Sol-Ark 12K 48V Inverter Install (to compare with Growatt 10K)

The Sol-Ark 12K inverter is a feature rich inverter. It can run off of a 48V Lithium battery bank. It has two MPPT charge controllers built-in, and a really awesome distribution box making wiring a snap. So why is it not powering my house well?
This video is a installation, and first impressions. O, and don't buy a plastic transfer switch. This video is NOT a detailed test video. That will be coming soon. But please let my know in the comments what testing you would like to see this Sol-Ark go through.
Battery bank is a 30+kWh bank of LiFePO4 48V. I purchased the batteries from Signature Solar. There are two versions available, one with a screen and one without.
Update: There is no longer a discount code available.
Amazon Affiliate Links:
Power Distribution Block: amzn.to/30pyHrJ
3:1 Heat Shrink Tubing: amzn.to/3aFBCP9
2/0 Wire: amzn.to/3AOHG2h
2/0 Ring Terminals, UL: amzn.to/3vgQtZG
“As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.”
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

[@FrugalRepair]

Great demonstration and explaining things along the way!

[@SyberPrepper]

Thanks for the video!!! I'm setting up a Growatt now and your videos really help.

[@FilAmGabe]

I am excited to see you reviewing this.

[@vincei4252]

I've had my Solark for 13 months now and I couldn't be happier. I have 30 solar panels feeding it, two strings of different voltages. It's awesome to see it charging and powering the house drawing 9KW from the panels and not breaking a sweat. Shame you can't keep it 😁 Oh, and the online monitoring software for the Solark is streets ahead of the trash and insane software that comes with the Growatt that I was never able to get working in web mode - super frustrating. The Solark just works.

[@margarita8442]

u have blocking diodes for the two strings of panels ?

[@mlg779]

You cannot go off-grid with that kind of usage on the solark. You need the Grid connected.

[@Dreadlk]

@@mlg779 Why! I have used mine off grid with 10.4 KW of panels and it was doing 9Kw for short burst but the continuous power is 8Kw when off grid but it will still charge the batteries with 3Kw at the same time.

[@vincei4252]

@@margarita8442 It has two independent solar inputs so there's no need for such things. My arrays run at vastly different voltages but are connected to the independent input on the solark.

[@johanncover1988]

It's your setup grid tie or off grid

[@paulomock3741]

You need to intall the app for the Sol-Ark and you can check when it was your overcurrent fault and then looking at the graph you can see how many watts or current

[@almostoffgridgarage3485]

THIS is what i have been waiting for!

[@kerthulett467]

Excellent demonstrations and explanations...keep up the good work, tests and videos!

[@eDoc2020]

A benefit of the Sol-Ark is that it can participate in New England's ConnectedSolutions program. This pays you if you backfeed the grid to help keep it running smoothly during certain times of need. If you can participate in this you should be able to get a good return on the increased cost of Sol-Ark. If you know anybody participating in this program (or other similar programs which I'm sure exist) I'm sure it would make a nice video. Maybe if you end up with your own to keep long term...

[@defjamsgreen]

THIS IS AN AWSOME VIDEO . CAN'T WAIT TO SEE THE FUTURE VIDEOS ABOUT THE SOL ARK VS GRO WATT .

[@rodrickingram8731]

I have one of these and this is the most versatile inverter on the market and the easiest to install.

[@sterlinrussell2659]

Are you running grid tied or off grid? Thanks

[@rickymartin06]

yeah it is a $7k deye chinese inverter with a face lift

[@bobolones6834]

Nice vid! I hadnt seen videos comparing SolArks to Growatts.

[@whoguy4231]

Can't waite to see the inverter battle royal!!! Great Video

[@benssolarandbattery]

Even though I already have one, I'm excited to see it tested properly and thoroughly!!

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Haha. Thanks Ben. I loved checking yours out.

[@jamesshomesolarmore2223]

2 of my favorite video celebrities chatting. Love the content that both of you put out.

[@reggiemkhize7430]

Looking forward to more comparison test. I am yet to see what can challenge the Growatt. That brand is bulletproof.

[@yankey4]

Nice brother. I love seeing this kind of testing. God Bless brother.

