RiaanP

Hopefully my experience can help others looking to make the same migration as I did...
I had an Axpert King 5K with 12 panels and 2 batteries. Everything was running perfectly and I had no issues or need to upgrade.  I was given the opportunity to upgrade to a Sunsynk which I had wanted since they I found out about them a year after I did my initial installation... The itch got me and I upgraded.  To be completely honest, I only had to pay in R5k to upgrade which is what played a large factor into the equation.
Before the migration, I knew I would need to change my panels from 2S6P to 8S and 4S... I was hoping that the change from 1 MPPT with multiple panels in parallel would be out performed by 2 MPPTs with the panels all in series. Currently I have a lot of shading over a 3 or 4 hour period, so this was a hit and miss as Parallel is better for shading but 2 MPPTs could be an advantage. Also you then need to factor in that the Axpert is a low voltage MPPT system vs high voltage in the Sunsynk which is supposed to be slightly more efficient. Nothing could help me guess the results but I am please to confirm a 20% increase in generation when comparing 2 good weather days within the same week.

On the Axpert, I was using ICM to monitor the system whereas the Sunsynk now comes with the WiFi data logger and links to their own cloud system. Anyone who has used and liked ICC / ICM will be horrified with the display of information from the Sunsynk system. To be honest, if this was my only option... I would have to seriously consider sending the inverter back. It is not realtime, the information is split over multiple screens and there is zero logic in the user experience.  I have Narada batteries which require the RS485 port for comms which means that I have to run ICM via RS232 but for those whose batteries can communicate with the inverter via CAN Bus, you can run ICM or Solar Assistant via RS485 and the Sunsynk Data Logger via RS232 at the same time.
My overall main reason for wanting to change was 2 fold...

1) The battery management - This is fantastic once you have worked out the programming and far outperforms the configurability of the Axpert's SBU / SUB options. This makes managing the battery for Load shedding an absolute pleasure and very efficient. Also with the inverter talking directly and properly to the batteries, it allows them to balance much better.
2) AUX power / Smart power - This was something the interested me greatly. It allows you to have a load connected to the inverter and allow it to be powered under certain circumstances (i.e. excess solar can be used to run my Air conditioners) and when these criteria are not met, this load will bypass the inverter and power from grid. Until now, I have been doing this via smart switches and change over relays but it has still be manually actioned by me. This feature works incredibly well but I will only be able to put a rand value onto this as we head into summer

Then the unit has a surprise feature which I never understood until I completed the installation. The grid feed to the inverter is bi-directional, which means you can set it to "feed back" to your non-essential load (i.e. oven) without feeding into the grid, if you want... I am still learning about this one and trying to set the parameters to prevent my oven from running off my battery and only excess PV but it is still a great idea if / when needed.
Just a note... the Bi-Directional feed does not work during load shedding as it requires a live grid connection for safety reasons but the AUX power can be set to work during load shedding which is fantastic for things like a Microwave or Kettle if not connected to your essential load

In an overall opinion... This was a fantastic upgrade which I would highly recommend if the price is right. If you are purchasing new... The Axpert is great if you are on a budget but if you can stretch the extra, the Sunsynk is worth every cent in my opinion


Now to cut the offending tree down to resolve the shading issue and then install 3 more panels to max out roof space 🤣