As a prospective buyer who has been getting nothing but runaround from Generacs "partner" installers locally throughout 2021 and 2022, I'm glad I didn't end up installing their system in 2022. Thanks for sharing the information you have regarding their system as it is today.
I have not installed Generac inverters and was going to give it a try. When I looked at the snap rapid shutdown I thought it looked a little frail. This presentation has really saved me many service calls. Thank you great presentation.
Thank you for that. I have solar but no battery backup, live in Texas, and can't trust ERCOT as far as we can throw them. I was *seriously* considering a PWRCell, but after hearing what Joe had to say, I specifically wondered if there was an issue for Texas specifically (what with our heat), so I'm glad to know that.
Changing parts - just the Snap RS, or some other components as well? A Generac rep I talked to today told me they've come out with a couple revisions on the Snap RS and haven't had any failures with the current one. So maybe they've resolved that issue.
@1:45 Just to be clear, the Generac PWRcell is a DC coupled battery, which is way more efficient than a AC coupled system. So I am not sure why would you compared it to AC coupled systems. Also, I believe the SnapRS have been recalled. Are the new ones having issues too? You can add a second battery cabinet which will provide up to 36kWh of energy storage. That will bring the continuous power to 11kW in Islanding mode. Plus you can add additional inverters if more than 7.6kW while grid tied (9kw with one battery cabinet/11kW with two) are needed. So basically the same approach as with Tesla Powerwall. You need more power, you add more batteries and string inverters. The only real advantage of the Powerwall is than all is intergrated in a more compact and elegant package that occupies way less space. On the other hand, last time I checked locally, Tesla was way more expensive.
I wasn't aware of the snap RS issues but I too stopped selling the Generac ESS due to the rapid degradation of the batteries as they use NMC batteries, which are a really bad idea for battery storage as the cycle life is only: 1500-2000 cycles. LFP is a far better choice as they offer: 6000-10,000 cycles and are less expensive. Yes, LFP is slightly larger and lighter but, that's fine for energy storage, leave the NMC and NMCA cells to vehicles that need higher energy density and lighter weight.
As a Generac Pwrcell owner my biggest beef with it is upgrading cost. The basic 3 cell 9kw install was nearly useless. Want to fill your cabinet? Each 3kw battery cost about $2000. So that is $6000. Want to add another full battery cabinet? The cabinet alone cost $3000, add 6 batteries at $2000 each. The $3000 cabinet plus $12000 in batteries is $15000 add installation cost. What is someone going to charge you to install a $15000 battery cabinet with batteries? Probably more than it should be for the 90 minutes it takes. Big underperformer for the cost, especially considering better performing cheaper options.
I have been deciding on various solar/ battery/ generator systems and I also came to the conclusion that the Generac system just has too many issues. I have heard of errors occurring that require you to call in to Generac to clear codes to get the system reset/operating again and a number of other issues that seem to point to poor design decisions. My initial draw to Generac was the hope that their system would be more tightly coupled with their propane generators. Being able to recharge the batteries with propane during prolonged outages and winter storms is a must for me, but it looks like enphase can handle it just as well. Plus, enphase has a more mature solar line of products that have been tried and tested in the field. And I didn't even consider the battery limitations or know about the failures you outlined. Thanks for the info and transparency. It helps me and others make an informed decision before committing to a huge investment.
I was sort of turned off given that their PwrGenerator solution was such a bad value. It's only benefit would be that, depending on the existing setup, it might be easier to install )(provided that you have an available DC input on your setup). The problem for me was the cost of the generator for the output that you got. It's a 9kW generator that costs over $6000 most places. On top of that, its useable output would be limited by the inverter. That coupled with the limits on the internal transfer switch means that it could basically never provide whole home backup. If you want to integrate a Generac Guardian or something like that for whole home backup, you're supposed to run a frankenstein setup with 2 sequential automatic transfer switches. At this point, many system have support for generators and there are many systems out there that are as integrated if not more integrated than Generac.
Generac didn't even develop the PWRcell, which is just rebranded Pika Energy Island equipment that they got in the Pika Energy acquisition. All they did was change the housing color and other cosmetic faff.
I got into the search for solar backup because my Generac natural gas home generator didn't work half the time. I had a maintenance contract with a major authorized Generac maintenance provider. Because Generac's primary market segment is commercial, residential customers are at the back of the list. My 10 years with Generac was poor. I'm sorry to hear that their battery products and service are weak.
That's disappointing. Solar is way too expensive and just doesn't provide enough backup under tough conditions. I was thinking about going gas generator, but it seems that's not a good idea either.
I think you can go up to 36kwh on the PWRcell if you add (2) to one inverter on the DC side. Still limited to 7.6kw grid tied, but I think it's over 10kw backup with an ATS.
Thank you Joe. I am going to select FranklinWH as my battery storage solution. However, I am considering adding a Generac Guardian 26kw. Now I have given a second thought about buying a Generac generator.
Great info Joe. The NEC rapid shutdown requirement (basically per panel) is really a huge hassle, and ripe to cause more reliability problems like these. Basically causing the safety and fire concerns it was supposed to address. It also almost forces optimizers or microinverters to be used which provide this function natively, versus adding the shutdown devices. But anytime you are putting any sort of electronics on a hot roof the reliability goes down - and you've doubled the number of electrical connections to go bad or overheat. String inverters get a bad rap, but with multiple MPPT channels and shade mitigation, a much less failure prone approach - especially if the inverter can be installed in a temperature controlled environment. And if it does fail at some point, very easy to swap out this ground level component. I know rapid shutdown is not required for fixed mount and non-residential applications. They really need to revisit this - especially due to the device failures you highlighted.
@@SolarSurge I agree Joe. SolarEdge optimizers and inverters fail at a pretty good rate, whereas enphase have come along way. They also fail, but take longer, and don't have a safety issue like the SnapRS devices here. A name brand string inverter is still lower cost over the long haul, considering the initial premium for enphase. But of course the string inverter approach is without panel level monitoring or rapid shutdown - without extra components.
Yup was a big Enphase fan but their storage is just too crappy and expensive. It was easy to sell microinverters because customers didn't have to live with a large string inverter on their garage wall, but Enphase's IQ Combiners made that point moot. I switched over to APsystem, am very pleased. Never liked Generac. Thanks for the video @SolarSurge!
@@sitechca70 Agree about enphase storage being overpriced per kWh. Also not the best surge rating given their approach to use microinverters in the battery itself - which also makes it needlessly expensive. Their app and integration with their own stuff does work well and is generally seemless, but at a premium - and not really any customer value besides ease of use.
We bought a generac system in 2021 it did not get installed until 2022. It's been a regrettable experience ever since. The most frustrating thing is that the batteries backup does not work below 40° Fahrenheit. So when winter storms takes out the power, it's just like having no battery backup. We had asked the installer to install the battery in our garage but they installed it outside so it is usually not useful when our power is out because it also stops working at 105° despite what they say . This past summer half of the strings are out because of the snap connections it took four and a half weeks to get someone to come out and now we will wait probably another month before they get parts.
Well, I'm screwed - installed the Generac system around two years ago, the company that installed it no longer exists, and I can't get local service. Now the battery backup system isn't working.
I have a PowerHome (Pink Energy) 12.5 kW installation on my home. Been operating at reduced capacity since June 2022 due to SnapRS failures. No relief from the now bankrupt installer but allegedly have a pending repair visit from a Generac supplied contractor on Feb 3rd. Have been underwhelmed with the Generac PWRCell performance as well.
Too bad I have an entire PWRCELL system installed recommended by you! Snap RSS was just the beginning of my issues. Various sub-components continue failing including the BMU. I had no idea I was limited to 7600 watts on the inverter! So, what do PWRCELL system owners do now with a system you've essentially pointed out as limited and doomed to Snap RSS Failure?
