Great video thank you With the batteries you are using how long will the batteries add supply power in a power outage. I am looking for the best system for the money and will eventually add 3000 watts of panels due to space restrictions.
Question... If I have an electric stove and a 36Kbtu AC mini split in a separate none-backup panel (connected to grid all time) and I also have "net metering" setup, could this damage my system? I know that current cannot flow in two directions same time, so when the air conditioner and stofe are on, "net metering" should not work. But could this damage my system? I am posing this scenario because I would like to extend battery life.
Nice! I was wondering about the pass through as it had been a while since I looked at the Ep cube. Might install one of these for someone and needed to verify what it could do. Nice job as always!
Well I take it!! I will have to give this one back eventually tho. I also have the Lux Inverter on the other system. That system works the same as this one but has a 12kw inverter! I saw your (and I quote) "Hodge Podge" battery setup in your last video. Thats pretty impressive as well! You have a ton of batteries!!
Hi Joe, I am looking at the EPCube for a whole home system and I am confused about how the EPCube connects back to the Main. In my case the Main has AirCon and an Oven and a SubPanel has all other loads. If I connect the EPCube to the Main directly with a 100Amp breaker how does EPCube know not to route the power being produced by Solar and Batteries back to the Grid and just to the AirCon, Oven and Subpanel when the Meter is also tied into the SubPanel? Thanks in advance.
You would do a partial home backup like I did. There are CT clamps that are installed on your Main panels incoming grid wires. Those CT clamps monitor the draw of your home and the hybrid "pushes" back that same amount so to speak. Thats the best way I can explain it. It will push the smallest amount back to grid but its mainly when a big load shuts off. Its not much.
When you put the phone on the cook top you reminded me to not put my phone back on my cup warmer. I learned the hard way that it is not a phone charger. The Samsung SG20 survived, but not the Otterbox case!! Hey I'm as old as Biden!!
I identified a problem with their auto switch during a weather alert. It auto switches to back up mode on the alert, but after the alert was over, it failed to auto switch back to self consumption mode. After I reported it, EP Cube released a patch that should fix it, but haven't had any alerts to test it out on. I have 40KW, and it does an excellent job of balancing out the load between the house, solar and EV charging without hitting the grid during sunny days. My app tells me the total solar production, but doesn't tell me what the different arrays are doing. App updating is a huge frustration factor for sure, but the Desktop app is instant update. Also, they have reporting issues as well, where the system will show pull from the grid when it is actually feeding the grid. They are working on the fix for that. I would like to see you try a solar generator on the other port.
So hang on. Your cube is running in hybrid grid mode right? You have the grid go directly to your main panel and ALSO directly to the cube? Or does it go to your main panel and THEN to your cube? I may be an idiot but I just can't process how you can get that much grid interactivity without the chance of backfeeding. Were you able to do your grid tie without permits and inspection?
Grid comes into my main panel as normal. I installed a double pole circuit breaker in the main breaker to power the gateway. The gateway then feeds a subpanel. So it powers my sub panel BUT since its a hybrid inverter, it will back feed my main panel. It wont back feed the grid due to the CT clamps installed at the top of the main panel. Hope that helps. I did an install video thats linked in the description and show everything.🤘
Please do generator testing next. Per the Generator Module Technical Note issued 12/28/23 on EP Cube’s website in section 5. Software Solution, it looks like during an outage the generator can only supply load power and only the PV can recharge the batteries. It reads “Generator will not charge the battery during work time”. I’m just starting to learn about these systems, but it appears other hybrid/all-in-one inverters have the ability to both charge batteries and supply power to loads from a generator. Hoping I’m just missing something based on my limited knowledge, because everything else about the product seems great
I really like the EPCube system for looks and functionality. I was stunned however that the batteries are not the standard 48 volt design which is a deal breaker for me
Awesome video ! I am looking at EP cube because it is an AC or DC coupling system (i don't have a solar array as of yet) so I am looking at Solar panels and Batteries. Been doing a lot of reading and looking and solar videos (like yours) on youtube. Your 19.8kw EPcube system with one inverter seems to be the cheapest per kw right now at about $12,000 before installation or buy a second inverter with the same number of batteries (4 on each inverter) for about $13,500 and double the startup power from 7.5 kw to 15. kw. What do you think.?
