- Introduction
- Why We Chose Luxpower
- The Installation Experience
- Questions Frequently Asked
- What's Next
- Conclusion
Introduction
At IOTG Solar, we’re always testing new equipment to ensure we’re offering the best possible solutions to our customers, especially when it comes to off-grid and hybrid systems. Over the past few months, we’ve installed several complete systems featuring Luxpower hybrid inverters, paired with new solar panels, lithium batteries, and backup generators. If you’re using an EG4 or a similar model, it's worth noting that these inverters also use the Luxpower chassis under a different brand name, but the performance and features remain essentially the same.
These installations have given us valuable hands-on experience, allowing us to see how Luxpower inverters perform in real-world off-grid and hybrid scenarios. While they are primarily designed for grid-tied applications, they also offer off-grid capabilities, including support for generator integration. We’ve had the opportunity to evaluate their setup process, day-to-day performance, and the quality of support provided. If you're considering a hybrid inverter system, here’s what we’ve learned so far from working directly with Luxpower.
Why We Chose Luxpower
Luxpower first caught our attention because of its hybrid functionality, built-in MPPT solar charge controllers, and clean, user-friendly interface. But once we started offering these systems, it became clear that our off-grid customers had their own reasons for choosing them, and they were solid ones.
What really stood out for our clients was the split-phase 120/240V output, which matches the typical North American household panel without needing additional transformers or inverters. That’s a huge win for cabins or off-grid homes that want to run standard appliances, especially well pumps and 240V shop tools.
They also appreciated the generous output capacity, the built-in dual MPPTs that removed the need for separate solar controllers, and the flexibility to expand solar input in the future. For many, though, the 10-year warranty was the real selling point. In a market full of uncertainty and short-term warranties, that kind of long-term support speaks volumes.
While these inverters are originally designed for grid-tied use, we’ve been using them in fully off-grid scenarios, and so far, they’ve proven to be a solid choice. The option for remote monitoring is also needed in today's inverters or solar systems in general, giving users the ability to track performance and troubleshoot from anywhere, if they choose to set it up.
The Luxpower LXP-LB-US Hybrid Inverters are fully certified to meet key industry standards, including UL 1741, IEEE 1547, Rule 21, and it’s listed with the CEC. These certifications ensure the inverter meets all necessary safety and performance requirements, making it suitable for code-compliant installation throughout both the U.S. and Canada. Although we’ve used these in off-grid applications so far, we can definitely see a future where we integrate them into our grid-tied systems as well. With this level of certification, performance, and flexibility, it's a strong contender for a wide range of residential solar setups such as the Solark, Powerwall, EP Cube and many others.
The Installation Experience
Over the years, we’ve installed a wide range of inverter chargers, from Magnum Energy and Outback Power to Victron. One thing those legacy brands all have in common is dense, highly technical manuals. While not always easy to follow, they’re loaded with information that can be crucial when troubleshooting complex issues.
My first experience with Luxpower was a bit different. The physical install was smooth, wiring it up and powering on was no issue, but I quickly noticed the manual was lacking in detailed programming guidance and troubleshooting support. That process led me down a bit of a rabbit hole, gathering information from various sources, including the distributors, and exchanging texts and emails with Luxpower directly, just to get the system dialed in properly. It was a good reminder of what it’s like to learn a new product line from scratch: the initial curve, the troubleshooting, and eventually the satisfaction of understanding how everything fits together.
That said, the learning curve flattened quickly. By the time we installed our second system, things were much smoother, and the third was almost effortless. Once you understand how these units operate, they’re actually very intuitive.
From an installer’s standpoint, Luxpower’s layout is clean and well thought out. Wiring like most of today's hybrids is straightforward, and most settings can be accessed right on the unit, or remotely via the app and web portal. That kind of flexibility is a big plus when supporting remote cabins and off-grid customers.
We’ve also found the generator integration via dry contact especially helpful. It’s simple, reliable, and eliminates the need for extra components, which saves time during setup and makes life easier for the customer when backup power is needed.
If you’re considering a Luxpower system or are working through one yourself and have questions, feel free to reach out to us. Now that we’ve gained hands-on experience with these inverters, we may be able to save you some time, or help you get the most out of your setup.
