Growatt SPF 5000 ES - can it be run batteryless?

I want to power my 3.2kw 240V pool pump with this unit and seems like the perfect fit, can I run it without batteries?

Specifically this unit:

And generally speaking, can most/all inverters be run batteryless?

pookguy88 said:

can I run it without batteries?

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Yes

pookguy88 said:

And generally speaking, can most/all inverters be run batteryless?

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No

I had a 5000es and experimented running things batteryless before I hooked up the battery. With clipping occurring (over 6000 watts of input), it would start my 18000btu mini split, but surpringly, not my tablesaw (1500-1800 watts I think). YMMV.

Started all of that without any trouble and more once the battery was in.

ImAnIdiotPleaseBePatient said:

I had a 5000es and experimented running things batteryless before I hooked up the battery. With clipping occurring (over 6000 watts of input), it would start my 18000btu mini split, but surpringly, not my tablesaw (1500-1800 watts I think). YMMV.

Started all of that without any trouble and more once the battery was in.

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curious, since you worked with it battery-less, what happens if you have PV and AC-input hooked up and the PV is too weak for the load, does it switch entirely to AC or does the AC supplement the PV? or neither?

pookguy88 said:

curious, since you worked with it battery-less, what happens if you have PV and AC-input hooked up and the PV is too weak for the load, does it switch entirely to AC or does the AC supplement the PV? or neither?

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With my Victron MultiPlus 2 it will use all the available PV and supplement with grid. I think it is the same with the Growatt but depends on settings.

pierre said:

With my Victron MultiPlus 2 it will use all the available PV and supplement with grid. I think it is the same with the Growatt but depends on settings.

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how do you like that Victron compared to the Growatt?

pookguy88 said:

curious, since you worked with it battery-less, what happens if you have PV and AC-input hooked up and the PV is too weak for the load, does it switch entirely to AC or does the AC supplement the PV? or neither?

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AC input covers whatever PV doesn't.
But all available PV is used first.

timselectric said:

AC input covers whatever PV doesn't.
But all available PV is used first.

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I need to clarify this a bit.
When running batteryless with a grid input. (SUB mode)
It will draw 200 to 500 watts from the grid most of the time. (This is for a buffer to avoid exporting)
Then all PV power is used.
And the grid fills in the rest, if needed.

pookguy88 said:

how do you like that Victron compared to the Growatt?

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I actually like both. My SPF 5000ES has been running for almost 2 years - not a single problem. Just wish their server was more stable for monitoring data / performance. It is coupled to 2x Growatt Hope 4,8 kVA batteries with CAN comms. The Victron is built like a tank but is 2,5 times the price of Growatt. It has been running for 6 months without any issues. Victron has lots of very useful settings / tricks that one can configure and always developing more. They have a very stable monitoring platform / server called VRM and also Victron Connect. I use a lot of other Victron gear in vehicle / camper / workshop applications and their 5year warranty on their products is a winner. Everything considered I vote for Victron.

pookguy88 said:

curious, since you worked with it battery-less, what happens if you have PV and AC-input hooked up and the PV is too weak for the load, does it switch entirely to AC or does the AC supplement the PV? or neither?

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Was offgrid, so I can't answer. Sorry.