[@SteveDinNC]

I haven't read all the comments, but I'd love to see a comparison of the higher wattage GroWatt verses the Sol-Ark. I know it would be a logistical challenge tho, with the loaned units and all. P.S. Thanks for what you do.

[@SeunOjedeji]

I have heard some users saying the 12k Sol-ark is actually a 9k system in practice. I use the 8kw Deye inverter (who are the manufacturer of Sol-ark) and it works flawless plus it's way cheaper than Sol-ark - ofcourse markets are different though. I will pick Deye over a growatt anytime, any day. David should try do a comparison with Deye.

[@TopAdvenTours]

This is so well done. Nice explanation and illustrations. Nice job, thanks

[@waynewilliamson4212]

Very informative video. Looks like your going to need a bigger wall pretty soon.

[@zakbrinkhoff324]

Can't wait to hear how better this is

[@Pappy-1]

Looking forward to the next video on the sol-ark.

[@keithcress1335]

Totally agree with FrugalRepair! Your clear reasonably paced repeated details were GREAT. I suspect you're right about overloading just a phase on the Sol-Ark. That is an outstanding benefit of using a transformer to develop the neutral. The inverters then have no idea of any phase imbalance. If the transformer is generously "dimensioned" (the technical term for it) there would be no reason you couldn't support a 10kW 120Vac loading.

[@Tranquilitarian]

You have a very nice battery bank, however I do recommend using a staggered takeoff where you connect the cables to the negative of the top battery in the bank and the positive of the bottom battery in the bank thereby making the load on the batteries a little more equal.

[@keithpvbatt2040]

Don't forget AFCI and GFCI protection that the sol-ark provides, plus RSD shut down trigger for roof top solar on a home. Its a lot of money but it does a lot of things including CTs for self consumption and time of use battery functions.

[@John-mg3ws]

Actually the ct's are extra for 200 amp services. The shutdown "feature" is a bad thing and nobody undertmstand the backup only functions to critical loads! ...and doesnt it say in the manual you cant hook the sol-ark up to panels with afci breakers? By any chance do you work for sol-ark?

[@keithpvbatt2040]

@@John-mg3ws No I don't work for sol-ark, but I do install of them. The RSD for the panels is triggered separate with the a push button for fire fighters if there is a fire etc, but if the grid power goes out it will not affect solar for back up power. AFCI/ GFCI is internal to the inverter and required for all UL / ETL US listed DC inputs on inverters and charge controllers over 80v DC for roof mounted arrays. However AFCI and RSD are not usually needed for ground mounted arrays. Our supplier orders Sol-arks with 200 amp cts only, most come with 100amp cts.

[@L0Sinc]

Nice work Dave!

[@DialM4Microcontrollr]

I just installed a Growatt for my fridge and freezer. Using it at 24 volts with 2x Ampere Time 200ah 12v batteries. Just started with it and need to make some adjustments

[@TK-123]

David, this is terrific. Thank you..

[@teekay1785]

Add the autotransformer to the Sokark . Measure the standby power used by Solar and some form of efficiency test from battery and battery charging.

[@arthurhammeke8296]

I have this issue on the split phase growatt I have. Going to add a autotransformer. Hindsight, would gone the 240v inverter method for my shop, but was looking for an all in one method. Yes, the autotransformer will work on the Solark, others have done it.

[@nodoakdozeer1339]

@@arthurhammeke8296 Which split phase Growatt do you have? I have been looking at the 12K SPF 12000T DVM-MPV in part to avoid having to have & wire multiple inverters and 1 or more Mid-Point Transformer.

[@NeilBlanchard]

I learn a lot watching your videos - but I also see how much there is to learn! I have no idea what a lot of the breakers and phases and the autotransformer are for, etc.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

O, sorry about that. There is always more to learn. I learn more about this stuff every day. If you want to know more about the auto-transformer, then I have a more detailed video on it: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r4i4l6msiMZmgZo

[@NeilBlanchard]

@@DavidPozEnergy Nothing to apologize for! I think I watched the one on the autotransformer, and I will watch it again.

