1 hour ago, abd7 said:

Secondly, the Deye cloud app is much improved and even better than the Sunsynk app in my opinion.

I'd stay away from any "Cloud" based app as far as possible.

It is the software that makes the difference

17 minutes ago, Scorp007 said:

Funny using the same hardware that this can differ.

There are a lot more factors to consider remember even though Sunsynk/Deye have the same hardware the software differs and how it handles things may differ this can be a factor also what versions of firmware are installed Sunsynk/Deye releases tons of firmware updates.

The other factors are CT clamp itself the cable configuration type of cable used cable length correct CT ratio and again how the software handles this data.

Even where the CT cable runs would have an effect on the accuracy and response of the CT so there are a lot of unknown factors to consider.

2 hours ago, abd7 said:

What exactly makes it better in your opinion? Please explain

I have heard that Solis do NOT do repairs on their inverters.

If it's their hardware issue, they replace the whole unit.

If it's a surge etc that caused it, which is very common, they simply refuse to repair.

If someone has insurance they claim, if not, you are on you own. This is a major downside.

@Powerforum Store can confirm if this is true?

2 hours ago, abd7 said:

On this question specifically "What exactly makes it better in your opinion? Please explain"

In my opinion and echoed by many SA users on Powerforum.co.za, Solis especially the S6 Pro hybrid series edges out Sunsynk/Deye in several key areas for typical residential setups.

Tier 1 Status Just like Tier 1 solar panels from Bloomberg NEF or Wood Mackenzie rankings are the gold standard for bankability, quality, and long term reliability, Solis Ginlong is consistently ranked as a global Tier 1 inverter manufacturer in recent Wood Mackenzie reports, Number 1 in residential/single phase shipments, with BNEF Tier 1 recognition.

This reflects proven track record, financial strength, rigorous testing, and supply chain stability.

Sunsynk/Deye same hardware base are strong mid tier players popular in SA with awards like Top Brand PV but not classified as Tier 1 in major global benchmarks.

In solar, Tier 1 is often the deciding factor for peace of mind and resale value the same logic applies to inverters.

Price Advantage Solis hybrids are frequently 10-20% cheaper than equivalent Sunsynk/Deye models 8kW comparisons on Powerforum threads.

While matching or exceeding in core specs like faster 4ms transfer times, higher inductive load tolerance 200% surge for 10s, better PV oversizing up to 160-200%+, and strong generator integration.

Built in earth neutral bond relay. Utility side off grid generator integration and Aux port integration. Ac Coupling features on the Aux port. Smart port functions similar to Sunsynk/Deye.

Also works with and supports home assistant with many communication integrations like the Wifi Dongle also has a Lan port and Bluetooth functionality is built into the inverter.

Warranty & Support

Official base is 5 years, but most SA sales via distributors like Segen, Powerforum Store, etc. Include a free 5 year extension for 10 years total often bundled at purchase.

Handling is swap out replacement sometimes sending replacement units to site before receiving faulty units including being focused quick, proactive with low failure rates , with engineers analyzing returns to upgrade future production.

Sunsynk/Deye are repair based longer waits, more repeat issues reported , with the same surge/external exclusions.

Ideology & Reliability

Sunsynk/Deye are seen as "premium" in SA due to feature richness, huge user base, and rapid firmware updates but this leads to constant tweaks, bug reports, and "end-user testing" in groups the consumer is the beta tester.

Solis follows a conservative, polished approach infrequent, stable updates, "set it and forget it" operation, fewer dramas once commissioned, and better out of box efficiency and stability per forum feedback.

Other Wins

Superior surge/inductive handling for SA loads (pumps, motors), seamless backup, broad third party battery compatibility (no push to proprietary), and strong local support/swap service.

Solis also offers continuous free training sessions all over the country and in the larger SADC on their products with quality comprehensive SOP documents and literature available on their products enabling installers to facilitate installations with little direct support from Solis required limiting support only to more serious support issues.

If your setup prioritizes reliability, cost-effectiveness, long warranty, and minimal fiddling over niche configs, Solis often feels like the smarter, higher category choice much like opting for Tier 1 panels over good but not top tier ones.

Always add surge protection regardless!

Edited March 16Mar 16 by Powerforum Store

6 hours ago, Powerforum Store said:

On Surge Damaged Inverters and Solis Approach

In cases of power surge damage very common in SA due to lightning grid instability , Solis maintains high brand standards and is generally reluctant to repair such units under warranty or even as a paid fix.

They have the technical capability, but repairing surge damaged inverters often risks incomplete fixes deeper, hidden component stress can lead to repeat failures later, similar to what some users report with repaired Deye/Sunsynk units multiple returns, escalating issues from original damage not fully caught, plus human error in assessment/repair.

