Parallel 3 Inverters Together, off grid 48V 120/240, 1-Month Update

Last month I paralleled 3 inverters together to increase their output. Now it has been one month of running my home and garage on them and it's time for an update. Bottom line, they have been working excellent.
The inverter is from Growatt. It's the SPF 5000ES model. It can output a continuous 5000 watts (5kW) of AC power at 230 or 240 volts (50 or 60 hertz). I'm using an auto-transformer from Solar Edge to provide a neutral so that I can have 120/240V split-phase. Total output: 15kW Each inverter has a built-in solar MPPT charge controller.
Related videos:
1. Introduction to this inverter: • Best Value Inverter, A...
2. Load test of one inverter: • Full Load Test and Mak...
3. Parallel 3 inverters wiring: • Paralleling 3 inverter...
Update: There is no longer a discount code available.
Affiliate Links:
Growatt 5000W Inverter with 450V MPPT Charge Controller 5000ES: signaturesolar.com/growatt-48...
Auto-Transformer, 5000ES: signaturesolar.com/growatt-5k...
EG4 Battery, 48V, 100Ah, 5.12kWh, LiFePO4, Server Rack design: signaturesolar.com/shop-all/b...
Waterproof EG4 battery: 48V LiFePO4 Lithium Battery with Bluetooth, EG4 Brand: signaturesolar.com/eg4-wp-lit...
Disclaimer:
My videos are in no way intended to be instructional "how-to" lessons. I am simply documenting my project for informational purposes. Property damage, personal injury, or death may result, even when following manufacturer's instructions. I cannot be held liable for such damage or injury. It is YOUR OBLIGATION to ensure that you are complying with any local and federal laws as well as code and permit requirements.
David Poz, LLC

[@eyeballengineering7007]

I lost a nuetral once. Right after the superbowl. My TV lit on fire out of nowhere. I threw it outside into the snow! I let the house air out. Then my bedroom TV lit on fire! I had to throw it out in the snow too! My neighbors were probably thinking I was pissed about the superbowl lol

[@sepumanpr]

How you loose ground ?, pls explain

[@defjamsgreen]

Great video of you explaining the GroWatt inverter efficiency , compared to the Sun inverters while running on the PV modules at daytime vs the batteries at night . What a great way in helping a friend in need in Florida to go solar by donating an extra inverter is very appreciative . Props to ya and May The Solar Be With You .

[@BigManBrock]

Always appreciate your updates and honesty on components.

[@kazzdave]

Thanks Dave brought one of those growatt 5000es about 3 months ago after watching you set up yours it works great we put in a 3 way switch from grid to off grid we did it that way in case the inverter crashed but it’s still working fine we are off grid 90 percent of the time , still very happy with it thanks for all your videos Dave an Kazzy south aussies

[@LithiumSolar]

Good update, thanks for sharing

[@vincentmolloy5660]

About to install two of them myself so will be watching your channel for an update.

[@TK-123]

David, you would be a great politician as you carefully thread your way through the discussions without generating any ill will any of the suppliers. Very informative. Thank you.

[@richardbriggs8050]

Hey David, great update, I contacted you about using this system in Kenya. We too will be using at least 2 inverters in parallel . We are very excited to get the system up, should be off grid and running with in the month. Will try to keep you updated when that happens.

[@kevindouglas8768]

I bought the Growatt 5000 and will be connecting it soon. Your videos are helping me sooo much.

[@bryanleverett2830]

How about an update?

[@lennieadi]

Great video David. I've learned to check mppt amp rating on panels match that of the inverter and also the solar edge auto transformer set needs looking at. I await in depth teak video of that change you'll make to the transformer. Many thanks again. Keep up the good work. 👊🏾🇬🇧🇯🇲

[@kevinhawthorne5257]

Thank You for all of your videos that you did. I am enjoying all of them

[@friguy8598]

Always looking forward to your next videos... Keep up the spectacular job!!!

[@BenMitro]

That was really good and valuable feedback David. Thanks. Yes, I would like to see the install at your friends tiny house.

[@chuxxsss]

Benny your everywhere. Best go work on some editing. Thank Dave.

