On 2026/03/17 at 3:13 PM, GreenFields said:

Going back off on a tangent. It's fair to say that the current Solis inverters have surpassed the older Sunsynk and Deye models that have been on sale in recent years, both in terms of specifications, and value for money.

Maybe we should be asking how the newer Deye models stack up, and I think it was touched on some time ago. For example the Deye SG04LP1-EU 6kW is a more appropriate competitor for the Solis S6 6kW hybrid.

Looking for someone to wade through the muddy waters and do the comparison. If it takes some mud-slinging along the way, why not.

Hello Everyone so here is a shot at it just as much facts without sounding Biased. I just went for the main brands and true hybrids in the market.

6kW Single-Phase Hybrid Inverter Comparison SA Market Facts

• Solis S6-EH1P6K-L-PLUS / PRO / Advanced series

  • Tier status: Tier 1 (included in Bloomberg NEF Tier 1 inverter lists for Q1 2026 and prior periods; ranked in top positions in Wood Mackenzie global inverter reports, e.g., 5th in H1 2025 with strong residential and overall market presence).

  • Max PV input power: Typically 9.6–12kW+ usable (recommended array up to 12–19kW in some configurations).

  • MPPTs: 2 (wide range 90–435/520V, low startup ~90V, max current 16A+ per MPPT).

  • Battery charge/discharge: Up to 135A (some variants higher).

  • Backup output: 6kW continuous; surge/overload 200% for 10 seconds (~12kW momentary).

  • Switchover time: <4ms (UPS-level).

  • Backup efficiency: Battery-to-AC ~94–95% (overall inverter peak ~97.5%).

  • Generator integration: Supports via dedicated GEN port and utility/grid port (dual methods, auto start/stop dry contacts).

  • N-E bond: Built-in/automatic on backup port during grid loss (no external relay required in standard SA setups; configurable via grid code/standard settings).

  • Parallel: Up to 10 units (single/three-phase flexible, e.g., 60kW total).

  • Monitoring: SolisCloud (desktop/web version supports full remote management and settings changes; mobile app for basic viewing; some newer variants include onboard LCD/touch screen).

  • Firmware: Generally stable with minimal post-install updates required.

  • Noise factor: Natural convection (passive/fanless cooling in 6kW models; no fans in base design for quiet operation; higher-power variants may use intelligent fan cooling with variable activation; users report very low audible noise, fans rare even in hot conditions).

  • SA support: Free SOPs available; regular free training sessions/workshops via Solis Direct or via distributors.

  • Warranties: Standard 5 years (swap-out/replacement for valid claims; new or refurbished units at discretion, but SA practice favors full swap-out with brand new units); extended warranty purchasable (e.g., +5 years to total 10 years, or longer options up to 20 years in some models; no battery pairing required for extension eligibility; apply via Solis Cloud app or distributor within specified period, e.g., first 12 months).

  • Price range: ~R12,650–R25,000 (frequent specials/promos R12,650–R16,000; e.g., recent retailer listings at R12,650–R19,500 VAT incl. for certain models).

• Deye SUN-6K-SG04LP1-EU (or SM2 variants)

  • Tier status: Mid-tier / emerging Tier 1 recognition (recognized as Tier 1 cleantech supplier in some S&P Global contexts; strong regional market presence but not consistently in top 10 of Wood Mackenzie or Bloomberg NEF global rankings).

  • Max PV input power: ~9.6kW usable (recommended array similar).

  • MPPTs: 2 (range ~125–425/500V, startup ~125V, max current ~13–17A per MPPT).

  • Battery charge/discharge: Up to 140A (some configs).

  • Backup output: 6kW continuous; surge/overload typically up to ~1.5–2x briefly (e.g., peak off-grid ~12kW for 10s in some references).

  • Switchover time: ~10ms typical.

  • Backup efficiency: Peak ~97.6% (MPPT >99%; battery-to-AC in high 90s%).

  • Generator integration: Via GEN port (dry contacts for auto start/stop; some dual input flexibility).

  • N-E bond: Not built-in; requires external relay/contactor (controlled via ATS port, dry contacts, or "Signal Island Mode" setting for off-grid activation; manuals specify external NO-type relay for N-PE bond in island mode).

