Why not a Kodak Inverter

[GeneralFailure]

To all the Inverter experts:
Why not choose a Kodak inverter, why choose something like the Deye or Sunsynk over a Kodak?

The ones that i am comparing are the Kodak OG-7.2 and the Deye/Sunsynk 8kW, their technical specs seems to be nearly similar.

 

[BBSA]

Status symbol?

 

[Thor]

Kodak is bankrupt not?

Or did they sell their name to a Chinese inverter company?

Sunsynk etc will probably still be around in 10 years time, doubt Kodak will.

 

[GeneralFailure]

Warranty. End of story.
You will also get 10 years warranty on the Sunsynk if paired with sunsynk battery.

Kodak is Axpert. If you want to, google Axpert vs Sunsynk

3 years on the Kodak vs 5 years on the Sunsynk

2 years difference isn't that much on a product that costs double/triple the price, or do i have the wrong mindset regarding this

I am also concerned that i am overlooking some technical spec that might swing the favour towards Sunsynk

 

[wingnut771]

AFAIK
Kodak = offgrid (no back feeding)
Sunsynk/Deye = hybrid (backfeeding)

 

[BBSA]

Deye builds the inverters

Sunsynk is a rebranded Deye.

The SunSynk customizes them with a more Westernized interface on the screen. But the inside components are the same.

 

[wingnut771]

Sunsynk can also be used to feed non-essentials from the sun when there's excess power.

Yes, lots of extra features with Deye/Sunsynk like the AUX port. I was just keeping it simple.

 

[LCBXX]

I have a Kodak OG 5.48 and the issues with it is that it is limited on the wattage it can accept from the PVs (2000w) and a current challenge to get specifics on the RS485 BMS pinouts, so that I can get it to communicate with my Narada lithium battery; I've not been able to get the 2 to communicate.

Otherwise it's working fine.

 

[GeneralFailure]

Links to those prices please?

5kW:

Sunsynk 5kW Hybrid Inverter

Sunsynk 5kW Hybrid Inverter

www.solar-shop.co.za

KODAK Solar Off-Grid Inverter VMIII 5kW 48V

KODAK Solar Off-Grid Inverter VMIII 5kW 48V

www.solar-shop.co.za

8kW:

Sunsynk 8kW Hybrid Inverter

Sunsynk 8kW Hybrid Inverter

www.solar-shop.co.za

KODAK Solar Off-Grid Inverter MAX 7.2kW 48V

KODAK Solar Off-Grid Inverter MAX 7.2kW 48V

www.solar-shop.co.za

I know that those arent the best prices, just for comparison

 

[GeneralFailure]

Sunsynk can also be used to feed non-essentials from the sun when there's excess power.

Is that a "feature" of all/most Hybrid Inverters?
Seeing that the Kodak is an Off-Grid inverter ... i am guessing it cannot do this?

Neither of the two products mentions this in the datasheet

 

[P924]

The build quality of the 2 are worlds apart. In the Sunsynk the magnetics are potted and mounted on the heatsink - on the kodak they are just on the PCB.
The Sunsynk is also IP65 rated - the enclosure is sealed if installed correctly.
The ability to power non-essentials is just about worth the price difference on it's own, and likewise the build quality.

There is nothing wrong with the Kodak and it's great given the price, but these are not quite comparable devices.

 

[AchmatK]

Status symbol?

Let me give some input on my reasoning before it became so popular.

When I was looking into inverters I stumbled on the sunsynk and it ticked all the right boxes and at the right price. At the time they're was a lot of sceptical posts on here and powerforum on whether these were legit and capable.

For a few weeks I did more research and came across the US version where there was a lot more detail. The US version is called Sol-Ark.

I finally took the plunge and have not looked back. Its over 2 years running now and the best decision I've done when selecting my inverter.

At the price point I still think it's the best value for money full hybrid inverter.

 

[GeneralFailure]

The Kodak OG-Plus6.2 has the ability to power non-essential loads, it is only a 6.2 kW inverter though, but for ~R16k is still cheaper than the Sunsynk (R/kw).

So the feature/ability to power non-essential loads arent exclusive to the "better" named inverters.

 

[wingnut771]

The Kodak OG-Plus6.2 has the ability to power non-essential loads, it is only a 6.2 kW inverter though, but for ~R16k is still cheaper than the Sunsynk (R/kw).

So the feature/ability to power non-essential loads arent exclusive to the "better" named inverters.

Can it turn your meter backwards?

 

[AchmatK]

Can it turn your meter backwards?

I'm looking for the manual. From the spec sheet it doesn't indicate the number of outputs or if the AC input from the grid is bidirectional.

1. I was looking for an inverter that can supply non essentials from solar. Sunsynk does this. Not sure if the Kodak can do this.

2. Secondary AC input source. Sunsynk can do this with the aux so I can connect any other inverter on the aux if I want to expand by either adding a generator, more solar panels with a grid tied inverter or even a wind turbine. I don't think the Kodak can do this.

