Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Jason Szumlanski]

As someone who is struggling with a generator auto-start issue with a
competing product at the moment, I will second the motion to develop a
well-functioning logic for AGS. I have been disappointed with the logic on
some and confusing interface on others. I have not had the opportunity to
try out Sol-Ark yet, but conceptually I'm on board. But an integrated and
functional AGS system is a must.

I recently resorted to using the BMS of a LiPO battery to trigger generator
start because I could not get the inverter system to work well. I wasn't
willing to risk a $50k battery on the inverter's logic and functionality so
I put it all on the battery manufacturer to deal with it. That's not ideal
by any stretch.

Jason Szumlanski





On Wed, Nov 18, 2020 at 5:03 PM Chris Sparadeo 
wrote:

> Hi Dustin,
>
> I appreciate you checking in on this. I have to admit, after realizing the
> limited generator capabilities of the Sol-Ark, I was put off. I spoke with
> one of your support technicians who literally said “ I mean, we could have
> our engineers create programming to exercise generators, it’s just a matter
> of us spending the money to do so. It’s not a common ask and I doubt we
> will do it”.
>
> For fully off-grid clients, generator health is immeasurably important.
> The generator is often the last line of defense from a total system shut
> down. I’m hopeful that Sol-Ark will join the other leading off-grid
> manufacturers in the industry and incorporate a comprehensive generator
> function.
>
> Other than crucial AGS shortcomings, I really do love the Sol-Ark unit as
> well as your tech support. I am thankful that you have been so willing to
> accommodate change.
>
> Kindly,
>
> Chris
>
> On Wed, Nov 18, 2020 at 11:49 AM Dustin Douglas 
> wrote:
>
>> Hi Chris,
>>
>> I am not sure if I addressed this with the previous string but I did want
>> to mention that we are looking add different features for the generators.
>> One of these is adding the ability to exercise the generators, especially
>> with ones that have the feature disable if the two-wire start is used. We
>> are always trying to make it more effective for customers and installers
>> and this is a feature we have been wanting to add for the generator
>> applications.
>>
>>
>> Thank you and have a blessed day,
>>
>> Dustin Douglas
>>
>> Sol Ark Engineering Support
>>
>> (972) 575-8875 x 108
>> www.sol-ark.com
>> 
>>
>>
>>
>>  On Wed, 11 Nov 2020 10:07:24 -0600 *Chris Sparadeo
>> >* wrote 
>>
>> Hi all,
>>
>> According to Sol-Ark tech support, they do not currently have a
>> programmable exercise cycle for
>> its two-wire start function. When paired with a generator like a Generac
>> Ecogen (exercise cycle is automatically disabled when configured with two
>> wire start) this means that the only way to effectively run an exercise
>> cycle on your generator would be to do it manually. I am wondering if
>> anyone has run into this issue and if there are work arounds? Kind of a
>> bummer and my first and only negative experience with Sol-Ark thus far.
>>
>> Kindly,
>>
>> Chris Sparadeo
>> --
>> Chris Sparadeo
>>
>>
>> C_802-369-4458
>> H_802-728-3059
>>
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>
>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>> 
>>
>> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the
>> other:
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/
>> 
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>> 
>>
>> List rules & etiquette:
>> http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>> 
>>
>> Check out or update participant bios:
>> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
>> 
>>
>>
>>
>> --
> Chris Sparadeo
>
>
> C_802-369-4458
> H_802-728-3059
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> List Address: 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Chris Sparadeo]

Hi Dustin,

I appreciate you checking in on this. I have to admit, after realizing the
limited generator capabilities of the Sol-Ark, I was put off. I spoke with
one of your support technicians who literally said “ I mean, we could have
our engineers create programming to exercise generators, it’s just a matter
of us spending the money to do so. It’s not a common ask and I doubt we
will do it”.

For fully off-grid clients, generator health is immeasurably important. The
generator is often the last line of defense from a total system shut down.
I’m hopeful that Sol-Ark will join the other leading off-grid manufacturers
in the industry and incorporate a comprehensive generator function.

Other than crucial AGS shortcomings, I really do love the Sol-Ark unit as
well as your tech support. I am thankful that you have been so willing to
accommodate change.

Kindly,

Chris

On Wed, Nov 18, 2020 at 11:49 AM Dustin Douglas  wrote:

> Hi Chris,
>
> I am not sure if I addressed this with the previous string but I did want
> to mention that we are looking add different features for the generators.
> One of these is adding the ability to exercise the generators, especially
> with ones that have the feature disable if the two-wire start is used. We
> are always trying to make it more effective for customers and installers
> and this is a feature we have been wanting to add for the generator
> applications.
>
>
> Thank you and have a blessed day,
>
> Dustin Douglas
>
> Sol Ark Engineering Support
>
> (972) 575-8875 x 108
> www.sol-ark.com
>
>
>
>  On Wed, 11 Nov 2020 10:07:24 -0600 *Chris Sparadeo
> >* wrote 
>
> Hi all,
>
> According to Sol-Ark tech support, they do not currently have a
> programmable exercise cycle for
> its two-wire start function. When paired with a generator like a Generac
> Ecogen (exercise cycle is automatically disabled when configured with two
> wire start) this means that the only way to effectively run an exercise
> cycle on your generator would be to do it manually. I am wondering if
> anyone has run into this issue and if there are work arounds? Kind of a
> bummer and my first and only negative experience with Sol-Ark thus far.
>
> Kindly,
>
> Chris Sparadeo
> --
> Chris Sparadeo
>
>
> C_802-369-4458
> H_802-728-3059
>
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Change listserver email address & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the
> other:
> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>
> List rules & etiquette:
> http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>
> Check out or update participant bios:
> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
>
>
>
> --
Chris Sparadeo


C_802-369-4458
H_802-728-3059
___
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance

List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org

Change listserver email address & settings:
http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org

There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the other:
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[MDElectricSolar]

Sol-Ark tech support has been fantastic to work with.
Mike

On Fri, Nov 13, 2020 at 9:09 AM Dustin Douglas  wrote:

> It is the same hardware as the dongle we provide with the unit and plugs
> directly into the Sol Ark Wi-fi port just like it would in a normal
> project, however the difference is that we customized the software to
> auto-update the inverter without the need for internet. This dongle is only
> compatible the Sol-Ark unit. We are currently sending them with the most up
> to date software for the units, but will be able to modify the software on
> the dongle so that it can be used for different versions of the Sol-Ark.
> The cost of the hardware is $100. We are wanting to add different options
> especially for those that are truly off grid.
>
> Thank you and have a blessed day,
>
> Dustin Douglas
>
> Sol Ark Engineering Support
>
> (972) 575-8875 x 108
> www.sol-ark.com
>
>
>  On Fri, 13 Nov 2020 10:05:37 -0600 *jay  >* wrote 
>
> HI Dustin,
>
> Can you elaborate on the custom dongle for the non internet people.  As
> its custom it sounds like its not a standard USB or SD or MSD?
>
> How much does it cost and can it be updated from a computer and then taken
> to the job site?
>
> Many if not most of my clients have no to limited internet and many that
> do,  don’t want internet connection for their equipment.
>
> thanks
>
> Jay
>
> Peltz Power
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> On Nov 13, 2020, at 8:57 AM, Dustin Douglas  wrote:
>
> The Time of Use feature can support this request. I do understand that
> programming can be somewhat confusing in completely covering what you are
> wanting the generator can do. However, if you are wanting the generator to
> turn on only when the batteries are low and getting through the night then
> we can set the Time of Use to only turn on with specific  hours and also
> charge up to specific SOC. We implemented this setting so that there is the
> ability to control how much fuel is used and not run the gen for long
> periods of time. The Time of Use settings are very customizable, if you
> would like to give our support team a call and we can help customize it to
> best fit your scenario.
>
> As for updating the system itself, we offer different avenues of doing so.
> The first is the Wi-fi dongle that is connected to the inverter and to the
> customers home network. We also offer different aftermarket versions for
> customers with specific needs or if they don't have internet altogether.
> There is a ethernet version for those that don't want the over the air
> (OTA) connection to there wireless network or possibly if there router
> itself is a little to far away from where the unit is located. Simply
> running a ethernet cable to this specific dongle will connect them for
> monitoring and also allow for updates. The final version is for those true
> off grid installs where they are not worried about monitoring but do need
> to get the system updated. We have developed a custom design dongle that
> once inserted into the unit will perform the update on the inverter
> locally. Plug it in and wait for the final part of the software to finish
> and now your system will have the current version of software. You can then
> remove it and adjust the settings for the new features that were added.
>
> Thank you and have a blessed day,
> Dustin Douglas
> Sol Ark Engineering Support
> (972) 575-8875 x 108
> www.sol-ark.com
>
>
>  On Fri, 13 Nov 2020 08:46:31 -0600 *Jay  >* wrote 
>
> I’m wondering how the firmware is updated?  USB or other?  I’ve looked on
> the website but I couldn’t find any instructions.
>
> Thx
> Jay
>
>
>
> On Nov 12, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Jeff Clearwater 
> wrote:
>
>  Thanks Dustin for keeping us up to date on Sol-Arks feature progress.
>
> While you are upgrading your firmware: :)
>
> So an essential feature for off-grid with a generator is to be able to
> program various SOC levels for generator start AND shuf-off after charge.
> 90% is way too high for many sunny climes and other configurations.  Often
> batteries need a boost in the wee morning hours - when they drop below the
> preferred recharge point but that's only perhaps a few hours before the sun
> comes up - So say you want to start a gen to charge a Lead-acid battery at
> 50% or an LFP batter at 20% SOC but you only want to bring it through to
> the next often or possibly sunny morning.  So you set it to run from 50% to
> 65% (or from 20%-40% for LFP) - knowing that the morning sun will take it
> the rest of the way.  90% would waste a ton of fuel in this scenario not
> too mention unwanted noise and wear and tear on the genny.  Depending on
> the clients use profile, the climate, and relative size of the array and
> battery and gen, these figures could vary anywhere from 20% to 100%.  So
> it's essential us off-grid installers have that flexibility.
>
> Also I know that your TOU settings might cover this (though not in all
> modes I believe) but another nice feature is to have 2 or 3 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Dustin Douglas]