  • Parallel: Up to 16 units (on-grid/off-grid).

  • Monitoring: SolarMan app (granular data, user-friendly for complex setups).

  • Firmware: Frequent updates for features/bugs (often related to battery BMS compatibility).

  • Noise factor: Intelligent/smart air cooling (internal fans; typically <30–55 dB depending on load; fans variable/slow/quiet in low-load scenarios, may activate briefly under heavy use/charging; community reports note warmer operation under sustained high loads/hot ambients, leading to DIY active cooling modifications like external fans or shrouds for better thermal management).

  • SA support: Large installed base; extensive community guides on Power Forum.

  • Warranties: Standard 5 years (repair or replacement at discretion); 10-year extended warranty available under specific conditions (e.g., paired with compatible batteries like certain lithium models; requires annual servicing, COC, and registration; some regions/models offer 10 years standard with battery pairing).

  • Price range: R18,000–R22,000 (often on sale).

• Sunsynk 6kW (Lynks/standard hybrid – rebranded Deye)

  • Tier status: Mid-tier / emerging Tier 1 recognition (aligns with Deye; strong regional presence in SA/UK but not in top global rankings like Wood Mackenzie or Bloomberg NEF).

  • Specs largely match Deye hardware (e.g., PV/MPPT/battery currents/surge similar; peak efficiency ~97.6%).

  • Surge: Aligns with Deye (up to ~9,000W+ in some listings).

  • N-E bond: Matches Deye (not built-in; external relay required, often via ATS/signal for island mode).

  • Parallel: Up to 16 units.

  • Monitoring: Sunsynk Connect app (polished interface, clear graphs).

  • Noise factor: Matches Deye (intelligent/smart air cooling with internal fans; typically low/quiet <30–45 dB; fans may run briefly under load, some users report occasional noticeable noise or warmer casing in high-duty cycles).

  • SA support: Local tweaks (e.g., 10-year warranties on newer models); strong distributor network.

  • Warranties: Standard 5 years (repair or replacement at discretion); 10-year extended warranty available under specific conditions (e.g., paired with compatible batteries like Sunsynk, BSL, or IES models; automatic extension possible when inverter paired with qualifying battery within installation timeframe; requires COC and registration in SA).

  • Price range: R18,000–R24,000 (premium over base Deye equivalents).

• Sungrow SH6.0RS

  • Tier status: Tier 1 (ranked top globally in Wood Mackenzie H1 2025 with score 93.7; No.1 bankable brand in Bloomberg NEF 2025 inverter survey with 100% recognition; consistently top-tier in market share and bankability).

  • Max PV input: High in some configs (e.g., up to ~13kW in related models).

  • MPPTs: 2 (standard range).

  • Battery charge/discharge: Standard for class.

  • Backup output: 6kW continuous; surge handling per load limits.

  • Switchover time: Standard.

  • Efficiency: Peak ~97.7%+.

  • Generator integration: Supported (details vary).

  • N-E bond: Per model specs (varies; follow local regs).

  • Parallel: Limited/not emphasized for this model (often max 3 in some regions).

  • Monitoring: Strong app/platform.

  • Noise factor: Natural convection (passive/fanless cooling; low noise <45 dB(A) typical; no fans in design for quiet operation).

  • SA support: Reliable brand compliance.

  • Warranties: Standard 10 years (repair or replacement at discretion); extensions available (e.g., up to 15 years on some products; no mandatory battery pairing noted for standard coverage).

  • Price range: R18,000–R22,000.

• Growatt 6kW (SPH/ES Plus or SPF 6000 equivalents)

  • Tier status: Tier 1 recognition in some contexts (recognized as Tier 1 PV inverter supplier by S&P Global Commodity Insights; strong residential market share but mid-tier in some global rankings).

  • PV/MPPT: Decent dual (standard range).

  • Battery charge/discharge: Standard.

  • Backup: 6kW continuous; surge per model.

  • Parallel: Up to 6 units typical.

  • Efficiency: High 90s%.

