Best video I’ve seen yet. I have most of what I need delivered and this is why I have not connected anything yet. Growatt should be putting out these simple vids specs and how-tos. Thx for a great job
I enjoyed the video. Good information. Video request: You stated the amperage needed to run loads and the battery charger. You suggested using a generator instead of the inverter to charge the batteries instead. A video on how you do this would be appreciated.
i have a question about your comment to use a separate charger and not the inverter to charge batteries....then why buy a hybrid inverter? Just get an inverter and a separate charger. Or second question, why not use a smaller generator to charge the batteries and limit the charge current and MANAGE the loads with just the battery and not use any generator current for loads. Isnt this how the solar charging works anyway?
Lots of great questions here in the comments, but no answers to them. Seems like a good FAQ is needed and/or someone comeback through here and answer this great questions on this product. And using Program 2 and Program 11 one can throttle down the utility current demand. As in not in full. I have a portable implementation with the 3000, and set it up to draw 15 amps utility in Program 11, therefore I can plug into a standard 15 amp wall socket for grid. I agree with these types of tunable Programs the unit is versatile but there is no good source for the theory of operation, hence one must play with it to learn it
IF you use a seperate battery charger with a generator are you saying to not use a shore power connection to the inverter or in some way changing the settings to disable charging with the inverter.
Just received the bundle you all sold over the holidays that included the Growatt. Two questions to help with my install in my RV with 30 amp service 1 - you recommend using an external charger when using a generator. I will sometimes be on shore power and sometimes be on generator (if I need to add more power to the batteries than I’m getting from solar). I’m thinking of not running the shore / generator input through the inputs of the Growatt. Rather, running the shore / generator inputs into a transfer switch along with the AC out from the Growatt. 2 - the kit has 10 x 265 watt solar panels. That will be slightly over the max 2500 watts you mention in the video. Assume since it’s a kit, you’ve tested it and it’s OK. Is 5s2p the recommended wiring?
i think hes saying.. "set up your panels like you want them. then check the open circuit voltage. and add or subtract the panels that come the closest to that open circuit voltage target number." any extra panels can be used for back up panels.
I recently ordered two of these to configure for split-phase operation. In the video you recommend 0 AWG wire for the battery connection but the manual for this unit indicates 4 AWG on page 5. So is that incorrect? --Thanks
If not using AC input for battery charging I assume you will need to run a separate earth ground (i.e. earth grounded\bonded panel with breakers tied to AC Output)? Are there other grounding options?
Thanks for the video. Very helpful. Just a suggestion, couldn't you design a inverter that could work that way using the onboard charger as an operating mode ether through dip switch or software. Or even easier, a separate AC input that powers the onboard charger
This video is like 7 days to late , already blew my inverters to shit. Wish this info was in the book, the book doesnt even discuss that your inputing 240v as in 2 current carrying conductors or 2 hot phases into the ac input rather than 120v with a neutral as the terminal is labled and book refers to as nuetral . Big mistake there in my opinion , thankfully I had gotten at least that issue cleared up thanks to a youtube video , probably of yours before that becoming my issue. Still didnt save me from the live battery issue with the switch on.
Hi @MrVlandus We usually refrain from providing guidance on connecting this on the AC side, but I'll consult with our Marketing team to see if it's necessary to add an overview and installation guide for this particular aspect!
I would like to have a Growatt 3 kv 24V with a LiFePO4 24V 200 AH system. How many solar panels and size are need it to have a healthy and balanced system? Maybe having 2 batteries but one for now. I live in a small cabin in the Caribbean. Thanks.
Please clarify regarding the maximum wattage of the solar panels, it handles 80 amps mppt so 2 Kw seem to be the max, but you are saying 2500 watts is ok... i would like to use more than 2000 watts, but i am afraid to damage the inverter. Its a nice inverter and i have just a few days using it.
