Growatt SPF 5000 ES - Parallel of 2 units - Firmware mismatch causing 0V output voltage?

[Raenier]

I recently installed a second Growatt SPF 5000 ES inverter to my system. After starting up the system my inverters for some reason doesn't want to close the last contact to supply voltage to the load.

I have perfect comms with the battery, solar panels and grid input. All settings between the 2 inverters are identical except the time settings.

These inverters work perfectly when I revert their setup to single configuration so I know i don't have any blown rectifiers, IGBT's, etc.

After some investigation on this forum I believe this might be a firmware (FW) issue. Problem is, my older inverter can only flash FW 040 versions, while my new unit contains the upgraded chip boards with FW versions 067. I can't flash the inverters with exactly the same FW versions because my old inverter is bricked with FW 067 and visa versa when I flash my new inverter with 040 FW.

What versions of the FW do I need on each of the inverters in order for it to work and close the output? Or is this not a FW issue at all for the paralleled inverters not to close the output to supply the load?

I feel like I'm the only one that has ever experienced this, I haven't seen any other posts with the same issue.

 

[jwthornton]

I have the same problem but my new inverter is my third unit in parallel. I specifically asked SignatureSolar to about any firmware conflicts before I bought the unit. I think I will be sending it back. I have heard nothing back from SS or Growatt about this firmware issue.

 

[rogerramjet]

I had the same problem. First 2 inverters are working fine, third one would not work with the first two. Turns out the programs are different and non compatible. CATCH 22, SS will not help with reprograming and to see GW for update, GW says if the inverters was purchased from SS see them for update. It seems SS and GW are at odds and neither will help. This leaves us in the middle holding the bag.
I came up with my own solution. I rewired my house to work with what I had. I wired all 240v circuits in 1 sub panel and fed with 2 inverters in parallel.
I installed a second sub panel and wired it with120v circuits using the third inverter.
Seems every thing is working very well. The batteries are charging faster allowing the solar to supply full power to the house.
Surprise side effect, my led lights no longer flicker. I don't have my range or clothes' dryer on the solar system yet. Average line draw has been 3kw a day

 

[ravelo]

I have the same problem with 2 040/041 and one 113/114 instead my Output Voltage increases beyond 230V tripping my breaker.
Reached out to SS but no clear solution.... Downloaded the latest FW for the 040/041 which is the 040/041.06 and also reached out to GROWATT for an answer.... If this does not work I will have to buy 2 new inverters ..... what a waist!!
Going to flash the FW's and will send an update.... btw the 068/067 works perfectly with the 113/114,

Firmware download For off grid inverter – amosplanet

 

[ravelo]

I have the same problem with 2 040/041 and one 113/114 instead my Output Voltage increases beyond 230V tripping my breaker.
Reached out to SS but no clear solution.... Downloaded the latest FW for the 040/041 which is the 040/041.06 and also reached out to GROWATT for an answer.... If this does not work I will have to buy 2 new inverters ..... what a waist!!
Going to flash the FW's and will send an update.... btw the 068/067 works perfectly with the 113/114,

Firmware download For off grid inverter – amosplanet

update:: managed to get it fixed
Upgraded the 040/041,firmware to 06 and all is working perfectly!

 

[ravelo]

Guys,
Not fixed after all..... After a few days... system AC output Voltage dropped to 196V causing breakers to trip....
After searching around there was not much I could do than to replace the 040/041 models for the 113/114 models..... WHAT A SHAME!!!!

 

[tabascoz]

I have 63/64 running in parallel with the newer 113/114 and it's all good since day1. Might be something with 40/41. I agree it's a shame....

 

[ravelo]

I have 63/64 running in parallel with the newer 113/114 and it's all good since day1. Might be something with 40/41. I agree it's a shame....

I changed the inverters and they are 67/68 and 113/114 ... working fine so far....
Growatt should refund something for the unit that are not compatible anymore.... they are not older than 2 yrs.... or at least make a firmware that will make them talk to each other.....