Hi Michael, thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m afraid at this point, we just have to press the installer and Generac to make a necessary repairs. Since this video published, I was contacted by Generac and they informed me that not only have they replaced the defective connectors, but that they will be reimbursing the installers for their cost to make the repairs.
I live in Florida and have minor brown outs that last 1-5 minutes even in the winter. I am not interested in solar, but curious if anyone out there uses something like the Franklin WH batter with their UPP to provide instant cut over just to deal with intermittent outages. I have a gas generator for longer times during say hurricanes, but those do not happen that often where I am in Tampa.
You should point out that SPAN only is compatible with Tesla Powerwall and SolarEdge Energy Hubs for battery backup and only AC coupled solar. Even though you are not recommending Generac PwrCell, what are your thoughts on their PwrManager? Since the SPAN won't work with my system, I need an alternative for power management.
@@SquireJethro I prefer DC coupled systems myself. I have been hearing that the world is going AC coupled for years. Hasn't happened yet. If you have good arguments for DC coupled demise I would very much like to hear them.
Joe, we have a SPAN as our primary panel. It was a retrofit and some circuit wires are not so pretty but all things considered a very clean install. AND the stats from the panel as well as the load configuration control is pretty amazing. Would do it again in a heart beat. Your discussion on single inverters as point of failure is timely since we almost went that way but rather chose IQ7 micro on REC panels. Couldn't be happier. Great video and so informative for prospective customers. Well done Sir.
Doing my own systems including some Missouri wind and solar pmg windmills, I knew what you were going to say about it before you said it. Unlike AC current that turns on and off all the time, running high voltage DC and even low voltage, the laboratory of Frankenstein's creator in your own room. Opening the 20 amp wall switch to stop the power flow, the blue illuminator light comes on. I was surprised because I didn't even know it had an illuminator, because it doesn't. Having all the equipment short of the batteries I don't think I will ever be able to buy because of the cost, I did what you're not supposed to do connecting the heating element straight to the windmill. Having four twin 1000 watt turbines rated 48 volts,. An oven heating element and the windmills wired in serious rather than parallel don't you know it worked. And then the windstorm came. Turns out 48 v could be over 100. The warm red glow became frighteningly white hot. Frankenstein would've been proud. So far I haven't burned the house down. Old-fashioned throw switches such as one on a built-in air compressor at the shop. Relay switches with lots of poles the circuit has to go through creating the distance to stop the spark. I haven't been shocked by it yet. AC will throw you across the room. DC potentially won't let go, holding you from escape.
I've got the Q-cells with Enphase micro inverters, Tesla gateway and two powerwalls. Do my panels have a simliar SnapRS feature or is this only Generac?
Morning Joe. I have a friend looking for a whole house solar system, in Virginia . They have slow dsl internet , so a video call is not an option. I did a google search and the phone number coming up for your company , the recording says the number is disconnected ? Your home page offers no phone number only options? any suggestions? thank s in advance.
Hi Joe, very informative video. I know zero about whole home solar systems, but I'd like to invest in that and potentially get off the power grid. I live in East Tennessee, I heard you say that you're in Virginia. Can you recommend someone in the Knoxville, TN area that would be a good company to work with?
Joe, I wondering what your thoughts are on the Generac DC coupled generator? Generac has a backlog on delivery on those units. Do you think they will ever deliver? What do you think is happening over there at Generac getting those generators out?
I would recommend just to keep a close eye on the system. The installer should honor its warranty. Generac has promised to reimburse installers for labor and travel. Costs related to defective Generac components.
Thanks for your very informative programming Joe. I know that generac backup propane, natural gas and I think diesel generators have been around for many years. Can I use a Generac backup generator as part of my whole home backup system with solar, wind and LFP batteries, initially with grid integration but ultimately in an off-grid application using Solark's or another's inverters and batteries ? Or, do I need another's natural gas/propane/diesel generator? And if so, whose? Coincidentally I live in a rural setting on a large acreage/hobby-farm in the Northwestern prairies of Canada, where -40°C to -45°C are normal winter temperatures. I'll need a system that powers a large house with well pumps and a large workshop with high 240 volt loads, welders, air compressor and other equipment. No AC necessary but a whole house air exchanger which regularly filters smoke from regional forest fires. Some daily loads can exceed 50 or 60 kWhs. Your insight will help me guage local contractors recommendations. Thanks in advance for your recommendations.
There is an open class action lawsuit: www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221202005481/en/GENERAC-ALERT-Bragar-Eagel-Squire-P.C.-Announces-that-a-Class-Action-Lawsuit-Has-Been-Filed-Against-Generac-Holdings-Inc.-and-Encourages-Investors-to-Contact-the-Firm
I had 1 out of 5 of my snaprs 801 modules fail which caused my system to run at about 80% capacity for almost two months while I waited for my installer to get new snapRS802 modules from generac. They did come out and replace all of the snapRS modules with the new model which I hope work better but I can see why this is a problem. Something else that I want to mention about Generac is the SMM modules to lock out loads aren't the best. My parents got a generac system in July and the SMM's still don't work. The installer has been out 4 or 5 times and even brought a Generac tech out once and they can't figure out why they won't work on my parents system. There best guess is because the SMM's are about 120' from the Inverter. Our local installer has been really good about trying to fix it and still hasn't billed the final payment because the system doesn't fully work and they are coming out in February and replacing the 4 SMM's with a Generac PWRmanager module which they hope will solve the problem. Just wanted to provide some other feedback on Generac systems. Overall they have supported the systems and done what they can to make it right but defiantly needs some work on the design side.
The Generac PWRcell devices have been redone and work perfectly. The PWRcell no can have the 'mode' chosen via the APP on my iPhone. It works marvelously. I would suggest you do some 'updated' and less biased research on the Generac System. Generac is one of the largest and oldest manufacturer of Generators,
One reason I can't justify going to solar and storage is the capacity. 24 kWh may sound like a lot, but if the power goes out in the middle of winter, that's only 8 hours just for 2 x 1.5 kW single room space heaters. That's not even counting lights, fridge, microwave... On top of that, a total investment of $20k - $30k or more. It's really hard to justify.
Good point about SPAN's limited interoperability with major vendors. Joe you should be transparent about this if you're accepting SPAN's sponsorship money. I wanted to use SPAN with my Enphase installation but to date there is no committed timeframe for Enphase support. They had been targeting end of June 2022 but that came and went. My installer, who is a big SPAN proponent, said SPAN more or less stopped discussing the topic with them.
They keep moving the goalposts. Was late 2022 after they missed initial targets. Now it's Q2 2023. I am beginning to think true Enphase integration may be dependent on Enphase's new 5P battery which has had a similar moving target when it comes to availability and is said to have a setup that's more conducive to such interoperability. Perhaps we'll never see full integration with SPAN and Enphase's current equipment. That said, according to some sources, at RE+2022, SPAN announced that their Smart Panels will now be compatible with all AC-coupled battery solutions, including the Enphase IQ Battery. However, their website and other customer-facing information, including sales and support staff, have yet to reflect this, or exactly what it means. I suppose it may mean, simply, that they can work in the same installation although they may not communicate with each other. Also, Joe @solarsurge , FYI: support.google.com/youtube/answer/3364658?hl=en . IDK if you're monetizing your videos, because I pay not to see ads, but I'm guessing you do, especially considering you're starting to do shorts and TH-cam is going to start allowing you to monetize them soon. Also, your videos such as this one seem to fit the minimal requirements for monetizing. Anyhow, I very much dislike such sponsored ads and hope you will consider dropping the practice. IMO they're distracting and hurt your credibility. It's also especially poor form, IMO, when an embedded endorsement sponsorship allows your video to cross the threshold for monetizing. Not that this one did, it crossed the time threshold by approximately 16 seconds without the endorsement, but it's near enough that it's still troubling. It almost feels as if the intent of the video had little to nothing to do with providing information relative to its title. This video itself also gives a good example of why it may not be a good practice. Imagine if SPAN panels started burning up people's homes and you had sponsored videos with content embedded in them. You'd then have to leave those up, or pull and/or edit them all. That sounds like a PITA and might hurt income (and credibility) more than the sponsorship itself ever helped. In any case, you should probably consider what'd happen to your channel if loads of viewers decided to report your content with such embedded sponsorships for TOS violations and if subscribers decided to unsubscribe. I'm just 1 of your subscribers, and little value alone, but if I continue to see such embedded sponsorships I will be reconsidering that choice. If it comes to that I might be the only one, but if you see a sharp drop in total subscriber numbers I might not be.