I saw another review and was interested, so I contacted them in Europe. The problem is that they don't have a clear distribution yet. They wanted me to get my installer, to get his distributor to talk to their distributor. They need to make it easier to buy, otherwise they'll struggle to sell.
I still have the 12k growatt. Its a good inverter for sure BUT Id also say there are better and cheaper options now. Depending on what your needs are, as in how big of an inverter. Low frequency or high frequency. On grid(hybrid) or off grid(with grid charging if needed). If off grid, Id go with the LuxPower 6000xp either from signature solar signaturesolar.com/eg4-6000xp-off-grid-inverter-split-phase/?ref=C2w_5wtHG6jKcP or from bigbattery bigbattery.com/products/luxpower-6kw-split-phase-inverter/?ref=53&campaign=New The only difference between the 2 is signaturesolars eg4 version has circuit breakers built in and bigbatteries does not however bigbatteries version is a smidge cheaper. These are great because they are robust, cheap and can be paralleled later on if you find out 6000watts isnt enough. I should be getting bigbatteries version on Monday or Tuesday btw. Let me know if you have anymore questions and Ill help if I can.
Thanks for Watching! NICE your here in Omaha?? Well...I used to me an Aircraft Mechanic at Offutt! 6 Years in the USAF, got out and then in 2013 went back to Offutt as a Civ Mechanic. Quit 2 years ago!
@@AveRage_Joe Yes the huge one across from the power plant, not the tiny one by leach camper. I found you a year or so ago while learning about REPT cells. Solar is just for my camper.
Ok, I noticed this in your install video and you mentioned it here again. As an industrial electrician, I'm having a HARD time understanding what you mean when you talk about back feeding the panel and it not going PAST the CT clamps. A CT clamp is just a current transformer. The L1 and L2 lines inside the CT's generate a current that is then reported to whatever device they are connected to. They are meant for sensing/reading the CURRENT flowing through those lines. Please explain what you mean by "It will back feed your main panel but it won't go past the CT clamps". That's not how electricity works. Are you saying that it only put's out the RIGHT amount of Current that the house needs and NOT generate MORE than you are using?
Yep, thats exactly what happens. It will stop at the CT clamps. If the grid goes down, same thing. It wont back feed either. If you have it setup to back feed the grid(options when commissoning) then they just monitor incoming/outgoing energy. Same thing happens when that is enabled. If grid goes down, it will not back feed the grid. I also have another hybrid system and it works the same way. I only use one at a time tho btw
It won't back feed the grid (for long at least) because it is constantly altering its output voltage to keep the current coming in from the grid at a constant small value. If the grid goes down, then the relays in the inverter open and the main panel is no longer powered.
Oh ok my bad, yes you are correct. The CT's are mini transformers that sence current and do not "stop" anything. @niktak1114 comment above explains it in a nut shell. Sometimes I try to explain in general terms lol🤦♂️
@@AveRage_Joe You're good not so much a challenge of what you are doing, if you work with ct's a lot like some of us do we just get hung up on the line trying to understand it :)
I guess the app will be too slow to show us how well it transfers a giant surge to the grid, just wondering as I have an older heat pump that has a LRA of 90 amps.
