2 growatt 5000es inverters to solar edge transformer?

[slayer666]

I am being offered a used setup here locally but, it's confusing to me. It is a pair of grow watt 5000 es inverters that were purchased from signature solar so they're supposed to be some kind of a US model but, the sticker on them says that they are 230 volts. The lady who is selling them says that they worked fine on her 240 split phase house because they come with a solar Edge Transformer. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how you wire them to the Transformer and how it all works when it looks to me like European stuff. The lady says it works just fine but, I can't find any info on the Internet or anything about how you use 230 volt inverters with the Transformer.
The first picture is the inverter specs and the second picture is the transformer.

 

[sunshine_eggo]

I am being offered a used setup here locally but, it's confusing to me. It is a pair of grow watt 5000 es inverters that were purchased from signature solar so they're supposed to be some kind of a US model but, the sticker on them says that they are 230 volts.

ES indicates EU models. They are by default 50Hz, 230VAC single phase inverters intended for operation in EU and similar markets.

They can be programmed to operate at 60Hz, 240VAC single phase.

The lady who is selling them says that they worked fine on her 240 split phase house because they come with a solar Edge Transformer. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how you wire them to the Transformer and how it all works when it looks to me like European stuff. The lady says it works just fine but, I can't find any info on the Internet or anything about how you use 230 volt inverters with the Transformer.
The first picture is the inverter specs and the second picture is the transformer.

You wire 240VAC single phase into the transformer, and you get 120/240VAC split phase out of the transformer.

You should be able to download manuals for both of these units.

This was a very common option SS offered for awhile.

If memory serves, @timselectric has these.

 

[timselectric]

I am being offered a used setup here locally but, it's confusing to me. It is a pair of grow watt 5000 es inverters that were purchased from signature solar so they're supposed to be some kind of a US model but, the sticker on them says that they are 230 volts. The lady who is selling them says that they worked fine on her 240 split phase house because they come with a solar Edge Transformer. I was wondering if anyone can tell me how you wire them to the Transformer and how it all works when it looks to me like European stuff. The lady says it works just fine but, I can't find any info on the Internet or anything about how you use 230 volt inverters with the Transformer.
The first picture is the inverter specs and the second picture is the transformer.

That's what I'm running. It is a European inverter. SS ordered them from Growatt, without the bonding, so that they can work with the transformer for split-phase.
And they do work well, as long as you never connect them to the grid.
I don't usually recommend them to diy'ers , because you need a higher level of electrical knowledge. But I haven't found anything better, in the 3 years I have been running them.

 

[slayer666]

That's what I'm running. It is a European inverter. SS ordered them from Growatt, without the bonding, so that they can work with the transformer for split-phase.
And they do work well, as long as you never connect them to the grid.
I don't usually recommend them to diy'ers , because you need a higher level of electrical knowledge. But I haven't found anything better, in the 3 years I have been running them.

Don't connect them to the grid? Do you just mean back feeding or are you saying that you can't have the grid when you need more power than you can produce?

 

[timselectric]

Don't connect them to the grid?

Too many issues with bonding between the inverter and grid.
Best to keep them separated.

Do you just mean back feeding

There are export issues with SUB mode.

or are you saying that you can't have the grid when you need more power than you can produce?

Just don't do it at all.
I went through the whole design process for connecting to the grid safely.
And I was successful. But my plan was to disconnect anyway.
It can be done, but not a diy'er level thing. And not with the SS "US" version.

 

[slayer666]

Are you just telling me that it's a bad idea to buy them from her? She's selling them dirt cheap.

 

[timselectric]

Are you just telling me that it's a bad idea to buy them from her? She's selling them dirt cheap.

I'm saying that it's not as simple as other options out there.
It just depends on if you want to deal with the extra issues.
And how you plan to use them.
If you are OK with completely off-grid, then they can't be beat.
The first one I installed (3 years ago) has been running 24/7 , and has produced 14.5 mwh of power so far. I have never had any issues with any of them. It's just like being on grid.

 

[slayer666]

I'm saying that it's not as simple as other options out there.
It just depends on if you want to deal with the extra issues.
And how you plan to use them.
If you are OK with completely off-grid, then they can't be beat.
The first one I installed (3 years ago) has been running 24/7 , and has produced 14.5 mwh of power so far. I have never had any issues with any of them. It's just like being on grid.

I just feel a bit apprehensive about trying to totally leave the grid. I figured that I would always have it as a backup or, at least until I felt totally safe after running my system long enough. Whatever system I wind up with. Right now I just have a bunch of 540 watt solar panels and I'm looking for the rest. Need to get an inverter or inverters and need to learn how to build a battery because I see it's way cheaper to build one than buy it.

 

[timselectric]

I just feel a bit apprehensive about trying to totally leave the grid. I figured that I would always have it as a backup or, at least until I felt totally safe after running my system long enough. Whatever system I wind up with. Right now I just have a bunch of 540 watt solar panels and I'm looking for the rest. Need to get an inverter or inverters and need to learn how to build a battery because I see it's way cheaper to build one than buy it.

If they are dirt cheap, you can use them as a learning experience.
Just move loads over as you feel more comfortable with your setup.
If it doesn't turn out to be what you want, and the price is right, I'll take them off your hands.

 

[slayer666]

If they are dirt cheap, you can use them as a learning experience.
Just move loads over as you feel more comfortable with your setup.
If it doesn't turn out to be what you want, and the price is right, I'll take them off your hands.

Now, she's telling me that both of them are throwing a code 8. Any idea what it is? It's probably the reason they're cheap.

 

[timselectric]

Now, she's telling me that both of them are throwing a code 8. Any idea what it is? It's probably the reason they're cheap.

Error code #8 is "bus voltage too high".
I've seen it once, when my PV voltage was too high. Cold temperatures, I didn't account for.

 

[slayer666]

I don't know. She says that she got on the phone with signature solar before she uninstalled them or had them uninstalled. I don't know her level of expertise, here. Anyway, they said that they think they need new boards. I think her system was professionally installed and you wouldn't think that they would over panel it but, maybe they did. I don't know. It's starting to sound like something to shy away from. She wants $500 for the two grow watts and the solar Edge Transformer.

 

[timselectric]

I don't know. She says that she got on the phone with signature solar before she uninstalled them or had them uninstalled. I don't know her level of expertise, here. Anyway, they said that they think they need new boards. I think her system was professionally installed and you wouldn't think that they would over panel it but, maybe they did. I don't know. It's starting to sound like something to shy away from. She wants $500 for the two grow watts and the solar Edge Transformer.

I'll take them for spare parts, if shipping isn't crazy high.

 

[Johneb]

I have the same dilemma. I have the opportunity to purchase two Growatt 5000es. Throwing code 8. I would plan on using them on a sub panel not connected to the grid. The seller has the transformer. Is only one transformer needed for 240 split phase with two units.

 

[timselectric]

Is only one transformer needed for 240 split phase with two units.

It depends on how balanced your loads are. I currently have one transformer running 3 x 5000-ES's.

 

[Johneb]

Cool! I intend to split the load between the main box and sub panel. Then balance the loads on both.

 

[timselectric]

Cool! I intend to split the load between the main box and sub panel. Then balance the loads on both.

The 120v loads are what needs to be balanced for the transformer.
It only carries the unbalanced loads. So everything that is balanced, doesn't pass through the transformer.