(old video) Secrets of the Settings! Growatt SPF3000TL Inverter.

[@miguelblass]

I have been looking for this explainer video everywhere. Thank you.

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ricktighe191]

Fantastic video! I have been involved in DIY solar power for about 10 years and have watched hundreds of videos. This was, by far, the best that I have seen. Excellent narration, video quality and content organization. I am currently assembling a Growatt "cart" and will certainly coordinate your video when I do the setup of my inverter's parameters. Well done!

[@nicomoloi936]

I want to save money, can it do grid tied style self consumption?

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

It can do self consumption, with a grid backup. This model (3000tl-LVM 48p) never sends anything back to the grid. Also, You either power your loads from solar (and battery) OR the grid. Not grid and solar at same time. It has a built in transfer switch (like a relay). Hope that helps.

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

I just updated the Growatt settings video with some new information. kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXXMp5RniK-qpsWcttps://kzbin.info/www/bejne/pXXMp5RniK-qpsU

[@lpdrummerboy]

Awesome work putting these settings together in a video. Super helpful!

[@chrisroby2890]

Great info! The most informative video on the settings I’ve seen by far! Thanks again

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tjg3142]

My inverter is 5000 but this is very helpful thanks.

[@jtr82369]

Great video, I’ll have to research that relay cuz I’m running off grid with a generator, though I intend to switch that to using the generator to run a separate charger so the inverter never stops.

[@Joe-cf7hx]

Please; what is the proper sequence for the initial hookup? I have the Growatt switch set to 'off'. I have the solar panels connected with a cutoff. I have the batteries connected with a cutoff switch. Once I plug it into AC power is it okay to switch the Growatt to 'on'? Does it matter in what order I switch on the batteries and the solar panels? I remember hearing somewhere that it is important how you initially power up the unit. Any help in this matter would be greatly appreciated - I don't want to accidentally damage the unit. Thank you in advance for your help!

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

If your Growatt is the SPF3000TL LVM: First turn on the battery cuttoff switch, wait a few seconds, then turn on the inverter,wait for it to boot up. then turn on the PV switch, followed by the AC breakers in and out. Other models (such as the ES) can run without a battery. The SPF3000TL LVM is powered by the battery first, and won't run without it. Turn off in the opposite order: AC, PV, inverter, battery switch. I'd recommend adding breakers or fuses to the battery connections. You have to use DC rated breakers, not the AC breakers from your local hardware store. Signature solar sells some.

[@Joe-cf7hx]

@@ReelClearMediaLLC Thank you so much for your help; greatly appreciated!

[@MickDownUnder]

I have a SPF3000TL-HVM. I find that my Growatt is inaccurate. I see with a 150watts of load applied the inverter, around 260watts at the battery (reported by the inverter itself). When I test using a current clamp, I see 164watts of load at the battery. With a load greater than 1500watts, I start to see more accuracy within

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

That seems worse than my Growatt. The load showing on my batteries will be close to what the Growatt is showing, plus about 50 watts to run the Growatt . In other words, with no load pulled from the Growatt, i still have a self consumption load of about 50 watts to run the Growatt.

[@bobbymcgee901]

Is setting 24 relevant to the 24v model. I will be spending most of my time off grid relying on solar and battery. So for that I would want the relay on. But if I’m going to a campground or plugging in at home then I would want the relay off and ide have to bond my panel? This has me so confused

[@bobbymcgee901]

Sorry I got confused. When I’m at home or a campground the relay would be off. But when I’m off grid ide want the relay on and my panel will need bonded

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

@@bobbymcgee901 Sorry was busy offline for a while. Yes, you only want ONE bond in your system... and yes. it is confusing. I have two versions of the manual. Version 1.0 mentions using the dry contact to control a "grounding box". No explanation is given. In version 4.0 of the manual, there is no mention of using the dry contact or relay to switch grounding bond. In addition, you need to make sure that your inverter is not internally bonded. Some people online have said that the inverter they have has bonding screws on the printed circuit board that always bond ground to neutral. Assuming your inverter is not bonded internally, one possibility is to just add a wire jumper in the "load" breaker panel (output of the inverter) when you are offline. Remove the bond when you are connected to a bonded power source.

[@BrightSparkIdeas]

Excellent, clear and helpful video, thank you for sharing.

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

You're welcome. There are more videos coming.

[@rafaelvongehlen1]

Very good indeed! Thank you!

[@dinoonsoe8003]

good afternoon, do you perhaps also have had error code 122 , bus voltage too high and know how solved it?

[@richd9771]

Great video...Im hoping you might be able to help. I just setup two 48V growatts the same as you have in your video. Everything is working great however when I connect utility to both units I get the beeping and error #16 Parallel input phase error". What can I do to correct this problem? I want the utility to come on last if I lose power from my batteries.

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

I only have one unit, but hooking up two or more units is covered in the manual. You have to hook up the communication cable, and the power sharing cable.Then set the two units up on setting 23. There are different settings for split phase and parallel.