It is the same hardware as the dongle we provide with the unit and plugs 
directly into the Sol Ark Wi-fi port just like it would in a normal project, 
however the difference is that we customized the software to auto-update the 
inverter without the need for internet. This dongle is only compatible the 
Sol-Ark unit. We are currently sending them with the most up to date software 
for the units, but will be able to modify the software on the dongle so that it 
can be used for different versions of the Sol-Ark. The cost of the hardware is 
$100. We are wanting to add different options especially for those that are 
truly off grid.



Thank you and have a blessed day,

Dustin Douglas

Sol Ark Engineering Support

(972) 575-8875 x 108

http://www.sol-ark.com/






 On Fri, 13 Nov 2020 10:05:37 -0600 jay  wrote 



HI Dustin,



Can you elaborate on the custom dongle for the non internet people.  As its 
custom it sounds like its not a standard USB or SD or MSD?



How much does it cost and can it be updated from a computer and then taken to 
the job site?



Many if not most of my clients have no to limited internet and many that do,  
don’t want internet connection for their equipment. 



thanks



Jay



Peltz Power















On Nov 13, 2020, at 8:57 AM, Dustin Douglas  wrote:



The Time of Use feature can support this request. I do understand that 
programming can be somewhat confusing in completely covering what you are 
wanting the generator can do. However, if you are wanting the generator to turn 
on only when the batteries are low and getting through the night then we can 
set the Time of Use to only turn on with specific  hours and also charge up to 
specific SOC. We implemented this setting so that there is the ability to 
control how much fuel is used and not run the gen for long periods of time. The 
Time of Use settings are very customizable, if you would like to give our 
support team a call and we can help customize it to best fit your scenario.



As for updating the system itself, we offer different avenues of doing so. The 
first is the Wi-fi dongle that is connected to the inverter and to the 
customers home network. We also offer different aftermarket versions for 
customers with specific needs or if they don't have internet altogether. There 
is a ethernet version for those that don't want the over the air (OTA) 
connection to there wireless network or possibly if there router itself is a 
little to far away from where the unit is located. Simply running a ethernet 
cable to this specific dongle will connect them for monitoring and also allow 
for updates. The final version is for those true off grid installs where they 
are not worried about monitoring but do need to get the system updated. We have 
developed a custom design dongle that once inserted into the unit will perform 
the update on the inverter locally. Plug it in and wait for the final part of 
the software to finish and now your system will have the current version of 
software. You can then remove it and adjust the settings for the new features 
that were added.



Thank you and have a blessed day,

Dustin Douglas

Sol Ark Engineering Support

(972) 575-8875 x 108

http://www.sol-ark.com/






 On Fri, 13 Nov 2020 08:46:31 -0600 Jay  wrote 




I’m wondering how the firmware is updated?  USB or other?  I’ve looked on the 
website but I couldn’t find any instructions. 



Thx

Jay







On Nov 12, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Jeff Clearwater 
 wrote:



  Thanks Dustin for keeping 
us up to date on Sol-Arks feature progress.



While you are upgrading your firmware: :)



So an essential feature for off-grid with a generator is to be able to 
program various SOC levels for generator start AND shuf-off after 
charge.  90% is way too high for many sunny climes and other 
configurations.  Often batteries need a boost in the wee morning hours -
 when they drop below the preferred recharge point but that's only 
perhaps a few hours before the sun comes up - So say you want to start a
 gen to charge a Lead-acid battery at 50% or an LFP batter at 20% SOC 
but you only want to bring it through to the next often or possibly 
sunny morning.  So you set it to run from 50% to 65% (or from 20%-40% 
for LFP) - knowing that the morning sun will take it the rest of the 
way.  90% would waste a ton of fuel in this scenario not too mention 
unwanted noise and wear and tear on the genny.  Depending on the clients
 use profile, the climate, and relative size of the array and battery 
and gen, these figures could vary anywhere from 20% to 100%.  So it's 
essential us off-grid installers have that flexibility.



Also I know that your TOU settings might cover this (though not in all 
modes I believe) but another nice feature is to have 2 or 3 time periods
 with different start and stop settings (Sunny Island does this 
nicely).  So if the 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[MDElectricSolar]

William,
Haven’t had that come up yet. I don’t see why they can’t email the file to you 
and then you can upload it directly on site.

Michael D Nelson
MD Electric & Solar, Inc.
707-684-0064 mobile
707-884-1862 office
www.mdelectricsolar.com
www.facebook.com/mdelectricandsolar