 

[tabascoz]

Yep agree. It's the downside of Growatt... Have you thought about purchasing the comm board and giving it a try?

It might be just the board as i feel they look almost the same when I disassembled them to do maintenance.

Also have you noticed that the fans blow in inverse direction from the old to new version? I changed the old to match the new ( remove air from inside) as I fell is less oxidation aggression to the mainboard. Downside is that they run warmer this way.

 

[ravelo]

Yep agree. It's the downside of Growatt... Have you thought about purchasing the comm board and giving it a try?

no have not thought about that… already purchased the new one

It might be just the board as i feel they look almost the same when I disassembled them to do maintenance.

Also have you noticed that the fans blow in inverse direction from the old to new version? I changed the old to match the new ( remove air from inside) as I fell is less oxidation aggression to the mainboard. Downside is that they run warmer this way.

Yes i did!!! And they do get warmer indeed

Thanks!!! Greetings

 

[Stepdoku]

Yep agree. It's the downside of Growatt... Have you thought about purchasing the comm board and giving it a try?

It might be just the board as i feel they look almost the same when I disassembled them to do maintenance.

Also have you noticed that the fans blow in inverse direction from the old to new version? I changed the old to match the new ( remove air from inside) as I fell is less oxidation aggression to the mainboard. Downside is that they run warmer this way.

Can you share how you did that? My old 40/41 is really dirty on the inside…

 

[Stepdoku]

I have the same problem with 2 040/041 and one 113/114 instead my Output Voltage increases beyond 230V tripping my breaker.
Reached out to SS but no clear solution.... Downloaded the latest FW for the 040/041 which is the 040/041.06 and also reached out to GROWATT for an answer.... If this does not work I will have to buy 2 new inverters ..... what a waist!!
Going to flash the FW's and will send an update.... btw the 068/067 works perfectly with the 113/114,

Firmware download For off grid inverter – amosplanet

Do you have the 113/114 firmware you can share with me? The amosplanet site is offline…

 

[Stepdoku]

I changed the inverters and they are 67/68 and 113/114 ... working fine so far....
Growatt should refund something for the unit that are not compatible anymore.... they are not older than 2 yrs.... or at least make a firmware that will make them talk to each other.....

Do you have the firmware for the 113/114, Growatt SPF 5000ES to share with me?

 

[tabascoz]

hi, yep, here it is the latest i have

 

[tabascoz]

Can you share how you did that? My old 40/41 is really dirty on the inside…

i don't have photo guide, but i may take some pictures next time I have maintenance window, in April.

But is simple, you need to disassemble the front cover, remove the PV board, unscrew the fans and install them in inverse direction. No need to disassemble any other boards to do it. You may need a screwdriver that fits through the vent holes in the bottom or a tiny one to be able to remove fan's screws.

this is a good Chinese boss video

I managed to invert the fans without removing the fan's holder plate.

Cheers,

 

[Stepdoku]

hi, yep, here it is the latest i have

⁠I’m trying to update my 113/114 version but it’s paralleled to the 40/41 version and I want to know if one has to be turned off for the other to be updated or both can be online for one to be updated? How did you do your updates whiles the inverters are in parallel?

 

[tabascoz]

⁠I’m trying to update my 113/114 version but it’s paralleled to the 40/41 version and I want to know if one has to be turned off for the other to be updated or both can be online for one to be updated? How did you do your updates whiles the inverters are in parallel?

HI, i always turn off everything but the device I'm updating. that includes all serial connection to the other inverters. I've never read any further guidance on the procedure but i thought is less risky. Would advice the same, but perhaps not necessary

 

[Stepdoku]

HI, i always turn off everything but the device I'm updating. that includes all serial connection to the other inverters. I've never read any further guidance on the procedure but i thought is less risky. Would advice the same, but perhaps not necessary

Well noted. I will try with one...