  • Noise factor: Active cooling (fans; variable speed often PWM-controlled; users report noticeable/loud fan noise under load or constant in some scenarios; replacement with quieter fans possible).

  • SA support: Budget-oriented; mixed long-term feedback.

  • Warranties: Standard 2–5 years depending on model/region (repair or replacement at discretion; extensions possible within limited timeframes; no mandatory battery pairing for standard coverage).

  • Price range: R15,000–R20,000.

• Luxpower 6kW Hybrid (e.g., GEN2-LB-EU/SNA6000)

  • Tier status: Mid-tier / value-focused (emerging brand; not typically in top global Tier 1 rankings like Wood Mackenzie or BloombergNEF; strong in budget/residential segments).

  • PV/MPPT: Competitive for price.

  • Battery charge/discharge: Good.

  • Backup: 6kW continuous; surge per model.

  • Parallel: Up to 10–16 units (varies by model).

  • Efficiency: Solid.

  • Noise factor: Active cooling (fans; <50 dB typical emission; fans activate on temperature/load rise; some users note variable noise depending on conditions).

  • SA support: Rising; value-focused.

  • Warranties: Standard 5 years (hybrid series; repair or replacement at discretion); extensions available (e.g., to 10 years purchasable or free/additional years with compatible battery pairing like HINAESS/Luxpower models; off-grid models shorter standard).

  • Price range: R7,500–R15,000 (aggressive).

Notes:

• All models are NRS097-compliant for SA grid use.

• N-E bond implementation varies: Some models feature built-in/automatic activation on backup during grid loss, while others require an external relay/contactor for off-grid activation to ensure proper grounding and compliance (follow local wiring regulations like SANS/CoC and installer advice).

• Tier classifications can evolve with new reports (e.g., BloombergNEF quarterly, Wood Mackenzie biannual)

• Noise/cooling: Passive/natural convection models are generally quieter (no fans), while active/intelligent fan models may produce audible noise under high load/temperature (often <30–50 dB; variable and load-dependent; some active-cooled models have community reports of warmer operation leading to DIY cooling enhancements like external fans).

• Warranties are subject to conditions (e.g., installation by certified electrician, COC, registration, annual servicing in some cases); repair/replacement policies often at manufacturer/distributor discretion (swap-out common in SA for faster resolution). Battery pairing can unlock extensions in some brands, while others offer purchasable extensions independently.

• Choices depend on priorities: e.g., surge/overload capability at 200% for 10 seconds is listed for one model, while others specify different surge levels; parallel capacity ranges from up to 6 units in some to up to 16 units in others; generator integration methods vary (e.g., dedicated GEN port plus utility port in one vs. GEN port in others).

• Prices/stock fluctuate check retailers like PowerForum Store, for current specials, datasheets, and warranties.

• Always use DC and AC SPD devices.

23 hours ago, Kalahari Meerkat said:

Did nobody read what @DAVID-EC wrote? Either another 5kW in parallel or a single 8 or 10kW,

Quickly back on-topic. All just speculation. Personal 2c worth is that I'd be cautious of adding another 5kW in parallel, from the point of view of the age of the product. Firstly the existing 5kW inverter should be just out of the normal warranty, and its expected remaining useful life is uncertain. Secondly, the older 5kW Deye seems to be close to the end of its model life-cycle, if a new 5kW model is already available, so future support could be anyone's guess. If you want to spend money now on upgrading the system in terms of capacity, I'd just look at spending money on a newer model at the same time for the long run. On a 60A supply if you don't intend to upgrade the inverter or panels, then the 8kW will be a good step up just to get a higher pass-through current. Otherwise if you have an 80A supply, or intend to upgrade your strings or battery bank significantly, I'd go higher for a 10kW.

You'd still have the option in any case of connecting the older 5kW Deye via AC coupling if you maybe transfer one string off it, to get some use out of it while it's still good, if you don't want to sell it.

Hi I'm a bit late to this discussion, my 2 cents is that inverter capasitors are the limiting factor for longevity lasting for about 15years the current inverter is 5years already ⅓ of its life about. If budget is no option then 10k inverter would make most sense as it refreshes the life of the inverter provided you get the remaining roi back for the current one.