I have a Span with my solar panel system that uses Enphase microinverters. I don't have back up batteries yet. It's great for monitoring. I'm looking forward to getting a storage system after my remodel is complete. I won't need a critical load panel. That is my main reason for getting a Span panel since I needed a new panel as part of the remodel. Span is a panel with monitoring and the ability to turn off circuits remotely. That should be of no concern to Enphase once the power is sent to to the panel before being used in the house. The panel processes power from solar panels or the grid. I'm just going to add another source, my future storage device, probably a Enphase. The Span panel will allow me to make different choices about the size storage I'll need with no critical load panel required for daily or emergency use. To the Span panel, it's all the same.
@Zina J currently you would need an Enphase critical loads panel though, right? I mean, maybe it wouldn't be entirely useful but required per Enphase. I think a lot of people, myself included, are hoping for communication between the two systems allowing the SPAN Panel to receive information from the Enphase battery so that load (and possibly PV) shedding could be managed by the two systems working together in an automated fashion. This is the functionality that was supposed to come by now, and would really leverage the two systems' strengths. Without the two systems communicating then each could operate independently, but then you'd be required to have an Enphase load controller (on more than 1 depending on the setup), which is less than ideal. Likely this will all be resolved by the time you integrate storage to your solution, but for now it's a sorce of frustration for many others.
@@ThomMurphy - Hmmm, maybe the good people at Enphase are staring at this too hard. It doesn't have to be complicated. Enphase has nothing to do with what's on inside the house. The panel is the gateway to any power going to any circuit in the house. The Span panel lets the user decide what to turn on and what not to turn on. They could even do that manually if the internet is down (actually flipping on and off the circuit breakers) as long as they know the power demand of what they're planning to use and they have enough power on hand. This keeps Enphase from having to install a critical load panel. They just have to report how much power is being produced, how much is being used, how much should be available AND keep power from going out to the grid. The Span panel sends nothing to the grid. It's all power in, zero power out. Enphase's stuff goes both ways, to the panel/house and to the grid unless Enphase does its microgrid move and makes electricity only circle inside the house then...go nowhere because there's no "tone" from the internet to enable it to send to the grid. It's really simple or I'm really simple. Raghu Belur at Enphase should look into this.
All valid points about our integration capability with Enphase. We're actively working on a product update to integrate Enphase with SPAN Panel and are targeting release in Q2 of this year. We appreciate the patience while we get this rollout ready for release. It's something we're excited to launch, and we're making sure it's ready for wide release before we introduce it into the market.
Here you go www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221202005481/en/GENERAC-ALERT-Bragar-Eagel-Squire-P.C.-Announces-that-a-Class-Action-Lawsuit-Has-Been-Filed-Against-Generac-Holdings-Inc.-and-Encourages-Investors-to-Contact-the-Firm
I am concerned about you being sponsored by Span I/O. I have already read several reviews telling about these systems causing fires due to them primarily being used on motor homes and the size of the internal components are not of sufficient gauge to keep them from overheating. Are you aware of this issue and has Span I/O fixed their problem?
This is the first I’m hearing about it. I don’t see this product being targeted towards mobile homes. We are seeing this mostly in higher end. New construction homes.
Has anyone heard of sodium ion batteries? Maybe Joe has since he is in the industry. I am hearing they will be good for up to 30K cycles. Can’t buy them yet to my knowledge though
I did like that they had a display on the system itself incase the power and internet went out you could still see you state of charge. Joe does the Enphase system offer an add on that allows you to see the batteries’ state of charge if the internet is down also? As always thank you for the get Videos and Info.
Wasn’t impressed with my home generac generator - they seemed to design and focus on CHEAP. When this system came out I thought maybe they had changed corporate focus but still suspect. Looks like they still focus on cheap instead of quality engineering and manufacturing.
They didn't want to help customers and spend money on it, so they got rid of the liability by closing the shop and opened another company with 0 liabilities. Installers obviously didn't know the product, they had no previous experience with it, but still pushed it to customers. Manufacturer made money, installers made money, customers got screwed. How come ?
Frustrating. Saw your videos saying how much better pwrcell was than the other systems. 🤷♂️. So we did a two cabinet Pwrcell. LG panels. Are these connectors standard with the solar pwrcell even if you hav e different panels ? They haven’t updated these ? Just had ours installed last november.
Yes, that is correct. It also means that you can mix and match battery back up and solar inverters rather than having to keep everything under the same manufacturer.
"Bad sound makes good sound look bad." It sounds like you mistakenly (I hope) mixed your body mike with your camera microphone so we hear the awful room acoustics reflected sound along with your voice. You should get a head mike set so you can get the element close to your mouth. There are wireless ones with a tiny boom at the side of your cheek.
I have a pink energy system and I need help! Is there a replacement from another manufacturer to replace my Generac RS Snap links? Nobody around seems to want to touch our system with a 10 foot pole. I’m 64 and don’t want to get up on the roof myself but I will if I could find the right parts to fix my 60k dollar system that hasn’t worked for over a year now. And still paying for. I don’t care who is at fault I want my system fixed. Power home solar/pink told me that I would void the warranty if I hired it out. Thats funny you mean the 25 year warranty that you pink energy are not standing behind? That warranty? Haha
I have one of their 22kw whole house generators installed 2 years ago and have had nothing but problems with it as well. Had 3 short blackouts and it was not ready for any of them, with failures happening on each one. Complete pos.
Well sadly to hear your disappointment, Joe. You are or better yet your are a company me as a owner with the experience that went true with my system in Puerto Rico with a Product that never got to the market time enough to evaluate and I never seen many product of them out there and I specifically refer the Powerwall Fist generation I did an investment of 2 and in Fiona after Maria the system also let me down, in Fiona it came to an END. Maybe one or both are bad and I call customer service and they don't event know what Im talking about. I have own two Power generator and every time I call them customer help its not their signature so I was waitting on that here in Puerto Rico as well so EnPhase needs to keep getting better as well TESLA
I will never understand why simplifying for laymen means providing misinformation. With any system, AC or DC coupled, the power has to come from an inverter. Both panels and batteries are DC devices, and the house runs on AC. With an AC coupled system, power from the batteries requires an inverter and so does the power from the panels. It's just that you have 2 inverters. And sometimes, the battery inverter is built into the battery cabinet. But AC coupled doesn't let you eliminate an inverter as a point of failure. If the panel inverter fails, you will no longer be able to use your solar and charge your battery. You can run off the battery thru the battery inverter for a breif time, but it won't be long enough to get a replacement for your solar panel inverter. With DC coupled, when the single inverter goes out, you can't run off of solar OR battery immediately... BUT your solar panels can still charge up your battery and you can then use that power when the inverter is fixed. You aren't any worse off, it's just a question of if you can use a battery's worth of power before or after the inverter is fixed. I keep hearing over and over again from solar people verbiage that sounds like a battery can run your house without an inverter, and that's a lie. The only way to get AC power for your house from either a battery or a solar panel which makes DC is with an inverter. yes having one inverter means that a single device failing takes down your whole system, but having two inverters means you have twice as many inverters fail on you, and either of them failing will impact your system. Micro inverters are definitely the best way to do AC coupled because several can fail and you can still generate most of the power that you are used to. But it is less energy efficient than a DC coupled system, and it typically is more expensive to install. I would recommend that people who don’t stay up late and rarely use energy for air conditioning at night do AC with micro inverters. But people like me, living in a hot climate, staying up late, running the Air conditioner all night, we are very dependent on that stored energy in the battery. especially now that California is on NEM 3.0 and we get bupkis for selling our power back to PG&E. The real issue with the Generac system is, as he points out, the low power output from the inverter, coupled with the fact that Generac does not allow you to install multiple inverters to increase the power output. Even if you add more battery cabinets, you can still only use one inverter. that is a severe handicap to the Generac system. and I suspect the reason it is like this is Generac is hoping to sell you a generator as well. They don’t really want to do whole home battery back up, they want you to also have a generator that cost $20,000.