[@ScubaSam242]

Nice… we have been installing these in the Bahamas for 5 years now

[@aspendell209]

The Sol-Ark is much more temperamental to load difference between phases. I've heard as little as 15-20 Amps more being drawn on 1 side than the other can cause shutdowns. The auto-transformer on the back side of the Growatt inverters mitigates that a bit better so as the inverter itself isn't as heavily affected. Also the 70mm die for your crimper should be for 4/0 cables.

[@aspendell209]

Engineer 775 has commented on this "feature" many times as he primarily installs Sol-Arks lately.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

I have an ALL electric house, 3 hp systems (5.5 Tons) with soft start kits, 80 gal electric water heater. My two 12K's hsve no problems. Because my panel was already balsnced and i installed TWO!

[@ipstacks11]

You have great content but this is what I keep thinking to myself while watching your video. A simple diagram goes a long way. A picture says a thousand words while still letting you explain it. You are making a video that allows you to use visual aids. Wiring isn't easy for a lot of people and seeing how it is put together in a simple way helps.

[@debbiedavis943]

I agree

[@justonpreble4083]

I agree but nevertheless love this channel...

[@bentleyjarrard885]

Excellent review, looking forward to the next test results. Based on the price of the Sol-Ark ($7,000) and it only having 9KW, I'd stack 2 x Schneider Conext XW Pros ($3,250 ea. or less if you shop around). That would give you 16KW+ for 30 minutes and 14KW continuous. For some reason Schneider doesn't get much attention. We've been using the older model XW+ for 3 years (AC coupled, mostly in pass-thru mode) with no issues. Its a low frequency type inverter with a massive transformer, its a beast to lift and hang on the wall but it runs a 4 ton air conditioner with no problem. Note that the Schneider does NOT have built in MPPT charge controllers but it does have a 140Amp battery charger when the grid or a generator are available. In AC coupled mode there is no need for an MPPT charger so it works great in our situation.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

The surge capacity of the Schnieder looks great.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

I almost went with Schneider until I started reading about their very poor customer service. I’ve got a two 12K system to install. I’ll go with four Magnum 4448PAE if Sol-Ark gives me issues. Installing soft starters, hp dryer and hp water heater.

[@bentleyjarrard885]

@@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity No question about it, Schneider is just too big and the customer service is poor. I've also dealt with them on the electrical side with UPS and switchgear installations. Fortunately, I have not had any issues with the 6848 inverter that required replacement parts or service. Magnum is a good choice also.

[@bentleyjarrard885]

@@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity I'm using a Hyper Engineering soft starter on my Goodman AC condenser, works super good.

[@onthelake9554]

Ben will be here shortly to explain why not to use XW pro's . :>)

[@MARKReviews928]

Great video! Can't waite to see the inverter battle royal

[@user-dr2pg8fk2i]

Really like the lab, even if there are electricians and inspectors dying inside from code violation overload.

[@BigJon358]

Good video . Looking forward to your next video

[@HabitualButtonPusher]

Glad I watched this. Was about to go solark but hell growatt for me

[@robyork6372]

Dito, I was all about the SolArk, but the transformerless inverter is less forgiving than a transformer based one. Transformers are less efficient, but cost about 1/3 and you can make up the efficiency difference with a few panels and/or battery. Additionally, my Growatt SPF 12000 will do 300% for 20ms which is great if you are running near capacity and a motor kicks on.

[@wva5089]

You are in a unique place to test the shading issue that eevblog spoke about in a recent video.. I'd love to know how shading of ~4 cells with a coax cable effects these different mppt inverter's algorithms.

[@MrStevealvey]

Hi David - enjoy your stuff. I have a large DIY solar array and battery back-up system on my home on Pender Island in Canada. My home is electric only and I generate - and use - 14 MWH annually, including electric car charger and pool pumps. This video made me think that you may benefit from adding a Schneider Electric SENSE system to your electrical panel. It's cheap (Home Depot?) and provides real time information about your loads and solar generation, on an IPhone (or Android) ap. It should give you the diagnostic information that you need to 'figure out' why your SolArk is shutting down. I'm a retired EE and assist my friends and neighbours with their installations. I always recommend the installation of a SENSE system as the first step; as none of us knows how we consume energy at the 'per load' level, and how that affects POWER peaks and average load (for back-up duration). Keep up the good work.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

When did Sense get sold? It was a startup here in Massachusetts.

