{"id":72114,"date":"2023-03-30T07:39:48","date_gmt":"2023-03-29T21:09:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/?p=72114"},"modified":"2023-04-04T14:25:57","modified_gmt":"2023-04-04T03:55:57","slug":"installers-view-sungrow","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.solarquotes.com.au\/blog\/installers-view-sungrow\/","title":{"rendered":"An Installer’s Take On Sungrow Inverters & Batteries"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Sungrow<\/p>\n

Sungrow inverters and batteries are a popular choice for Australian solar systems thanks to their proven performance and accessible pricing. I thought I’d take a closer look at what makes Sungrow inverters such great value, along with some of their limitations. <\/p>\n

Sungrow Inverters \u2013 Overview<\/h2>\n

So, why are Sungrow inverters<\/a> so highly regarded despite their low price point? What makes them better than other budget inverters? In short, it’s about having a solid foundation; i.e., 10 years of reliable grid connect inverters in Australia with a good technical support service to match.<\/p>\n

However, there have been a few issues with Sungrow hybrid inverters and batteries recently that have made some installers a bit gun-shy.<\/p>\n

I know firsthand of a battery hybrid that is performing inconsistently, and I’m aware of another that needed three visits and several warranty components to eventually find the source of the problem. Of course, installers with problems will always squeal pretty loudly, so I expect the disquiet I’ve heard is probably not happening on a massive scale.<\/p>\n

\"sungrow

12.8 kWh of Sungrow battery (4 modules) and a single-phase Sungrow hybrid inverter. This one’s owned by Finn.<\/p><\/div>\n

Sungrowing Pains \u2013 The Price Of Success<\/h2>\n

From what I can gather, Sungrow has enjoyed enormous success recently, but this success has come with some growing pains. With multiple new and inherently more complex battery hybrid systems being rolled out, there will always be glitches and failures. Success also means Sungrow will need more people to answer phones, troubleshoot and deal with new installers doing their first job with unfamiliar equipment. But these relatively small issues are to be expected and should be temporary.<\/p>\n

When I recently asked around about what installers want from batteries, my informal poll resulted in Sungrow ticking all the boxes with 27% of installers \u2013 almost double that of perennial favourite, Tesla. This was far and away the greatest single block of votes (42), with another 9% going to the option entitled “it just has to work and not cause callbacks”. So, it’s not hard to draw the conclusion Sungrow already has a solid reputation for reliability.<\/p>\n

I’ve certainly had a good run with the earlier generation of low-voltage hybrid machines that still had a basic screen to program them. I expect they’ll soon have the more advanced units up to the same high standard, once we’ve done the umpteenth firmware update and got it back online. Again.<\/p>\n

\"Hybrid

Hybrid and AC coupled solar inverter, with a mess of plugs to terminate them.<\/p><\/div>\n

Other Features Of Sungrow Inverters<\/h2>\n

Sungrow offers a good monitoring platform, and it’s readily commissioned provided you remember to set them up on the Australian server; because that’s a trap for young players. The warranty is also good, which we’ve already looked at in detail in our deep dive into Sungrow inverter warranties<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Sungrow batteries<\/a> also deserve a special mention as really well-resolved, easy-to-handle, modular packages. There’s a robust alloy casing with fast, foolproof connections, meaning you’ll have the ability to grow your capacity incrementally.<\/p>\n

The WiFi access isn’t terrible, insomuch as they have a standard dongle that’s not hard to set up, as well as an optional 4G unit that accepts a SIM card for mobile access – meaning you don’t need local internet service. However, the dongles only have a two-year warranty, which I consider a rort, having had to drive a four-hour roundtrip to replace one.<\/p>\n

\"Sungrow

Now with much-needed cover to neaten up the wiring.<\/p><\/div>\n

Another good thing about Sungrow’s inverter lineup is the option to choose from several capable hybrids \u2013 including 3-phase hybrids \u2013 so there’s a Sungrow inverter for (almost) everyone.<\/p>\n

Finally, the ability to have 20kW of solar on a single-phase property is worth mentioning.<\/p>\n

How to install 20 kW of solar on a single-phase property<\/h3>\n

With AC coupling available for more solar on backup circuits, it’s now possible to install a 5kW hybrid and 5kW standard inverter and then add 20kW of solar panels on the roof of a single-phase property in most of Australia \u2013 something unheard of just a few years ago.<\/p>\n

The standard single-phase smart meter is also a single pole device with a CT coil. That’s a nice compact unit to put into ever more crowded switchboards, unlike the CHiNT whole current unit for 3-phase applications. Perhaps the best option to be announced recently is a smart meter with external coils that will measure other legacy solar on the premises. This helps the Sungrow monitoring platform display data correctly instead of confusing itself and the end user.<\/p>\n

So, What’s The Catch?<\/h2>\n

All this extra capacity on the backup circuit masks a small problem. Hybrid backup circuits are limited to the throughput rating of the inverter, regardless of if there is grid power available or not. The inverter doesn\u2019t have a higher \u201cpass through\u201d rating when grid-connected, so whatever is on the emergency circuit is effectively throttled by the inverter.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s not a problem for the average single fridge and lights scenario, but this limited capacity means the backup circuit can struggle with high inrush loads such as induction motors. The motor in an extra fridge, freezers, air conditioners or especially household water pressure pumps will draw up to seven times their running current when starting.<\/p>\n

There are workarounds, and savvy installers will alleviate this with a changeover switch or contactor, which can serve a few functions:<\/p>\n