Yes, the class action lawsuit ongoing. You can read more about it here: www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221202005481/en/GENERAC-ALERT-Bragar-Eagel-Squire-P.C.-Announces-that-a-Class-Action-Lawsuit-Has-Been-Filed-Against-Generac-Holdings-Inc.-and-Encourages-Investors-to-Contact-the-Firm
Willing to wager that Generac pays a pittance to the installer for replacing the defective parts. This could explain why pink energy was refusing to replace the parts and wanted customers to contact Generac for repairs.
Yeah it’s tough. Even if they were to pay $500 per repair, that still would not be profitable for the contractor I would rather have his technicians out installing new systems
I have had Generac for years now. The snaps give a lot of trouble. Now, I can't find techs since the NC company went out of business. I would not buy from this company again.
Solarsurge is on the opposite side of the home solar systems from people like DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse and is much more expensive....like almost 4 times more.
Don't be backing up PE/PHS that companys beyond trap and wasn't just Generac fault, none of our snaps were replaced by PE. They were poorly run and installed!
WOW!!!! $800 to roll a truck!!! This must be a Union contractor (requires TWO tech and a half day to change a light bulb!?!?!?) Single tech and a two hour visit in the City would cover most service calls in a well managed service company. Especially on a simple call like this one. Making every call a half day call is a typical Union service plan so the office does not have to drive a service team. Techs can take two calls a day and go home!!! Not a company I would do business with. Also if this is a Warranty call on one of your systems why are you billing for the call? do you only warranty the parts but NOT the labor? I had a lot of respect for the information in your past videos but this has opened some concerning windows!!! I like the honesty but it sounds now like you are a GC business that Hires subcontractors to install systems (hence the parts only warranty after the first year. You get 10% to 30 % of every call so the customer is not really getting any warranty because of the inflated half day labor. That means you get a market rate of $100 per hour per tech (not even a journeyman and Apprentice) so that an $800 warranty call just feeds you and the subcontractor and the homeowner is screwed with no real price protection or warranty. Now you recommended, installed and "Warranty" the system and then make a fortune on pull through warranty work. This is the corrupt solar business model that I have seen pop up in wave after wave of progress in the solar business. Lots of half truths to crack the homeowner's wallet open for a double mark up (GC AND Subcontractor) and the failed business model for the customer. GC changes contractors often and contractors hire "CHEAP" labor with lots of over turn to keep the double dipping profits high. I really hope this "NORMAL" business practice is not what Solar Surge is all about.
Getting up on the Roof and Removing multiple solar panels on multiple rows replacing component(s) and possibly wire… equals a half day not just changing a light bulb.
Fed up with my system. It's not a whole home solution and it's very unreliable. SNAP RS's failed constantly and took our solar system down for months. Whole system sucks.
True. Generac reached out to me after this video published and it looks like they will be coming on the channel to discuss what they're doing to address these problems.
@@SolarSurgeThat’s good to hear. They just bought Ecobee and are being promoted on the Enphase website as a generator compatible with recharging Enphase batteries. I’d rather see them succeed than flop.
Sad to say, I pay extra to have TH-cam commercial free. I stopped watched as soon as he started his talking about a sponsor. Too bad was really interested until then.
If you were ever promoting Generac as a solid solar solution or storage solution you, yourself should lose credibility. They bought their battery technology by acquiring a substandard battery manufacturer(Pika). And everyone knew this from the start. Please don't promote things that are untested or substandard because they typically turn out to be dangerous.
Poorly built .... computer will kill battery, generally not worth the money. Your much better off spending the money on solar . I spent $10, 000.00 on the eco model 15 kw. Very disappointed.
From a person who lives off grid I can tell you all that Joe is one of the most knowledgeable on YT.
As a prospective buyer who has been getting nothing but runaround from Generacs "partner" installers locally throughout 2021 and 2022, I'm glad I didn't end up installing their system in 2022. Thanks for sharing the information you have regarding their system as it is today.
I have not installed Generac inverters and was going to give it a try. When I looked at the snap rapid shutdown I thought it looked a little frail. This presentation has really saved me many service calls. Thank you great presentation.
My solar company changed the snaps about 8 months ago. They said it was a recall from Generac.
You are spot on with all.
It’s nice that people actually are open about Generac.
Thank you Joe.
I used to work for Powerhome Solar in Texas and our service team was definitely changing out parts constantly for the PwrCell equipment
Thank you for that. I have solar but no battery backup, live in Texas, and can't trust ERCOT as far as we can throw them. I was *seriously* considering a PWRCell, but after hearing what Joe had to say, I specifically wondered if there was an issue for Texas specifically (what with our heat), so I'm glad to know that.
Changing parts - just the Snap RS, or some other components as well?
A Generac rep I talked to today told me they've come out with a couple revisions on the Snap RS and haven't had any failures with the current one. So maybe they've resolved that issue.
@@I_report_scammers_spammersLook at Enphase or Franklin like mentioned in video
Generac resolve the issue and a no cost for the customer and or the dealer representative.
@@lemoidzepol5671 ok...and have those repairs gone through an entire Texas summer?
@1:45 Just to be clear, the Generac PWRcell is a DC coupled battery, which is way more efficient than a AC coupled system. So I am not sure why would you compared it to AC coupled systems.
Also, I believe the SnapRS have been recalled. Are the new ones having issues too?
You can add a second battery cabinet which will provide up to 36kWh of energy storage. That will bring the continuous power to 11kW in Islanding mode. Plus you can add additional inverters if more than 7.6kW while grid tied (9kw with one battery cabinet/11kW with two) are needed. So basically the same approach as with Tesla Powerwall. You need more power, you add more batteries and string inverters. The only real advantage of the Powerwall is than all is intergrated in a more compact and elegant package that occupies way less space. On the other hand, last time I checked locally, Tesla was way more expensive.
Thank You Everybody for All that you are doing for our Planet Earth.. Peace Shalom Salam Namaste 🙏🏻 😊 🌈 ✌ ☮ ❤ 🕊
The most honest guy in the biz . Bo knows football and baseball, Joe Knows solar and storage.
I’m sticking with Storz Power and HomeGrid whole home systems. Much more diverse and capable systems. Keep up the great work!
I wasn't aware of the snap RS issues but I too stopped selling the Generac ESS due to the rapid degradation of the batteries as they use NMC batteries, which are a really bad idea for battery storage as the cycle life is only: 1500-2000 cycles. LFP is a far better choice as they offer: 6000-10,000 cycles and are less expensive. Yes, LFP is slightly larger and lighter but, that's fine for energy storage, leave the NMC and NMCA cells to vehicles that need higher energy density and lighter weight.
I agree, LFP is the way to go stationary home backup batteries.