[@cquintana9326]

I would LOVE to get a Sol-Ark. It is the only unit that will do the configuration I need. However, it is way above what I can budget. Sorry to hear you had issues with it. My configuration: Grid-tie w/net metering or sell to self. 48v Battery backup. Generator backup input. A few panels w/enphase microinverters for AC-couple. Critical load panel. They are going to get left behind just as soon as somebody makes an all-in-one at a lower price point.

[@John-mg3ws]

Be aware that you will be limited to only using the load out breaker/critical load out. When the ct's detect no voltage from the grid, the ac breaker is cut! No way to disable this im told by support. The manual does not say this either. Dont expect to connect to your main panel with the grid breaker and have any backup functionality... i am learning these limits after i bought it!😐 ...im looking at 2 ats's and a disconnect and being limited to 63 amps while grid is up and 37 amps while grid is down with all those additions! Then i will have a 4500 watt limit per leg on top of that! Sol ark is a joke! Dont buy it!

[@mendohomepower7492]

I've installed a number of Sol-Ark 12k (9k) inverters. They function well. But for dollars spent, I'll take the Growatt 5k units with an added transformer in a heart beat. Here in California with PGE, net metering is a losing proposition.

[@nodoakdozeer1339]

@Mendo Home Power What do you think about the Growatt 12K,250 with the transformer built in? I like the idea of a simpler overall setup.

[@christopherscholz]

David, great video! To troubleshoot the shutdown of your converter, the easiest way would be to hook up a good power quality analyzer, e.g. a PQ3198, Other measurement I’d like to see: Harmonics at the output of your inverter. Harmonics can significantly reduce the lifetime of your appliances. Power conversion efficiency. Many power analyzers have trouble measuring power of inverter based systems accurately. Let me know if you need help with this or if you need to borrow equipment from me.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

I would love to understand more about how to measure these things. I own an oscilloscope, but I don't think that can tell me harmonics. Are you in Massachusetts?

[@christopherscholz]

@@DavidPozEnergy Hi David, in principle you could use an oscilloscope. There are a few major limitations: scopes are not very accurate instruments. Most scopes have only 8-bit samplers, if you use current clamps on an oscilloscope the phase alignment varies over frequency so a deskew will not help much. Scopes only allow you to take only short acquisitions and this might be good enough to trigger on a specific event. For power quality measurements you usually need days, weeks, months or even longer record length. I am out in Dallas, but I’ll shoot you a e-mail. Let’s talk.

[@wjf213]

Over loaded SIX TIMES???? I want to know more about why it's doing this. I mean that's just totally unacceptable. I've been thinking about getting a couple of these too, but not so much now. Back in the mid 90's when I was getting into off grid set ups, I had a Trace SW5548 power panel and ran the whole house including window AC's and it never over loaded once in the dozen years I used it. I wish I had brought that system with me when I moved. I'm also interested in auto generator start up and shut down and how that works. My Trace inverter had this feature and I loved it. Worked great with my 33kWh diesel gen set to power the electric heat, water heater, oven and dryer, as well as topping off the batteries when the wind gen wasn't producing....which was 70% of the time. Keep up the great work.

[@polarbearigloo]

I like the 2 smaller inverters. makes more sense

[@libertarian1637]

Would like to see your leg to ground as well as leg to neutral. Been an electrician for decades and loved seeing a person rocking Craftsman Professional linesmen pliers; they’ve been my go to for years as, outside of Knipex, have the best handles and performance.

[@Wyatt333]

I want to know more about the dump load option - to throw over-production of solar to a water tank or an EV..

[@loucinci3922]

Silly SolArk thinks the water heater is a light buld. LOL. Nice review. I'd like to see more on AC Coupling (frequency shift to turn off grid-tie). Thanks for sharing.

[@ezerikdaswahreleben2715]

Great, nice explanation just for „ normal „ people . You are very good in it . I like to watch your videos 👌👍

[@wahlmanc]

Can you share what settings you used for the Gyll batteries in the Solark setup?

