The GOOD and the BAD on the Growatt SPF5000es

There is likely to be Pros and Cons on anything you buy, this inverter does have some of each. But for me it's not a deal breaker, as the Pros far out weigh the cons. #growatt #growattinverters #solar
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[@Bensgarage]

It's still working well, could just do with a bit more sun.

[@briansam5681]

hey i have an inverter like that...works totally fine during day but during night time it cuts off grid supply and turns on and off regularly throughout every night

[@edwehnes]

Thank you Ben. Very helpful

[@ponytrishpip]

We are off grid and been running off one of these for nearly 8 months now. It has proved to be great. It is housed in a building 40M away from house so noise is not a problem. Efficiency wise for the price you pay I can’t complain.

[@Bensgarage]

Ours was good, until it wasn't. They have just sent me a new motherboard to see if I can get it working again.

[@Mitchyp6183]

Thanks for the video

[@ruralsunpower]

Really this is a best informative video about Growatt 5000es .This is Rural Sun Power from Bangladesh.

[@mariobrezovec1182]

thank you very much!

[@philsmeanderings7991]

Just a thought, some electrical devices have as much as 10 times their nominated wattage load on start up. With this in mind it would cause a sudden drop in battery voltage even though only briefly. Depending on how often the device measures the battery voltage , it may detect that brief drop or it may not. This may explain out of parameter behaviour.

[@GlidingTobster]

Bro tip on the sporadic utility charging issue, maybe... Program 02 is the max overall charging current, but there's also program 11 which is the max utility charging current; you could set this down to an amount where there's no way it's going to "accidentally" put an excessive amount into the batteries before the sun comes up. That's assuming of course it doesn't just ignore those settings as well and whallop all 80A into the batteries though!

[@ochitijohn7907]

We are using ur system in south Sudan

[@sparrowsends]

Hi Ben can I ask please how you have connected your ac out put and input please .

[@Hartsock2009]

thanks for talking about it, here in South Africa we get constant nowblackouts or days without power and I have one that's being installed on 5000W solar panels so I am looking forward to it. AS the installer put it, this inverter is a Honda Civic, Sunsynk is a Toyota and Victron is Rolls-Royce

[@wesleydavids5376]

I am also interested in the Growatt inverter, do you think the GROWATT HYBRID INVERTER 48V 5KW INVERTER PURE SINE WAVE (INCLUDING WIFI) SPF 5000 ES is a good one?

[@ziganagode]

Question if i understand corectly, so this inverters need to be wired directly before the load? Like best locstion after brakers? Thanks

[@SiBex_ovh]

Hi, Thanks for video. I have question, I use solar charger from victron and search answer how Growatt works without Solar/PV, means it use both Battery and additionally Grid or totaly separated, first and only batery until it's off and then use only grid... maybe good material for a new video and you answer if you got parallel setup now.

[@Fritsvrolijk]

Thanks Pro whats the diference with the Growatt 10 KTL 3 -XH Growatt Hybrid ????? And Fronius is a crime to get in Holland en 3 time the price

[@yassinmohammed9006]

We have problems that occur sometimes, when it is sunset the inverter charging keep switching between solar and grid for like 2 minutes keep peeping, until the solar panels can't detect light anymore then it will stop pepping , how can we fix this problem?

[@crispinswainstonharrison9042]

In South Africa, the state has stopped supplying electricity,so we all have inverters. My growatt is great but it does seem to charge the batteries a bit slower at about 24 amps vs the norm of 50 to 60 amps

[@thingswithlloyd4581]

turn up the charge setting

[@MrButuz]

Interesting Vid ben - I got a small growatt PV inverter for my parents garage and it's working decently - it's a fanless one thank god. I am kinda happy I went with a higher end custom system as i figured i am gonna be wanting it to work for 20 years so I don't want to cheap out - SMA inverter and Victron Multiplus to do the battery stuff. The SMA inverter is totally awesome - fanless, 2.5kw of solar and it uses 2 watts on idle (overnight). The victron is much more efficient, it uses 15 watts background which is SO MUCH BETTER than 70. Mind you it is more expensive and it can get noisy if you start putting over 1000 watts through it so it's not perfect either. Still on my small system the inverter using 70 watts 24/7 would be an issue for me and the bad fan nose, and the random Charging glitches / bugs.

