Suggestion 12000XP and Generator Switching

Thanks @joel-brodeur and @pawnee.   I don't understand how an off-grid inverter can be so bad at gen switching functions but it's almost unusable in its current functionality. It's probably my ignorance but I also don't understand how a fix is taking so long, seems like a couple tweaks of the firmware would fix this, I'm getting down about it... 

This is my first inverter experience, has either of you used an inverter with proper gen switching? I'm not opposed to switching to another maker at this point. 

@wardo5757 My old system did handle gen switching much better.  However, it was a conglomeration of vendors.  My inverter was a Magnasine which I did not feel comfortable with going to lithium.  My MPPT was Midnite Classic, which worked great but again not certain about lithium.  I also had a battery management system and a remote-control board all by Magnum.  I liked the system other than none of the volt reading or SOC matched between hardly anything and remote monitoring would have been overly difficult with Starlink and CGNAT.  I updated my system based on power needs being met by indoor lithium storage and remote connectivity and control.  EG4 was able to provide that.

I agree that the gen start/stop functionality needs some work, specifically:

1 - better transition from gen start and stop to battery.

2 - simply start gen cycle button on the web monitor.

3 - programable warmup and cool down for the gen.

All of which I think would be MAJOR improvements.

Overall, though I am happy with the EG4 lineup.

I am thinking about investing a different gen start/stop system, something that has the above-mentioned items.  I just hate the idea of adding another "hang-on" component to the system that I think should be able to do what I want.  If it can't be done then so be it, just tell me and I will look at some other way of getting what I need.

Just my two cents.  🙂

@joel-brodeur 

I agree 100%, if it can’t be fixed let us know so we can make decisions, but Eric telling me they are still looking at data is simply blowing smoke, I don’t appreciate it much.  

Since this is my first system I don’t know if it’s a problem that all inverters suffer or just EG4, if it is EG4 I will move on to another brand that can get what I think (I could be completely wrong) is a simple operation for an off-grid inverter working properly. What’s so surprising is this issue wasn’t stated in any of the many reviews I watched before buying. 

@eg4eric Hi Eric!  Any update on the gen issue?  Can you give any update on progress towards a firmware update or if y’all have been able to reproduce the issue in the lab?

Just adding another voice to what I believe is the same chorus of problems: my 12000xp struggles with generator switching, though I actually find switching from battery/solar to generator to be the worst.

My typical scenario: running about 6kw on solar + battery heading into the shoulder hours. When I flip on my generator (inverter rated at 9kw running) to the help cover any difference and keep the batteries topped off, the inverter switches from EPS to on grid mode and I get a momentary blackout. Every load power cycles, and the full surge requirement is routed to the generator (gen boost is enabled) which causes it to overload. 

The generator tie in is useless unless I shut off all loads, then introduce the generator, then turn things back on one by one. 

Subscribed for updates.

Eric or anyone from EG4- has there been any progress with a firmware update for this issue?

@jk490 I just posted on another thread that I have given up. Buy a chargverter and it will solve your problems. 

Posted by: @pawnee

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@jk490 I just posted on another thread that I have given up. Buy a chargverter and it will solve your problems. 

@wardo5757 👍

Don't believe I'm entirely off topic, but I was searching for solutions for cleaner generator switching with my Gridboss / Flexboss21 on the forum and came across this and I know out features are similar.  I am also seeing this as a problem but I do have grid available... I may also be waiting for a relevant firmware update but would be willing to call in and work with EG4 if I can help improve the product or help others have a better experience.

I believe I have the GenBoost firmware and the functionality of invertor, battery charge and load management of my Whole Home Generac limited to 8.5kW with the Gridboss has worked phenomenal every time I test it.  The only thing I am seeing power blip when the system switches from invertor to generator. 

I'm assuming the reason for this is that the inverter may not phase matching the generator before switching but I could be wrong.  Seems like it is better sometimes, ranging from a flicker to an all out 500 to 1000ms blackout when the generator relay closes.  For testing, I've tried going to generator in all invertor modes but I would typically be either charging from grid or discharge to grid when a blackout occurs.  If someone finds a setting / firmware that could help with this improve this I would certainly appreciate the input or if EG4 would like me to call in to work on this I would.  I have not given them an opportunity to address this, I was using the forum as a first step to try and learn more about my system.  

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