Questions Frequently Asked
1. How do I connect my Luxpower inverter to a new Wi-Fi network?
To connect your Luxpower inverter to a new Wi-Fi network, start by making sure the Wi-Fi dongle is securely inserted into the inverter. Your router must support the 2.4GHz frequency band, as these inverters do not connect to 5GHz networks. Using the Luxpower app on your phone, log in locally to the inverter, either by scanning the QR code or entering the serial number, and navigate to the Wi-Fi or communication settings. From there, select your new Wi-Fi network, enter the password, and save the changes.
Once connected, the inverter should begin transmitting data again within a few minutes. If you use the Luxpower online monitoring portal, you can log in to confirm that everything is syncing properly. If the setup doesn’t go smoothly, feel free to contact us, we’ve gone through this process several times and can help walk you through it. We can also send you a link to live support through an app that connects you directly with the Luxpower tech team if needed.
2. Can Luxpower inverters automatically start a generator?
Yes, certain Luxpower inverter models—such as the LXP-US 8K and 12K, support automatic generator start functionality. To use this feature, your generator must support auto-start. Simply connect a 2-wire cable from the generator to the inverter’s dry contact port, and the system can automatically start the generator when battery voltage or SOC levels drop. We've successfully set this up on nearly all our installations.
In one unique case, however, the customer chose a different approach: using his Ford Lightning electric truck as a backup power source. Instead of a traditional gas generator, he charges the battery bank with a dedicated lithium charger plugged in to the truck through various 120V outputs, which then is directly connected to the batteries. On the reverse side of things, when system batteries are full he can also charge his truck via the Luxpower. This setup is silent, emissions-free, and aligned with his original plan to keep the entire system fossil fuel free, a great example of how flexible and innovative these systems can be.
3. What are common issues with Luxpower inverters and how can I troubleshoot them?
Inverter Not Powering On:
Always start by checking all wiring connections and confirming that the battery voltage is within the required range. That said, we’ve never run into this issue ourselves, every one of our installations used high-quality lithium batteries with straightforward connections, and the units powered on without a hitch.
No Communication With The Battery: We recently had a customer purchase a lithium battery brand that isn’t currently recognized by Luxpower’s inverter firmware. Because the inverter couldn’t communicate directly with the battery’s BMS, we had to set the battery type to “lead-acid” within the Luxpower settings and manually enter the correct charging parameters.
Wi-Fi Connectivity Problems:
Make sure the Wi-Fi dongle is securely inserted and that your router operates on a 2.4GHz network. We did experience one case where the inverter had been registered previously and couldn’t remember the login details. Luxpower support had to "unbind" the unit remotely so we could re-register it. After that, the system came online perfectly. If needed, we can guide you through this process or connect you to live app support.
Fault Codes (e.g., Fault 22 or 23):
These codes typically point to overcurrent or neutral wiring issues. We haven’t personally encountered them, thanks to proper installation practices, but they’re common in online forums. One issue we did run into was a fan stuck error, which was resolved with a system reboot and ensuring the battery and inverter communication was solid.
Rapid Shutdown (RSD) or AC Grid Warnings:
Since our installations are all off-grid, we’ve had to disable both the rapid shutdown function and the AC grid settings to avoid unnecessary warning lights and alarms. In one instance, leaving the RSD function enabled caused the inverter to shut down completely, despite having fully charged batteries. A simple restart after disabling RSD solved the issue. These inverters default to grid-tied behavior, so adjusting them appropriately for off-grid use is a key step during setup.
4. How do I connect lithium batteries to my Luxpower inverter?
When connecting lithium batteries to your Luxpower inverter, it’s important to ensure that the Battery Management System (BMS) is compatible with the inverter. Luxpower provides a list of approved lithium battery brands, and in our experience, Pytes has been a reliable and high-performing option that has consistently satisfied our customers. For proper communication between the inverter and battery bank, you’ll need to connect an Ethernet cable from the inverter to the master battery. From there, the master battery should be interconnected with any slave batteries in the system. This setup allows the inverter to accurately read battery status and manage charging and discharging safely.
Whichever battery brand you choose, make sure it includes a clear, step-by-step installation guide that explains how to properly configure communication settings, wiring, and operating modes. Following the manufacturer’s instructions is key to ensuring long-term performance and system safety.