As a Generac Pwrcell owner my biggest beef with it is upgrading cost. The basic 3 cell 9kw install was nearly useless. Want to fill your cabinet? Each 3kw battery cost about $2000. So that is $6000. Want to add another full battery cabinet? The cabinet alone cost $3000, add 6 batteries at $2000 each. The $3000 cabinet plus $12000 in batteries is $15000 add installation cost. What is someone going to charge you to install a $15000 battery cabinet with batteries? Probably more than it should be for the 90 minutes it takes.
Big underperformer for the cost, especially considering better performing cheaper options.
Thank you for the work on video. Just starting to learn about solar power.
I have been deciding on various solar/ battery/ generator systems and I also came to the conclusion that the Generac system just has too many issues. I have heard of errors occurring that require you to call in to Generac to clear codes to get the system reset/operating again and a number of other issues that seem to point to poor design decisions. My initial draw to Generac was the hope that their system would be more tightly coupled with their propane generators. Being able to recharge the batteries with propane during prolonged outages and winter storms is a must for me, but it looks like enphase can handle it just as well. Plus, enphase has a more mature solar line of products that have been tried and tested in the field.
And I didn't even consider the battery limitations or know about the failures you outlined. Thanks for the info and transparency. It helps me and others make an informed decision before committing to a huge investment.
I was sort of turned off given that their PwrGenerator solution was such a bad value. It's only benefit would be that, depending on the existing setup, it might be easier to install )(provided that you have an available DC input on your setup). The problem for me was the cost of the generator for the output that you got. It's a 9kW generator that costs over $6000 most places. On top of that, its useable output would be limited by the inverter. That coupled with the limits on the internal transfer switch means that it could basically never provide whole home backup.
If you want to integrate a Generac Guardian or something like that for whole home backup, you're supposed to run a frankenstein setup with 2 sequential automatic transfer switches. At this point, many system have support for generators and there are many systems out there that are as integrated if not more integrated than Generac.
Generac didn't even develop the PWRcell, which is just rebranded Pika Energy Island equipment that they got in the Pika Energy acquisition. All they did was change the housing color and other cosmetic faff.
I got into the search for solar backup because my Generac natural gas home generator didn't work half the time. I had a maintenance contract with a major authorized Generac maintenance provider. Because Generac's primary market segment is commercial, residential customers are at the back of the list. My 10 years with Generac was poor. I'm sorry to hear that their battery products and service are weak.
That's disappointing. Solar is way too expensive and just doesn't provide enough backup under tough conditions. I was thinking about going gas generator, but it seems that's not a good idea either.
I think you can go up to 36kwh on the PWRcell if you add (2) to one inverter on the DC side. Still limited to 7.6kw grid tied, but I think it's over 10kw backup with an ATS.
Thank you Joe. I am going to select FranklinWH as my battery storage solution. However, I am considering adding a Generac Guardian 26kw. Now I have given a second thought about buying a Generac generator.
Look at Cummins, I have there 20kw air cooled model and love it. It’s small and relatively quiet when operating
Great info Joe. The NEC rapid shutdown requirement (basically per panel) is really a huge hassle, and ripe to cause more reliability problems like these. Basically causing the safety and fire concerns it was supposed to address. It also almost forces optimizers or microinverters to be used which provide this function natively, versus adding the shutdown devices. But anytime you are putting any sort of electronics on a hot roof the reliability goes down - and you've doubled the number of electrical connections to go bad or overheat.
String inverters get a bad rap, but with multiple MPPT channels and shade mitigation, a much less failure prone approach - especially if the inverter can be installed in a temperature controlled environment. And if it does fail at some point, very easy to swap out this ground level component.
I know rapid shutdown is not required for fixed mount and non-residential applications. They really need to revisit this - especially due to the device failures you highlighted.
Considering all that you’ve said, in my experience, I have found Enphase micro inverters to be the most reliable solution overall
@@SolarSurge I agree Joe. SolarEdge optimizers and inverters fail at a pretty good rate, whereas enphase have come along way. They also fail, but take longer, and don't have a safety issue like the SnapRS devices here. A name brand string inverter is still lower cost over the long haul, considering the initial premium for enphase. But of course the string inverter approach is without panel level monitoring or rapid shutdown - without extra components.
Yup was a big Enphase fan but their storage is just too crappy and expensive. It was easy to sell microinverters because customers didn't have to live with a large string inverter on their garage wall, but Enphase's IQ Combiners made that point moot. I switched over to APsystem, am very pleased. Never liked Generac. Thanks for the video @SolarSurge!
@@sitechca70 Agree about enphase storage being overpriced per kWh. Also not the best surge rating given their approach to use microinverters in the battery itself - which also makes it needlessly expensive. Their app and integration with their own stuff does work well and is generally seemless, but at a premium - and not really any customer value besides ease of use.
@@billjohnson3344 I kinda look at Enphase storage product and ask myself "what were you thinking?"
We bought a generac system in 2021 it did not get installed until 2022. It's been a regrettable experience ever since. The most frustrating thing is that the batteries backup does not work below 40° Fahrenheit. So when winter storms takes out the power, it's just like having no battery backup. We had asked the installer to install the battery in our garage but they installed it outside so it is usually not useful when our power is out because it also stops working at 105° despite what they say . This past summer half of the strings are out because of the snap connections it took four and a half weeks to get someone to come out and now we will wait probably another month before they get parts.
Great information and transparency, Thank you Joe!
How many Franklin batteries would it take to match two Tesla batteries and how much would that cost?
In terms of storage capacity, the Franklin and Tesla are pretty much equal. Franklin has a 10% advantage in surge power.
Well, I'm screwed - installed the Generac system around two years ago, the company that installed it no longer exists, and I can't get local service. Now the battery backup system isn't working.
Thank goodness. I went with Tesla Powerwall.
thanks
Have a customer that contacted me for a back up solar power system and north east Florida. I was wondering if somebody could recommend someone.
I have had to change so many RS snaps and PC boards it's insane. Multiple visits to single job sites.
I have a PowerHome (Pink Energy) 12.5 kW installation on my home. Been operating at reduced capacity since June 2022 due to SnapRS failures. No relief from the now bankrupt installer but allegedly have a pending repair visit from a Generac supplied contractor on Feb 3rd. Have been underwhelmed with the Generac PWRCell performance as well.
Thanks for sharing
It's 6 months later ... they ever come and replace?
Too bad I have an entire PWRCELL system installed recommended by you! Snap RSS was just the beginning of my issues. Various sub-components continue failing including the BMU. I had no idea I was limited to 7600 watts on the inverter! So, what do PWRCELL system owners do now with a system you've essentially pointed out as limited and doomed to Snap RSS Failure?
Hi Michael, thank you for sharing your feedback. I’m afraid at this point, we just have to press the installer and Generac to make a necessary repairs. Since this video published, I was contacted by Generac and they informed me that not only have they replaced the defective connectors, but that they will be reimbursing the installers for their cost to make the repairs.
Thanks forthe honest video.
What are the other options to the frail snap shut down by other manufacturers?
I live in Florida and have minor brown outs that last 1-5 minutes even in the winter. I am not interested in solar, but curious if anyone out there uses something like the Franklin WH batter with their UPP to provide instant cut over just to deal with intermittent outages. I have a gas generator for longer times during say hurricanes, but those do not happen that often where I am in Tampa.
Can the Generac DC generator be integrated into a 3rd party system? Could it be treated like a solar array & be hooked up to a pv charge controller?
You should point out that SPAN only is compatible with Tesla Powerwall and SolarEdge Energy Hubs for battery backup and only AC coupled solar. Even though you are not recommending Generac PwrCell, what are your thoughts on their PwrManager? Since the SPAN won't work with my system, I need an alternative for power management.
Good point. I think you’re going to see DC coupled going out of style for grid tied solar with battery back up.
@@SolarSurge Interesting... what makes you say this?
@@SquireJethro I prefer DC coupled systems myself. I have been hearing that the world is going AC coupled for years. Hasn't happened yet. If you have good arguments for DC coupled demise I would very much like to hear them.