[@sams5803]

David what are going for a full blown power plant?! I love it! You always have the best inverter videos.

[@robertokine3533]

Hi David, I always watch your videos Am not technical but has interest in solar build up presented by you. Have just watched you tear apart ev batteries from BMW. Have just ordered 5k inverter and battery for my engineer to start a basic solar system for my house. Wish those EV batteries were shipped to me in West Africa (laughter)

[@bigblockcutlass123]

I have been running the growatt 12k, 250 volt hybrid you suggested to me since first of June, It has be running my whole house perfect. I did have some issues with it over loading with the drier, central air conditioner, and toaster oven with well pump. I took the dryer off the system and its perfect. House draws about 1200 watts at all time with all the wife loads. This thing switch from grid to inviter at least twice a day, Morning and night. I do not have a large battery bank yet to run through the night. (new batteries out of stock). Only thing I don't like is the solar charger when the batteries start to get top off. For the most part this thing is great. Thanks

[@nodoakdozeer1339]

@bigblockcutlass123 What do you not like about the "solar charger when the batteries start to get top off"? I am thinking about getting the Growatt 12K,250 starting with a 6-slot-battery-rack with 48V/100AH EG4-LL Batteries and curious what concerns you have.

[@laxmipanta6438]

Wtwoowooiwowppwewowwppwqiewo

[@laxmipanta6438]

Pwupyiwyyyyypyooywowwiwiy2o6y6yywyyepeuui2yypyoywyipwoyooi3iiyyiiyuoytyuoiuyeyiwoowyowwwoowowpwtiyyyiiyyyyoyptpyowpwyyyeyujqywueuueiww

[@laxmipanta6438]

Pwupyiwyyyyypyooywowwiwiy2o6y6yywyyepeuui2yypyoywyipwoyooi3iiyyiiyuoytyuoiuyeyiwoowyowwwoowowpwtiyyyiiyyyyoyptpyowpwyyyeyujqywueuueiwwpe

[@laxmipanta6438]

Ywwyptyowoywppww

[@MatthewN8OHU]

David, I ordered the Growatt SPF 5000 ES and autotransformer tonight. Still need to order my solar panels and batteries.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Nice.

[@mcsol473]

Beautiful how those 5 monster are togheter

[@josed265]

Very Good video,Thank you , From Puerto Rico

[@McCuneWindandSolar]

Dose the Sol-ark have a built in split phase. In a way that's one reasion I like kind of like the transformer I have. if one phase is out of balance it will not see that on the primary side going to the inverter.

[@peteasmr2952]

Id also be curious load per load how efficient each inverter operates.

[@jugadortipico9533]

Waiting for the next video

[@easylooker]

I knew the solark shutting down was gonna happen. You need 2 or more of them to work without shutting down. I've heard of people tying in an autotransformer into them to help with current sharing between L1 and L2.

[@engdarfatgalalyelectrical1076]

Your work is great and helpful

[@lynnbrooks9134]

I would like to see you test your system using 2 auto transformers to increase each of the legs wattage to 6000 watts. Thanks and great videos!!!!!

[@Sanwizard1]

I have also heard of Sol-Ark shutdown over 4500w on a single leg, even when using multiple sol-arks in parallel. Load share comms timing issue between Sol-Arks. I didnt know its also there with one.

[@gn02020202]

He put in the transformer so the two legs are from that. The Sol-Ark doesn't see the individual legs. The Sol-Ark only sees the 230v/240v as a single option.

[@drc6940]

It's great to see Jack Rickard's plan for frequency shift as a form of controlling inverters come to pass. RIP Jack.

[@brianswenson2686]

Make sure you are in the latest firmware. The early firmware had a low threshold for L1 vs L2 unbalance.

[@AdministrativeReload]

I am curious how the two options stack up in terms of cost, standby consumption, and inverter efficiency

[@DIYwithBatteries]

It looks awesome 👍

[@colinchristie106]

Hello Dave, very good video. On one of your test can you verify that the critical load panel can be maxed out at the rating of the inverter. I have seen where other hybrid inverters of a similar type like Sunsynk and Deye, ask you to keep critical load panel to a minimum and avoid high current draw loads. Also what is the max load the unit can handle suppling the main load panel and the critical load panel at the same time. Thank you for your very informative and fair assessment videos.

