I'm not an electrician, so I want to get some opinions on my plan to use a battery-only system for my home. Currently, my power company charges around $0.10 per kWh, but they'll soon switch to a time-of-use plan that could raise rates to $0.22 during peak hours. They offer an attractive Off-Peak Advantage plan that includes rates as low as $0.04 from 10 PM to 5 AM. My idea is to charge a battery system when rates are low and draw from it during the day until peak rates kick in, to save on electricity costs.
I'm looking into the EG4 6000XP inverter and three Eco-Worthy 48V 100Ah batteries, intending to wire my entire house through this system—no solar panels or generators, due to my small roof. I'm aware that certain appliances, like the dryer and HVAC, might exceed the 6000 watts capacity of the inverter. In such cases, can the 6000XP simply pull the excess from the grid?
Also, can I configure the 6000XP to prioritize battery power, set charging times, and switch back to grid power only when the batteries are charging? Lastly, does the 6000XP function as an all-in-one unit, or would I need additional installations like a bypass box to connect everything to my breaker panel?
4 Answers
It sounds like a good plan overall, but if you're not using a critical loads panel and powering the whole house, you might want to consider upgrading to the 12kXP inverter. It can handle up to 100 amps directly from the grid when needed, which could save you headaches later. Just a heads up, the 6000XP doesn’t have a built-in bypass for the grid, so if you overload it, there isn’t an option to pull additional power directly from the grid — it would need a manual transfer switch to do that. Just make sure you know what loads you're running!
If you're running everything through one inverter, you should know that the 6000XP might not cut it with heavy loads. Depending on your home’s electrical service (like whether it's a 100 or 200 amp service), you could need a more powerful inverter setup. It’s crucial to have the right specs to avoid issues down the line with things like HVAC or dryers.
To clarify your question about inverter ratings — the number reflects the total output capability, not the solar input. So if you’re pushing more than your inverter can handle, like with big appliances, it should switch to grid power if it's designed that way. But with the 6000XP, just be careful because it isn’t likely to handle a full load on its own.
Seriously, don't go for the 6000XP. If you're looking to cover all your home’s power needs, the 12000XP would be a better fit. Just keep in mind, if your utility company changes their rates or plan, you could be in a bind. Also, with this setup, it’s either all from the inverter or all from the grid — no mixing power. And about solar, is there a reason you aren't considering it? Just curious!