> On Nov 13, 2020, at 7:54 AM, William Miller  wrote:
> 
> 
> Michael:
>  
> What if the site is not connected to the internet?
>  
> William
> Miller Solar
> 17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422
> 805-438-5600
> www.millersolar.com
> CA Lic. 773985
>  
>  
> From: RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] On 
> Behalf Of MDElectricSolar
> Sent: Friday, November 13, 2020 7:16 AM
> To: RE-wrenches
> Cc: Jeff Clearwater
> Subject: Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle
>  
> Jay,
> You need to call Sol Ark tech support and they will push the update through 
> the Internet directly to your inverter, I had one done yesterday and it went 
> smoothly.
> 
> Michael D Nelson
> MD Electric & Solar, Inc.
> 707-684-0064 mobile
> 707-884-1862 office
> www.mdelectricsolar.com
> www.facebook.com/mdelectricandsolar
>  
> 
> 
> On Nov 13, 2020, at 7:03 AM, Jay  wrote:
> 
> 
> I’m wondering how the firmware is updated?  USB or other?  I’ve looked on the 
> website but I couldn’t find any instructions. 
>  
> Thx
> Jay
>  
>  
> 
> 
> On Nov 12, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Jeff Clearwater  
> wrote:
> 
>  Thanks Dustin for keeping us up to date on Sol-Arks feature progress.
> 
> While you are upgrading your firmware: :)
> 
> So an essential feature for off-grid with a generator is to be able to 
> program various SOC levels for generator start AND shuf-off after charge.  
> 90% is way too high for many sunny climes and other configurations.  Often 
> batteries need a boost in the wee morning hours - when they drop below the 
> preferred recharge point but that's only perhaps a few hours before the sun 
> comes up - So say you want to start a gen to charge a Lead-acid battery at 
> 50% or an LFP batter at 20% SOC but you only want to bring it through to the 
> next often or possibly sunny morning.  So you set it to run from 50% to 65% 
> (or from 20%-40% for LFP) - knowing that the morning sun will take it the 
> rest of the way.  90% would waste a ton of fuel in this scenario not too 
> mention unwanted noise and wear and tear on the genny.  Depending on the 
> clients use profile, the climate, and relative size of the array and battery 
> and gen, these figures could vary anywhere from 20% to 100%.  So it's 
> essential us off-grid installers have that flexibility.
> 
> Also I know that your TOU settings might cover this (though not in all modes 
> I believe) but another nice feature is to have 2 or 3 time periods with 
> different start and stop settings (Sunny Island does this nicely).  So if the 
> minimum SOC is reached in the evening you might as well bring it up to a 
> higher SOC for gen shut down as it needs to get through the entire night 
> whereas if that minimum SOC start trigger is met after 3 AM  it needs to only 
> bring it to a lower SOC as described above.
> 
> I'm loving the Sol-Ark product so far but it is obvious the software is a 
> work in progress - the architecture and thought behind it is an excellent 
> foundation - thanks for your work and openness for input to make it even 
> better.
> 
> Best,
> 
> Jeff
> 
> ~~~
> Jeff Clearwater
> Village Power Design
> linkedin 
> www.villagepowerdesign.com
> cell - 413-559-9763
> ~~~
> 
> 
> 
> 
> Dustin Douglas
> November 12, 2020 at 11:46 AM
> Hi All,
>  
> First and foremost thank you for sharing your experiences the the Sol-Ark 
> system. We try very hard to have different capabilities and add new features 
> that make it flexible for the customer. The two-wire start is a feature 
> however that we want to be seamless. In the instance where the customer is 
> seeing the system shutdown once the generator shuts off has been addressed 
> and fixed with a software update. With this update we are able to handle 
> larger generators that tend to drift from 60hz. Please give our support team 
> a call so that we can update the customer accordingly. We are also looking at 
> adding more features including the ability exercise the generator in the near 
> feature. 
>  
> Thank you and have a blessed day,
> Dustin Douglas
> Sol Ark Engineering Support
> (972) 575-8875 x 108
> www.sol-ark.com
>  
>  
>  On Thu, 12 Nov 2020 08:08:51 -0600 Jay  wrote 
>  
>  
>  
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Allian

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[jay]

HI Dustin,

Can you elaborate on the custom dongle for the non internet people.  As its 
custom it sounds like its not a standard USB or SD or MSD?

How much does it cost and can it be updated from a computer and then taken to 
the job site?

Many if not most of my clients have no to limited internet and many that do,  
don’t want internet connection for their equipment. 

thanks

Jay

Peltz Power







> On Nov 13, 2020, at 8:57 AM, Dustin Douglas  wrote:
> 
> The Time of Use feature can support this request. I do understand that 
> programming can be somewhat confusing in completely covering what you are 
> wanting the generator can do. However, if you are wanting the generator to 
> turn on only when the batteries are low and getting through the night then we 
> can set the Time of Use to only turn on with specific  hours and also charge 
> up to specific SOC. We implemented this setting so that there is the ability 
> to control how much fuel is used and not run the gen for long periods of 
> time. The Time of Use settings are very customizable, if you would like to 
> give our support team a call and we can help customize it to best fit your 
> scenario.
> 
> As for updating the system itself, we offer different avenues of doing so. 
> The first is the Wi-fi dongle that is connected to the inverter and to the 
> customers home network. We also offer different aftermarket versions for 
> customers with specific needs or if they don't have internet altogether. 
> There is a ethernet version for those that don't want the over the air (OTA) 
> connection to there wireless network or possibly if there router itself is a 
> little to far away from where the unit is located. Simply running a ethernet 
> cable to this specific dongle will connect them for monitoring and also allow 
> for updates. The final version is for those true off grid installs where they 
> are not worried about monitoring but do need to get the system updated. We 
> have developed a custom design dongle that once inserted into the unit will 
> perform the update on the inverter locally. Plug it in and wait for the final 
> part of the software to finish and now your system will have the current 
> version of software. You can then remove it and adjust the settings for the 
> new features that were added.
> 
> Thank you and have a blessed day,
> Dustin Douglas
> Sol Ark Engineering Support
> (972) 575-8875 x 108
> www.sol-ark.com 
> 
> 
>  On Fri, 13 Nov 2020 08:46:31 -0600 Jay  wrote 
> 
> I’m wondering how the firmware is updated?  USB or other?  I’ve looked on the 
> website but I couldn’t find any instructions. 
> 
> Thx
> Jay
> 
> 
> 
> On Nov 12, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Jeff Clearwater  > wrote:
> 
>  Thanks Dustin for keeping us up to date on Sol-Arks feature progress.
> 
> While you are upgrading your firmware: :)
> 
> So an essential feature for off-grid with a generator is to be able to 
> program various SOC levels for generator start AND shuf-off after charge.  
> 90% is way too high for many sunny climes and other configurations.  Often 
> batteries need a boost in the wee morning hours - when they drop below the 
> preferred recharge point but that's only perhaps a few hours before the sun 
> comes up - So say you want to start a gen to charge a Lead-acid battery at 
> 50% or an LFP batter at 20% SOC but you only want to bring it through to the 
> next often or possibly sunny morning.  So you set it to run from 50% to 65% 
> (or from 20%-40% for LFP) - knowing that the morning sun will take it the 
> rest of the way.  90% would waste a ton of fuel in this scenario not too 
> mention unwanted noise and wear and tear on the genny.  Depending on the 
> clients use profile, the climate, and relative size of the array and battery 
> and gen, these figures could vary anywhere from 20% to 100%.  So it's 
> essential us off-grid installers have that flexibility.
> 
> Also I know that your TOU settings might cover this (though not in all modes 
> I believe) but another nice feature is to have 2 or 3 time periods with 
> different start and stop settings (Sunny Island does this nicely).  So if the 
> minimum SOC is reached in the evening you might as well bring it up to a 
> higher SOC for gen shut down as it needs to get through the entire night 
> whereas if that minimum SOC start trigger is met after 3 AM  it needs to only 
> bring it to a lower SOC as described above.
> 
> I'm loving the Sol-Ark product so far but it is obvious the software is a 
> work in progress - the architecture and thought behind it is an excellent 
> foundation - thanks for your work and openness for input to make it even 
> better.
> 
> Best,
> 
> Jeff
> 
> ~~~
> Jeff Clearwater
> Village Power Design
> linkedin  
> www.villagepowerdesign.com 
> cell - 413-559-9763
> ~~~

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Dustin Douglas]

The Time of Use feature can support this request. I do understand that 
programming can be somewhat confusing in completely covering what you are 
wanting the generator can do. However, if you are wanting the generator to turn 
on only when the batteries are low and getting through the night then we can 
set the Time of Use to only turn on with specific  hours and also charge up to 
specific SOC. We implemented this setting so that there is the ability to 
control how much fuel is used and not run the gen for long periods of time. The 
Time of Use settings are very customizable, if you would like to give our 
support team a call and we can help customize it to best fit your scenario.



As for updating the system itself, we offer different avenues of doing so. The 
first is the Wi-fi dongle that is connected to the inverter and to the 
customers home network. We also offer different aftermarket versions for 
customers with specific needs or if they don't have internet altogether. There 
is a ethernet version for those that don't want the over the air (OTA) 
connection to there wireless network or possibly if there router itself is a 
little to far away from where the unit is located. Simply running a ethernet 
cable to this specific dongle will connect them for monitoring and also allow 
for updates. The final version is for those true off grid installs where they 
are not worried about monitoring but do need to get the system updated. We have 
developed a custom design dongle that once inserted into the unit will perform 
the update on the inverter locally. Plug it in and wait for the final part of 
the software to finish and now your system will have the current version of 
software. You can then remove it and adjust the settings for the new features 
that were added.