[@leedwernychuk4442]

Are the fans pulling air into the inverter from the left to the right or are they blowing the air from Right to left?

[@thaihoang9202]

Hi David. We are off grid. Would be good to know how to connect a generator to either set up to charge the batteries during extended rainy day. Enjoyed all your videos. Keep up the good work!

[@Stubones999]

You may want to install some type of amp draw data logger on your demand side so you can compare apples to apples. It is a common mistake to put more load on one leg than another and often needs to be balanced.

[@roqm1248]

Great video david i dont know if you can go into the inverters logs and see what caused the trip, but if the monitoring was up and running you would've known for sure...hope the testing goes better.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Every time it tripped the error code was for AC overload.

[@roqm1248]

@@DavidPozEnergy as you said it might be because of an imbalance....out of curiosity was the autotransformer in use?

[@DavidPozEnergy]

No, I currently have the auto-transformer disconnected.

[@randacnam7321]

Almost certainly an overload on one leg. Maximum 120V load on a given phase is 4.8kVA. The reason the Growatts didn't trip is the autotransformer balances the load so the system can handle close to 10kVA on a phase.

[@roqm1248]

@@DavidPozEnergy if you dont mind do a torture test with and without the autotransformer....this tells me i might need to get one for my deye8k and thank you for all the videos and test you have done!

[@jingyu447]

David, I’m the CEO of Fortress Power,we‘re one of Sol-Ark preferred LFP battery manufacturer. our batteries close loop with Sol-Ark. i think it would be a great video you can produce by showing your patriots how closed loop works and why it‘s better for the end users. We will be glad to send you 2 units for testing.

[@careyjohnson1784]

Great job

[@TravisKepler]

Do you know if the Growatts frequency shift for AC coupling? I cannot find anywhere that they do so I thought I'd check with you.

[@lasttrain5033]

hi david you sure have come a long way sence the days of that 3000 watt reliable inverter i bought one after watching that video and i steel have it

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Haha. I still have mine too. Last video I used it in was to make a power backpack for my leaf blower.

[@kevinhawthorne5257]

Great Video!

[@geraldgrogan]

great video - thanks

[@wayne8113]

Thanks David

[@jhimbert]

So you ditched the breaker in the panel for the direct connection to the distribution block for the auto transformer? I assume you did this to solve the problem of an accidental trip on the breaker of the auto transformer? So from what I see your running L1 to one side of the dis block L2 to the other side. Feeding those into the breaker and running that to the main l1 and l2 of your panel then running 2 lines out the dis block for the auto transformer and then that neutral you generate to the neutral block on the panel? Also Where did you get the 63 amp breaker?

[@wesiniraq]

Question: if it is necessary to balance the Sol Ark per phase, how is that likely to be done? Does it require special wiring on a panel, similar to critical items?

[@thinde88]

I have the split phase 12kw Growatt powering my off grid house and my feelings are mixed. Yea it’s cheap but there’s a lot of little problems and it’s not giving me a good feeling relying on it to keep my home powered going into my first winter here with no real backup. Signature Solar tells me to update the firmware but I feel like there’s a real chance I brick my system and then I’m really screwed. Anyone reading this and want a reliable system, I’d really consider spending more money on something more reputable. And don’t rely on Signature Solar for any real tech support. They can actually tell you some down right dangerous setup instructions.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

I love redundancy. Just keep saving and buying.

[@wgoode505]

I've been very skeptical about the 12kw LF Growatt with their limited availability but you are the first I've seen to have a kinda negative response. But then again I have yet to see "ANYONE" who has done a review of the Growatt 12kw who hasn't been given one for "FREE". Sponsored reviews are NEVER honest. Thanks for speaking up and I would love to hear a more detailed "honest" review. Rumor has it they are going to release an updated version. The 12kw is a no brainer for who wants the most of being off grid. Anything smaller is just a waste of money to me. Adding a neutral auto transformer is just too risky and I would never even consider that, that's why I love the LF model. I've just completed my total home electrical upgrade to separate all my 240v loads from my essential 120v loads panel into separate load centers along with a generator transfer switch and now I await a good 12kw version of the Growatt LF or something similar. Thanks for your comment.