[@faroukmarhaba3999]

He said

[@shanwaz2]

Apart from the very informative content, the best part for me is the cute toddler's Tarzan call like imitation during the title roll. I always rewind it a couple of times...❤👌😍👍👍

[@BecomingOffgrid]

That is also my favorite part of watching @DavidPoz Videos. So cute

[@CaptBill69]

Thanks for lessons from your personal experiences. I am starting to warm up to GroWatts needing an auto-transformer for usa 240vac split phase, plus the 120vac legs. Will look for your next video on these subjects for any improvement ideas. Thanks ;+) Bill in No. CAL

[@Oli83two]

This inverter is my first choice! I'm building a island solar system in my house to save money with producing PV power and to be able to add generator power if we have a blackout. I've heard only good news about this growatt! Nice video. Greetings from Germany. ✌

[@yankey4]

NICE brother. One thing I love about the Mpp solar inverters is the built in Mppt CC. Love how they fill up the batts then just us the PV to run the loads. This is why I do not mind running a dump load. I know the dump load is not micro cycling the batts. The next videos going to be so cool. Thanks for sharing. God Bless.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Thanks for watching and commenting Bobby. I love your videos too. You have done more with dump loads than me, but hopefully I'll get to do more of that in the future.

[@RedBatteryHead]

Very nice units, indeed. Thx for the update.

[@gershomg1537]

I've learned interesting points in your in-depth review. Thanks.

[@DStein-jn9ls]

Loving this series of videos. You are inspiring me!

[@farmingfromscratch]

Great update, thanks Dave. I am running two of those inverters with the auto transformer, this is how I wired it up, Ran power from my inverters to a dedicated 240v breaker box (no 120v) , then from there on a 25 amp breaker (this will be the auto trans/120v disconnect) to a separate breaker box for 120v only, power this box through another 25 amp 2 pole breaker ie input power through the terminals, then take power from these same terminals to the auto trans, so if that breaker trips power will still be maintained at the auto trans, but power to 120v circuit will be cut. Then run the neutral from auto trans into the 120v box and anything downstream feeding from this box, but not back to the dedicated 240v box. This is going to be difficult to set up in a house that has 120 and 240 v loads coming out of the same breaker box!!! you will have to separate those loads.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Thanks for sharing your solution. Sounds good.

[@togle184]

By all means, please show the install at your Florida friend’s tiny house. Your update was great keep the videos coming!

[@billarroo1]

Nice setup, 😃😃😃Thanks

[@paweljandobruk1791]

thanks David , you are awesome

[@captainkirkkirk596]

Man that is sweet! Getting ready to get more solar panels the generator yeah is noisy you're right about that. I'm trying to go with a 2000 or 5000 kilowatt system with the cheapest solar panels available it'll take forever but we'll see what happens?wish for the money for higher watt solar panels in the 300 watt solar panels so I got quite a bit to catch up on. I was waiting for you to say that you had the whole house off grid that is the sweetest thing I've ever seen!nice job!

[@sheepdoglogic]

Excellent video! What I am having a hard time with is determining how much power I need for a house that isn't even built yet! From my research, I believe one 5K watt inverter should do me fine but if two will power things like an electric stove, water heater and a dryer, than maybe that is the way I will go in order to save money on propane. I would use natural gas for the stove, water heater and dryer but there is none at the property, at this time.

[@AveRage_Joe]

Awesome Update David!!🤘

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Thanks Joe

[@RS-lt2ue]

Thanks for the update.

[@dalehorne9316]

Excellent update your friend in fl without air conditioning is definitely brutal yes we basically have pretty much one season hot, hotter or hottier 70 degrees is a jacket day 😁

[@DavidPozEnergy]

That's what I've heard. I visit him in Maine during the summer, never been down to his place in Fl.

[@howiegrapek]

David, thanks again for a fantastic update. I'm curious to see what you will be doing with the transformer. I've been running on a smaller "Outback" system for the last 18 months or so - (6KW) - will be doubling my panels to give me 12kw like yours and have similar power requirements for the home/office. I'm currently on 7.5kw worth of Lithium Iron Phosphate battery, and will be increasing that as well with the batteries from Signature Solar when they become available. When done, I'll be selling my whole outback system. I'm also down here in South Florida (West Palm Beach area), and am excited to see what you do with your friend. Cheers, and thanks for the great videos; They have helped me tremendously.