Joe, we have a SPAN as our primary panel. It was a retrofit and some circuit wires are not so pretty but all things considered a very clean install. AND the stats from the panel as well as the load configuration control is pretty amazing. Would do it again in a heart beat. Your discussion on single inverters as point of failure is timely since we almost went that way but rather chose IQ7 micro on REC panels. Couldn't be happier. Great video and so informative for prospective customers. Well done Sir.
Should have gone with the IQ-8 micro-grid forming inverters over the obsolete IQ-7 model.
Also Generac covered the costs of replacing the snap RS and labor costs.
One of my favorite theme songs by the way!
awesome and informative as always! ⚡⚡
im in north cali all the tesla went down from the earthquake. did you guys hear about that. lots of them didn't work due to the com
Doing my own systems including some Missouri wind and solar pmg windmills, I knew what you were going to say about it before you said it. Unlike AC current that turns on and off all the time, running high voltage DC and even low voltage, the laboratory of Frankenstein's creator in your own room. Opening the 20 amp wall switch to stop the power flow, the blue illuminator light comes on. I was surprised because I didn't even know it had an illuminator, because it doesn't. Having all the equipment short of the batteries I don't think I will ever be able to buy because of the cost, I did what you're not supposed to do connecting the heating element straight to the windmill. Having four twin 1000 watt turbines rated 48 volts,. An oven heating element and the windmills wired in serious rather than parallel don't you know it worked. And then the windstorm came. Turns out 48 v could be over 100. The warm red glow became frighteningly white hot. Frankenstein would've been proud. So far I haven't burned the house down. Old-fashioned throw switches such as one on a built-in air compressor at the shop. Relay switches with lots of poles the circuit has to go through creating the distance to stop the spark. I haven't been shocked by it yet. AC will throw you across the room. DC potentially won't let go, holding you from escape.
The snap RS device was corrected a while ago.
What about Paladin Power?
Sad to inform you I had my Span installed months ago.
I've got the Q-cells with Enphase micro inverters, Tesla gateway and two powerwalls. Do my panels have a simliar SnapRS feature or is this only Generac?
The Enphase micro inverters perform the rapid shutdown for you. No, you do not have to worry about a connector like this on your system.
Morning Joe. I have a friend looking for a whole house solar system, in Virginia . They have slow dsl internet , so a video call is not an option. I did a google search and the phone number coming up for your company , the recording says the number is disconnected ? Your home page offers no phone number only options? any suggestions? thank s in advance.
Hi William. Please have them book a Zoom meeting and just put these comments in the notes and include a phone number. Thanks.
Hi Joe, very informative video. I know zero about whole home solar systems, but I'd like to invest in that and potentially get off the power grid. I live in East Tennessee, I heard you say that you're in Virginia. Can you recommend someone in the Knoxville, TN area that would be a good company to work with?
What do you recommend for a DC coupled battery?
Sol-Ark 15K inverter with Homegrid Stack’d batteries.
Joe, I wondering what your thoughts are on the Generac DC coupled generator? Generac has a backlog on delivery on those units. Do you think they will ever deliver? What do you think is happening over there at Generac getting those generators out?
Why would a homeowner be using 20kw of power at any given time?
What would you recommend for folks that already have a PWRCell?
I would recommend just to keep a close eye on the system. The installer should honor its warranty. Generac has promised to reimburse installers for labor and travel. Costs related to defective Generac components.
Thanks for your very informative programming Joe. I know that generac backup propane, natural gas and I think diesel generators have been around for many years. Can I use a Generac backup generator as part of my whole home backup system with solar, wind and LFP batteries, initially with grid integration but ultimately in an off-grid application using Solark's or another's inverters and batteries ? Or, do I need another's natural gas/propane/diesel generator? And if so, whose? Coincidentally I live in a rural setting on a large acreage/hobby-farm in the Northwestern prairies of Canada, where -40°C to -45°C are normal winter temperatures. I'll need a system that powers a large house with well pumps and a large workshop with high 240 volt loads, welders, air compressor and other equipment. No AC necessary but a whole house air exchanger which regularly filters smoke from regional forest fires. Some daily loads can exceed 50 or 60 kWhs. Your insight will help me guage local contractors recommendations. Thanks in advance for your recommendations.
Generac whole house generator a still OK. You can also look at Kohler and Briggs & Stratton for larger capacity generators.
@@SolarSurge Thanks!
what are my options? my local Knoxville solar installer is not answering the phone or email. Can I call Generac to get service?
There is an open class action lawsuit: www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221202005481/en/GENERAC-ALERT-Bragar-Eagel-Squire-P.C.-Announces-that-a-Class-Action-Lawsuit-Has-Been-Filed-Against-Generac-Holdings-Inc.-and-Encourages-Investors-to-Contact-the-Firm
I had 1 out of 5 of my snaprs 801 modules fail which caused my system to run at about 80% capacity for almost two months while I waited for my installer to get new snapRS802 modules from generac. They did come out and replace all of the snapRS modules with the new model which I hope work better but I can see why this is a problem.
Something else that I want to mention about Generac is the SMM modules to lock out loads aren't the best. My parents got a generac system in July and the SMM's still don't work. The installer has been out 4 or 5 times and even brought a Generac tech out once and they can't figure out why they won't work on my parents system. There best guess is because the SMM's are about 120' from the Inverter. Our local installer has been really good about trying to fix it and still hasn't billed the final payment because the system doesn't fully work and they are coming out in February and replacing the 4 SMM's with a Generac PWRmanager module which they hope will solve the problem.
Just wanted to provide some other feedback on Generac systems. Overall they have supported the systems and done what they can to make it right but defiantly needs some work on the design side.
Thanks for sharing your experience.
The Generac PWRcell devices have been redone and work perfectly. The PWRcell no can have the 'mode' chosen via the APP on my iPhone. It works marvelously. I would suggest you do some 'updated' and less biased research on the Generac System. Generac is one of the largest and oldest manufacturer of Generators,
One reason I can't justify going to solar and storage is the capacity. 24 kWh may sound like a lot, but if the power goes out in the middle of winter, that's only 8 hours just for 2 x 1.5 kW single room space heaters. That's not even counting lights, fridge, microwave... On top of that, a total investment of $20k - $30k or more. It's really hard to justify.
Hey Joe, what is your opinion on the JA 400 watt solar modules and the Hyperion 400 watt HY-DH108P8
108 HALF-CELL BIFACIAL MODULE??
The JA400's are a good value for a generic panel. I don't have any experience with the Hyperion panels.
How many 802 failed on your installs
Good point about SPAN's limited interoperability with major vendors. Joe you should be transparent about this if you're accepting SPAN's sponsorship money. I wanted to use SPAN with my Enphase installation but to date there is no committed timeframe for Enphase support. They had been targeting end of June 2022 but that came and went. My installer, who is a big SPAN proponent, said SPAN more or less stopped discussing the topic with them.
They keep moving the goalposts. Was late 2022 after they missed initial targets. Now it's Q2 2023. I am beginning to think true Enphase integration may be dependent on Enphase's new 5P battery which has had a similar moving target when it comes to availability and is said to have a setup that's more conducive to such interoperability. Perhaps we'll never see full integration with SPAN and Enphase's current equipment.
That said, according to some sources, at RE+2022, SPAN announced that their Smart Panels will now be compatible with all AC-coupled battery solutions, including the Enphase IQ Battery. However, their website and other customer-facing information, including sales and support staff, have yet to reflect this, or exactly what it means. I suppose it may mean, simply, that they can work in the same installation although they may not communicate with each other.
Also, Joe @solarsurge , FYI: support.google.com/youtube/answer/3364658?hl=en . IDK if you're monetizing your videos, because I pay not to see ads, but I'm guessing you do, especially considering you're starting to do shorts and TH-cam is going to start allowing you to monetize them soon. Also, your videos such as this one seem to fit the minimal requirements for monetizing.