[@sempertard]

@@wgoode505 Can you elaborate a bit on the risk(s) of using an auto transformer please? I plan on using one with a couple of stacked 5KW Growatts.

[@blainecelestaine4543]

It would be cool if you did a vid showing the problems . I am about to do a on grid system and its a little disconcerting the lack of clear reliable information available from the vendors

[@blainecelestaine4543]

My last MSG is directed to Travis H88

[@martinkeding4228]

I would be very interested in a comparison / review / pro-con or the Growatt 12kw unit to your current setups.

[@DaxPallotta]

the limitation is not in the watts but in the voltage. I believe that its 500 volts per tracker. I made that mistake early on and reduced the number of panels in my string from 12 down to 11. Its been 4 months and not a single shut down since I figured this out.

[@leighamfairn212]

Hey David, love your content. Is there any advantage to this inverter over Growatt's GRO-SPF 6000T DVM MPV other than the higher mppt voltage? Thanks from Nova Scotia, Canada.

[@wgoode505]

I am really trying to figure out why Growatt is kinda holding back for their release of the newer 12kw LF. The older model is not even available hardly anymore, yes pre orders for the older models says a lot to me. All of their other models are selling like hot cakes and availability is everywhere except for the 12kw LF. I think I'll just wait a little longer just like the Alibaba 304AH batteries. In a year, maybe two we will probably be overwhelmed with overstock and lower prices. Lets hope.

[@chriszbodula1894]

It sure seems like in a year from now we will not know what hit us/the world

[@SiriusSolar]

I saw them on eBay a while back. Did they sell them for a little while and then stop or something?

[@SiriusSolar]

I wonder how the efficiency of the low frequency growatt is compared to the pair of 5Ks with the transformer.

[@DavidHalko]

“Growatt… release of the newer 12kw LF” - this is not a simple engineering feat. Watching videos from Genetry Solar makes that abundantly clear. They have a nice inverter that does not require an auto transformer and takes spikes the rating of their units.

[@reggiejewett7591]

if you have any of those 48 volt Chev Volt batteries left i am interested in two of them?

[@LogicMomentum]

I installed one of the Sol-Arks on an offgrid island, I really do like the unit, it's capabilities, ease of install, Dual 500v Solar, etc. but there are definitely overloading issues. If an AC compressor spikes the load for a split second, it'll shutdown. If there is a big mismatch in 120v load per leg, it'll shutdown. I wish it was a little more forgiving because remote troubleshooting with the client it is a pain.

[@av1204]

add an auto transformer. there are videos on how to do it. I had this problem and now it never overloads.

[@USA-GreedyMenOfNoIntegrity]

That is what a soft starter is designed for. If we can afford a Sol-Ark, we can spend $309 x ? HP’s or AC’s.

[@SiriusSolar]

@@av1204 adding the transformer sounds like a great option. How many watts will it add to the idle consumption? And how many wants to the overall efficiency if your standard load is, let's say 1,000 Watts

[@MrSeth166]

What about a bank of capacitors? That'll keep enough power for any power spikes...

[@DavidHalko]

@@av1204 - “add an auto transformer” - he spent a period of time on this video talking about his auto transformer

[@Martinko_Pcik]

Why would you want to shut down the AC generator inverter by raising frequency ? Is it for a special case when the grid is disconnected and batteries are full ? Is there any other use for such feature ?

[@alandonnels7382]

Would like to see you test an unbalanced load. Which I think you are experiencing with the shut downs. Also what is the standby power draw.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Got it. Standby power, unbalanced loads. I'm making my list.

[@marklinton5152]

My understanding is that the 12k can only output 8kw from the batteries. I'd like to see how it handles the surge on battery alone.