[@bdtang]

Great follow up. Really interested in creating a system with two of these, panels, and batteries to just charge our evs as a full off grid solution.

[@theconstitutionalist3353]

David, thank you so much for all the information. I live in New Orleans and just went through the power outage related to Hurricane Ida. I didn't have a backup power system so evacuated after the storm. The experience led me to believe that I need to acquire a backup power system. The most common solution seems to be portable generators. I live in a rented house that really has no capacity to store a generator and definitely no capacity to store gasoline. As such, I am considering using my car as the generator and attaching a high capacity inverter to it. Given the much larger gas tank, the engine efficiency, lower noise, and the emission controls already present in a car relative to a portable generator, it seems like perhaps an even better solution in many respects. Given the things I'd like to run in such an emergency situation (fridge/freezer, two window A/Cs, and a desktop computer) and have some overage for maybe a TV and phone charging, I think a 3500 watt inverter would be sufficient. I am also considering buying a wireless meat thermometer attached to the car engine which I can set to trigger an alarm if the engine temp gets too high. Does this sound feasible to you? Most of the inverter videos that are on youtube, including yours, are focused on off grid use of inverters and large battery arrays. I am not sure whether my single car battery with the engine running can properly charge a 3500 watt inverter. This solution seems feasible but the fact that absolutely no one, that I am aware of, is employing this solution makes me think there is something wrong with my theory. I have absolutely no electrical or automotive background adding to my nervousness. Any feedback you could give me would be greatly appreciated.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Hi, I'm sorry to hear you had to evacuate, but glad you lived past it. There are several reasons this is not done, but the short answer is, no. A brief understanding of why: Your plan for a 3500 watt inverter, at 12 volts, will pull 292 amps. Your battery will be able to supply that for a few seconds, but to power something longer than a minute you are relying on your alternator. The average car alternator outputs about 60 amps. This means you will deplete your battery, with the alternator running, in only a few minutes. At that point your battery will be dead, not start your car. You also run the risk of over-heating and burning out your alternator because it needs cooling. The built-in fan on the alternator is looking for higher RPM's to move enough air (CFM) through the alternator to keep it cool. Since your situation would have the car idling at low RPM's it won't cool itself adequately. I might suggest looking into building a battery based power system, or buying one like this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/mKPMd4iZhrufraM They can be re-charged from the car, but only at 10 amps so it won't have the same problems.

[@theconstitutionalist3353]

@@DavidPozEnergy Another youtuber suggested that paralleling 3 deep cells between the inverter and the car battery would do the trick. Does that sound right to you?

[@SyberPrepper]

Thanks for the video!

[@IRONMANMETALBILLDANKANIS]

Great video. Thanks

[@waynewilliamson4212]

Another great video. I would have kept the 3rd one for a spare when one of the others die. And yes, at some point one will die. I had my single 10kw die after only 3 years and it took almost a week to get a replacement and get it installed. Just for comparison, I have a 15kw array of panels and 3 powerwalls. Cost a fortune to have someone setup and install it all, but it is also under warranty.

[@jamesshomesolarmore2223]

I have 3 of the inverters. Most of the time you don’t need the 3 inverters. But I started with 2 inverters but when I installed the air conditioning? My power draw was to high. I am on a well. I also have all electric house. Washer dryer range water heater and now 5 mini splits. I can run them all with the 3 inverters.

[@ZK-DK]

Being able to run an inverter with just solar, no batteries, is simply amazing. The idol consumption is a bit high. However the money you save on this unit allows you to buy more panels to offset that. It seems to have done the best under the poz extreme test as well.

[@erichibar4746]

What? No battery at all? Where does it say that? Interested in doing this since the battery resources are hard to come by.

[@sheepdoglogic]

@@erichibar4746 When solar is producing, the inverter uses it to run, but once the solar is no longer producing, the inverter uses the battery bank. So, yes you could use inverter without batteries but only while solar is producing power.

[@mrf5347]

I am new here! Awesome DIY channel!

[@dmcquestion]

Thanks for the comment. The benefit of having the 3rd controller is for an N+1 configuration. When one inverter dies, you can continue to run load without disruption.

