Kavesh Posted May 17, 2023 Share Posted May 17, 2023 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 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WannabeSolarSparky Posted May 17, 2023 Share Posted May 17, 2023 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavesh Posted May 17, 2023 Author Share Posted May 17, 2023 model SPF 3000TL HVM-24 Solar charge mode 102VDC MPPT 30 - 80VDC Input strings 1 Max charge current 50A Hope this helps Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LeopardJunkie Posted May 18, 2023 Share Posted May 18, 2023 (edited) 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, 2023 by LeopardJunkie Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavesh Posted May 18, 2023 Author Share Posted May 18, 2023 Hi guys, would appreciate some input. Thank you Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Virwat Posted May 21, 2023 Share Posted May 21, 2023 What is the panel's 1) Open circuit voltage (VOC) 2) Short circuit current (Isc) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zsde Posted May 21, 2023 Share Posted May 21, 2023 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/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavesh Posted May 23, 2023 Author Share Posted May 23, 2023 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scorp007 Posted May 23, 2023 Share Posted May 23, 2023 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavesh Posted May 23, 2023 Author Share Posted May 23, 2023 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? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scorp007 Posted May 23, 2023 Share Posted May 23, 2023 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_S Posted June 14, 2023 Share Posted June 14, 2023 You can use a mppt charge controller connected to batteries if you want more panels. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SolarDIY Posted June 14, 2023 Share Posted June 14, 2023 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavesh Posted June 14, 2023 Author Share Posted June 14, 2023 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kavesh Posted June 14, 2023 Author Share Posted June 14, 2023 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. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
frivan Posted June 14, 2023 Share Posted June 14, 2023 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. Kavesh 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chris_S Posted June 15, 2023 Share Posted June 15, 2023 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 Kavesh 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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