, but yet I'm not off grid.
At 5:09 into the video after you said the system could output 120kw you cut have inserted a cut scene to National Lampoon Christmas Vacation when Chevy Chase plugged in his lights 🤣
wow this is actually crazy affordable 21.6 kWh
Define "crazy affordable". I'm hoping for
How long have you worked for Fortress?
Dig the review and set up info.
Hi Professor I was planning to install a full stack of Delia pro ultras (30kw) along with smart home panel 2 foot LED than this system costs-! Can you Tell me The Main difference between these 2 systems once installed? Thx!
"The Guardian" 😂😂 Nice Trek reference!!
Great intro sfx!
What happened to your endorsement of the EcoFlow Delta Pro Ultra? Is it still a product you would recommend?
Where did you purchase your solar panel mounts? Who manufactures those?
It was a local company that built them.
@@HOBOTECH I'm in Northern Arizona. Are you able to share the local company that built them?
Huge Question…
We need to provide lithium battery (LifePO4 chemistry) backup for our remote site radio repeaters.
The sites have AC utility power with propane fueled standby generators.
The issue ?
If we use a 12v 100ah battery to provide emergency power, how can we safely and effectively keep the battery charged/maintained without damage to the battery? Our old method of lead acid backup used a “battery tender”, but it’s not advised for lithium.
Any ideas?
Thanks!
All the commonly available 100 Ah, 12.8 V LiFePO4 batteries have built-in BMS. This means you can just hook the battery up to a power supply of around 14 Vdc and the battery will automatically stop charging when it is topped off. Alternatively, you can just hook it up to a battery tender. This works because you aren't dealing directly with the cells. The BMS protects against over charging and discharging.
Might want to be careful turning on the batteries before the battery breaker in the inverter. That’s a lot of in rush current.
HoboTech
Question
#1 EG4 6000 XP off grid unit thoughts
#2 EG4 Indoor 280 watts 48v battery with wire box
5 or 6 400what solar panels on the roof of many Off grid system Idea for my Cargo trailer
I recommend this unit over an EG4. If you insist on EG4, at least buy from my recommended reseller. You don't want to go with Signature Solar.
@@HOBOTECH I have not seen a lot of Bad review on Signature Solar
I guess it will come Down to Preference
I don’t see a lot about Fortress units
@@HOBOTECH Please Understand when I am Done Custom Building this Cargo Trailer if I am on a Job only the AC or Diesel Heater will be working while I am working
I have a Honda EB2800I that powers tolls Ann Heating if Needed
I Do live in Nebraska and have access to 4000 and 6500 Oman’s since it is my Company
@@HOBOTECH I did buy the Solar Panels Already 10 X 400 watt Bifocal Panels
Most Days my guys bring the small 12ft try with 4000 Onan on them
2 Line Trucks have 6500 Onan
I just Tried of Motels and going to stay in this new 24 cargo starting 2025
Also the system on your site cost more the the Trailer
Outstanding review thank you very much
If this System has a way to Recharge it by a Propane Generator, it’s Something I would look in. We only have the Sun here 4 months a Year Maximum.
Yes, it can charge with any kind of fuel generator.
Looks like you need a battery bank that holds 8 months worth of power
Regular price $6600
Sale price $5200
Hobotech price… didn’t look it up.
It does seem like a solid unit.
How would you compare it with a Sol-Ark 12k ?
I have two electrical panels. Would I need to use two separate inverters?
No
Why does the linked website say, "3 Year Warranty"?
Because the rack is 3 years. Check the site the inverter and batteries are 10 years.
EDIT: they are updating the website
Looks exactly like the EG4 inverter.
EG4 has the screen in the middle. I'm sure there are other differences.
Do you have a link for your panel mounting system?
Its custom built by a local company
@@HOBOTECH where is local?
these products keep getting more and more nuts. how are you going to recharge this stuff using solar panels? it'll take days to recharge
It takes about 2 hours for me.
Looks like you need to have a 4 year degree to operate this damn thing!!
😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
Their website shows a 3 year warranty 😱. Good prices though.
That's the warranty on the rack. The Inverter and batteries are 10 years. It's on their site.
EDIT: They are updating the site
😮😮😮😊😊😊😊😊😊
looos like a private label DEYE
LOL… $16,000 USD? NO WONDER you didn't mention the price. I wouldn't either.
Uhm. Thats a luxpower inverter. 🤔
That’s what I was thinking after hearing the specs
Wifi a huge mistake…
Then don't install the wifi module.
The door knocker’s wanting have you upgrade to solar do not want to talk about battery’s 🔋 🪫 and with the price of panels dropping they’re not ready for you to say anything about this.
That’s because batteries are typically AC coupled and that adds a lot of cost to typical grid tied solar systems.
The setups shown on videos like this are DC coupled and that helps save thousands of dollars. But unless you’ve got a reputable installer willing to setup such a system then you’re going to have to learn to do these kinds of things yourself.