[@curavida5013]

The growatt inverter charges every 30 days from the grid to cycle and equalize the batteries (this is not a setting you can change) .... However if you don't want it to charge from the grid you have to set the charging amp to 0. It will then only use solar to charge...

[@majdsardini]

Hey ben , great channel , i have a solar setup at my home with renovo inverter but I'm not a big fan of the app they use , it only refresh the ui every 5 minutes so you can see how much energy you're pulling at the exact moment , so i was wondering about the growatt app , what's the good what's the bad , I'd really appreciate it if you also did a review on it , thanks!

[@Bensgarage]

Unfortunately the Growatt app does the same, every five minutes. But I will do a video on the app.

[@1stamyk]

Good Video, Ben. Would you provide me short advice here? I prepare installation of the same Growatt inverter...I am struggling with a need to connect AC output neutral wire to the standard home "N" grid to have a common "ground" (and reuse existing wiring. I still keep partial grid source in the house for demanding circuits in paralel). How you solve that, possible or not??? (Franky, I fear a bit to try not to damage by chance). Thank you

[@Bensgarage]

We have two consumer units/boxes, one for grid and one for solar. All the items I wanted on solar I put in the second box, took a grid feed from the first box to the inverter, and AC out from the inverter to the second box. I think I have some videos where I show how I have done it. Check out Ben's Garage goes solar playlist.

[@grantmidd]

Can any one please help me I cannot finger out if what I have planned will work. I have a 5kwh off grid inverter Growatt 500es, the reason I picked this model it no batteries are required and any power my solar will not supply it will be toped up from the grid. I want to put the 4 panels on my garage roof facing south south west. And 4 panels on my flat against my west west south wall. The inverter specs are as follows 5Kwh inverter 450v PV input max 22ah PV input max Where I live on an island in the UK it is almost impossible to get low ah panels 10 or bellow, but very easy to get high Watt panels like 550w+ Unfortunately they are all around 50v VOC x 14ah STC. I want to connect them in parallel in pairs of 4. In my head this should work as I should never hit the 22ah current but I’m just not sure. Can an expert please explain why this would and wouldn’t work. Thanks

[@antonioalto6091]

thank you for the video, but I have an question. I can see many videos about the growatt, but I never seen videos of how many solar panels and the watts of it, also what battery you are using and what you are running with it. thank you.

[@Bensgarage]

I have done many solar videos, explaining our system, what/how many panels we have and installing the batteries. Check them out here: kzbin.info/aero/PLIF6NSGKv0MJZJ65kj4JejgvHHI9bSuhW

[@alexanderparkes-lockwood7433]

Can someone tell me why these inverters put out high voltage high amperage ac through the pv in.

[@ronalddaher1304]

I've been using the growatt 5000 es for almost a year in the SBU setting. The main drawback, imo, is that it is not capable of mixing solar power with main power when solar is insufficient according to the load. Instead, it pulls the missing power from the battery until these latter reach a certain (predefinied) voltage, then it moves to a bypass mode in which all the loads are carried on from the main while the solar power only recharges the batteries. If used in the SUB mode then this bypass will occur as soon as the load exceeds the solar power, so wasting the solar energy if the batteries are full or near full

[@MilaSRNESolar]

Maybe you bought the wrong make and model😊

[@crispinswainstonharrison9042]

Growatt is a pretty unreliable inverter.

[@jelleklinge9743]

That,s where a Victron Multiplus comes in with a LV torroidal. It can do much more but is significant more expensive. Fans are even louder on Multiplus. Growatt is great when you look at the value. Its a switching inverter so its different technology.

[@keithw8286]

Planning on getting the same inverter. I am off grid and have a propane generator that I am going to use in place of a mains grid to top up batteries if needed. The problem (apart from activating the generator on demand) that I see is that charging through an inverter would be less efficient than using a dedicated charger. I see from the inverter info that a generator can be used as an input, but can’t see anything about its input efficiency in that configuration. The alternative would be to use a dedicated charging unit to charge directly from generator to the batteries. So, as you can see the question is do I need a hybrid inverter which uses built in mains/generator charging, or should I be looking for a non-hybrid solution that uses a separate charger. Any thoughts?