Anyhow, I very much dislike such sponsored ads and hope you will consider dropping the practice. IMO they're distracting and hurt your credibility. It's also especially poor form, IMO, when an embedded endorsement sponsorship allows your video to cross the threshold for monetizing. Not that this one did, it crossed the time threshold by approximately 16 seconds without the endorsement, but it's near enough that it's still troubling. It almost feels as if the intent of the video had little to nothing to do with providing information relative to its title. This video itself also gives a good example of why it may not be a good practice. Imagine if SPAN panels started burning up people's homes and you had sponsored videos with content embedded in them. You'd then have to leave those up, or pull and/or edit them all. That sounds like a PITA and might hurt income (and credibility) more than the sponsorship itself ever helped. In any case, you should probably consider what'd happen to your channel if loads of viewers decided to report your content with such embedded sponsorships for TOS violations and if subscribers decided to unsubscribe.
I'm just 1 of your subscribers, and little value alone, but if I continue to see such embedded sponsorships I will be reconsidering that choice. If it comes to that I might be the only one, but if you see a sharp drop in total subscriber numbers I might not be.
I have a Span with my solar panel system that uses Enphase microinverters. I don't have back up batteries yet. It's great for monitoring.
I'm looking forward to getting a storage system after my remodel is complete. I won't need a critical load panel. That is my main reason for getting a Span panel since I needed a new panel as part of the remodel.
Span is a panel with monitoring and the ability to turn off circuits remotely. That should be of no concern to Enphase once the power is sent to to the panel before being used in the house. The panel processes power from solar panels or the grid. I'm just going to add another source, my future storage device, probably a Enphase. The Span panel will allow me to make different choices about the size storage I'll need with no critical load panel required for daily or emergency use. To the Span panel, it's all the same.
@Zina J currently you would need an Enphase critical loads panel though, right? I mean, maybe it wouldn't be entirely useful but required per Enphase. I think a lot of people, myself included, are hoping for communication between the two systems allowing the SPAN Panel to receive information from the Enphase battery so that load (and possibly PV) shedding could be managed by the two systems working together in an automated fashion. This is the functionality that was supposed to come by now, and would really leverage the two systems' strengths.
Without the two systems communicating then each could operate independently, but then you'd be required to have an Enphase load controller (on more than 1 depending on the setup), which is less than ideal. Likely this will all be resolved by the time you integrate storage to your solution, but for now it's a sorce of frustration for many others.
@@ThomMurphy - Hmmm, maybe the good people at Enphase are staring at this too hard. It doesn't have to be complicated. Enphase has nothing to do with what's on inside the house. The panel is the gateway to any power going to any circuit in the house. The Span panel lets the user decide what to turn on and what not to turn on. They could even do that manually if the internet is down (actually flipping on and off the circuit breakers) as long as they know the power demand of what they're planning to use and they have enough power on hand.
This keeps Enphase from having to install a critical load panel. They just have to report how much power is being produced, how much is being used, how much should be available AND keep power from going out to the grid. The Span panel sends nothing to the grid. It's all power in, zero power out. Enphase's stuff goes both ways, to the panel/house and to the grid unless Enphase does its microgrid move and makes electricity only circle inside the house then...go nowhere because there's no "tone" from the internet to enable it to send to the grid.
It's really simple or I'm really simple. Raghu Belur at Enphase should look into this.
All valid points about our integration capability with Enphase. We're actively working on a product update to integrate Enphase with SPAN Panel and are targeting release in Q2 of this year. We appreciate the patience while we get this rollout ready for release. It's something we're excited to launch, and we're making sure it's ready for wide release before we introduce it into the market.
I think you should have linked the ongoing class action lawsuit and mentioned it in your video and given your viewers all the information.
Here you go www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221202005481/en/GENERAC-ALERT-Bragar-Eagel-Squire-P.C.-Announces-that-a-Class-Action-Lawsuit-Has-Been-Filed-Against-Generac-Holdings-Inc.-and-Encourages-Investors-to-Contact-the-Firm
What about Homegrid???
Homegrid is a good choice for DC-coupled. Pair it with a Sol-Ark 15K and you should be fine.
I am concerned about you being sponsored by Span I/O. I have already read several reviews telling about these systems causing fires due to them primarily being used on motor homes and the size of the internal components are not of sufficient gauge to keep them from overheating. Are you aware of this issue and has Span I/O fixed their problem?
This is the first I’m hearing about it. I don’t see this product being targeted towards mobile homes. We are seeing this mostly in higher end. New construction homes.
Has anyone heard of sodium ion batteries? Maybe Joe has since he is in the industry. I am hearing they will be good for up to 30K cycles. Can’t buy them yet to my knowledge though
Stopped GENERAC Solar from the second installation just a big headache
What's our options?
what's your thoughts on SOL-ARK's 15k unit
Good question. If you have to go with a DC couple system, I would recommend Sol-Ark 15 K as the top choice currently.
I did like that they had a display on the system itself incase the power and internet went out you could still see you state of charge.
Joe does the Enphase system offer an add on that allows you to see the batteries’ state of charge if the internet is down also?
As always thank you for the get Videos and Info.
Do you service indiana area?
Not yet. We hope to expand to that area in the future.
Wasn’t impressed with my home generac generator - they seemed to design and focus on CHEAP. When this system came out I thought maybe they had changed corporate focus but still suspect. Looks like they still focus on cheap instead of quality engineering and manufacturing.
They didn't want to help customers and spend money on it, so they got rid of the liability by closing the shop and opened another company with 0 liabilities. Installers obviously didn't know the product, they had no previous experience with it, but still pushed it to customers. Manufacturer made money, installers made money, customers got screwed. How come ?
Do you have a customer support e-mail? I have an item that needs some follow-up and my sales person is unresponsive.
Sure you can email info@solarsurge.net
A second Powerwall is the same price as a Span smart circuit breaker panel.
Frustrating. Saw your videos saying how much better pwrcell was than the other systems. 🤷♂️. So we did a two cabinet Pwrcell. LG panels.
Are these connectors standard with the solar pwrcell even if you hav e different panels ? They haven’t updated these ? Just had ours installed last november.
Hi Dave. You likely already have the new connectors. Generac fixed the problem and has been rolling out the replacement since last year.
Fire safety creates a fire hazard. 😮
Aren't all batteries DC? So an AC coupled system just means the inverter is integrated?
Yes, that is correct. It also means that you can mix and match battery back up and solar inverters rather than having to keep everything under the same manufacturer.
"Bad sound makes good sound look bad." It sounds like you mistakenly (I hope) mixed your body mike with your camera microphone so we hear the awful room acoustics reflected sound along with your voice.
You should get a head mike set so you can get the element close to your mouth. There are wireless ones with a tiny boom at the side of your cheek.
I have a pink energy system and I need help! Is there a replacement from another manufacturer to replace my Generac RS Snap links? Nobody around seems to want to touch our system with a 10 foot pole. I’m 64 and don’t want to get up on the roof myself but I will if I could find the right parts to fix my 60k dollar system that hasn’t worked for over a year now. And still paying for. I don’t care who is at fault I want my system fixed. Power home solar/pink told me that I would void the warranty if I hired it out. Thats funny you mean the 25 year warranty that you pink energy are not standing behind? That warranty? Haha
Generac says they will handle service directly. See here: th-cam.com/video/RUvzh6ij9TY/w-d-xo.html
I have been thinking about generac as an employer. Hmmm.
I have one of their 22kw whole house generators installed 2 years ago and have had nothing but problems with it as well. Had 3 short blackouts and it was not ready for any of them, with failures happening on each one. Complete pos.