Continued from earlier comment. I set battery ID to zero (all down). I used RS485 connection on growatt to battery. I set battery setting to LI and 01 and got a solid fault light. I have thought about changing battery ID to 1 (3 down and 1 up) or trying the BMS connection on growatt. Do I need to update firmware? I would like the connection because growatt stops charging around 26.8V which I assume it considers battery charged.
I did not see this video until too late. My Growatt was on when I turned EG4 24 battery on. Now have constant red alarm and battery doesn’t charge. Battery just received from SS this week. What can I do now? Very disappointing
You are talking about THD of the genset. A cheap genset has these issues, but a high quality one doesn't. Also inverter gensets don't suffer (as much) from this issue.
Can I put a battery charger clips on existing solar set up for when I need to use generator or do I have to disconnect battery terminal from my Growatt?
Can you use the inverter settings along with the dry contact to auto switch on and off a generator, which is connected a battery charger to charge the batteries? If so, what settings should I be using?
You could use the dry contacts to do anything. You just need to design the circuitry to do the things you want. In the GW5kES the dry contact settings are covered in the manual and its program 24. Just take a peek at your user manual.
I have this Growatt and just bought a EG4-LifePower4 Lithium Battery | 24V 200AH. Will your battery communicate with this Growatt if I connect them? I assume an ethernet cable would work.
It will, i just did it a couple days ago. The same guy has a nice video explaining how to setup the switches to accomplish this but with a 5 kw inverter. I used the same configuration and it worked fine
Hello , on the manual it shows 2,000 watts max for the solar , so it is safe up to 2,500 watts ? because i have 6ea 400 watts panels and i am only using 4ea (2 in parallel then series ) if that so then i can add 2 more to make it 2,400 watts ,, perfect ,, Thank you
So in order to charge from AC I need 50 amp service basically. Because once its charging form AC, the inverter is also using AC to power loads? So it can't be set to use Solar first, then battery, then AC to power loads? That doesn't sound too good.
That still doesn't make sense, because if you plug it into the wall on a 20 amp circuit, and let's say your running a 10 amp, 15 amp load, then your system begins to charge your batteries from that wall outlet, and power the loads that your running.... breaker would trip in your panel. And then why does it have settings for solar and ac charger? I've been running my unit on the 60 amp charger and no solar panels hooked up, just plugged into the wall. Now the system isn't powering any loads, so it just runs on auto pilot... the instructions book is bs and needs to explain some settings in more detail cause after a year I'm still scratching my head
I would advise avoiding this company. When I tried to return my inverter after 8 days they not only stalled for over a month they kept my thousands of dollars and my generator but they stuck me with the shipping bill of 1500 as well even though it goes against the return policy, In other words buyers beware.
I think the warning given at 6:57 conflicts with another video from signature solar regarding the pre-charge resistor. In this other video (linked below), SS recommends to have the inverter already on when turning on the EG4 batteries, otherwise the pre-charge resistor will not engage. Does anyone know how to reconcile these two pieces of information? EG4 Battery start procedure with pre-charge resistor: th-cam.com/video/36lerEA0B6Y/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Dki3uXP0r7k8KD1s&t=78
This is one of the best videos I've seen from signature solar. This gentleman should be doing all of your videos.
Best video I’ve seen yet. I have most of what I need delivered and this is why I have not connected anything yet. Growatt should be putting out these simple vids specs and how-tos. Thx for a great job
I enjoyed the video. Good information. Video request: You stated the amperage needed to run loads and the battery charger. You suggested using a generator instead of the inverter to charge the batteries instead. A video on how you do this would be appreciated.
i have a question about your comment to use a separate charger and not the inverter to charge batteries....then why buy a hybrid inverter? Just get an inverter and a separate charger. Or second question, why not use a smaller generator to charge the batteries and limit the charge current and MANAGE the loads with just the battery and not use any generator current for loads. Isnt this how the solar charging works anyway?