[@DavidHalko]

That is pretty shady advertising… 12k but only 8kw from battery

[@firebird9232]

@@DavidHalko 12k is has 2 charge controller both sized at 500v. worth 2k just in charge controller specs . growatts have 150v and 250v options. 500V is the way to go if you want save ton money on wiring. which is usually $300-600 plus can save money vs having a combination box which is another $200-500 savings

[@jamesshomesolarmore2223]

@@firebird9232 the growatt has 450 on the voltage.

[@universalmetric5369]

Is it possible to have the sol-ark and the growatt both tied to the grid?

[@robertlepage8443]

Great content!…..is there such a thing as a 3 pole dual position disconnect?…..I would like to separate the grid input to my breaker box from the generator input to the breaker box……..thanks for your help on this…….

[@arleneallen8809]

Not easy to do, but getting a sense of which net meter inverters work best in the AC coupled mode, and even harder to do, a parallel Sol-Ark install. I have to do two of them, hence my interest. Also, quick shutdown wiring and performance would be useful since the rule making on a lot of that stuff has gotten a bit crazy imo. Thanks. Looking forward to the follow-ups. One more thing. A spec that's hard to find for some inverters, especially the Chinese, is THD. If you could throw a scope on your units, that would be valuable. Some digital equipment is enormously sensitive to distortion.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

I own two oscilloscopes. It seems every time I put one on an inverter to show the wave, there is always someone telling me I'm doing it wrong. LOL, and I probably am! I don't have a background with scopes. I'm happy to plug mine on, just please keep expectations in check due to my limitations.

[@arleneallen8809]

@@DavidPozEnergy Thanks for the reply. That was just a thought. I'm much more interested in the AC coupling tests of various kinds. I have a Sol-Ark but haven't installed yet. Waiting for more of the EG4 batteries to be delivered. Bigger project for me is the Sol-Ark using Can-Bus and the batteries using RS-485. As best as I can tell they won't speak at the data layer unless some kind of bridge is built. Maybe not a problem, but if its a problem I will have to design and code a bridge. Might be able to get away with simply setting the various voltages in setup, but it sure would be nice if they actually talked.

[@DavidPozEnergy]

I'm running mine with Voltage settings only.

[@taniksambo1969]

Is there any other inverter that has ac coupling? If someone have an existing solar setup. And want to use batteries when the grid goes out. But this sol ark for over 6k is expensive and don't really need to add solar array to it since have an existing solar grid tie.

[@jleal4611]

I saw a video recently on the Sol-Ark where they said it is limited on each phase. Using an auto transformer fixes the issue by allowing the second leg to feed across to the first and the other way as needed.

[@TK-123]

This is too dangerous..

[@Innovativepools]

Hi David. Could you just use the 230 output from the Sol-Ark to your neutral forming transformer to balance your load?

[@DavidPozEnergy]

Do you mean, buy an auto-transformer to add to the Sol-Ark? I suppose it might help. But at that point, what's the benefit? The Sol-Ark is sold as a 120/240V inverter already. The end-user is not supposed to have to buy anything else. And, Sol-Arks website doesn't mention adding anything else. I wonder if you did add an auto-transformer, then had a problem, if Sol-Ark would still help you after doing an un-authorized modification?

[@dennisberg2474]

instead of solar, would you be able to hook up windmills to growatt / solark? 10k watt windmill are a fraction of the cost of solar and in northern states they are far more viable.

[@momenphone]

Hi david, I am using growatt spf5000es now on my home but the weired thing that my grid smart meter alarm lighting when i connected the grid to ac input of the inverter, i gave phase and neutral from my grid then i connected them directly to my inverter ac input. The grid alarm appearing even with no load at the inverter and even when the inverter at standby mode. Its looks like my grid smart meter can detect my inverter and i dont know how. I dont know if you have any idea about this. Thanks again

[@GregBergantz]

Another excellent and informative video, David. One question, though - you mentioned that for a grid-tied AC coupled system the Sol-Ark would be sufficient because it’s UL rated, but what about your battery bank? Does it need to be UL rated as well?

[@DavidPozEnergy]

I wish I could give a straight forward answer for that. I can tell you that in my particular situation the batteries don't need UL but I think that's because my batteries are in an outbuilding (garage).

[@cliffordwalters2342]

Thanks Poz!