[@bostjantrancar9605]

Excellent video...

[@dansreyleak]

So interesting this work

[@onedeeProject]

Super power good update

[@korishan]

Thank you! For stating we use "split phase". So many ppl think the US uses only Single Phase, hence why we have 120V. 👍😎 I've even heard US ppl say we only use Single Phase. *sigh*

[@eDoc2020]

It all comes down to intricacies in terminology. Split-phase domestic power is a subset of single-phase power, so those people are still correct. The real debate comes when somebody says two-phase power, but I'm not going to go sown that rabbit hole today.

[@bafemsolar3815]

Well done 👍💪..

[@margarita8442]

I have the 3.5kw model 2kw of second hand panels -- 100ah 4 _ 12 v =48v batteries ---- soon will have autostart generator hooked up- am very pleased with it -- down side is trying to make sense of all the menu's and settings

[@Pats-Shed]

In reference to the split phase setup, you could use a 2 pole MCB to supply the load centre and thus avoid any imbalance issues in the event of one leg tripping . If a 2 pole MCB (common in marine applications as there is no neutral) is difficult to source a 3 pole MCB can be used in this case and leave the spare pole idle without any problems.

[@communityspringwater9353]

Please define a MCB so I can source one. Thanks

[@captainobvious9188]

@@communityspringwater9353 Miniature circuit breaker. They are the de-facto style circuit breaker in many countries outside of North America. Basically we need a two pole breaker where one side is 42A (~5kw@120v) and the other side is >=63A (~15kw@240v). Run the neutral through the 42A side and one side of the inverters through the other side. If the neutral trips, then it will also trip the 240v from the inverters. I think we have to ask some manufacturers if it is okay to gang two separate single pole breakers together.

[@eDoc2020]

@@captainobvious9188 The problem is I've never seen a breaker with different ratings on each pole. It's _not_ okay to handle tie two separate breakers together in this case because of the trip-free mechanism. This is the feature where it can trip even when the handle is held down. Since a breaker can be off when the handle is on, this could lead to one breaker staying on when the other trips. What we need is a set of breakers with an 'internal' linkage which ensures common trip. I imagine some industrial breakers support this but the problem is finding them.

[@mxslick50]

@@captainobvious9188 Wrong, to protect the autotransformer you use a 40 amp double pole breaker, (or 50 amp since NEC allows going up one standard size when amperage falls between standard sizes.) The breaker will allow up to its rated on ONE Pole, or up to rated on Both poles of 240 v load.

[@SoundzAlive1]

Great work David. Surprised that you don't need a Licensed professional to install as we do in Australia. André

[@dankollars4501]

hey David, love your videos. just one thing i would love to see. wiring diagrams to show how you hooked everything up. i learned a lot from you, thx

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Thanks for the feedback. I've been asked for a wiring diagram a few times in the past couple months, so I think I'll have to make a follow up.

[@richardlinked8797]

Use the term in inexpensive instead of cheap, Great job Dave

[@margarita8442]

or best value for money

[@rgm2754]

Nice channel,. Very good Subscribed

[@dig1035]

Thumbs up and subscribed!

[@pegasisilver6249]

Great stuff. There´s a problem though coming from a country with few sun-hrs in the winter. If you go offgrid for a typical house you will need to gather all needed energy in two hrs or so, then 15kw will not suffice. Depending on winter consumption, you´ll probably need to triple the amount of watts gathered /hour, to make it thru the whole 24hrs. Panels are cheap but high capacity inverter/chargers are almost non existent.

[@danoneill8751]

Growatt advertise 9W of no-load draw, so a bit worrying if you are seeing 80-90W for each unit. Fantastic videos by the way, rare and very refreshign to have such solid, logical, but detailed content on this subject.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

The 9W you are referencing might be in standby mode? I'm not sure because I don't know exactly where you are seeing it. BTW, once the inverters have warmed up, I see an average 70W each, plus 14W for the auto-transformer.