Question? With your configuration where the smart panel is connected to the grid and back to your main panel, was there any requirement to have the utility company involved? Like with a backup generator there is a requirement to disconnect from the grid when the generator is running ie lockout so is this handles by the smart panel and therefore no requirement of any manual transfer switch? Thank you
It sounds like a pretty good idea honestly. I could benefit from some in the danger zone in my backyard. Ive been thinking of setting up some panels over there so I could start getting some charge around 8am! Id setup a regular ground mount tho since I have regular panels and I would only make use of them till noon....then the trees would shade that whole area the rest of the day🤪
@@AveRage_Joe don't get me wrong, I'd drive one... I probably also need you to talk some sense into me. The Cayenne is rapidly falling apart and if I don't have the damn idea to get a 2018 Cayenne Turbo to replace it while I wait for the CT...
Would you also have a wiring diagram that describes your specific whole home backup connections that you can share? Thanks
Great video thank you
With the batteries you are using how long will the batteries add supply power in a power outage.
I am looking for the best system for the money and will eventually add 3000 watts of panels due to space restrictions.
Very nice looking system. Thanks Joe 👍👍👍
Thanks Man and Thanks for Watching!!🤘
Question... If I have an electric stove and a 36Kbtu AC mini split in a separate none-backup panel (connected to grid all time) and I also have "net metering" setup, could this damage my system? I know that current cannot flow in two directions same time, so when the air conditioner and stofe are on, "net metering" should not work. But could this damage my system? I am posing this scenario because I would like to extend battery life.
The EP Cube is a very slick system.
The Ep cube is a nice option. I’ll be looking at this myself. Good vid
It is a slick sysyem! If you get a chance to check it out, it wont disappoint!🤘
Enjoyed the video. Thanks for sharing
Thanks and Thanks for Watching!!🤘
Nice! I was wondering about the pass through as it had been a while since I looked at the Ep cube. Might install one of these for someone and needed to verify what it could do. Nice job as always!
Great job with this review exceedingly helpful thank you
Thanks for watching!🤘
I’m surprised that I’m impressed with your system. Nice job!
Well I take it!! I will have to give this one back eventually tho. I also have the Lux Inverter on the other system. That system works the same as this one but has a 12kw inverter! I saw your (and I quote) "Hodge Podge" battery setup in your last video. Thats pretty impressive as well! You have a ton of batteries!!
Hi Joe, I am looking at the EPCube for a whole home system and I am confused about how the EPCube connects back to the Main. In my case the Main has AirCon and an Oven and a SubPanel has all other loads. If I connect the EPCube to the Main directly with a 100Amp breaker how does EPCube know not to route the power being produced by Solar and Batteries back to the Grid and just to the AirCon, Oven and Subpanel when the Meter is also tied into the SubPanel? Thanks in advance.
You would do a partial home backup like I did. There are CT clamps that are installed on your Main panels incoming grid wires. Those CT clamps monitor the draw of your home and the hybrid "pushes" back that same amount so to speak. Thats the best way I can explain it. It will push the smallest amount back to grid but its mainly when a big load shuts off. Its not much.
Nice system, finally an Inverter software I like :) Besides Victron..
It is a nice system and not bad in price either! App seems to work good but slow to refresh. You can also access everything online as well.
I really enjoy your video and I hope to see you again soon.
I appreciate that! Gonna try and upload every Friday! Maybe a 2nd mid week if possible!💥🤘
@@AveRage_Joe that would be awesome!.!.
how thick are they? Now that my current solution has been torpedoed... Also can these be mounted flat/horizontally or on their sides?
When you put the phone on the cook top you reminded me to not put my phone back on my cup warmer. I learned the hard way that it is not a phone charger. The Samsung SG20 survived, but not the Otterbox case!! Hey I'm as old as Biden!!
LOL Im sure if I had one Id do it too..... LOL at Bidens age😆😆
Joe... How much have you lowered you electric bill using this system?
I identified a problem with their auto switch during a weather alert. It auto switches to back up mode on the alert, but after the alert was over, it failed to auto switch back to self consumption mode. After I reported it, EP Cube released a patch that should fix it, but haven't had any alerts to test it out on. I have 40KW, and it does an excellent job of balancing out the load between the house, solar and EV charging without hitting the grid during sunny days. My app tells me the total solar production, but doesn't tell me what the different arrays are doing. App updating is a huge frustration factor for sure, but the Desktop app is instant update. Also, they have reporting issues as well, where the system will show pull from the grid when it is actually feeding the grid. They are working on the fix for that. I would like to see you try a solar generator on the other port.
