May 17, 20233 yr Hello all So last year I installed a 3kw Growatt inverter with 2 x 100amp gel batteries. This is a small system to keep my critical stuff on, like wifi lights and certain plugs for laptops. System has been working good and am happy. I have decided to add some panels as the risk of extended outages over winter and not being able to charge the batteries. I want to also run my fridges on this setup if possible on the days that there is sunshine. My installer advised me that I can only add 2 panels to this inverter, i.e. 2 x 450w canadian solar panels. I always believed that one could add more than that as it will enable faster charge of the batteries. I would appreciate any advice on this please. Thank you Kavesh
May 17, 20233 yr What is the inverter model name/number or do you have the spec sheet for it. The spec sheet will show you the max panels you can run on the inverter. Let us know then we can advise/suggest further.
May 17, 20233 yr Author model SPF 3000TL HVM-24 Solar charge mode 102VDC MPPT 30 - 80VDC Input strings 1 Max charge current 50A Hope this helps
May 18, 20233 yr HI All I have the same question. Growatt SPF 3000TL 24v with a LifeP04, 2560Wh battery(Lifetide). I had this recently installed, but now need to install solar pannels to assist @ the small office during the upcomming winter months @ stage 6 Loadshedding. According to the SPF manual, 1500watt solar input is allowed @ 102vdc max. So my perception is that three 500watt or three 480Watt pannels @ 24v will work, or is there another configuration that I can use or SHOULD use. Your assistance/comments will be appreciated. Edited May 18, 20233 yr by LeopardJunkie
May 21, 20233 yr The international Growatt spec sheet states 1500W max solar with an MPPT range of 30-80V So you could probably connect 3 panels of ~500W in parallel. These are normally in the 40-50V open circuit range https://www.growatt-inverter.com/product/growatt-spf-3000-tl-hvm/
May 23, 20233 yr Author Thanks for the feedback. Would installing in series make a difference to the number of panels I can fit? Which way would be most efficient? I have been looking at solar panels. Locally it seems that the 2 brands available are JA and Canadian solar. is one better than the other or are they about the same? Canadian 450W can get for R4 100 and the JA 545W R4 250. Cant compare but that is what is available on the market.
May 23, 20233 yr 4 hours ago, Kavesh said: Thanks for the feedback. Would installing in series make a difference to the number of panels I can fit? No 2 in series will exceed the MPPT range and the maximum allowable on cold days. You cannot exceed 1500W on the inverter.
May 23, 20233 yr Author 17 minutes ago, Scorp007 said: No 2 in series will exceed the MPPT range and the maximum allowable on cold days. You cannot exceed 1500W on the inverter. OK then 3 panels in parallel is all that I can install. Any thoughts on panel brand?
May 23, 20233 yr 38 minutes ago, Kavesh said: OK then 3 panels in parallel is all that I can install. Any thoughts on panel brand? Any of the 2 makes you can get.
June 14, 20233 yr You can use a mppt charge controller connected to batteries if you want more panels.
June 14, 20233 yr It's important to size your inverter correctly with future expansion in mind. If you purchase a lower spec inverter you only limit your options later down the line. Lookout for maximum pv input, voc and Isc when considering purchasing any inverter.
June 14, 20233 yr Author 6 hours ago, Chris_S said: You can use a mppt charge controller connected to batteries if you want more panels. Please explain further, I am no electrician, however, I like to do my research before chatting to an installer.
June 14, 20233 yr Author 37 minutes ago, SolarDIY said: It's important to size your inverter correctly with future expansion in mind. If you purchase a lower spec inverter you only limit your options later down the line. Lookout for maximum pv input, voc and Isc when considering purchasing any inverter. Yes thanks man. My main reason for going small was just to keep essentials running, however, these days I am concerned of an extended period, i.,e days without power. There has been so much speculation of grid collapse. Its getting to me! I do not intend living on this property in 3 years.
June 14, 20233 yr 2 minutes ago, Kavesh said: Please explain further, I am no electrician, however, I like to do my research before chatting to an installer. One can get standalone MPPT charge controllers that take multiple panels and charge your battery. I am not sure how this will impact battery communication.
June 15, 20233 yr 12 hours ago, frivan said: One can get standalone MPPT charge controllers that take multiple panels and charge your battery. I am not sure how this will impact battery communication. Correct. There are many on the market. My favorite are the victron mppt's. It has no real affect on communication. Battery will report SOC to the inverter. Standalone mppt is basically just like another battery in parallel. You set the charge controllers voltages to the same as the inverters and that's it. https://www.livestainable.co.za/product/victron-energy-bluesolar-mppt-100-30-solar-charge-controller/?gclid=CjwKCAjwyqWkBhBMEiwAp2yUFmirAER4PpJc48wqHQ_hWVUPv9jfKG4IJhOE8yq3d4mPhrEs4pupHBoCKukQAvD_BwE
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