[@danoneill8751]

@@DavidPozEnergy Thanks for the reply! It was advertised on their website, but despite the fact that I can still picture a rather silly graphic, I'm wondering if I imagined its as I cant find any sign of it. It was something about older units might use 30W but theirs just 9W. I suspect you are right and (assuming im not going mad and they really said that somewhere) its just the standby voltage rather than their draw on the system while inverting. Can I ask a techy question? Just ignore me if you think this is more of one for their pre-sales. I just wasn't sure of one thing... I understand you wire this up with the AC grid connection as an input to their kit, that AC can then either charge the batteries or feed the house via the inverters output (I understand that in a 'grid tie' the inverter's output is actually hooked up to the distribution panel, in parallel to the grid, and the only AC input to such an invertor is so that the system can sense the voltage, phase and frequency). My actual question: I saw some big relays in one of your vids and I've seen specs metioning time delays of 15ms, does the AC input either get passed on completely in the event of too much demand (over 5kw say), or if the battery/solar is too weak, and the relays flip things round when the battery/solar is good enough? What I mean is, I assume the grid can't be passed through AND use some of the battery (once inverted) at the same time? Sorry, thats a very poorly described question! I'm actually a physics graduate with a good few years of electronic engineering, but I'm a massive noob to the capabilities of this sort of kit, and your vids are making me really jealous so I'm trying to plan an install of my own... Thanks again and I wont be offended if you haven't the time to read my crazy question. P.s. I'm already ordering BMS's from the guys you buy things from, they have a great sales team.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

First, establish that we are discussing the category called "inverter/chargers". These are inverters that can also act as chargers. Ok, moving on. In almost every model of inverter, there is a "AC input" and an "AC output" terminal block. Under normal inverting mode these two terminal blocks are separated. At some point the inverter decides to switch from inverterting mode to "pass-through" mode. This is typically done at a battery low Voltage threshold, but sometimes programmed for other trigger points. When this happens the inverter closes an internal relay which bonds the input and output terminal blocks together. This allows the grid (or sometimes generator) to pass through the relay and out to the loads. The inverter is still permanently bonded to this "AC bus" and changes to charger mode. Now the inverter components are drawing from the grid to charge the battery at the same time the grid passes through to power the loads. This is the basic setup, and can get more complicated in some situations.

[@danoneill8751]

@@DavidPozEnergy Thats amazing - thank you!!! Makes a lot of sense. I'm off to go research if the Growatt ones can be configured with schedules that tell them to top up the batteries from the grid at a certain time, i.e. over night when my electriity supplier pays me to dump load (pennys /kwh, but better than charging me!). As I plan to get the inverter and battery in place this winter and tackle the solar next year. I have a feeling I might need to keep researching as I'd like if possible to have the option of using wind too, but maybe thats stretching the 'single unit does everything' aspiration too far. There is a youtuber who does DIY similarly and he has solar charge controllers, a wind charge controller and a hydro system all charging the same bank, so I'm quizzing him on that setup too. Anyway, thanks again, I'm really a lot clearer on that aspect of it now.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Your welcome. When it comes time to purchase equipment, please consider using my affiliate linksbin the description of my videos. If you purchase an item through the link, it will help me out. Multiple sources can charge a single battery bank, but each source (solar, wind, hydro) will need its own charge controller. Most charge controllers on the market only work with solar. If you are using wind then you need a specific wind controller.

[@user-dr2pg8fk2i]

For your friend in Florida, it would be interesting to him try out a HotSpot DC/AC mini split

[@WiSeNhEiMeR-1369]

HOWdy D-P, thanks COOP ... ...

[@flyingtools]

Hi! Great video! I bought two of these thanks to your videos and I am very happy with them. But I wonder if they will shift the power point if you reach the 5000w limit of solar panels, like they did when the amperage was reached on your panels. I have 6300w total on one inverter but here in Sweden the sun is really low so it only produce like 3000w. Have a great day and thank you for a fantastic channel.

[@youknowit158]

I would love to see what you have done from the combiner box to the oven. Like the other side of this setup

[@iSwannie]

Hi David, thank you again for your videos. Can you provide your thoughts since this video on the auto transformer for the future wiring changes and circuit protection?

[@joehenthompson2023]

Hi there from New Zealand. I'm absolutely new to solar. Great video. You were saying that just running the 2 inverters worked out more efficient for your power needs for your home and garage. That's pretty amazing, Could you run a heat pump 24/7 with the way your system is configured as well? Thanks

[@4932gb]

When you lose the neutral the ckt tries to complete thru the bonding screw in the service panel. The bare ground to the gnd rod will pass a small amount of current which is the problem. That very low voltage condition will damage electronics. I witnessed this at my home when the neutral of the service cable separated at a compression splice. The power company paid for the damaged stuff.