[@Bensgarage]

As we had planned to use a grid input, I never gave much thought to a generator. It is good that we can run a generator into it (have to change input settings), but I haven't looked at how efficient it is. I suppose a lot also depends on what batteries you are using. We have pylontech US3000c, and charging them with the inverter is easy. When charging from the grid the inverter uses about 1200w just for charging, but the inverter goes into bypass when it's charging from the grid and all power is supplied by the input source, until the batteries are at the set level. Hope that makes sense.

[@mondotv4216]

Hi Ben - interested to know what happens when the battery is full and you have excess solar. As it's not a grid tied inverter and you can't backfeed power to the grid does it just turn the solar off? Or does it ramp it down somehow to match the load?

[@Bensgarage]

The inverter starts to throttle down at about 93-94% then trickles it to 100%, at that point it all goes idle until a load is put on the inverter which will be powered by the panels if the suns out or from the batteries if no sun.

[@Nigel-nar53]

We're seriously considering a Solar set up, I would like to go the Growatt route & do it all myself but the panels would have to go on the roof which we've just had renewed & I wouldn't have the confidence to fit the panels up there. We do have a south facing paddock but it's about 75mtrs from the house at the other side of our drive. How close does the inverter need to be to the consumer unit? Cheers & thanks for the info..... 👍

[@Bensgarage]

We have our panels floor mounted out in the field, about 60-70mtrs. The inverter is indoors about 1-5mtrs from the consumer unit. The further away your panels are, a thicker cable is needed. A cable that can handle the voltage and the amps from the panels (DC). And the further you go with your panels the more loss you will get through the cables before it hits your inverter. Having said that, we get on a good day up to 4kw and 11amps coming into the inverter from 10 panels.

[@Nigel-nar53]

@@Bensgarage Thanks Ben

[@MilaSRNESolar]

@@Bensgarage You're really a professional~😊

[@Fritsvrolijk]

Hello can you if you have a 10 kw Growatt inverter make it by software a 8 kw inverter ????

[@tylergriffin263]

Any update on the sporadic grid charging. This sounds like quite a significant issue?

[@Bensgarage]

I think we got to the bottom of it, well at least it seemed a shared opinion of Growatt and Pylontech. It was the batteries calling for extra to equalise themselves. It was pointed out by a viewer, that it might be the case and was later confirmed by the brands. Now I know the reason, it doesn't worry me much. However, in the mean time the Growatt has blown the motherboard, and is just out of guarantee. They have supplied a new motherboard free of charge, just got to fit it.

[@danielnovacovici7917]

Hello Ben. I have the same problem with charging the battery from the grid but I assumed that it was because battery dropped under some minimal parameters. Also, randomly, I have this issue: it doesn't switch from the grid input to solar or battery even if there is a lot of sun and battery is almost fully charged. Please make an update if the Growatt tech support found the solution for your problem.

[@Bensgarage]

It was pointed out to me by a viewer of one of my videos, that it was likely the batteries were asking to be charged, even though they hadn't reached the set parameters, normally due to them needing to be equalised. When our inverter started charging from grid out of range, it would charge the batteries to 100%. This was later confirmed by Growatt after many many emails. As for it not going back to solar or battery if they are available, I think that once the inverter starts it's cycle, it stays in Bypass mode until it reaches it's set battery percentage. We have had at times, it going to grid and then half hour later there is glorious sun. I normally go and set the battery percentage low so it hits that and hoes back to solar/battery. It;s a bit of a faff, but it beats paying EDF for unnecessary power.

[@danielnovacovici7917]

For me, to make the inverter to output from solar, the solution was: set the output source priority to something else and than back to SBU(Solar, Battery, Utility). and somehow this works. But still a little annoyance. I wish you sunny days!

[@AsithaWanigaratne-lu7mt]

My 5000 eps stopped batt charging after 9 months Sri Lankan agent says no problem and they were unable to repair it.i sent several mails but they didnt reply

[@silverghost3506]

i know about your issue where it charges from the grid.. actually whats happening is.. its triggerring the low battery voltage... and when that happens it will transfer to grid... and charge ... let say your back to grid voltage is set at 48v.. change your low battery voltage cut off to 44v or lower.. so when your inverters at 48.1v and you turn on something big.. the voltage sag will not trigger the inverter battery low voltage cut off..

