2x Growatt 12000t dvm?

[JamesB]

I just got into solar and waiting to install panels on my roof. My scope has change a few times, but now I want my batteries and solar to provide off grid type power for my home. I purchased 2x Growatt 12000t dvm inverters. I initially purchased one, but realized the 7k limitation wouldn't get me where I wanted to be.

My impression was that I could use them together to allow usage of 13.6kw of panels. That being said, I read on another solar forum that they aren't "stackable"and it went on about AC output.

Can someone enlighten me as to what I just got myself into? Does this mean both of them can utilize AC as an additional input source or does it mean they can be used as outputs?

 

[Browse]

Their outputs don't stack, so if you want to use them, they will need to output to different/separate loads.

 

[JamesB]

So they won't work together to charge the batteries or power the electrical panel? What is the best route to go then? Different brand of all-on-one inverter rather than Growatt? Could I split the load from my current main panel into two panels and power them independently using the Growatts?

 

[Browse]

Some people have many different inverters feeding different circuits. This guy has 6:

It all depends on how you want to run stuff and your need for redundancy. Personally, if I needed a system that had the potential for expansion, I would definitely get a stackable type inverter. It also makes battery management simpler since all your batteries would be controlled by one inverter group.

 

[timselectric]

The AC of the two inverters will have to be separate from each other. (Feeding different loads) but, they can share the same battery bank.

 

[JamesB]

So I would have to create two electrical panels and half the load basically. Do people do that? I was reading somewhere else and it sounds like I have to call the power company (Eversource) to make sure I can do that.

@timselectric Are you certain i can use both inverters to charge and manage the batteries? That's just basically hooking up the negatives to a busbar and positives to a separate busbar, right?

 

[timselectric]

So I would have to create two electrical panels and half the load basically.

Correct

Do people do that?

Rarely, because it's a more complicated system.
And requires more money, effort, and space.
But, it will work fine.

I was reading somewhere else and it sounds like I have to call the power company (Eversource) to make sure I can do that

It has nothing to do with the power company. Because it's behind the meter and won't be exporting power to the grid.

Are you certain i can use both inverters to charge and manage the batteries? That's just basically hooking up the negatives to a busbar and positives to a separate busbar, right?

Both systems can charge and discharge from a single battery bank. As long as you don't exceed the max ratings for the batteries.

 

[JamesB]

So any advice since I seem to have painted myself into a corner? Apparently, I need to look at the specs for my batteries too.

My guess is selling the inverters that I have coming privately and buying new ones would be just as costly or more than splitting the main panel into two.

 

[timselectric]

Luckily the battery is the simplest part.
Either together or separate, amount of battery required is the same.