[@fisherus]

Good video David. I am very happy I went with a Sol-Ark 12K in-lieu of a cheap charger. My fear of using something like this would be for someone who is strapped from money and isn't worried about taking a chance on a cheaply made Chinese product that needs consistent monitoring and could cause serious problems and damage to electrical components in my house. The efficiency percentage of these types of hybrid inverters is very low when you compare them to Sol-Ark at 97% efficiency rate.

[@ybirch9735]

I believe Solark is made in China as well. It is however designed in the USA. A quality product for sure.

[@electrojessy4270]

We have the growatt 90kw 3 fase 400v ones at work the work great but get warm and make some noice but they never failed

[@aishasadiq6098]

Hi David. Thanks for sharing the good work you're doing. Is there any way you can assist me in building my solar station? I live in Houston Texas

[@MsBlkmoses]

Nice video and because of your videos I bought the same model. I’d appreciate it if you tell me which setting you adjusted for the charger to back off to avoid micro cycling. Have a nice day and wishing you the best.

[@adon8672]

Hi David. What's efficiency of the auto transformer and what do you plan to do with the SMAs?

[@jokersuu]

Hi David,great video,I would like to request a video about total costing and economical reliability in lifespan of 1,5 or 10 years of time when compare to the cost of E Bill from grid,thanks

[@crissan5035]

lol loving your moment of truth

[@HomesteadEngineering]

Hey David, What are you doing for air conditioning? Are you running your main heat pumps on solar or using mini-splits or window units? Also, I "micro" cycle my batteries all day long like you talked about. This is mainly due to cloud cover. My system can switch from 80Amps in (@56VDC) to 100 Amps out when I get cloud cover and it does this a lot. I assume your still hitting the batteries when you get clouds rolling over? Thanks!

[@DavidPozEnergy]

For sure, if clouds roll in and you are drawing close to the solar output the inverters could switch back to the batteries. it will still do that on occasion. But I have noticed that it's less than when I run a more traditional charge controller. But even with a traditional charge controller, it can be minimized with a lower float voltage setting. There are always more than one way to do things. That makes it fun. I will say that I don't usually have to draw from the batteries during the day. I have about 12kW of solar panels, so even if clouds roll in, I'm still producing at least 6kW. I unusually don't need more than 6kW for the house unless we are using the electric oven. Air conditioning: I'm running a Mr. Cool mini-split in my house, and an Innovair mini-split in the garage. The Mr. Cool runs flat-out 24/7 (1.3kW) during the hot spells. The Innovair runs at an average of 200W during the same hot spells. That's pretty cool. I might have to change out the Mr. Cool.

[@korishan]

Florida! Ugh! at least he comes down here during the "winter" (what ever that means, what's winter? 😜) Any time during the year it would be nice to have some kind of cooling in the house. Even if the only thing the unit is being used for is pulling the humidity out of the air. Lowering the humidity not only makes quality of life a lot better (breathing, sleeping, just being more comfortable) but it also will keep everything inside the house in much better condition over time. Doesn't take much for mold to start growing in random places in the house in Fl when the humidity is >70% and temps are over 80F.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

I agree. He says his tiny house is "musty" when he returns in October.

[@korishan]

@@DavidPozEnergy If he decides to do a small bit of home automation (wouldn't take much, just using raspberry pi and homeassistant) could have the a/c come on for about an hour each day. That would keep the air clean and combat any mold Addition: Actually could just use a non-digital A/C unit (turn knobs to set speed/temps) and then use a non-digital power switch. They usually have a dial with pushpins to set activation time(s)

[@timboe1848]

Great video, can’t wait to see update on how to install the transformer, makes me scared if the breaker flips off etc

[@mxslick50]