[@PeterPan-bx5cx]

Hi Ben, which Battery you have connected to your Growatt? Brand and Capacity?

[@Bensgarage]

I have two Pylontech US3000c batteries, giving 7kwh but about 6.4 useable.

[@hmstango]

Hi, is there a way to see on the app how much power the invertor is actually using over the course of a day? We had a 3.6 invertor and our was replaced by a 5 kwh one and our usage has gone up about by 6-10kwh/day! Thanks

[@Bensgarage]

Our Growatt SPF5000es uses 65watts at idle. Can’t see it on the app, as we have loads running 24 hrs. But just the idle consumption per 24 hrs is 1.56 kWh.

[@panagiotiska1539]

Hi Ben. Thanks for your excellent videos, really helpful. I have a question please. The current from the panels should be 9.2 amps only; Expected is 15 amps. The inverter does not leave or what? Thank you very much in advance.

[@Bensgarage]

This inverter can handle 18A coming in from your panels, it will handle slightly more but probably not recommended.

[@panagiotiska1539]

@@Bensgarage Dear Ben, thank you very much for your reply. I understand but can you tell me please the reason? Need any setting from the main panel?

[@Bensgarage]

@@panagiotiska1539 there are no settings for the input amps, that is dependent on your panels. The only setting for amps in the inverter are for charging the batteries.

[@panagiotiska1539]

@@Bensgarage The panels are 20 pcs (10+10) one string in parallel 245Watt each one. Vmpp 30.33V What do you think?

[@Bensgarage]

@@panagiotiska1539 you need to know what the amps are on your panels. If you have one string wired in series it would give you 4800watts, the inverter can handle up to 6000watts.

[@AS-cd5wf]

Hi Ben, may I place a couple questions?? I bought teo of these and want to run them parallel. -can you tell me what was the max Watts you pulled from this single Growatt Inverter? - what battery system (12/24/48V) and how much Ah do you have connected to the Inverter? - how many Amps does your Safety Breaker Fuse have between the battery pack and the Inverter? Your reply would be greatly appreciated! best regards from Hungary

[@Bensgarage]

we have pulled up to 5000watts without a problem, we have also gone over 5K and it has safely shut down (as it should). We are using two Pylontech US3000C batteries, they are 48 volts and each battery has a useable capacity of 3200wh. I have been in contact with both Growatt and Pylontech, and they both said that on a single inverter I do not need a safety breaker between the batteries and inverter. However, if you are using two inverters in parallel it is probably a good idea, I have seen somewhere online that 150amp is used in most cases (you would have to research that, and not take my word for it).

[@AS-cd5wf]

@@Bensgarage Hi Ben, thank you very much for your kind reply. That helps a lot! Thank you also for your excellent videos!

[@showme360]

I am looking at getting 2 x Growatt SPF5000ES to run a 10kw system, but the over night random charging does concern me, have you got it resolved yet?

[@Bensgarage]

I was getting quick responses from Growatt, but now 'Radio Silence'. Which is a bit worrying. However, it hasn't done it for a while (kiss of death). I did say that I would tell the world (youtube) about this problem and could they kindly sort it out, by way of a fix or replacement. Nothing as of yet. I would still buy this inverter again, what you get for your money, it's great.

[@bjconway2474]

I'm running 2 systems both running 2 Growatt spf5000es inverters each in parallel. Which firmware is your inverter running? If you buy a second, try and make sure you get the same firmware version.

[@Bensgarage]

Not sure what firmware we have on ours, but worth checking if we get another. Good point, thanks.

[@danwakeham]

Can you stop it feeding back to the grid. Like a transfer switch or something?

[@Bensgarage]

Ours is wired up off grid, so we have no issue with it feeding back to the grid.

[@ochitijohn7907]

What's the connection for PV because I have seen the connection inside the inverter it's parallel and when connected PV in 24v system what could be results

[@Bensgarage]

We have ten 24v panels wired in series, the into the inverter.

