cjdell
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 31, 2022
- Messages
- 17
If nothing else this post can serve as another data point as why not to buy another Growatt inverter, in particular the SPF 5000 ES...
For seemingly no reason my JK BMS triggered the short circuit protection alarm but the inverter seemed OK other than the fact that it had switched from battery to AC/PV only and there was no magic smoke. Originally I thought my BMS was on the brink as I've had other issues with it which I wrote about here: https://diysolarforum.com/threads/j...t-sensor-faulty-for-48v-inverter-setup.75357/
So I disconnected my LiFePO4 pack and attempted to power the inverter directly from my 52V e-bike battery just as a test using a 10A fuse as a precaution. With no additional input power the inverter powered up, display lit up, then 10 seconds later (around the point where it would start AC output) the screen goes black...
The inverter would stay this way until I disconnected the battery and reconnected so it seems like an e-fuse inside the inverter needed resetting perhaps. But it does suggest there is a problem with the inverter. I'm guessing perhaps one or more of the MOSFETs on the battery input stage has gone into short circuit. Inverter wasn't under any significant load at the time.
I will try to RMA the inverter (if there is any hope of that). This is a DIY job so they might not consider my warranty valid. But I've already decided that I want to replace it with something not made by Growatt...
I'm based in the UK and have permission to export so I'm thinking of getting the Sunsynk which can supposedly do everything the Growatt could do and more (Growatt couldn't export). In particular I need:
Still going to see if I can repair the Growatt. If not is there any hope I can find a reasonably priced repair shop in the UK or should I just take a chance and replace the MOSFETs myself? I'd rather not have to scrape it...
Thanks!
For seemingly no reason my JK BMS triggered the short circuit protection alarm but the inverter seemed OK other than the fact that it had switched from battery to AC/PV only and there was no magic smoke. Originally I thought my BMS was on the brink as I've had other issues with it which I wrote about here: https://diysolarforum.com/threads/j...t-sensor-faulty-for-48v-inverter-setup.75357/
So I disconnected my LiFePO4 pack and attempted to power the inverter directly from my 52V e-bike battery just as a test using a 10A fuse as a precaution. With no additional input power the inverter powered up, display lit up, then 10 seconds later (around the point where it would start AC output) the screen goes black...
The inverter would stay this way until I disconnected the battery and reconnected so it seems like an e-fuse inside the inverter needed resetting perhaps. But it does suggest there is a problem with the inverter. I'm guessing perhaps one or more of the MOSFETs on the battery input stage has gone into short circuit. Inverter wasn't under any significant load at the time.
I will try to RMA the inverter (if there is any hope of that). This is a DIY job so they might not consider my warranty valid. But I've already decided that I want to replace it with something not made by Growatt...
I'm based in the UK and have permission to export so I'm thinking of getting the Sunsynk which can supposedly do everything the Growatt could do and more (Growatt couldn't export). In particular I need:
- Timed charging of the battery from AC to take advantage of cheap nighttime electricity.
- Emergency power when the grid fails.
- At least 5kW output. I very rarely go over this but I want passthrough to kick in when I do. If mixed grid-tie/off-grid I guess this wouldn't matter.
- Preferrably not having to split my consumer unit up into critical and non-critical loads. Already have an ATS so maybe can use that?
- Support 3kWp of solar with 400V open circuit voltage.
- Ability to program i.e. I was able to control the Growatt via RS485-to-Ethernet adapter and change charging schedules and rates etc.
- Extract power data so I can pass on to Home Assistant (again Growatt could do this but it was a faff to setup).
- Still have the warranty valid on a self-install.
Sunsynk 5K-SG01LP1-EU 5.5kW Single Phase Ecco Hybrid Solar Inverter
<p>Sunsynk are an internationally recognised inverter and battery storage brand, who are determined to make the planet a cleaner and more sustainable place to live. Sunsynk offer a wide range of high quality products for off grid and on grid systems. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p> </p> <p...
www.tradesparky.com
Still going to see if I can repair the Growatt. If not is there any hope I can find a reasonably priced repair shop in the UK or should I just take a chance and replace the MOSFETs myself? I'd rather not have to scrape it...
Thanks!