Well sadly to hear your disappointment, Joe. You are or better yet your are a company me as a owner with the experience that went true with my system in Puerto Rico with a Product that never got to the market time enough to evaluate and I never seen many product of them out there and I specifically refer the Powerwall Fist generation I did an investment of 2 and in Fiona after Maria the system also let me down, in Fiona it came to an END. Maybe one or both are bad and I call customer service and they don't event know what Im talking about. I have own two Power generator and every time I call them customer help its not their signature so I was waitting on that here in Puerto Rico as well so EnPhase needs to keep getting better as well TESLA
Generac resolve this issue months before this video and no cost for me, neither the dealer representative.🤷🏻♂️
I will never understand why simplifying for laymen means providing misinformation. With any system, AC or DC coupled, the power has to come from an inverter. Both panels and batteries are DC devices, and the house runs on AC. With an AC coupled system, power from the batteries requires an inverter and so does the power from the panels. It's just that you have 2 inverters. And sometimes, the battery inverter is built into the battery cabinet. But AC coupled doesn't let you eliminate an inverter as a point of failure. If the panel inverter fails, you will no longer be able to use your solar and charge your battery. You can run off the battery thru the battery inverter for a breif time, but it won't be long enough to get a replacement for your solar panel inverter. With DC coupled, when the single inverter goes out, you can't run off of solar OR battery immediately... BUT your solar panels can still charge up your battery and you can then use that power when the inverter is fixed. You aren't any worse off, it's just a question of if you can use a battery's worth of power before or after the inverter is fixed.
I keep hearing over and over again from solar people verbiage that sounds like a battery can run your house without an inverter, and that's a lie. The only way to get AC power for your house from either a battery or a solar panel which makes DC is with an inverter. yes having one inverter means that a single device failing takes down your whole system, but having two inverters means you have twice as many inverters fail on you, and either of them failing will impact your system. Micro inverters are definitely the best way to do AC coupled because several can fail and you can still generate most of the power that you are used to. But it is less energy efficient than a DC coupled system, and it typically is more expensive to install. I would recommend that people who don’t stay up late and rarely use energy for air conditioning at night do AC with micro inverters. But people like me, living in a hot climate, staying up late, running the Air conditioner all night, we are very dependent on that stored energy in the battery. especially now that California is on NEM 3.0 and we get bupkis for selling our power back to PG&E.
The real issue with the Generac system is, as he points out, the low power output from the inverter, coupled with the fact that Generac does not allow you to install multiple inverters to increase the power output. Even if you add more battery cabinets, you can still only use one inverter. that is a severe handicap to the Generac system. and I suspect the reason it is like this is Generac is hoping to sell you a generator as well. They don’t really want to do whole home battery back up, they want you to also have a generator that cost $20,000.
I would think all the installers would have sued Generac to pay for replacing all the faulty parts. Sounds like a class action lawsuit to me.
Yes, the class action lawsuit ongoing. You can read more about it here: www.businesswire.com/news/home/20221202005481/en/GENERAC-ALERT-Bragar-Eagel-Squire-P.C.-Announces-that-a-Class-Action-Lawsuit-Has-Been-Filed-Against-Generac-Holdings-Inc.-and-Encourages-Investors-to-Contact-the-Firm
Willing to wager that Generac pays a pittance to the installer for replacing the defective parts. This could explain why pink energy was refusing to replace the parts and wanted customers to contact Generac for repairs.
Yeah it’s tough. Even if they were to pay $500 per repair, that still would not be profitable for the contractor I would rather have his technicians out installing new systems
Power home Solar went bankrupt on the lack of quality for generac power cell. Of course they also had very poor install quality in general themselves.
It’s been a year Generac battery 🔋 stop charging also 3 off snap rs is down I keep calling Generac , they don’t even care .
They had to swap out 17 of mine and blamed the Electric company.
I have had Generac for years now. The snaps give a lot of trouble. Now, I can't find techs since the NC company went out of business. I would not buy from this company again.
A neighbor has a very noisy and smelly Generac generator. Is this company subsidized by the government?
Uhhh... they are ridiculously expensive making breakeven decades away, and they don’t have any worthwhile incentives to offset the cost.
Solarsurge is on the opposite side of the home solar systems from people like DIY Solar Power with Will Prowse and is much more expensive....like almost 4 times more.
Don't be backing up PE/PHS that companys beyond trap and wasn't just Generac fault, none of our snaps were replaced by PE. They were poorly run and installed!
WOW!!!! $800 to roll a truck!!! This must be a Union contractor (requires TWO tech and a half day to change a light bulb!?!?!?) Single tech and a two hour visit in the City would cover most service calls in a well managed service company. Especially on a simple call like this one. Making every call a half day call is a typical Union service plan so the office does not have to drive a service team. Techs can take two calls a day and go home!!! Not a company I would do business with. Also if this is a Warranty call on one of your systems why are you billing for the call? do you only warranty the parts but NOT the labor? I had a lot of respect for the information in your past videos but this has opened some concerning windows!!! I like the honesty but it sounds now like you are a GC business that Hires subcontractors to install systems (hence the parts only warranty after the first year. You get 10% to 30 % of every call so the customer is not really getting any warranty because of the inflated half day labor. That means you get a market rate of $100 per hour per tech (not even a journeyman and Apprentice) so that an $800 warranty call just feeds you and the subcontractor and the homeowner is screwed with no real price protection or warranty. Now you recommended, installed and "Warranty" the system and then make a fortune on pull through warranty work. This is the corrupt solar business model that I have seen pop up in wave after wave of progress in the solar business. Lots of half truths to crack the homeowner's wallet open for a double mark up (GC AND Subcontractor) and the failed business model for the customer. GC changes contractors often and contractors hire "CHEAP" labor with lots of over turn to keep the double dipping profits high. I really hope this "NORMAL" business practice is not what Solar Surge is all about.
Getting up on the Roof and Removing multiple solar panels on multiple rows replacing component(s) and possibly wire… equals a half day not just changing a light bulb.
And when you send just one Guy to try and do this by himself then he falls off the roof and there is No one there to call 911….. YUGE lawsuit.
@@maddeusdoggeus1 Why is this replaceable item buried under panels? That is bad planning.
@@toddwilliams5905 Agreed
The $800 refers to the lost revenue if that same 2-person crew were installing a new solar system instead of replacing broken Generac connectors.
Fed up with my system. It's not a whole home solution and it's very unreliable. SNAP RS's failed constantly and took our solar system down for months. Whole system sucks.
Clearly, it hasn’t been perfect but Generac is one of the few companies that do offer some sort of installer compensation
True. Generac reached out to me after this video published and it looks like they will be coming on the channel to discuss what they're doing to address these problems.
@@SolarSurgeThat’s good to hear. They just bought Ecobee and are being promoted on the Enphase website as a generator compatible with recharging Enphase batteries. I’d rather see them succeed than flop.
They are crap. I’m stuck with one
Sad to say, I pay extra to have TH-cam commercial free. I stopped watched as soon as he started his talking about a sponsor. Too bad was really interested until then.
If you were ever promoting Generac as a solid solar solution or storage solution you, yourself should lose credibility. They bought their battery technology by acquiring a substandard battery manufacturer(Pika). And everyone knew this from the start. Please don't promote things that are untested or substandard because they typically turn out to be dangerous.
FFS, just get Tesla everything. Solar panels, Powerwall, inverter, charger… everything.
Everything except generator recharging the battery. They’ve shown zero interest
such a misleading title,doesn't explain how it actually works AT ALL!🤬
Poorly built .... computer will kill battery, generally not worth the money. Your much better off spending the money on solar . I spent $10, 000.00 on the eco model 15 kw. Very disappointed.
What should I do ? If I had pink energy?
GENERAC Sets the Record Straight on PWRCell (Power Cell)
th-cam.com/video/RUvzh6ij9TY/w-d-xo.html
God I wish I never got suckered in to Generac !?!