[@RoarPowerNZ-tt6ud]

Ben: Regarding your "charging from grid outside the set parameters" issue - if your battery comms fault for a moment, and the Growatt thinks that the battery SOC is 0% or 1% (you sometimes see this when the GW is first connected using CAN but hasn't yet received the SOC of the battery - the LCD displays 1% SOC for about 6 seconds and fault 04 [low battery] might be thrown for a few seconds ) then this is technically "less than 30%" and your grid should kick in and charge. This does not explain the GW charging with grid to 100% but it does explain starting to charge before your low battery point is reached. You wont see this in the GW app (Shine) because the data points are recorded so infrequently that you won't see the momentary dip down to 1%. To be clear: your battery isn't at 1%, its just that the protocol for SOC doesn't have an "I don't know" or "comms are down, waiting for data ...." state. If i were you ... I would abandon your search for the fault with GW, and look at your battery or BMS supplier, see if you can log every single CAN or RS485 message for a period of time that includes one of these incorrect charging situations. At some point, the BMS is not communicating, or communicating incorrect data.

[@Bensgarage]

Not sure yet, but it might be battery related. Possibly one cell is out of balance, so the BMS calls for the batteries to be charged to 100% to get everything back in balance. Still waiting for pylontech to confirm this.

[@jamaje17]

Peux tu donner un schéma de cablage svp de l'oduleur

[@DirectorMunyaK]

Can l pair growatt inverter with other lithium Batteries that are not growatt???

[@Bensgarage]

Yes, I am using Pylontech batteries.

[@andreapiccolo9773]

I have the same inverter Off grid system not connected to the grid even at the input. To have a 10-90% lithium battery discharge/charge what parameters should I set in program 12,13,21? One person told me: 12= 10% 13= 35% 21= 5% Do you agree?

[@Bensgarage]

There are more settings to consider, we have a grid input so all I can tell you is what I know. We use lithium batteries with a BMS communication from the inverter, so setting 5 is set to Lithium. That then sets a lot of parameters in the inverter to automatically adjust charging parameters etc. So setting 21, on our inverter is done automatically. Then we have 12 set to 20% and 13 set to 95%, so when the batteries get down to 20%, it starts charging from grid if there is no sun, and then stops when the batteries reach 95%. In your case you would have your inverter set to solar charging only, setting 14= OSO, setting 1= SOL and then for setting 21, you would have to work out what voltage your batteries would be at 10% and set that number in (default is 42v), or the load will just drain your batteries until they are empty.

[@renatoboninelli5790]

Hi, I am recently having the same problem I have revert to swich of the main feeder (utility) during the day and using only solar and battry At night I switch on the main feeder and disconnect the solar (at night should make no difference, till sun comes up) I have problem to get hold to the customer support in South Africa. I think there is nobody in this country for that function Could I have a contact to request a test via the dongle I have connected to the inverter Thank you very much

[@caspergooner]

What batteries are you using with the SPF5000ES? If they are not Growatt then I would suggest that the BMS is the issue. I have a solar company in the Philippines for 6 years and we are a major dealer / importer of Growatt so we have a lot of experience in this area. If you are using Growatt Batteries (ARK or AXE) then you need to push Growatt directly to see what their technicians say in Guangzhou. If they are 3rd party batteries, it's impossible to find the problem.

[@Bensgarage]

I'm using pylontech batteries. There have been many many emails back and forth to growatt, they have been monitoring my system remotely While they were good at communicating to start with, they don't seem to be bothered now. They have decided after all this time that it must be the batteries, so have passed the blame onto pylontech. Just waiting for them to get back to me now.

[@MusicalFountains]

HelloSir. May I ask what's the name of your company here in Philippines?

[@fastmx247]

Similar issues with charging along with not charging at all. Growatt 5000es are good inverters for the money but not good battery chargers.

[@thorpanel6094]

The charge issue is due to power outtage. If you had a power failure when power is back they start charching so they are prepared for the next power out. Good luck

[@Bensgarage]

No, not this time. Whenever we have had the charging issues, grid power has been on and stable. And when grid power has been out, it hasn’t charged when the power comes back on until the batteries reach the parameters that we set. Growatt have advised we set it to CSO on setting 14, so giving that a try.