Thank you and have a blessed day,

Dustin Douglas

Sol Ark Engineering Support

(972) 575-8875 x 108

http://www.sol-ark.com/






 On Fri, 13 Nov 2020 08:46:31 -0600 Jay  wrote 



I’m wondering how the firmware is updated?  USB or other?  I’ve looked on the 
website but I couldn’t find any instructions. 



Thx

Jay







On Nov 12, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Jeff Clearwater 
 wrote:



  Thanks Dustin for keeping 
us up to date on Sol-Arks feature progress.

 

 While you are upgrading your firmware: :)

 

 So an essential feature for off-grid with a generator is to be able to 
program various SOC levels for generator start AND shuf-off after 
charge.  90% is way too high for many sunny climes and other 
configurations.  Often batteries need a boost in the wee morning hours -
 when they drop below the preferred recharge point but that's only 
perhaps a few hours before the sun comes up - So say you want to start a
 gen to charge a Lead-acid battery at 50% or an LFP batter at 20% SOC 
but you only want to bring it through to the next often or possibly 
sunny morning.  So you set it to run from 50% to 65% (or from 20%-40% 
for LFP) - knowing that the morning sun will take it the rest of the 
way.  90% would waste a ton of fuel in this scenario not too mention 
unwanted noise and wear and tear on the genny.  Depending on the clients
 use profile, the climate, and relative size of the array and battery 
and gen, these figures could vary anywhere from 20% to 100%.  So it's 
essential us off-grid installers have that flexibility.

 

 Also I know that your TOU settings might cover this (though not in all 
modes I believe) but another nice feature is to have 2 or 3 time periods
 with different start and stop settings (Sunny Island does this 
nicely).  So if the minimum SOC is reached in the evening you might as 
well bring it up to a higher SOC for gen shut down as it needs to get 
through the entire night whereas if that minimum SOC start trigger is 
met after 3 AM  it needs to only bring it to a lower SOC as described 
above.

 

 I'm loving the Sol-Ark product so far but it is obvious the
 software is a work in progress - the architecture and thought behind it
 is an excellent foundation - thanks for your work and openness for 
input to make it even better.

 

 Best,

 

 Jeff

 

 ~~~
  
Jeff Clearwater
 Village Power Design
 https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-clearwater-0622a312/ 
 http://www.villagepowerdesign.com
 cell - 413-559-9763
 ~~~






mailto:dus...@sol-ark.com

November
 12, 2020 at 11:46 AM



Hi All,



First and foremost 
thank you for sharing your experiences the the Sol-Ark system. We try 
very hard to have different capabilities and add new features that make 
it flexible for the customer. The two-wire start is a feature however 
that we want to be seamless. In the instance where the customer is 
seeing the system shutdown once the generator shuts off has been 
addressed and fixed with a software update. With this update we are able
 to handle larger generators that tend to drift from 60hz. Please give 
our support team a call so that we can update the 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[William Miller]

Michael:



What if the site is not connected to the internet?



William

Miller Solar

17395 Oak Road, Atascadero, CA 93422

805-438-5600

www.millersolar.com

CA Lic. 773985





*From:* RE-wrenches [mailto:re-wrenches-boun...@lists.re-wrenches.org] *On
Behalf Of *MDElectricSolar
*Sent:* Friday, November 13, 2020 7:16 AM
*To:* RE-wrenches
*Cc:* Jeff Clearwater
*Subject:* Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle



Jay,

You need to call Sol Ark tech support and they will push the update through
the Internet directly to your inverter, I had one done yesterday and it
went smoothly.

Michael D Nelson

MD Electric & Solar, Inc.

707-684-0064 mobile

707-884-1862 office

www.mdelectricsolar.com

www.facebook.com/mdelectricandsolar





On Nov 13, 2020, at 7:03 AM, Jay  wrote:



I’m wondering how the firmware is updated?  USB or other?  I’ve looked on
the website but I couldn’t find any instructions.



Thx

Jay







On Nov 12, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Jeff Clearwater 
wrote:

 Thanks Dustin for keeping us up to date on Sol-Arks feature progress.

While you are upgrading your firmware: :)

So an essential feature for off-grid with a generator is to be able to
program various SOC levels for generator start AND shuf-off after charge.
90% is way too high for many sunny climes and other configurations.  Often
batteries need a boost in the wee morning hours - when they drop below the
preferred recharge point but that's only perhaps a few hours before the sun
comes up - So say you want to start a gen to charge a Lead-acid battery at
50% or an LFP batter at 20% SOC but you only want to bring it through to
the next often or possibly sunny morning.  So you set it to run from 50% to
65% (or from 20%-40% for LFP) - knowing that the morning sun will take it
the rest of the way.  90% would waste a ton of fuel in this scenario not
too mention unwanted noise and wear and tear on the genny.  Depending on
the clients use profile, the climate, and relative size of the array and
battery and gen, these figures could vary anywhere from 20% to 100%.  So
it's essential us off-grid installers have that flexibility.

Also I know that your TOU settings might cover this (though not in all
modes I believe) but another nice feature is to have 2 or 3 time periods
with different start and stop settings (Sunny Island does this nicely).  So
if the minimum SOC is reached in the evening you might as well bring it up
to a higher SOC for gen shut down as it needs to get through the entire
night whereas if that minimum SOC start trigger is met after 3 AM  it needs
to only bring it to a lower SOC as described above.

I'm loving the Sol-Ark product so far but it is obvious the software is a
work in progress - the architecture and thought behind it is an excellent
foundation - thanks for your work and openness for input to make it even
better.

Best,

Jeff

~~~

Jeff Clearwater
Village Power Design
linkedin <https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-clearwater-0622a312/>
www.villagepowerdesign.com
cell - 413-559-9763
~~~





Dustin Douglas 

November 12, 2020 at 11:46 AM

Hi All,



First and foremost thank you for sharing your experiences the the Sol-Ark
system. We try very hard to have different capabilities and add new
features that make it flexible for the customer. The two-wire start is a
feature however that we want to be seamless. In the instance where the
customer is seeing the system shutdown once the generator shuts off has
been addressed and fixed with a software update. With this update we are
able to handle larger generators that tend to drift from 60hz. Please give
our support team a call so that we can update the customer accordingly. We
are also looking at adding more features including the ability exercise the
generator in the near feature.



Thank you and have a blessed day,

Dustin Douglas

Sol Ark Engineering Support

(972) 575-8875 x 108

www.sol-ark.com





 On Thu, 12 Nov 2020 08:08:51 -0600 *Jay 
* wrote 







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Jay 

November 12, 2020 at 9:08 AM

Hi Bill



In the past I’ve had similar issues with generators/inverters. Usually a
relay on the output power wires that opens( disconnects) when the stop
signal is sent works as the frequency doesn’t slowly go down, it drops to 0
instantly.

I don’t know if it will fix your issue.



Seems like solark needs to greatly improve their firmwar

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Dave Angelini Offgrid Solar]

Totally unacceptable to use Sol-Arc if firmware can only be done with an
internet connection. All of these AGS issues are not what I need for my
clients. If they can't start the genset when they are home then I do not
want to be involved. I like the devils that I know. Insight and Optics work
fine. I do not need new ways to get a headache.  
Dave Angelini Offgrid
Solar
"we go where powerlines don't"
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
[1]
e-mail offgridso...@sti.net [2]
text 209 813 0060
 

Links:
--
[1]
http://members.sti.net/offgridsolar/
[2] mailto:offgridso...@sti.net
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[MDElectricSolar]

Jay,
You need to call Sol Ark tech support and they will push the update through the 
Internet directly to your inverter, I had one done yesterday and it went 
smoothly.