I posted a comment about that, and here's my solution for a failsafe setup: Set up a separate load center for ONLY the 120v loads, all of them. Attach the autotransformer directly to the main lugs (or use a 100a double pole breaker, bear with me and I will explain why.) You then feed the 240v input from a separate 240v ONLY loadcenter via a 40 or 50 amp double pole breaker placed IN the 240v load center. This way, a failure or overload of the autotransformer will trip the breaker in the 240v feed ONLY, thus protecting your 120v loads. The 100a breaker can be used as a safety disconnect for the autotransformer, and should never trip except for a catastrophic failure (short circuit) in the autotransformer. (However, the 40 or 50 amp breaker FEEDING this 120v setup will always trip first anyways. ) If you do add the 100a breaker for the autotransformer, install a handle lockout on it to keep it locked ON (breakers WILL still trip with handle locks on, they are required to by UL and NEC code.) That way you won't accidentally turn the auto trans off.

[@joshayre]

@@mxslick50 I did some research and I don’t think the fluctuating voltage from a floating neutral/failed transformer will trip the breaker, which is rated for current/Amps. I’m also looking for a solution. Perhaps a digital voltmeter like David has to alert for irregularities is the simplest option. Also, a shunt trip circuit breaker can be used with a temp sensor to shut down the circuit, but I haven’t figured that out completely yet. In fact, Solaredge designed the transformer with a temp sensor to shut down their inverters if it gets to hot. I’m surprised Signature Solar hasn’t provided a solution to this serious safety hazard. Seems they could have some liability.

[@bradmesserle999]

If you have room.. put a wall up in front of your setup. making a small room. and then line it with rockwool insulation. Rockwool will kill that noise all day long :)

[@danfarrington1659]

Great video. Will these units power a 220v dryer and a inductions range 220v? Can it be used for wind turbine and solar as well?

[@farside87]

Thanks for the update...provide us more info on the 5000 when it's connected down in Florida.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

That won't be until winter. But I met up with my friend recently in Maine, where he spends his summers. I'll share that coming up.

[@stalwart56k]

@@DavidPozEnergy Hope he has a good sunny spot! I'm struggling with shade patterns and cloudy summer afternoons/thunderstorms keeping my solar yields low. Gonna need more panels.....

[@Dutch_off_grid_homesteading]

heya thanks for the update I'm planning to install a all in 1 system myself but thinking about mpp-solar inverter

[@DavidPozEnergy]

That's a good brand too.

[@3GatesFilms]

Question: The Growatt spf 5000 es has a max PV voltage of 450V. My panels have a max charge voltage of 31V. Multiply that by 14 panels and we have 434volts. But the open circuit voltage of the panels is 39 volts. Multiply that by 14 panels and we have 546volts. (over the amount for the 5000 es) which voltage am I calculating?

[@glennwest4438]

So you are getting by with just 10k. Also you stated no gas appliances. That's encouraging. I might jjust be able to get by with 5k in my camper.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Yes, that's right. No gas, oil, propane, or wood. If I wanted to turn on every heater, and stove top, and oven, etc. I could draw more than 10kW, but we don't under normal day to day life.

[@robertrocheville7769]

For the neutral line, could you use some kind of relay so if the breaker trips it kills power to the relay and open the neutral line?

[@JBoy3210]

Really hoping to see how you wire the xfmr correctly!

[@regelectronics6128]

hello David, do you have to introduce Victron's new RS hybrid inverter (RS48 / 6000)? The part makes a perfect impression.

[@JudasBytes]

I am glad I found your site! If you have 3x 5kW inverters, do you need the LiFePo battery banks to have power at home?

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Yes. The battery powers the house when the sun is not shining.

[@MrDustinmcguire]

Would it be possible for you to set up the growatt inverters with grid on the inputs and program them for solar priority with battery as secondary? Then using solar as primary charging and grid for secondary charging. I have 2 of them and the auto transformer as well. Curious to see how well they handle the priority transfers. It seems logical to have the grid connected if it’s available but not use it unless necessary. The internal switching capability seems to make these superior for the price.

[@monsieurd.6890]

Hello. I have 2 same inverters and once the charge is finished they always take about 85 W from the battery, even if there is plenty of sun (tells my smartshunt). How can you make the inverter to take only from solar ? I am in sbu mode (battery mode).

[@dgr8t1]

Hey David- Does this set up allow for washer and electric dryer along with the ability to cook on an electric cooktop?. been really looking at going off grid for a whole house that is on electric.

