I am sure that I am not the only one on the list that appreciates your willingness to share your experience, well thought out analysis, and solutions. As always, thank you for your insights and ideas. And thanks for taking the time to highlight your positive interactions with Fortress.
I too have had generally good experience with Fortress's support, which is no small part of why I've chosen to install many eVault Max cabinets, particularly for off grid systems. This is also, in part, why I chose to try their Envy inverter in my off-grid house that currently has an older 1300 ah lead acid battery bank (whenever I have the opportunity to try new to me equipment in my own place, I do so).
I have used Sol-Ark in many installs, and have been generally pleased with them, but am growing weary of firmware updates that cause problems and errors between disparate brands. This issue has only grown more critical and troublesome with the advent of closed loop communications between hybrid inverters and Lithium BMSs.
So I was anxious to try the Envy, which is promoted as working with many Lithium batteries in closed loop, as well as Lead acid, both on and off grid. I should have done more research before buying it for use in this setting.
In short, in my opinion, the Envy is woefully inadequate for use with lead acid batteries. The programming and capabilities for use with a Lead Acid battery bank are on the verge of useless. And regrettably, in trying to understand how to set it up and dealing with what turned out to be serious shortcomings, talking with their support for many hours over several calls about this, was even more abysmal. I was basically told that I should not use the Envy with L-A batteries, it wasn't designed for such use, and if i did so, that was at my own peril (not their exact words). This inspite of their sales team and advertising saying otherwise. It was one of the worst support interactions I've had since talking with Xantrex (about issues with their TM500 meter interfering with the C40's functionality) 20 years ago. This was not the experience I was hoping for.
I don't typically bad mouth a company here, especially one that I've enjoyed good results with. My preference is to highlight companies/equipment that have worked well for me. However, I have made multiple attempts to email their support team, their sales team and their higher level tech, with absolutely no response. Crickets. Now I am frustrated, hence this missive.
I will be replacing the Envy with another more appropriately designed inverter. Hopefully, I will be able to do something useful with it.
Howie Michaelson