Michael D Nelson
MD Electric & Solar, Inc.
707-684-0064 mobile
707-884-1862 office
www.mdelectricsolar.com
www.facebook.com/mdelectricandsolar


> On Nov 13, 2020, at 7:03 AM, Jay  wrote:
> 
> 
> I’m wondering how the firmware is updated?  USB or other?  I’ve looked on the 
> website but I couldn’t find any instructions. 
> 
> Thx
> Jay
> 
> 
> 
>>> On Nov 12, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Jeff Clearwater  
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>  Thanks Dustin for keeping us up to date on Sol-Arks feature progress.
>> 
>> While you are upgrading your firmware: :)
>> 
>> So an essential feature for off-grid with a generator is to be able to 
>> program various SOC levels for generator start AND shuf-off after charge.  
>> 90% is way too high for many sunny climes and other configurations.  Often 
>> batteries need a boost in the wee morning hours - when they drop below the 
>> preferred recharge point but that's only perhaps a few hours before the sun 
>> comes up - So say you want to start a gen to charge a Lead-acid battery at 
>> 50% or an LFP batter at 20% SOC but you only want to bring it through to the 
>> next often or possibly sunny morning.  So you set it to run from 50% to 65% 
>> (or from 20%-40% for LFP) - knowing that the morning sun will take it the 
>> rest of the way.  90% would waste a ton of fuel in this scenario not too 
>> mention unwanted noise and wear and tear on the genny.  Depending on the 
>> clients use profile, the climate, and relative size of the array and battery 
>> and gen, these figures could vary anywhere from 20% to 100%.  So it's 
>> essential us off-grid installers have that flexibility.
>> 
>> Also I know that your TOU settings might cover this (though not in all modes 
>> I believe) but another nice feature is to have 2 or 3 time periods with 
>> different start and stop settings (Sunny Island does this nicely).  So if 
>> the minimum SOC is reached in the evening you might as well bring it up to a 
>> higher SOC for gen shut down as it needs to get through the entire night 
>> whereas if that minimum SOC start trigger is met after 3 AM  it needs to 
>> only bring it to a lower SOC as described above.
>> 
>> I'm loving the Sol-Ark product so far but it is obvious the software is a 
>> work in progress - the architecture and thought behind it is an excellent 
>> foundation - thanks for your work and openness for input to make it even 
>> better.
>> 
>> Best,
>> 
>> Jeff
>> 
>> ~~~
>> Jeff Clearwater
>> Village Power Design
>> linkedin 
>> www.villagepowerdesign.com
>> cell - 413-559-9763
>> ~~~
>> 
>> 
>> 
>>> Dustin Douglas November 12, 2020 at 11:46 AM
>>> Hi All,
>>> 
>>> First and foremost thank you for sharing your experiences the the Sol-Ark 
>>> system. We try very hard to have different capabilities and add new 
>>> features that make it flexible for the customer. The two-wire start is a 
>>> feature however that we want to be seamless. In the instance where the 
>>> customer is seeing the system shutdown once the generator shuts off has 
>>> been addressed and fixed with a software update. With this update we are 
>>> able to handle larger generators that tend to drift from 60hz. Please give 
>>> our support team a call so that we can update the customer accordingly. We 
>>> are also looking at adding more features including the ability exercise the 
>>> generator in the near feature. 
>>> 
>>> Thank you and have a blessed day,
>>> Dustin Douglas
>>> Sol Ark Engineering Support
>>> (972) 575-8875 x 108
>>> www.sol-ark.com
>>> 
>>> 
>>>  On Thu, 12 Nov 2020 08:08:51 -0600 Jay  wrote 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> ___
>>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>>> 
>>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>>> 
>>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
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>>> other:
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>>> 
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>>> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
>>> 
>>> Jay November 12, 2020 at 9:08 AM
>>> Hi Bill
>>> 
>>> In the past I’ve had similar issues with generators/inverters. Usually a 
>>> relay on the output power wires that opens( disconnects) when the stop 
>>> signal is sent works as the frequency doesn’t slowly go down, it drops to 0 
>>> instantly. 
>>> I don’t know if it will fix your issue. 
>>> 
>>> Seems like solark needs to greatly improve their firmware. 
>>> 
>>> Jay
>>> 
>>> Peltz power. 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Jay]

I’m wondering how the firmware is updated?  USB or other?  I’ve looked on the 
website but I couldn’t find any instructions. 

Thx
Jay



> On Nov 12, 2020, at 7:58 PM, Jeff Clearwater  
> wrote:
> 
>  Thanks Dustin for keeping us up to date on Sol-Arks feature progress.
> 
> While you are upgrading your firmware: :)
> 
> So an essential feature for off-grid with a generator is to be able to 
> program various SOC levels for generator start AND shuf-off after charge.  
> 90% is way too high for many sunny climes and other configurations.  Often 
> batteries need a boost in the wee morning hours - when they drop below the 
> preferred recharge point but that's only perhaps a few hours before the sun 
> comes up - So say you want to start a gen to charge a Lead-acid battery at 
> 50% or an LFP batter at 20% SOC but you only want to bring it through to the 
> next often or possibly sunny morning.  So you set it to run from 50% to 65% 
> (or from 20%-40% for LFP) - knowing that the morning sun will take it the 
> rest of the way.  90% would waste a ton of fuel in this scenario not too 
> mention unwanted noise and wear and tear on the genny.  Depending on the 
> clients use profile, the climate, and relative size of the array and battery 
> and gen, these figures could vary anywhere from 20% to 100%.  So it's 
> essential us off-grid installers have that flexibility.
> 
> Also I know that your TOU settings might cover this (though not in all modes 
> I believe) but another nice feature is to have 2 or 3 time periods with 
> different start and stop settings (Sunny Island does this nicely).  So if the 
> minimum SOC is reached in the evening you might as well bring it up to a 
> higher SOC for gen shut down as it needs to get through the entire night 
> whereas if that minimum SOC start trigger is met after 3 AM  it needs to only 
> bring it to a lower SOC as described above.
> 
> I'm loving the Sol-Ark product so far but it is obvious the software is a 
> work in progress - the architecture and thought behind it is an excellent 
> foundation - thanks for your work and openness for input to make it even 
> better.
> 
> Best,
> 
> Jeff
> 
> ~~~
> Jeff Clearwater
> Village Power Design
> linkedin 
> www.villagepowerdesign.com
> cell - 413-559-9763
> ~~~
> 
> 
> 
>> Dustin Douglas November 12, 2020 at 11:46 AM
>> Hi All,
>> 
>> First and foremost thank you for sharing your experiences the the Sol-Ark 
>> system. We try very hard to have different capabilities and add new features 
>> that make it flexible for the customer. The two-wire start is a feature 
>> however that we want to be seamless. In the instance where the customer is 
>> seeing the system shutdown once the generator shuts off has been addressed 
>> and fixed with a software update. With this update we are able to handle 
>> larger generators that tend to drift from 60hz. Please give our support team 
>> a call so that we can update the customer accordingly. We are also looking 
>> at adding more features including the ability exercise the generator in the 
>> near feature. 
>> 
>> Thank you and have a blessed day,
>> Dustin Douglas
>> Sol Ark Engineering Support
>> (972) 575-8875 x 108
>> www.sol-ark.com
>> 
>> 
>>  On Thu, 12 Nov 2020 08:08:51 -0600 Jay  wrote 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>> 
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the 
>> other:
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> List rules & etiquette:
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>> 
>> Check out or update participant bios:
>> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> Jay November 12, 2020 at 9:08 AM
>> Hi Bill
>> 
>> In the past I’ve had similar issues with generators/inverters. Usually a 
>> relay on the output power wires that opens( disconnects) when the stop 
>> signal is sent works as the frequency doesn’t slowly go down, it drops to 0 
>> instantly. 
>> I don’t know if it will fix your issue. 
>> 
>> Seems like solark needs to greatly improve their firmware. 
>> 
>> Jay
>> 
>> Peltz power. 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>> 
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> Change listserver email address & settings:
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>> 
>> List rules & etiquette:
>> 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Jeff Clearwater]

Thanks Dustin for keeping us up to date on Sol-Arks feature progress.

While you are upgrading your firmware: :)

So an essential feature for off-grid with a generator is to be able to 
program various SOC levels for generator start AND shuf-off after 
charge.  90% is way too high for many sunny climes and other 
configurations.  Often batteries need a boost in the wee morning hours - 
when they drop below the preferred recharge point but that's only 
perhaps a few hours before the sun comes up - So say you want to start a 
gen to charge a Lead-acid battery at 50% or an LFP batter at 20% SOC but 
you only want to bring it through to the next often or possibly sunny 
morning.  So you set it to run from 50% to 65% (or from 20%-40% for LFP) 
- knowing that the morning sun will take it the rest of the way.  90% 
would waste a ton of fuel in this scenario not too mention unwanted 
noise and wear and tear on the genny.  Depending on the clients use 
profile, the climate, and relative size of the array and battery and 
gen, these figures could vary anywhere from 20% to 100%.  So it's 
essential us off-grid installers have that flexibility.