What about if you cut off the grid, can it run the ac on its own, or the dryer alone?
Yeah it can run those if its setup as a whole home backup (grid is wired to gateway first).
So hang on. Your cube is running in hybrid grid mode right? You have the grid go directly to your main panel and ALSO directly to the cube? Or does it go to your main panel and THEN to your cube? I may be an idiot but I just can't process how you can get that much grid interactivity without the chance of backfeeding. Were you able to do your grid tie without permits and inspection?
Grid comes into my main panel as normal. I installed a double pole circuit breaker in the main breaker to power the gateway. The gateway then feeds a subpanel. So it powers my sub panel BUT since its a hybrid inverter, it will back feed my main panel. It wont back feed the grid due to the CT clamps installed at the top of the main panel. Hope that helps. I did an install video thats linked in the description and show everything.🤘
1st. That's one nice system.
Thanks for the review
I think you were 2nd😭
@@AveRage_Joe no, you're not getting me there 🤣🤣 Unless it's the invisible man then I'm 1st with the longest-timed comment😊
Please do generator testing next.
Per the Generator Module Technical Note issued 12/28/23 on EP Cube’s website in section 5. Software Solution, it looks like during an outage the generator can only supply load power and only the PV can recharge the batteries. It reads “Generator will not charge the battery during work time”.
I’m just starting to learn about these systems, but it appears other hybrid/all-in-one inverters have the ability to both charge batteries and supply power to loads from a generator. Hoping I’m just missing something based on my limited knowledge, because everything else about the product seems great
I really like the EPCube system for looks and functionality. I was stunned however that the batteries are not the standard 48 volt design which is a deal breaker for me
It is a pretty slick system but yes, the batteries are much different then we are use to for sure!
Awesome video ! I am looking at EP cube because it is an AC or DC coupling system (i don't have a solar array as of yet) so I am looking at Solar panels and Batteries. Been doing a lot of reading and looking and solar videos (like yours) on youtube. Your 19.8kw EPcube system with one inverter seems to be the cheapest per kw right now at about $12,000 before installation or buy a second inverter with the same number of batteries (4 on each inverter) for about $13,500 and double the startup power from 7.5 kw to 15. kw. What do you think.?
Thanks!😁🤘
Do you need the gateway for every install of an EP cube?
If installing the lite version no. If main goal is off grid or battery backup then you need 1 gateway for up to 120kwh worth of battery.
I saw another review and was interested, so I contacted them in Europe. The problem is that they don't have a clear distribution yet. They wanted me to get my installer, to get his distributor to talk to their distributor.
They need to make it easier to buy, otherwise they'll struggle to sell.
Hey Joe, what happened to the Growatt? Would you recommend as a budget/DIY inverter?
I still have the 12k growatt. Its a good inverter for sure BUT Id also say there are better and cheaper options now. Depending on what your needs are, as in how big of an inverter. Low frequency or high frequency. On grid(hybrid) or off grid(with grid charging if needed). If off grid, Id go with the LuxPower 6000xp either from signature solar signaturesolar.com/eg4-6000xp-off-grid-inverter-split-phase/?ref=C2w_5wtHG6jKcP or from bigbattery bigbattery.com/products/luxpower-6kw-split-phase-inverter/?ref=53&campaign=New The only difference between the 2 is signaturesolars eg4 version has circuit breakers built in and bigbatteries does not however bigbatteries version is a smidge cheaper. These are great because they are robust, cheap and can be paralleled later on if you find out 6000watts isnt enough. I should be getting bigbatteries version on Monday or Tuesday btw. Let me know if you have anymore questions and Ill help if I can.
Awesome video, thanks.
Living in your area and curious in the industry what you work in.