[@saalienit]

@@Bensgarage If you don't want it to charge from grid then setting 14 must be OSO

[@alanmainwaring1830]

I have had 2 MPP Solar Inverters running for 6 years, they actually are very similar to the Growatt 5000. Only issue I had was a mouse getting into one of them and stuffed one of the cooling fans. Bought an expensive version of the cooling fans which was quieter. The thing was I had to modify the wiring on the 4 pin plug. These have been going now for 6 years. The problem about charging batteries is a real challenge. The Growatts have real difficulty with measuring the actual state of charge on the batteries. If you have Lithium Phosphate batteries each unit if rack mounted has a RS485 port which can be daisy chained to your other batteries. The problem I have seen is getting clear simple information on how the Growatt 5000 ES can actually measure the state of charge of your back up batteries by "talking" to the Battery management system built into the Lithium batteries. If you are using AGM, Lead acid, these batteries have no real easy way to measure their real state of charge, using battery voltage as a means of state of charge is not a reliable way. Somehow you need a load testing circuit. By the way I have installed two Growatts in a remote village in NSW with Lithium Phosphate back up batteries completely off Grid 6KW array with back up inverter generator.

[@dominiqueeybers9186]

Did you buy a second already. Im running 2, but they trip so easily. Cant get to the problem.

[@Bensgarage]

No, we are still running on just the one inverter.

[@grantmidd]

Where did you buy your inverter from?

[@Bensgarage]

Allo Solar in France, they don't list it for sale any more.

[@grantmidd]

@@Bensgarage I found 1 that delivers to the UK. Only £610. Amazing price. Thanks for the honest video.

[@user-tx9qo7un6o]

Continously having error 08...but no problem in internal circuitry

[@renatoboninelli5790]

Hi, I am recently having the same problem I have revert to swich of the main feeder (utility) during the day and using only solar and battry At night I switch on the main feeder and disconnect the solar (at night should make no difference, till sun comes up) I have problem to get hold to the customer support in South Africa. I think there is nobody in this country for that function Could I have a contact to request a test via the dongle I have connected to the inverter Thank you very much

[@user-ng4qo9bc8l]

Does it work in all the appliance in the house

[@Bensgarage]

It works on all our appliances. Toaster, kettle, hot water tank, oven, boiler fridge and freezer, plus all the other little things like computers and TV etc.

[@patrickmckowen2999]

👍

[@nigeldolman954]

Maybe it is programmed to charge to 100% a couple of times of month to “balance” the lithium batteries. Some systems require a 98-100% state of charge to balance the internal lithium cells.

[@Bensgarage]

I have got to get the correct cable to monitor my batteries independently from the inverter. I think it might be the battery BMS calling for the cells to be balanced. Waiting on a reply from pylontech to confirm this.

[@energetictv9340]

I've ran my 5000es for 2 years no major issues

[@GlidingTobster]

Random question; what is the maximum power it can handle in utility mode? I'm trying to get mine installed and my sparky can't figure this out, so doesn't want to put any more than a 21A breaker on it even though the book says 50A. I don't mind it switching to the grid if I go over the 5000W inverter rating, but I don't know how far over it can go on just the grid.

[@Bensgarage]

@GlidingTobster It does indeed say 50A in the book.I fitted a 32A breaker in our consumer unit. I have never gone over 5KW whilst in grid bypass. But reading through the book, it reads that once the inverter hits 5K it will bypass to grid, so I assume will send more than 5K through. Would have to clarify with Growatt to be sure.

[@GlidingTobster]

@@Bensgarage Thanks. I spoke to Growatt's UK rep (an 07 number, and I'm pretty sure he took the call from a walk in commercial fridge...). He ummed and arred and said "Yes, maximum 50A". To be on the safe side I'm going to try to provision an install for a second unit from the start; I'm just struggling to find a bugger to come and install it now!

[@jawadbizri8695]

No filters ,dust goes in .

[@piyasiridesilva753]

Used 5000 es for last 8 months Now I have a major issue PV voltage fluctuates while I get continues sunshine Sometimes it become 0 So my solar out put KWh has reduced to less than half now Any suggestions

[@Bensgarage]

Our inverter only fluctuates when the batteries are fully charged and the loads on the house go up and down (in full sun). The inverter demands DC power from the panels as and when it needs it. Check all wiring to the panels, you might have a loose connection.

[@xyzzy117]

Bought a new 3000w unit and it's defective and I cannot get a response from Growatt.

