Product Description

This kit pairs BigBattery's stackable ETHOS 48V LiFePO4 battery platform with the EG4 18kPV all-in-one hybrid inverter. Per EG4, the 18kPV accepts 18 kW of PV input across three MPPTs and delivers 12 kW of continuous split-phase 120/240V output, with grid-tied, grid-assist, and off-grid modes in one wall-mounted unit. ETHOS storage in this listing is configurable from 10.24 to 30.72 kWh, and per BigBattery the two operate with closed-loop communication for coordinated charging and accurate state-of-charge reporting.

Who This System Is For

Homeowners who want one inverter to manage solar, battery, grid, and generator power — whether the goal is solar self-consumption, time-of-use offset, backup for essential circuits, or a path toward broader home coverage. Because ETHOS stacks in 5.12 kWh steps, this kit suits buyers who want to start with the storage they need now and grow later without replacing equipment.

Key Features

  • 18 kW of PV input across three MPPTs, per EG4 — headroom for large rooftop or ground-mount arrays
  • 12 kW continuous split-phase output (120/240V or 120/208V), per EG4
  • Grid-tied, grid-assist, and off-grid modes, including selling excess power back to the grid where your utility approves interconnection, per EG4
  • Certified battery platform: ETHOS carries UL9540, UL9540A, UL1973, and UN38.3, per BigBattery; the 18kPV is UL1741 SB listed with CEC and CSIP compliance, per EG4
  • Closed-loop communication between ETHOS and the inverter, per BigBattery
  • Expandable both ways: stack additional ETHOS modules (up to 16 parallel connections per control box, per BigBattery) or parallel up to 10 inverters, per EG4
  • Small-footprint tower: ETHOS modules stack vertically instead of spreading across a wall

Why BigBattery

BigBattery is a US-based energy storage company that has been building lithium battery systems since 2011 and, per BigBattery, is trusted by more than 50,000 Americans. BigBattery states its products are designed and engineered in Texas, includes free lifetime tech support with every product, and backs its batteries with a 12-Year Limited Warranty — described by BigBattery as "the longest warranty in the battery industry." OffGrid Horizon is a family-owned authorized BigBattery partner.

What's In the Kit

  • 1 × EG4 18kPV all-in-one hybrid solar inverter
  • BigBattery ETHOS 48V 5.12 kWh LiFePO4 modules — capacity for this listing is configurable from 10.24 to 30.72 kWh (2–6 modules)

Please call (302) 496-3554 to confirm the module count and configuration that ships at the listed price. BigBattery lists ETHOS inverter connectors and battery-to-battery connectors as separate accessories, so also confirm cabling with your order. Solar panels, racking, and array wiring are sold separately. For whole-home load management, AC coupling, and generator integration, ask about adding the EG4 GridBOSS MID.

Specifications

Battery BigBattery ETHOS, stackable LiFePO4
Module capacity 5.12 kWh / 100Ah per module, 51.2V nominal
Capacity (this listing) Configurable 10.24–30.72 kWh — call to confirm configuration
Max continuous discharge 200A (2-module stack) / 250A (3+ modules), per BigBattery
Battery communications CAN bus / RS485; closed-loop with EG4, per BigBattery
Battery certifications UL9540, UL9540A, UL1973, UN38.3, per BigBattery
Cycle life 3,500–5,000 cycles (80% DoD, 0.5C), per BigBattery's spec sheet
Battery warranty BigBattery 12-Year Limited Warranty
Inverter EG4 18kPV all-in-one hybrid (per EG4)
PV input 18 kW max, 600V DC input, 3 MPPTs
AC output 12 kW continuous, split-phase 120/240V or 120/208V
Operating modes Grid-tied (with export), grid-assist, off-grid, battery backup
Parallel capability Up to 10 units
Inverter certifications UL1741 SB, NEMA 4X, CEC, CSIP
Inverter warranty 10-year, per EG4 (registration required — see below)

Grid-Tied, Off-Grid, or Backup?

All three. Per EG4, the 18kPV supports grid-tied operation with export (subject to your utility's interconnection approval), grid-assist and self-consumption modes that favor solar and battery over grid power, true off-grid operation, and battery backup during outages. Whole-home backup is possible with adequate inverter capacity and load management, but coverage is load-dependent — a 12 kW inverter carries most household circuits, and heavy simultaneous 240V loads should be reviewed during system design. The system also runs without solar panels as grid-charged battery backup.

Installation

All AC and DC wiring — panel interconnection, grounding, bonding, and overcurrent protection — must be performed by a licensed electrician in accordance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local amendments. Residential energy storage installations typically require a permit and inspection, and grid-tied operation requires an approved interconnection agreement with your utility before the system may export power. Your installer should verify conductor sizing, disconnects, and clearances against current NEC requirements for energy storage systems.

Warranty & Support

Battery — BigBattery 12-Year Limited Warranty. Per BigBattery: "If any covered component within your battery fails due to a defect in materials or workmanship within the 12-year warranty period, we will repair or replace the battery at our cost." Included accessories carry a 1-year warranty per BigBattery, and BigBattery provides free lifetime tech support for all its products.

Inverter — EG4 10-year warranty. Per EG4, the 18kPV carries a "10-year Full Parts Replacement or Full Product Replacement Warranty from the date of original inverter purchase," and the warranty must be registered within the first year of purchase (or proof of purchase from an EG4 authorized distributor provided) to remain valid.

Returns and warranty claims require an RMA. Contact us before shipping anything back — all returns must be authorized with a Return Merchandise Authorization first. OffGrid Horizon is a family-owned authorized BigBattery partner: call (302) 496-3554 and we will help open the claim and coordinate service.

Shipping

This kit ships as palletized LTL freight within the continental United States; curbside liftgate delivery is standard for residential addresses. ETHOS towers are heavy — 273 lb for a two-module stack per BigBattery — so plan for help on delivery day. Before signing the delivery receipt, count the pieces and inspect the packaging; note any damage or shortage on the receipt with the driver and contact us immediately so we can open a freight claim. Per BigBattery, standard domestic orders are projected to take 7–12 days to deliver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly ships at the listed price?

This listing covers the EG4 18kPV inverter plus ETHOS battery storage configurable from 10.24 to 30.72 kWh. Call (302) 496-3554 before ordering and we will confirm the module count, included accessories, and any configuration options for this SKU.

Can it sell power back to the grid?

Yes — per EG4, the 18kPV supports grid export and is UL1741 SB listed with CSIP compliance. Export always requires an approved interconnection agreement with your utility.

Will this back up my whole home?

It depends on your loads. 12 kW of continuous output covers most household circuits, and pairing with the EG4 GridBOSS adds smart-load and generator management — but whole-home coverage is load-dependent and should be confirmed during design.

Does it work without solar panels?

Yes. The system operates as grid-charged battery backup, and panels can be added later — the 18kPV accepts up to 18 kW of PV, per EG4.

Can I add more battery later?

Yes. ETHOS is a stacking platform — per BigBattery, up to 16 parallel connections per control box — so capacity grows in 5.12 kWh steps without replacing the inverter.

Do the battery and inverter communicate?

Yes — per BigBattery, ETHOS runs closed-loop communication with compatible EG4 inverters over CAN bus for coordinated charging and accurate state-of-charge reporting.

Will the battery charge in freezing weather?

Per BigBattery, the ETHOS charge temperature range is 32°F to 113°F; the BMS restricts charging below freezing, so install the tower in an insulated or conditioned space in cold climates.

Not sure which capacity fits your home? Call OffGrid Horizon at (302) 496-3554 — we're a family-owned authorized BigBattery partner and will help you size the system before you order.

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