I am wondering about a varying but significant reported current flow out the AC (EPS) and pulling from batteries. All three 18KPv units I have tested do this. Power varies greatly, but regularly runs 35 - 115+ watts.
Zero watts was noted on all units when first received-but I have not found a setup parameter to stop this (except standby). The last one tested started doing this after a couple of carefully controlled 400 watt resistive load tests (perfectly balanced split-phase L1-N-L2 120v loads) and some power cycles over about three hours. All data was logged-so the facts as described here are documented. After a power cycle - the phantom power draws began and persist.
Battery current draw is corelated at nearly 100%, tracking the AC at a slightly higher wattage. Here is typical example of AC wattage and battery draw graphed together.
This data was captured with the AC breakers off, no wires attached to N, Load, Grid, Gen or PV terminals. The only connections are wall-mount batteries (4) DC and signal, and a grounding conductor to PE.
These observations began prior to the latest 1E1E firmware and continue now. 2 units from a year ago, and 1 just received (a version 2 with some hardware differences).
Last interesting observation. When solar is connected, which charges the batteries, the phantom AC load stops. When the solar shuts down, the AC load returns. Here is a 24 hour plot of solar (yellow), AC load (blue), and Battery current below. This data is from a one-year-old 18KPV with a couple months of limited lab-testing time.
Any idea what is going on here? The battery draw is so small its hard to confirm completely - but BMS screen sampling has shown agreement. Is this is an extra parasitic waste? Are there other concerns - possible THD affects? Do all 18KPVs do this?
Thank you for any insights.