Lots of great questions here in the comments, but no answers to them. Seems like a good FAQ is needed and/or someone comeback through here and answer this great questions on this product.
And using Program 2 and Program 11 one can throttle down the utility current demand. As in not in full. I have a portable implementation with the 3000, and set it up to draw 15 amps utility in Program 11, therefore I can plug into a standard 15 amp wall socket for grid.
I agree with these types of tunable Programs the unit is versatile but there is no good source for the theory of operation, hence one must play with it to learn it
IF you use a seperate battery charger with a generator are you saying to not use a shore power connection to the inverter or in some way changing the settings to disable charging with the inverter.
Just received the bundle you all sold over the holidays that included the Growatt. Two questions to help with my install in my RV with 30 amp service
1 - you recommend using an external charger when using a generator. I will sometimes be on shore power and sometimes be on generator (if I need to add more power to the batteries than I’m getting from solar). I’m thinking of not running the shore / generator input through the inputs of the Growatt. Rather, running the shore / generator inputs into a transfer switch along with the AC out from the Growatt.
2 - the kit has 10 x 265 watt solar panels. That will be slightly over the max 2500 watts you mention in the video. Assume since it’s a kit, you’ve tested it and it’s OK. Is 5s2p the recommended wiring?
i think hes saying.. "set up your panels like you want them. then check the open circuit voltage. and add or subtract the panels that come the closest to that open circuit voltage target number." any extra panels can be used for back up panels.
I recently ordered two of these to configure for split-phase operation. In the video you recommend 0 AWG wire for the battery connection but the manual for this unit indicates 4 AWG on page 5. So is that incorrect? --Thanks
Just FYI, the manual says 2AWG is acceptable for the battery cable.
Can you please post the growatt monitoring software/drivers for those of us who cannot access the mini-cd...
I have two Growatt SC4880 on order but I'm concerned they won't arrive in time for shtf.
Good information. I don't even have a Growatt but it's still good information.👍
If not using AC input for battery charging I assume you will need to run a separate earth ground (i.e. earth grounded\bonded panel with breakers tied to AC Output)? Are there other grounding options?
Does the 50% generator rating also apply to the newer inverter generator type?
What battery charger would you suggest for seperate charging while using a generator?
Thanks for the video. Very helpful. Just a suggestion, couldn't you design a inverter that could work that way using the onboard charger as an operating mode ether through dip switch or software. Or even easier, a separate AC input that powers the onboard charger
This video is like 7 days to late , already blew my inverters to shit. Wish this info was in the book, the book doesnt even discuss that your inputing 240v as in 2 current carrying conductors or 2 hot phases into the ac input rather than 120v with a neutral as the terminal is labled and book refers to as nuetral . Big mistake there in my opinion , thankfully I had gotten at least that issue cleared up thanks to a youtube video , probably of yours before that becoming my issue. Still didnt save me from the live battery issue with the switch on.
There should be a huge red flag issue on the unit or something to bring more attention to that issue.
sounds like common sense to me.
@@davidkettell5726 its is on the ac input but I dont trust that people are that intelligent.
It is only 120v
@@hzracing sorry but it's not in the us it's a 240v on a 5kw inverter
Do you have a video on using this to hook up the house.
Hi @MrVlandus
We usually refrain from providing guidance on connecting this on the AC side, but I'll consult with our Marketing team to see if it's necessary to add an overview and installation guide for this particular aspect!
I would like to have a Growatt 3 kv 24V with a LiFePO4 24V 200 AH system. How many solar panels and size are need it to have a healthy and balanced system? Maybe having 2 batteries but one for now. I live in a small cabin in the Caribbean. Thanks.
Please clarify regarding the maximum wattage of the solar panels, it handles 80 amps mppt so 2 Kw seem to be the max, but you are saying 2500 watts is ok... i would like to use more than 2000 watts, but i am afraid to damage the inverter. Its a nice inverter and i have just a few days using it.