When the current one fails of you have 2 then parallel leaves you with one you again need to pair out of roi sync.

Parallel makes sense if you just need extra capacity with minimal outlay just add the inverter, connect to current paralleled batteries add one breaker in the AC box & may be a termination block to parallel the AC grid inputs outputs of the two inverters no more spd or seporate circuits etc, setup master slave, simple.

It does, as mentioned, by others, give you extra mppt's. It will drive your batteries harder so you would need to check that batteries are comfortable with the extra max draw.

Why do most inverters fail? This answer will drive the parallel vs increased capacity argument.

Forget about the theoretical mumbo jumbo, if lightning hits your house, your inverter is toast. If you have a massive surge from your utility provider, your inverter is toast.

Bottom line, which is cheaper, a new 10kW inverter , selling the old 5kW or just buying a new 5kW. All things being equal, the reliability of the inverter/s when taking the the most common causes of failure into account is the same for both solutions.

More nb is to make sure your inverters are insured and you have a CoC and propper surge protection AS REQUIRED BY YOUR INSURER!

I see the argument a lot that "lightning will just fry both anyway," and yeah, a direct hit is a total loss regardless, but when last did that happen to you? Mine was more than 20years ago. But taking a page from the IT industry, we don't skip redundancy just because the data center might burn down. You build for the 99% of other failures that actually happen.

Here was my logic for going with the 2x Solis setup:

If you have one massive inverter and it pops a capacitor or has a firmware glitch, you’re in the dark. Period. With two units, I’ve got a failover. If one goes down, I still have 50% capacity, enough to keep the lights, internet, and essentials running while I sort out the RMA.

Running one inverter at its limit is a recipe for a short lifespan. Splitting the load means both units run cooler, which is the best thing you can do for the longevity of the electronics.

There’s a reason the high-end guys (Victron, etc.) are so sought after. They don’t do "all-in-one" bricks for a reason, they split the components (inverter, MPPTs, chargers). If one part fails, you don't lose the whole system. By running two inverters, I’m effectively doing the same thing: decoupling the single point of failure, although not entirely as effiecient (power wise) as victron.

I’ve now got 4 independent MPPTs. I’m not stuck with one roof orientation; I can add North, East, or West strings later without worrying about voltage mismatches. It makes scaling the PV way easier.

So @DAVID-EC , you need to make the decision on what helps now, and potentially covers the future as well. For compatibility, speak to Wimpie from powerforum, as I am sure he will be able to answer that.

Ok, have read through all of this, I have 2 x 5KV inverter Synapse one is 3 years old the other 6 months old, I also have a 3rd synapse setup and on hold.14 Panels 545W east and west 2 x Five star 15KVA batteries. Both are in the process of having there BMSs changed to JKs, parralleling is complex? If basically adding 2 parralell cards and adding a few breakers to the panels, nicely explained in there manuals. The master Inverter does draw more than the slave for some reason, My mains is permanently off. Everything runs on solar, given I have a gas stove an a double solar geyser, in summer one panel and in winter 2 panels (2.4sqm). In winter I also run the geyser partly on solar to boost the temp with a Geyserwise controller. Also run a Changeover switch on my geyser just in case.

We had 4 adults and 2 babies extra over christmas and the system performed well, I would hate to see the same thing mid winter with 5 days of clouds.

The reason for changing the BMS's is that the newest of the batteries stopped working, BMS faulty, shutting down with no fault.

I have 3 X 5 kW Sunsynk inverters bought over a period of serveral years. This gives me 6 X MPPTs, 4 of which I used to connect 48 X 250 W panels several years ago. I got the 3rd 5 kW Sunsynk inverter so that I could connect an additional 10 X 650 W, which is the maximum I can connect to the two MPPTs on a Sunsynk inverter. As I already had two 5 kW Sunsynk inverters with 48 X 250 W i.e 12 kW of solar panels connected, this was the most cost-effective way to get to my current total solar panel output of 18.5 kW, which I needed to go completely off grid with two fully electric EVs. I have had no issues getting the three Sunsynk inverters to work as a team.