3. High pass through. The sunsynk can handle loads of over 12kw without issue if the grid is available or if there is a backup AC input source like a generator. I don't see a pass through value on the Kodak spec sheet.

4. IP65 rating. Initially I wanted to install mine outside so this was a consideration when I was looking into which inverter to go with.

5. Battery communication.

6. Colour display. This is not important but I still don't know why inverters still come with old LCD tech for the display. Sunsynk has a colour touch screen. These things are cheap when installing it in the factory. I'm sure it's not that expensive to get a colour touch screen vs blue LCD with buttons. At quick glance and one touch I get a pretty user interface that tells me exactly what's going on with the system.

 

[ScottulusMaximus]

Kodak=axpert=mecer=RCT

There's many many other rebrands of the same thing.

I doubt Kodak Int have anything to do with this whatsoever, looks like someone bought the rights for the name. Although why they decided to use it to brand inverters I've no idea.

I'm using a mecer unit with no issues, but is just a baby 3kva with no solar.

 

[DuracellBunny]

The Kodak OG-Plus6.2 has the ability to power non-essential loads, it is only a 6.2 kW inverter though, but for ~R16k is still cheaper than the Sunsynk (R/kw).

So the feature/ability to power non-essential loads arent exclusive to the "better" named inverters.

Yes that is the new feature of the Voltronic inverters, but its pegged to the battery voltage.

Voltronic inverters will do the job if you not looking for all that additional features, Spinny backwards meters but the Infini Inverters are able too. With that new feature it does bump it up a bit being able to power non essential items.

If you looking to install an inverter and forget about it then sure it would work but if you planning to upgrade the system in stages like add another inverter to parallel the system, forget it. Voltronic inverters do get refreshed quite often so it will be difficult to get the exact one or you will be mixing brands. But the Kodak branded options they seem to keep their models for quite some time before being refreshed.

 

[RonSwanson]

Kodak is cool if your budget is tight, probably the best of the axpert-types (other than genuine Voltronic of course) due to its local support.

Another inverter worth checking out is the Luxpower, the 5K product is cheaper but comparable to Sunsynk's 5K, and it offers more solar capacity (up to 8k vs 6.5k on the Sunsynk).

Lux Power: Inverter 5KW Hybrid LV Single Phase (LUX-LXP5K-LV)

Stock Available on Backorder Description Solar Input• Maximum DC Input Power: 8000W• Nominal DC Input Voltage: 360VDC• DC Input Voltage Range: 100VDC-550VDC• MPPT Voltage Range: 120VDC-500VDC• Start Voltage: 140VDC• Number of MPP Trackers: 2• Maximum DC Input Current: 12.5A / 12.5A Battery...

powerforum-store.co.za

Luxpower also have a 10k that is cheaper than the 8k Sunsynk, call Steve at the powerforumstore for details.

 

[Lupus]

I have a Kodak OG 5.48 and the issues with it is that it is limited on the wattage it can accept from the PVs (2000w) and a current challenge to get specifics on the RS485 BMS pinouts, so that I can get it to communicate with my Narada lithium battery; I've not been able to get the 2 to communicate.

Otherwise it's working fine.

My Mecer/Axpert can accept 4000w from PV but same issue with the pinout for the ZTE batteries and it, there is some talks of the pylontech working as the ZTEs are manufactured by Pylontech, but the supplier hasn't really gone further.

 

[Lament]

Kodak is cool if your budget is tight, probably the best of the axpert-types (other than genuine Voltronic of course) due to its local support.

Another inverter worth checking out is the Luxpower, the 5K product is cheaper but comparable to Sunsynk's 5K, and it offers more solar capacity (up to 8k vs 6.5k on the Sunsynk).

Lux Power: Inverter 5KW Hybrid LV Single Phase (LUX-LXP5K-LV)

Stock Available on Backorder Description Solar Input• Maximum DC Input Power: 8000W• Nominal DC Input Voltage: 360VDC• DC Input Voltage Range: 100VDC-550VDC• MPPT Voltage Range: 120VDC-500VDC• Start Voltage: 140VDC• Number of MPP Trackers: 2• Maximum DC Input Current: 12.5A / 12.5A Battery...

powerforum-store.co.za

Luxpower also have a 10k that is cheaper than the 8k Sunsynk, call Steve at the powerforumstore for details.

Is this the same thing?, It also says hybrid?

I currently have Mercer/Apert 5kv inverter, But as mentioned it cannot put power back into the grid. So looking at a replacment. But a +-25k price tag....:-(, Im gonna have to use a lot of electricity to justify getting it.

This one more firts my pocket

Luxpower Inverter Hybrid / off Grid 5kw - Proton Solar

5kw luwpower Inverter Hybrid and off grid -Can be used as both hybrid and off grid solar applications. -6400w pv input. -Generator input. -Auto restart. -Parallel up to 10 units. -Single phase or three phase. -Free mounting. -Remote update. -Can sync with grid no battery needed. -Communicates...

protonsolardistributors.co.za