Also I know that your TOU settings might cover this (though not in all 
modes I believe) but another nice feature is to have 2 or 3 time periods 
with different start and stop settings (Sunny Island does this nicely).  
So if the minimum SOC is reached in the evening you might as well bring 
it up to a higher SOC for gen shut down as it needs to get through the 
entire night whereas if that minimum SOC start trigger is met after 3 
AM  it needs to only bring it to a lower SOC as described above.


I'm loving the Sol-Ark product so far but it is obvious the software is 
a work in progress - the architecture and thought behind it is an 
excellent foundation - thanks for your work and openness for input to 
make it even better.


Best,

Jeff

~~~
Jeff Clearwater
Village Power Design
linkedin 
www.villagepowerdesign.com 
cell - 413-559-9763
~~~




Dustin Douglas 
November 12, 2020 at 11:46 AM
Hi All,

First and foremost thank you for sharing your experiences the the 
Sol-Ark system. We try very hard to have different capabilities and 
add new features that make it flexible for the customer. The two-wire 
start is a feature however that we want to be seamless. In the 
instance where the customer is seeing the system shutdown once the 
generator shuts off has been addressed and fixed with a software 
update. With this update we are able to handle larger generators that 
tend to drift from 60hz. Please give our support team a call so that 
we can update the customer accordingly. We are also looking at adding 
more features including the ability exercise the generator in the near 
feature.


Thank you and have a blessed day,

Dustin Douglas

Sol Ark Engineering Support

(972) 575-8875 x 108

www.sol-ark.com 


 On Thu, 12 Nov 2020 08:08:51 -0600 *Jay * 
wrote 




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Jay 
November 12, 2020 at 9:08 AM
Hi Bill

In the past I’ve had similar issues with generators/inverters. Usually 
a relay on the output power wires that opens( disconnects) when the 
stop signal is sent works as the frequency doesn’t slowly go down, it 
drops to 0 instantly.

I don’t know if it will fix your issue.

Seems like solark needs to greatly improve their firmware.

Jay

Peltz power.







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Bill Hennessy 
November 11, 2020 at 10:03 PM
Hi folks--We've also been disappointed with the Sol-Ark two-wire 
generator start. The unit starts at the charge set point, but the 
inverter will shut down for about a 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[MDElectricSolar]

We’ve had the same issue.

Michael D Nelson
MD Electric & Solar, Inc.
707-684-0064 mobile
707-884-1862 office
www.mdelectricsolar.com
www.facebook.com/mdelectricandsolar


> On Nov 11, 2020, at 11:53 PM, Bill Hennessy  wrote:
> 
> 
> Hi folks--We've also been disappointed with the Sol-Ark two-wire generator 
> start. The unit starts at the charge set point, but the inverter will shut 
> down for about a minute every time the generator stops running. After the 
> minute wait, the inverter restarts and everything is fine. But it is 
> aggravating for the homeowners to be left wondering in the dark.
> 
> Sol-Ark says that when the generator shuts off, the frequency drops out of 
> the Sol-Ark range and causes the inverter shut down. 
> They suggested we find a way to increase the generator speed to avoid the 
> frequency drop at shutdown. This seems like a lame suggestion, since the 
> generator has no idea of when the batteries will be satisfied--it only 
> responds to the on/off signal from the Sol-Ark. I would think that the unit 
> could be programmed to ignore the frequency drop when it sends the shut off 
> signal to the generator. The system has an an Ecogen 15kW.
> 
> Not having an exercise function is also a miss. As mentioned below, the time 
> of use can be used, but one has to go out and play with the programming to 
> check the generator.
> 
> regards, bill
> 
> Bill Hennessy
> Berks Solar, LLC
> 371 Centennial Rd
> Mertztown, PA 19539
> 
> o 610 682 4300
> c 484 560 4666
> NABCEP certified installer
> PA contractor #44411
> www.berkssolar.com
> 
> 
> On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, 8:20:57 PM EST, Chris Sparadeo 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> Thanks for the suggestion, Jay. 
> 
> Yes, the Sol-Ark has a very basic and limited AGS for 2 wire compatible gen 
> sets. Gen start can be programmed with voltage or SOC, however gen stop is 
> not a function that can not be readily programmed. Instead, the Sol-Ark is 
> programmed to charge the battery bank to 90% of  the rated Ah capacity of the 
> battery bank before turning off the generator. You can ultimately adjust this 
> gen stop parameter to be based on a specific SOC or voltage, but I believe 
> that doing so requires a call into tech support. The tech I spoke with 
> updated a setting (having to do with a TOU parameter I believe) that was not 
> accessible via the system interface. AGS  from Schnieder, Outback and even 
> Magnum are less clunky, but I am hoping that Sol-Ark will eventually come out 
> with new programming to remediate these minor but nevertheless, important 
> issues
> 
> -Chris
> 
> On Wed, Nov 11, 2020 at 3:58 PM Jay  wrote:
> Hi Chris
> 
> I would install a timer. There are many dry contact dc or ac powered with a 
> high degree of programmability. 
> 
> A question about the normal function of the AGS. I’ve talked to a few people 
> that have mentioned that the ags has its own fuzzy logic, with limited 
> programming. And they have had issues with it not turning on or not turning 
> off 
> 
> What do you say?
> 
> Jay
> 
>>> On Nov 11, 2020, at 10:43 AM, Glenn Burt  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> I believe the Atkinson GSCM could be used to do this.
>> 
>> -Glenn
>> Sent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.
>> 
>> -- Original message--
>> From: Chris Sparadeo
>> Date: Wed, Nov 11, 2020 11:16 AM
>> To: RE-wrenches;
>> Cc:
>> Subject:[RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle
>> 
>> Hi all,
>> 
>> According to Sol-Ark tech support, they do not currently have a programmable 
>> exercise cycle for
>> its two-wire start function. When paired with a generator like a Generac 
>> Ecogen (exercise cycle is automatically disabled when configured with two 
>> wire start) this means that the only way to effectively run an exercise 
>> cycle on your generator would be to do it manually. I am wondering if anyone 
>> has run into this issue and if there are work arounds? Kind of a bummer and 
>> my first and only negative experience with Sol-Ark thus far. 
>> 
>> Kindly,
>> 
>> Chris Sparadeo 
>> -- 
>> Chris Sparadeo
>> 
>> 
>> C_802-369-4458
>> H_802-728-3059
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>> 
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> Change listserver email address & settings:
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>> 
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> Change listserver email address & settings:
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Dustin Douglas]

Hi All,



First and foremost thank you for sharing your experiences the the Sol-Ark 
system. We try very hard to have different capabilities and add new features 
that make it flexible for the customer. The two-wire start is a feature however 
that we want to be seamless. In the instance where the customer is seeing the 
system shutdown once the generator shuts off has been addressed and fixed with 
a software update. With this update we are able to handle larger generators 
that tend to drift from 60hz. Please give our support team a call so that we 
can update the customer accordingly. We are also looking at adding more 
features including the ability exercise the generator in the near feature. 


Thank you and have a blessed day,

Dustin Douglas

Sol Ark Engineering Support

(972) 575-8875 x 108

http://www.sol-ark.com/




 On Thu, 12 Nov 2020 08:08:51 -0600 Jay  wrote 


Hi Bill



In the past I’ve had similar issues with generators/inverters. Usually a relay 
on the output power wires that opens( disconnects) when the stop signal is sent 
works as the frequency doesn’t slowly go down, it drops to 0 instantly. 

I don’t know if it will fix your issue. 



Seems like solark needs to greatly improve their firmware. 



Jay



Peltz power. 










On Nov 11, 2020, at 8:03 PM, Bill Hennessy  wrote:



Hi folks--We've also been disappointed with the Sol-Ark two-wire generator 
start. The unit starts at the charge set point, but the inverter will shut down 
for about a minute every time the generator stops running. After the minute 
wait, the inverter restarts and everything is fine. But it is aggravating for 
the homeowners to be left wondering in the dark.