Thanks for Watching! NICE your here in Omaha?? Well...I used to me an Aircraft Mechanic at Offutt! 6 Years in the USAF, got out and then in 2013 went back to Offutt as a Civ Mechanic. Quit 2 years ago!
@@AveRage_Joe Cool, I am over in CB now an work a for Google at the data center.
Oh NICE! Over by Manawa correct? Do you have a solar system your working?
@@AveRage_Joe Yes the huge one across from the power plant, not the tiny one by leach camper.
I found you a year or so ago while learning about REPT cells. Solar is just for my camper.
Ok, I noticed this in your install video and you mentioned it here again. As an industrial electrician, I'm having a HARD time understanding what you mean when you talk about back feeding the panel and it not going PAST the CT clamps. A CT clamp is just a current transformer. The L1 and L2 lines inside the CT's generate a current that is then reported to whatever device they are connected to. They are meant for sensing/reading the CURRENT flowing through those lines. Please explain what you mean by "It will back feed your main panel but it won't go past the CT clamps". That's not how electricity works. Are you saying that it only put's out the RIGHT amount of Current that the house needs and NOT generate MORE than you are using?
Yep, thats exactly what happens. It will stop at the CT clamps. If the grid goes down, same thing. It wont back feed either. If you have it setup to back feed the grid(options when commissoning) then they just monitor incoming/outgoing energy. Same thing happens when that is enabled. If grid goes down, it will not back feed the grid. I also have another hybrid system and it works the same way. I only use one at a time tho btw
It won't back feed the grid (for long at least) because it is constantly altering its output voltage to keep the current coming in from the grid at a constant small value. If the grid goes down, then the relays in the inverter open and the main panel is no longer powered.
@@AveRage_Joe I think we he (and I ) are confused is because a CT can not stop current. It is a measurement device only, not a control device
Oh ok my bad, yes you are correct. The CT's are mini transformers that sence current and do not "stop" anything. @niktak1114 comment above explains it in a nut shell. Sometimes I try to explain in general terms lol🤦♂️
@@AveRage_Joe You're good not so much a challenge of what you are doing, if you work with ct's a lot like some of us do we just get hung up on the line trying to understand it :)
Like# 5 - Woot!
😲💥🤘
I guess the app will be too slow to show us how well it transfers a giant surge to the grid, just wondering as I have an older heat pump that has a LRA of 90 amps.
Yeah this app is to slow. Same with the LuxPower app. Im sure there is a way to get the data faster but Im not to smart on that kinda stuff lol
I need help with my Ecoflow
Unrelated to current discussion
Whatcha got? Which system you using?
Question? With your configuration where the smart panel is connected to the grid and back to your main panel, was there any requirement to have the utility company involved? Like with a backup generator there is a requirement to disconnect from the grid when the generator is running ie lockout so is this handles by the smart panel and therefore no requirement of any manual transfer switch? Thank you
I’m thinking about upright panels.
It sounds like a pretty good idea honestly. I could benefit from some in the danger zone in my backyard. Ive been thinking of setting up some panels over there so I could start getting some charge around 8am! Id setup a regular ground mount tho since I have regular panels and I would only make use of them till noon....then the trees would shade that whole area the rest of the day🤪
@@AveRage_Joe trees 😂
Hope this comes in India.
I could send them a message to see where its all going to be??
@@AveRage_Joe thank you so much
Like# 255 - why does Porsche's Tycann ad always play on your videos... It can't pull Taj-Ma-Haul...
The innerwebs is WATCHING YOU😆
@@AveRage_Joe don't get me wrong, I'd drive one... I probably also need you to talk some sense into me. The Cayenne is rapidly falling apart and if I don't have the damn idea to get a 2018 Cayenne Turbo to replace it while I wait for the CT...
Boo Ya!
😎💥🤘
OMG!...You sold out on us!.....You are dead to us now!........
👀😬🆘🚫😆
@@AveRage_Joe :)