[@richd9771]

Thank you for getting back to me, I figured it out yesterday. So when you connect 2 or more units you have to supply grid power from leg 1 and leg 2...one to each unit. The directions weren't all that clear and the pictures are so small...I was finally able to see what I needed in one of the diagrams. Today we ran the whole house (2 story) off solar not once did it revert to grid power. I have 8 harbor freight batteries connected to giving me 48V and that lasted about hour and half before it connected to grid...I just need to upgrade batteries now.

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

@@richd9771 that's awesome! I need to upgrade my batteries eventually too.

[@alonzodesantis6989]

Very informative how to switch number of batteries in series from 2 to 4 it keeps switching to the next setting

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

Not sure. I just left mine on 4.

[@jpjchandler9608]

What happens if your batteries and solar hit their lower protection limits and you don't have gen set or grid power connected as back up? Will it just cut all AC output until batteries are charged back to a safe range and then restart the AC output?

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

I believe so. I've never let the batteries get that low.

[@jpjchandler9608]

Thanks for reply great video! We have plenty of battery storage in reserve. Our set up is in a holiday shack which we might not go to for upto 6 weeks. And in the tropics of Australia we can have weeks of wet weather. And for peace of mind I would prefer for the fridge to be turned off rather than running my new AGM batteries lower that 12.1v each which will be my low limit setting. Or rather 48.4v for my 48v set up.

[@jpjchandler9608]

I may be best setting a higher cut out limit and running a test to prove the AC output cut out for peace of mind

[@boxxylife1535]

Great video. Helped with the system recognizing my non Growatt lifepo batteries. Is there a setting that will allow it to see my solar panel array ? No combination (up to 8 12v 190w HQST) panels seems to work on this inverter.

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

according to the manual, you need 60volts-115volts on your PV. Also PV voltage must be more than battery voltage at the moment. Measure your PV voltage, maybe it's still too low. Panels often put out less than their rated voltage. My panels are rated 22.8volts open circuit, I'm running 5 in series... which should add up to 114v. The actual voltage is usually around 85volts in the peak of the day.

[@boxxylife1535]

@@ReelClearMediaLLC ya my panels are 24v open voltage and I’ve connected 4 which should be right there and my batteries are 12v x 4 in series. Not sure why growatt is not seeing my panels.

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

also check setting 1: sbu or sol. setting 2: cant be zero. settings 12 and 13 must work with your batteries... see that part of video. setting 14:try OSO (only solar). This will only use the solar charger not the utility (grid) charger. settings 19, 20, 21 must be set for your battery. see video. hope that helps.

[@boxxylife1535]

@@ReelClearMediaLLC thanks. I’ve tried all of the above. Still can’t see the solar panel icon. Gonna try calling dem manufacturers later.

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

@@boxxylife1535 Good luck, Robert!

[@ozzgel83]

Great video, got a 24v model, having issues when trying to use generator for those rainy days, it trips my generator as soon as I connect it, checked wires and everything its fine, any idea? Thanx.

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

Try turning both setting 2 (Max charging solar and utility), and setting 11 (max utility charging) as low as possible. If that works, slowly increase the amps on both of those settings. Also, setting 14 needs to include utility (any parameter but OSO) Hope that helps!

[@ozzgel83]

Thanks for the advice, I started with those recomendations but it kept happening, I initially kept thinking that it was the wiring, I checked it again, everything was connected right, I decided to test the ground line in the generator and it was giving me 120v decided to unground the connection into the Growatt and it worked, I am thinking the Growatt its bonded inside and the gfci receptacle in generator did not like that. It works now 😎 Thanks

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

@@ozzgel83 My Growatt was not bonded inside. Maybe you are bonded at your AC output panel? You only want to be bonded in one place in your whole system, and you need to have a ground connected to a ground rod somewhere. If your generator is bonded, and you have another bond in your AC output, it will cause two return paths, you'll get like 60v on L1-to-ground, and 60v on L1-to-neutral. Double check everything. Check Neutral-to-Ground resistance with the gen unplugged from AC and off.

[@stevemizera3891]

On program 10 the default appears to be 4 I am using 24 volts and want to change to 2 but it will not change. Pushing either up or down just moves to program 11. HELP

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

what is the model number on the sticker on the side of the unit?

[@AveRage_Joe]

Great video!!! I just got a 12kw spf12000tdvm. I dont remember a setting for that damn beep but will recheck. Also learned about that generator contactor. I may have to borrow that info in a video (will give you credit). I never understood what it was for. I thought is was more of a signal thing when to auto start lol. Huge thanks for that explanation!🤘

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

Please keep us posted here on anything you discover. I haven't actually used the relay, but just saw it in the manual under "dry contact signal". You have to really dig around to get the information...

[@AveRage_Joe]

@@ReelClearMediaLLC Will do if I find anything new! Yeah some options are tricky to find answers/info on. Another thing I cant find info on is the "remote" port on the bottom of mine. I thought maybe for an external lcd screen away from the inverter but have not confirmed that.