- Correct Connections: Connect the power cables between the inverter and the battery, ensuring correct polarity.
- Tight Connections: Secure all connections tightly to prevent any loose contacts. Follow specific torc specifications.
- Manual Reference: Always refer to the specific user manual for your inverter model for detailed wiring instructions.
If you are using a non-compatible lithium battery, you can set the inverter to recognize it as a lead-acid battery as mentioned before and adjust the relevant parameters. Despite this, the system will still operate well.
5. How can I monitor my Luxpower inverter remotely?
Luxpower offers a user-friendly app and web portal for remote monitoring. Once the inverter is connected to Wi-Fi, you can easily access real-time data on solar production, battery status, and load consumption. This feature is incredibly useful for both installers and homeowners, providing an effective way to keep track of system performance and ensure everything is running smoothly.
However, it’s important to note that, while the Luxpower system does offer excellent monitoring capabilities, it is somewhat more limited in terms of control compared to systems like Victron with the Cerbo GX. With Victron, you can not only monitor but also adjust parameters and turn devices on and off remotely, providing a higher level of control. In contrast, Luxpower’s app allows for monitoring and parameter adjustments but lacks the ability to control individual devices remotely.
Additionally, Luxpower does not allow for remote control of the generator via the app. Generator operation is controlled through auto-start features, which are based on voltage or State of Charge (SOC) parameters. That said, we have successfully integrated a third-party device in one of our installations, allowing us to remotely turn the generator on and off, exercise it, and set custom parameters. If you're interested in learning more about how we achieved this, please feel free to contact us!
What's Next
What’s next with Luxpower hybrid inverters, I believe, reflects the future of all hybrid systems, and eventually, I think we’ll see them in most homes. The ability to combine solar input, built-in charge controllers, grid connection, battery backup for outages, and generator integration, all in a single unit, is exactly how I would design my own home. It just makes sense.
One standout feature of the 12kW and larger Luxpower inverters is that they come with a built-in 200-amp breaker. This means that for a home with a standard 200-amp service, there’s no need to create a separate subpanel for critical loads. The inverter can be your primary connection to the grid and feed directly into your main house panel. That’s a big step forward in simplifying hybrid installations and reducing extra costs.
On top of that, you can scale your system by adding a second Luxpower inverter, or even up to 16 of them in parallel, making it a viable option for larger homes or more complex energy needs. The flexibility is impressive, and it opens the door for custom solutions that still feel plug-and-play.
The recent release of 30kW and 60kW Sol-Ark units shows that this all-in-one approach is also expanding into the commercial sector. I could be wrong, but to me, this is clearly the direction things are going. With a system like this, I could use what I generate during the day, store the excess for nighttime use, or even feed energy back to the grid, and in the end, I’d always have power.
What do you think? Do you see hybrid inverters like these becoming the new standard for homes and businesses? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Conclusion
The Luxpower inverters have proven to be a reliable and efficient choice for off-grid and hybrid solar systems, offering strong capabilities, flexibility with lithium and lead-acid batteries, and easy integration with both solar and generator inputs. The user-friendly app and web portal provide valuable remote monitoring features, though there are some limitations in control when compared to other systems like Victron. Despite this, we've found that Luxpower's overall performance and functionality make it an excellent choice for many of our off-grid customers.
As with any new system, there is a learning curve, but we’ve gained valuable experience with Luxpower inverters and can confidently offer solutions to help streamline installation and maximize performance. If you have any questions or want to learn more about how we’ve customized these systems, including how to remotely manage your generator or other unique setups, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re always happy to share our insights and help with any challenges you might encounter!
Download This Free PDF Below. Avoid Making These Mistakes!
IOTG SOLAR LTD 5 Critical Mistakes To Avoid Before Buying Solar.pdf
For individuals seeking consultation, education, or assistance in system designs related to grid-tie or off-grid solar applications, IOTG Solar stands ready to help. Our team is available to address questions, provide valuable insights, and offer support at every stage of the solar energy journey. Feel free to reach out to IOTG Solar anytime for expert assistance and comprehensive solutions tailored to your specific needs.
IOTG Solar...
Keeping you powered through education.
Want to Read Past Articles? Check Them Out Here At Our Tips & Tools
Need any Solar Products? Check out our Solar Store. We are adding new products every day!
See you next week...