I cannot get the eg4 inverter to charge the batteries unless i put it on standby mode which shuts off the power to the house. i have tried all settings on #16 of the manual to have utility charge the batteries but it will not. what am i missing?
If the EG4 EG4-3000-EHV inverter only charges the batteries in standby mode but not during regular operation, there might be a configuration or wiring issue. Let’s troubleshoot step by step:
1. Verify Wiring
- Battery Connections: Ensure the batteries are connected securely and polarity is correct.
- Utility Input: Check that the AC input from the grid (utility) is properly connected to the inverter.
- Bypass and Load Connections: Verify that the load and bypass lines are connected correctly per the manual.
2. Setting #16: Charger Source Priority
This setting determines the source used to charge the batteries. The options are typically:
- Solar first: Solar panels are prioritized for charging.
- Utility first: The grid is prioritized for charging.
- Solar and utility: Both can charge the batteries as needed.
- None: Charging is disabled.
- Make sure setting #16 is configured to Utility first or Solar and utility if you want grid power to charge the batteries.
- Save the setting and restart the inverter if required.
3. Check the Charging Current (Setting #11)
- Verify that the maximum charging current is set appropriately for your battery bank.
- If it’s set too low, the inverter might not detect enough capacity to start charging.
4. Battery Type Configuration (Setting #5)
- Ensure the inverter is configured for the correct battery type (e.g., lithium, AGM, gel).
- Incorrect settings can cause the inverter to misinterpret charging parameters.
5. AC Input Voltage Range (Setting #3)
- Ensure that the input voltage range matches your utility supply.
- If the range is incorrect, the inverter might not recognize the grid input for charging.
6. Error Codes or Alarms
- Check for any error messages or alarms on the inverter display.
- Certain alarms (e.g., overvoltage or undervoltage) might prevent charging.
7. Firmware Update
- Some issues might be firmware-related. Check if your inverter has a firmware update available, and update it if necessary.
8. Test the Utility Charging Functionality
- Temporarily disconnect the solar input to see if the grid charges the batteries alone.
- This can help isolate the issue.
9. Contact Technical Support
- If all settings are correct and the problem persists, it could be a hardware issue. Contact EG4’s technical support for guidance. Be ready to provide:
- Serial number
- Current settings
- Error messages (if any)