Sol-Ark says that when the generator shuts off, the frequency drops out of the 
Sol-Ark range and causes the inverter shut down. 

They suggested we find a way to increase the generator speed to avoid the 
frequency drop at shutdown. This seems like a lame suggestion, since the 
generator has no idea of when the batteries will be satisfied--it only responds 
to the on/off signal from the Sol-Ark. I would think that the unit could be 
programmed to ignore the frequency drop when it sends the shut off signal to 
the generator. The system has an an Ecogen 15kW.



Not having an exercise function is also a miss. As mentioned below, the time of 
use can be used, but one has to go out and play with the programming to check 
the generator.



regards, bill



Bill Hennessy
Berks Solar, LLC
371 Centennial Rd
Mertztown, PA 19539

o 610 682 4300
c 484 560 4666
NABCEP certified installer
PA contractor #44411
www.berkssolar.com







On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, 8:20:57 PM EST, Chris Sparadeo 
 wrote:





Thanks for the suggestion, Jay. 

Yes, the Sol-Ark has a very basic and limited AGS for 2 wire compatible gen 
sets. Gen start can be programmed with voltage or SOC, however gen stop is not 
a function that can not be readily programmed. Instead, the Sol-Ark is 
programmed to charge the battery bank to 90% of  the rated Ah capacity of the 
battery bank before turning off the generator. You can ultimately adjust this 
gen stop parameter to be based on a specific SOC or voltage, but I believe that 
doing so requires a call into tech support. The tech I spoke with updated a 
setting (having to do with a TOU parameter I believe) that was not accessible 
via the system interface. AGS  from Schnieder, Outback and even Magnum are less 
clunky, but I am hoping that Sol-Ark will eventually come out with new 
programming to remediate these minor but nevertheless, important issues




-Chris



On Wed, Nov 11, 2020 at 3:58 PM Jay  wrote:

Hi Chris



I would install a timer. There are many dry contact dc or ac powered with a 
high degree of programmability. 



A question about the normal function of the AGS. I’ve talked to a few people 
that have mentioned that the ags has its own fuzzy logic, with limited 
programming. And they have had issues with it not turning on or not turning off 



What do you say?



Jay


On Nov 11, 2020, at 10:43 AM, Glenn Burt  wrote:



 I believe the Atkinson GSCM could be used to do this.



-Glenn

Sent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.





-- Original message--

From: Chris Sparadeo

Date: Wed, Nov 11, 2020 11:16 AM

To: RE-wrenches;

Cc:

Subject:[RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle




Hi all,

According to Sol-Ark tech support, they do not currently have a programmable 
exercise cycle for

its two-wire start function. When paired with a generator like a Generac Ecogen 
(exercise cycle is automatically disabled when configured with two wire start) 
this means that the only way to effectively run an exercise cycle on your 
generator would be to do it manually. I am wondering if anyone has run into 
this issue and if there are work arounds? Kind of a bummer 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Jay]

Hi Bill

In the past I’ve had similar issues with generators/inverters. Usually a relay 
on the output power wires that opens( disconnects) when the stop signal is sent 
works as the frequency doesn’t slowly go down, it drops to 0 instantly. 
I don’t know if it will fix your issue. 

Seems like solark needs to greatly improve their firmware. 

Jay

Peltz power. 





> On Nov 11, 2020, at 8:03 PM, Bill Hennessy  wrote:
> 
> 
> Hi folks--We've also been disappointed with the Sol-Ark two-wire generator 
> start. The unit starts at the charge set point, but the inverter will shut 
> down for about a minute every time the generator stops running. After the 
> minute wait, the inverter restarts and everything is fine. But it is 
> aggravating for the homeowners to be left wondering in the dark.
> 
> Sol-Ark says that when the generator shuts off, the frequency drops out of 
> the Sol-Ark range and causes the inverter shut down. 
> They suggested we find a way to increase the generator speed to avoid the 
> frequency drop at shutdown. This seems like a lame suggestion, since the 
> generator has no idea of when the batteries will be satisfied--it only 
> responds to the on/off signal from the Sol-Ark. I would think that the unit 
> could be programmed to ignore the frequency drop when it sends the shut off 
> signal to the generator. The system has an an Ecogen 15kW.
> 
> Not having an exercise function is also a miss. As mentioned below, the time 
> of use can be used, but one has to go out and play with the programming to 
> check the generator.
> 
> regards, bill
> 
> Bill Hennessy
> Berks Solar, LLC
> 371 Centennial Rd
> Mertztown, PA 19539
> 
> o 610 682 4300
> c 484 560 4666
> NABCEP certified installer
> PA contractor #44411
> www.berkssolar.com
> 
> 
> On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, 8:20:57 PM EST, Chris Sparadeo 
>  wrote:
> 
> 
> Thanks for the suggestion, Jay. 
> 
> Yes, the Sol-Ark has a very basic and limited AGS for 2 wire compatible gen 
> sets. Gen start can be programmed with voltage or SOC, however gen stop is 
> not a function that can not be readily programmed. Instead, the Sol-Ark is 
> programmed to charge the battery bank to 90% of  the rated Ah capacity of the 
> battery bank before turning off the generator. You can ultimately adjust this 
> gen stop parameter to be based on a specific SOC or voltage, but I believe 
> that doing so requires a call into tech support. The tech I spoke with 
> updated a setting (having to do with a TOU parameter I believe) that was not 
> accessible via the system interface. AGS  from Schnieder, Outback and even 
> Magnum are less clunky, but I am hoping that Sol-Ark will eventually come out 
> with new programming to remediate these minor but nevertheless, important 
> issues
> 
> -Chris
> 
> On Wed, Nov 11, 2020 at 3:58 PM Jay  wrote:
> Hi Chris
> 
> I would install a timer. There are many dry contact dc or ac powered with a 
> high degree of programmability. 
> 
> A question about the normal function of the AGS. I’ve talked to a few people 
> that have mentioned that the ags has its own fuzzy logic, with limited 
> programming. And they have had issues with it not turning on or not turning 
> off 
> 
> What do you say?
> 
> Jay
> 
>>> On Nov 11, 2020, at 10:43 AM, Glenn Burt  wrote:
>>> 
>> 
>> I believe the Atkinson GSCM could be used to do this.
>> 
>> -Glenn
>> Sent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.
>> 
>> -- Original message--
>> From: Chris Sparadeo
>> Date: Wed, Nov 11, 2020 11:16 AM
>> To: RE-wrenches;
>> Cc:
>> Subject:[RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle
>> 
>> Hi all,
>> 
>> According to Sol-Ark tech support, they do not currently have a programmable 
>> exercise cycle for
>> its two-wire start function. When paired with a generator like a Generac 
>> Ecogen (exercise cycle is automatically disabled when configured with two 
>> wire start) this means that the only way to effectively run an exercise 
>> cycle on your generator would be to do it manually. I am wondering if anyone 
>> has run into this issue and if there are work arounds? Kind of a bummer and 
>> my first and only negative experience with Sol-Ark thus far. 
>> 
>> Kindly,
>> 
>> Chris Sparadeo 
>> -- 
>> Chris Sparadeo
>> 
>> 
>> C_802-369-4458
>> H_802-728-3059
>> ___
>> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>> 
>> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> Change listserver email address & settings:
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the 
>> other:
>> https://www.mail-archive.com/re-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org/
>> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/pipermail/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
>> 
>> List rules & etiquette:
>> http://www.re-wrenches.org/etiquette.htm
>> 
>> Check out or update participant bios:
>> http://www.members.re-wrenches.org
>> 
> 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Bill Hennessy]

Hi folks--We've also been disappointed with the Sol-Ark two-wire generator 
start. The unit starts at the charge set point, but the inverter will shut down 
for about a minute every time the generator stops running. After the minute 
wait, the inverter restarts and everything is fine. But it is aggravating for 
the homeowners to be left wondering in the dark.