Continued from earlier comment. I set battery ID to zero (all down). I used RS485 connection on growatt to battery. I set battery setting to LI and 01 and got a solid fault light. I have thought about changing battery ID to 1 (3 down and 1 up) or trying the BMS connection on growatt. Do I need to update firmware? I would like the connection because growatt stops charging around 26.8V which I assume it considers battery charged.
I did not see this video until too late. My Growatt was on when I turned EG4 24 battery on. Now have constant red alarm and battery doesn’t charge.
Battery just received from SS this week. What can I do now?
Very disappointing
I have installed this inverter in my rv using sla batteries. 2 sets of 12v making 24v. Battey cable should be 0awg not 2awg?
You are talking about THD of the genset. A cheap genset has these issues, but a high quality one doesn't. Also inverter gensets don't suffer (as much) from this issue.
Can I put a battery charger clips on existing solar set up for when I need to use generator or do I have to disconnect battery terminal from my Growatt?
Can you use the inverter settings along with the dry contact to auto switch on and off a generator, which is connected a battery charger to charge the batteries? If so, what settings should I be using?
You could use the dry contacts to do anything. You just need to design the circuitry to do the things you want. In the GW5kES the dry contact settings are covered in the manual and its program 24. Just take a peek at your user manual.
The manual says max utility charging current is 60A (@24V) so that's 1440W, not 2000W.
How do you activate Standby mode???
If that inverter switch is critical to the commissioning of the inverter why is it not a guarded switch?
Should be a flashing red light warning display !!!
Flip the switch $$$$$$$$
I have this Growatt and just bought a EG4-LifePower4 Lithium Battery | 24V 200AH. Will your battery communicate with this Growatt if I connect them? I assume an ethernet cable would work.
It will, i just did it a couple days ago. The same guy has a nice video explaining how to setup the switches to accomplish this but with a 5 kw inverter. I used the same configuration and it worked fine
Should be made to handle 2/0 4/0 for lead acid banks.
Hello , on the manual it shows 2,000 watts max for the solar , so it is safe up to 2,500 watts ?
because i have 6ea 400 watts panels and i am only using 4ea (2 in parallel then series ) if that so then i can add 2 more to make it 2,400 watts ,, perfect ,,
Thank you
Thanks for sharing! 👍
Thank you for the video .
So in order to charge from AC I need 50 amp service basically. Because once its charging form AC, the inverter is also using AC to power loads? So it can't be set to use Solar first, then battery, then AC to power loads? That doesn't sound too good.
yes it is sbu ,solar, then battery then utility or grid.
That still doesn't make sense, because if you plug it into the wall on a 20 amp circuit, and let's say your running a 10 amp, 15 amp load, then your system begins to charge your batteries from that wall outlet, and power the loads that your running.... breaker would trip in your panel. And then why does it have settings for solar and ac charger? I've been running my unit on the 60 amp charger and no solar panels hooked up, just plugged into the wall. Now the system isn't powering any loads, so it just runs on auto pilot... the instructions book is bs and needs to explain some settings in more detail cause after a year I'm still scratching my head
I would advise avoiding this company. When I tried to return my inverter after 8 days they not only stalled for over a month they kept my thousands of dollars and my generator but they stuck me with the shipping bill of 1500 as well even though it goes against the return policy, In other words buyers beware.
Not charge off single solar panels
I think the warning given at 6:57 conflicts with another video from signature solar regarding the pre-charge resistor. In this other video (linked below), SS recommends to have the inverter already on when turning on the EG4 batteries, otherwise the pre-charge resistor will not engage. Does anyone know how to reconcile these two pieces of information? EG4 Battery start procedure with pre-charge resistor: th-cam.com/video/36lerEA0B6Y/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Dki3uXP0r7k8KD1s&t=78
Thank you so much for this feedback! We will look into making an update!
excellent video by the boss. The booklet with the Growatt is a POS. Why should SS have to do all this work for the chinese p poor booklet.