[@leandrosphotostudio]

hello david. great great content. i think i need your advise for a solar project. ive watched about every video you produced and you seem to have enough experience for a newbie seeking help like myself. would you?? i ask before i throw alk the info at you. greetings from copan ruinas, honduras.

[@petersoncorominas6174]

Hi david, thank you for an in depth review on this inverter. I went ahead and bought 2 of these inverters from watching your videos and I currently have them setup in parallel. Would you happen to know the surge power capacities on these inverters?

[@DavidPozEnergy]

I think I remember reading 2x for 5 seconds. That means each 5kW inverter can do 10kW for 5 seconds.

[@MatthewN8OHU]

David, eventually I will be using three of these, simply because there are times where I will need the peak current capacity to run a large air compressor. Most of the time, though, I will probably run on just one or two depending on season.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

That's cool. Having more gives you the option to add more solar panels in the future too.

[@MatthewN8OHU]

@@DavidPozEnergy That it does.

[@pcruz9083]

Very instrutive. Would like to see the update to just 2 inverters and the stats about it on another month. I guess would increase efficiency a bit. Loose the transformer and have each one invertor doing a phase to have split phase all together. Simpler and even cheaper 👍

[@jonathanm1311]

Can you please explain that in more detail. As I understand it, each inverter has an output of 240V so how does it get reduced to 120V in the way you're suggesting? I ask because I'm in Europe and want to buy 2 of these here to take to South America and there they have 120V so I need to do the same. I don't understand what you're suggsting. Thanks in advance if you can clarify!

[@mxslick50]

P Cruz These particular inverters cannot be connected that way. You would end up with 240 volts on each leg referenced to neutral, and 480 volts phase to phase. You MUST either use an auto transformer OR use inverters with 120v outputs.

[@timboe1848]

Any update on a safer way to install the auto transformer?

[@alonzodesantis6989]

Great video have your friend look into solar hybrid mini split air conditioner a little pricey but worth it and at night use a battery bank I think it needs 225 ah good luck

[@vicdogger3088]

Thanks david very good information you answered lots of questions that's been in the back of my mind for years I'm in Australia and will translate to aussy can l get to e-mail you about some unanswered questions ....Vince from Australia

[@barkster]

have you created a video on how to set up the autotransformer to protect loads if it breaker trips?

[@neomatrix2722]

I have a question with the flex Max 80 regarding micro cycling how can I set that up as you've done with your grow Watt

[@diysolaradventures7894]

Dave I noticed u took down ur midnite solar combiner box are ur panel wires running straight into ur inverters my combiner box is grounded to Earth and I'm trying to figure out is it safe to run from that box to the inverters just like it is or do I need to disconnect it first or disconnect the Earth ground

[@prestonreed416]

Nice info Before you take the 3rd one down I would love to see the 3phase set up with an 3 pause panel box

[@DavidPozEnergy]

O, sorry. I already removed it.

[@prestonreed416]

@@DavidPozEnergy ok

[@lasersbee]

2:07.. That's typical in Canada as well.

[@jojohncontacts565]

Did you ever come up with a better solution for the auto transformer issue you mentioned in your video?

[@CJ011110]

Does the load center need to be bonded between neutral and ground?

[@mcsg_pelecan]

Thanks for the update...Always great information! What have you done with your other batteries? Have you figured out how to get them to play well together?

[@DavidPozEnergy]

They can play well, I did that for two weeks. But at the moment I'm only testing the Gyll battery cabinet.

[@mcsg_pelecan]

@@DavidPozEnergy Thanks for the reply! Keep up the great work!

[@CET675]

Thanks for the update, could you please let us know how much you paid for the whole thing?

[@deyanv]

David, I want to ask: when the batteries are drained after all night house load - and they reach the bottom discharge bt2ac setting, do you know why these spf 5000;s are keep draining the battery (but much less) \ After they hit the minimum charge, I noticed that my 3 inverters are draining around 120W all the time and my battery goes beyond my set down limit of 20 % (it goes at around 15%)

[@SunInLithium]

Is it possible to turn one of the slaves of when not as much power is needed, without changing the wires? I'm thinking of turning one off say at night to limit idle consumption.