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

​@@AveRage_Joe Do you have a manual for that model? The remote port might be for a separate remote control unit. That looks like a beast of an inverter!

[@AveRage_Joe]

@@ReelClearMediaLLC Yeah I have the manual for it but havent seen anything other then the description page and all it says is remote control port. So I figure the same💁‍♂️😄. I did an overview video on my channel if you wanted to "see" it.

[@AveRage_Joe]

@@ReelClearMediaLLC Quick question on how you have yours connected. Is your AC input ground and output neutral connected at same point in breaker panel or where ever yours is connected. I just got conflicting info from growatt.

[@CloudHindlen]

Oh my god people. I really need more information on setting 22 this is the most information i have gotten on it as of yet but i still do not know what would happen if it is disabled. I am having an issue with my battery not getting all the way charged to proper parameters with solar only it simply stops charging just below the max setting. I am not sure why and was wondering if setting 22 was the cause.

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

Setting 22 will affect the maximum power the built-in solar MPPT will PULL from your solar panels. If enabled, and the you have enough solar panels and good sunshine, it can pull more power to charge and power loads. This setting alone shouldn't affect your charging. I'm assuming you are using SBU on setting1, and USE or USE2 in setting 5? What is bulk charging voltage (setting 19) and float voltage (setting 20) What is the highest voltage the battery gets to when it starts charging? What are settings 12 and 13?

[@WIZ56575]

I just subscribed to your channel I would like to know if this unit can run solely off of solar without a battery Bank, and can you go into detail what exactly how it does this

[@SteveReel]

No, this model needs a battery. Growatt makes grid-tie models that don't need batteries.

[@Arizonamountainman]

Does Growatt offer a batteryless inverter? Daytime use only offgrid? Want to run mini split ac day use only... (120vac 60hz) Does their Growatt
SPF
3000TL
LVM-ES offer this? TIA! BOB

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

Growatt makes a lot of inverters. Batteryless inverters are usually grid-tied. I'm not familiar with their grid-tied models, so do some due diligence. Start here: www.ginverter.com/Residential-inverters/40-579.html Hope that helps.

[@mranderson191]

Great video! Can anyone help me with a problem. I have a 12kw. Before I got it I drained my 48v. 5kw lithium batteries to around 26v and could not get my “make sky blue” to charge them or the Growatt. Is there a setting that will cause it to charge them?

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

Not sure. You are below the cutoff voltage, at which the growatt inverter shuts down, but I thought the charger would still charge. Does your battery have a bms? Many BMS units won't let charging current into the battery once they shut down for low voltage.

[@mranderson191]

@@ReelClearMediaLLC yes it has a BMS. The 48v is from Big Battery. It is made up of two 24v 2.5kw batteries in series and the bms is in one or both of these, not sure. Is there a way to disconnect the bms and make it charge or purchase a lithium battery charger which is a shame when I have one in the inverter.

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

@@mranderson191 I don't own that Big Battery, so I don't know. Contact Big battery. When you try to charge from the Growatt, what does the display show? What is the "make sky blue"?

[@mranderson191]

@@ReelClearMediaLLC the charger won’t even come on. Where can I find info on how to reset the BMS? I believe that may be the problem. I saw Will Prowse do it one time but as of right now, I can’t find that same video.

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

@@mranderson191 Try contacting Big Battery.

[@markrobinson3884]

I saw the Growth solar charger on ebay I want to buy one , what kind of wifi modem this use for monitoring

[@markrobinson3884]

SC4880

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

@@markrobinson3884 I'm not sure, ask the seller on eBay. The manual is available here www.ginverter.com/show-11-613.html

[@premiumibear6385]

my inverter growatt always showing full battery after 5 minutes ( absolutely not full ), i setting following the introduction,.. can you help ?

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

Is it showing the wrong voltage?

[@premiumibear6385]

@@ReelClearMediaLLC yes.

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

@@premiumibear6385 Sorry, I don't know. Contact wherever you bought it from.

[@Kyleethan404]

Did you figure out what was causing this?

[@osvaldoj9678]

Excellent 👌

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy R-C-M, ... Where does an End-User purchase replacement PCB Boards for their GROWATT Inverters when needed ? ... I'm in need of a COMMUNICATIONS PCB Board for my SPF 6000T DVM-MPV and no one wants to SELL me one Please Advise COOP the WiSeNhEiMeR from Richmond, INDIANA ... ...

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

Ian at watts247 has them... watts247.com/product-category/spare-parts/growatt-spare-parts/

[@edwinkania5286]

my beep will not turn off, says it is off but it still beeps......................errrrr

[@ReelClearMediaLLC]

Mine has worked fine, so I can't tell you from experience... but several people have commented on some possible fixes. fix1) turn off inverter, 15 and 17 turned OFF, turn inverter back on. fix2) turn off the alarm by using the software on a pc. hope that helps