[@user-dc2ot2tj2b]

you are not alone

[@renatoboninelli5790]

Hi Ben, Could you send me thecontact of the Growatt support for the inverter Thank you for you video Well done

[@Bensgarage]

send me an email (in the about section) and I will forward it onto to you.

[@pejuakinwande1166]

Good

[@agusmuharam6491]

Hi Ben, I have problem last night, the growatt SPF5000es suddenly shutdown, I restarted it but only light up in a second and off again. I can send you video if you can share me your contact (email or WA). Thank you.

[@Bensgarage]

Are there any fault codes showing? Ours started shutting down, but would fire up again. Until it wouldn't start at all. We were getting a fault code come up, which they said was the mother board inside the inverter.

[@tm510a]

The online interface is a joke. It's 15 mins behind it drops the signal all the time. Thank goodness for Solar Assistant I can keep track of all my info.

[@Bensgarage]

We don't normally lose signal, and it logs every five minutes. I would be interested in solar assistant, does it connect in the same way?

[@marcoarpago]

I also have the spf5000 I think is a great inverter .on the hardware side. the people who wrote the firmware are very bad programmers. It's a shame, this product with a good software wold have been the holy grail of inverters all in one.

[@Bensgarage]

Have you seen my latest Growatt video? Not that impressed anymore, it went kaput. The two year Guarantee had expired, but hadn't had it installed for quite two years. They are sending me a new motherboard. There will of course be a video coming if and when I can fix it.

[@georgechamberlain1780]

Yes, true, I agree at your points just I have to add something more after one year with that model. Growatt its horrible with the supporting software, it is a negative point that shine server give you with delay all the info you need via China.. also the PVkeeper software they have for real time computer connection it is a crap that never working, or working for few minutes. They dont have a serious offline software. I am very happy with this inverter and as you, I am thinking to parallel one more . I am producing 30KW per day approx in a sunny day and I am charging the batteries 160AH .

[@wilgraham3966]

I have been using a Growatt 12kw panel for 3 years for our off grid homestead. Worst case of buyers remorse I have ever had. I HATE my Growatt system. Works fine in full sun, only. Have any clouds in a two hundred mile radius and it won't charge my batteries. I have a second set of panels, to a separate MPPT charger. Just to charge my batteries on cloudy days. I would NOT recommend Growatt. Growatt support, Useless.

[@margarita8442]

not supposed to be mounted flush to the wall

[@Bensgarage]

Not sure you have read the manual, coming out with statements like that. From the manual: Mounting the Unit Consider the following points before selecting where to install: Do not mount the inverter on flammable construction materials. Mount on a solid surface Install this inverter at eye level in order to allow the LCD display to be read at all times. The ambient temperature should be between 0°C and 55°C to ensure optimal operation. The recommended installation position is to be adhered to the wall vertically. Be sure to keep other objects and surfaces as shown in the right diagram to guarantee sufficient heat dissipation and to have enough space for removing wires.

[@margarita8442]

@@Bensgarage mines different perhaps for australian conditions,, has ventelation holes in the back face and manual says to mount 28mm away

[@Bensgarage]

@@margarita8442 Sounds like it is different, mine has vents in the sides at the top, with the fan inlets at the bottom.

[@margarita8442]

@@Bensgarage mine does also but perforated holes at the back plate,,I think for australia

[@shmayazuggot8558]

Just be careful as your data and control of the unit is all going via China with that proprietry wifi dongle. Acces to your enjtire house… Your risk!

[@sergimaurimoreno3298]

Something that is not said and is relevant for future customers who are thinking of purchasing this Growatt SPF 5000 ES inverter, this is Growatt's response to the question about the compatibility of this inverter with batteries from other manufacturers: (special mention to the first paragraph) For some time now, Growatt inverters have only been officially compatible with our own batteries, since we stopped collaborating with companies like Pylontech. If Pylontech claims to remain compatible, it is their responsibility to comply with this statement, but Growatt cannot guarantee compatibility with any brand other than Growatt. There are other brands that claim to be compatible with our inverters and they may work, if they have tested it, but we cannot guarantee it. Think twice before buying this inverter, cheap turns expensive. Another manufacturer that follows the same strategy as Huawei, economical inverter, very expensive batteries...

[@yannickbouhier9951]

that s right growatt is compatible with nothing , do not buy this brand !!!!