Sol-Ark says that when the generator shuts off, the frequency drops out of the 
Sol-Ark range and causes the inverter shut down. 
They suggested we find a way to increase the generator speed to avoid the 
frequency drop at shutdown. This seems like a lame suggestion, since the 
generator has no idea of when the batteries will be satisfied--it only responds 
to the on/off signal from the Sol-Ark. I would think that the unit could be 
programmed to ignore the frequency drop when it sends the shut off signal to 
the generator. The system has an an Ecogen 15kW.

 Not having an exercise function is also a miss. As mentioned below, the time 
of use can be used, but one has to go out and play with the programming to 
check the generator.

regards, bill

Bill Hennessy
Berks Solar, LLC
371 Centennial Rd
Mertztown, PA 19539

o 610 682 4300
c 484 560 4666
NABCEP certified installer
PA contractor #44411
www.berkssolar.com 

On Wednesday, November 11, 2020, 8:20:57 PM EST, Chris Sparadeo 
 wrote:  
 
 Thanks for the suggestion, Jay. 
Yes, the Sol-Ark has a very basic and limited AGS for 2 wire compatible gen 
sets. Gen start can be programmed with voltage or SOC, however gen stop is not 
a function that can not be readily programmed. Instead, the Sol-Ark is 
programmed to charge the battery bank to 90% of  the rated Ah capacity of the 
battery bank before turning off the generator. You can ultimately adjust this 
gen stop parameter to be based on a specific SOC or voltage, but I believe that 
doing so requires a call into tech support. The tech I spoke with updated a 
setting (having to do with a TOU parameter I believe) that was not accessible 
via the system interface. AGS  from Schnieder, Outback and even Magnum are less 
clunky, but I am hoping that Sol-Ark will eventually come out with new 
programming to remediate these minor but nevertheless, important issues
-Chris
On Wed, Nov 11, 2020 at 3:58 PM Jay  wrote:

Hi Chris
I would install a timer. There are many dry contact dc or ac powered with a 
high degree of programmability. 
A question about the normal function of the AGS. I’ve talked to a few people 
that have mentioned that the ags has its own fuzzy logic, with limited 
programming. And they have had issues with it not turning on or not turning off 
What do you say?
Jay

On Nov 11, 2020, at 10:43 AM, Glenn Burt  wrote:



 I believe the Atkinson GSCM could be used to do this.
-GlennSent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.
-- Original message--From: Chris SparadeoDate: Wed, Nov 11, 2020 11:16 
AMTo: RE-wrenches;Cc: Subject:[RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle
Hi all,
According to Sol-Ark tech support, they do not currently have a programmable 
exercise cycle forits two-wire start function. When paired with a generator 
like a Generac Ecogen (exercise cycle is automatically disabled when configured 
with two wire start) this means that the only way to effectively run an 
exercise cycle on your generator would be to do it manually. I am wondering if 
anyone has run into this issue and if there are work arounds? Kind of a bummer 
and my first and only negative experience with Sol-Ark thus far. 
Kindly,
Chris Sparadeo -- 
Chris Sparadeo

C_802-369-4458H_802-728-3059___
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-- 
Chris Sparadeo

C_802-369-4458H_802-728-3059___
List sponsored by Redwood Alliance

List Address: 

Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Chris Sparadeo]

Thanks for the suggestion, Jay.

Yes, the Sol-Ark has a very basic and limited AGS for 2 wire compatible gen
sets. Gen start can be programmed with voltage or SOC, however gen stop is
not a function that can not be readily programmed. Instead, the Sol-Ark is
programmed to charge the battery bank to 90% of  the rated Ah capacity of
the battery bank before turning off the generator. You can ultimately
adjust this gen stop parameter to be based on a specific SOC or voltage,
but I believe that doing so requires a call into tech support. The tech I
spoke with updated a setting (having to do with a TOU parameter I believe)
that was not accessible via the system interface. AGS  from Schnieder,
Outback and even Magnum are less clunky, but I am hoping that Sol-Ark will
eventually come out with new programming to remediate these minor but
nevertheless, important issues

-Chris

On Wed, Nov 11, 2020 at 3:58 PM Jay  wrote:

> Hi Chris
>
> I would install a timer. There are many dry contact dc or ac powered with
> a high degree of programmability.
>
> A question about the normal function of the AGS. I’ve talked to a few
> people that have mentioned that the ags has its own fuzzy logic, with
> limited programming. And they have had issues with it not turning on or not
> turning off
>
> What do you say?
>
> Jay
>
> On Nov 11, 2020, at 10:43 AM, Glenn Burt  wrote:
>
> 
> I believe the Atkinson GSCM could be used to do this.
>
> -Glenn
> Sent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.
>
> -- Original message--
> *From: *Chris Sparadeo
> *Date: *Wed, Nov 11, 2020 11:16 AM
> *To: *RE-wrenches;
> *Cc: *
> *Subject:*[RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle
>
> Hi all,
>
> According to Sol-Ark tech support, they do not currently have a
> programmable exercise cycle for
> its two-wire start function. When paired with a generator like a Generac
> Ecogen (exercise cycle is automatically disabled when configured with two
> wire start) this means that the only way to effectively run an exercise
> cycle on your generator would be to do it manually. I am wondering if
> anyone has run into this issue and if there are work arounds? Kind of a
> bummer and my first and only negative experience with Sol-Ark thus far.
>
> Kindly,
>
> Chris Sparadeo
> --
> Chris Sparadeo
>
>
> C_802-369-4458
> H_802-728-3059
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
>
> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
>
> Change listserver email address & settings:
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>
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-- 
Chris Sparadeo


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H_802-728-3059
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Jay]

Hi Chris

I would install a timer. There are many dry contact dc or ac powered with a 
high degree of programmability. 

A question about the normal function of the AGS. I’ve talked to a few people 
that have mentioned that the ags has its own fuzzy logic, with limited 
programming. And they have had issues with it not turning on or not turning off 

What do you say?

Jay

> On Nov 11, 2020, at 10:43 AM, Glenn Burt  wrote:
> 
> 
> I believe the Atkinson GSCM could be used to do this.
> 
> -Glenn
> Sent from my 'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.
> 
> -- Original message--
> From: Chris Sparadeo
> Date: Wed, Nov 11, 2020 11:16 AM
> To: RE-wrenches;
> Cc:
> Subject:[RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle
> 
> Hi all,
> 
> According to Sol-Ark tech support, they do not currently have a programmable 
> exercise cycle for
> its two-wire start function. When paired with a generator like a Generac 
> Ecogen (exercise cycle is automatically disabled when configured with two 
> wire start) this means that the only way to effectively run an exercise cycle 
> on your generator would be to do it manually. I am wondering if anyone has 
> run into this issue and if there are work arounds? Kind of a bummer and my 
> first and only negative experience with Sol-Ark thus far. 
> 
> Kindly,
> 
> Chris Sparadeo 
> -- 
> Chris Sparadeo
> 
> 
> C_802-369-4458
> H_802-728-3059
> ___
> List sponsored by Redwood Alliance
> 
> List Address: RE-wrenches@lists.re-wrenches.org
> 
> Change listserver email address & settings:
> http://lists.re-wrenches.org/options.cgi/re-wrenches-re-wrenches.org
> 
> There are two list archives for searching. When one doesn't work, try the 
> other:
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Re: [RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise Cycle

[Glenn Burt]

I believe the Atkinson GSCM could be used to do this.-GlennSent from my 
'smart'phone, so please excuse typos and spelling errors.-- Original 
message--From: Chris SparadeoDate: Wed, Nov 11, 2020 11:16 AMTo: 
RE-wrenches;Cc: Subject:[RE-wrenches] Sol-Ark Gen Exercise CycleHi 
all,According to Sol-Ark tech support, they do not currently have a 
programmable exercise cycle forits two-wire start function. When paired with a 
generator like a Generac Ecogen (exercise cycle is automatically disabled when 
configured with two wire start) this means that the only way to effectively run 
an exercise cycle on your generator would be to do it manually. I am wondering 
if anyone has run into this issue and if there are work arounds? Kind of a 
bummer and my first and only negative experience with Sol-Ark thus far. 
Kindly,Chris Sparadeo -- Chris SparadeoC_802-369-4458H_802-728-3059
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