Instead, Solis prioritizes replacement where possible especially for confirmed manufacturing defects , but for clear external surge events, they stick to policy exclusions apply as with every major brand no factory warranty covers lightning/power surges, accidental damage, or force majeure.

See Solis Africa/global warranty docs explicitly listing this. They won't routinely honor repairs on surge units because it could compromise long term reliability and brand reputation better to avoid creating a cycle of "repaired but still problematic" inverters. In practice from my client experiences and forum feedback.

For genuine faults quick swap out, often proactive Solis is your best option.

For surge external damage typically not covered, pushing to insurance claims which many SA policies handle well if SPDs were installed.

Occasional goodwill replacements happen if borderline or to uphold service levels, but it's not the norm or guaranteed.

This contrasts with some Deye/Sunsynk experiences, where repair workflows can lead to repeated fixes on the same unit due to incomplete surge assessments.

Solis's conservative stance helps avoid that trap.

Key reminder No inverter brand covers surges under standard warranty it's universal. Install proper multi stage SPDs AC/DC side, correctly rated and have good insurance. That's the real protection in our environment.

Solis's Tier 1 status shines through in reliability, low failure rates, and proactive engineering upgrades from dissected returns. For most buyers, the effective 10-year warranty via free extensions on majority SA sales plus swap out handling makes it a strong, low drama choice.

While Solis doing a swap out for a new unit is commendable where applicable, for the client with no insurance, Deye makes much more sense.

I've seen lightning surges knock out the comms boards etc on Deye units, even the main board, screen etc, they repair them all under warranty without hassle, minimal questions asked. And the units work perfectly years later, with the 10 year warranty still in place (if using Deye batteries). So whilst there may be a tiny percentage of repairs that need to be sent back again, I don't think that should be the basis for not purchasing Deye. The majority of the repairs (huge quantities) are done well. They don't do board level repairs, the Parts are replaced and inverters tested thoroughly.

And I've also heard of furious Solis clients when Solis tell them there's nothing they can do for them. They won't replace nor repair. The client is stuck.

So for someone with insurance, Solis is a solid choice. Otherwise not.

Also, yes the SPDs are obviously required and we are talking about installs where despite the SPDs, there was still damage.

6 hours ago, Powerforum Store said:

On Surge Damaged Inverters and Solis Approach

In cases of power surge damage very common in SA due to lightning grid instability , Solis maintains high brand standards and is generally reluctant to repair such units under warranty or even as a paid fix.

They have the technical capability, but repairing surge damaged inverters often risks incomplete fixes deeper, hidden component stress can lead to repeat failures later, similar to what some users report with repaired Deye/Sunsynk units multiple returns, escalating issues from original damage not fully caught, plus human error in assessment/repair.

Instead, Solis prioritizes replacement where possible especially for confirmed manufacturing defects , but for clear external surge events, they stick to policy exclusions apply as with every major brand no factory warranty covers lightning/power surges, accidental damage, or force majeure.

See Solis Africa/global warranty docs explicitly listing this. They won't routinely honor repairs on surge units because it could compromise long term reliability and brand reputation better to avoid creating a cycle of "repaired but still problematic" inverters. In practice from my client experiences and forum feedback.

For genuine faults quick swap out, often proactive Solis is your best option.

For surge external damage typically not covered, pushing to insurance claims which many SA policies handle well if SPDs were installed.

Occasional goodwill replacements happen if borderline or to uphold service levels, but it's not the norm or guaranteed.

This contrasts with some Deye/Sunsynk experiences, where repair workflows can lead to repeated fixes on the same unit due to incomplete surge assessments.

Solis's conservative stance helps avoid that trap.

Key reminder No inverter brand covers surges under standard warranty it's universal. Install proper multi stage SPDs AC/DC side, correctly rated and have good insurance. That's the real protection in our environment.

Solis's Tier 1 status shines through in reliability, low failure rates, and proactive engineering upgrades from dissected returns. For most buyers, the effective 10-year warranty via free extensions on majority SA sales plus swap out handling makes it a strong, low drama choice.

While Solis doing a swap out for a new unit is commendable where applicable, for the client with no insurance, Deye makes much more sense.

I've seen lightning surges knock out the comms boards etc on Deye units, even the main board, screen etc, they repair them all under warranty without hassle, minimal questions asked. And the units work perfectly years later, with the 10 year warranty still in place (if using Deye batteries). So whilst there may be a tiny percentage of repairs that need to be sent back again, I don't think that should be the basis for not purchasing Deye. The majority of the repairs (huge quantities) are done well. They don't do board level repairs, the Parts are replaced and inverters tested thoroughly.

And I've also heard of furious Solis clients when Solis tell them there's nothing they can do for them. They won't replace nor repair. The client is stuck.

So for someone with insurance, Solis is a solid choice. Otherwise not.

Also, yes the SPDs are obviously required and we are talking about installs where despite the SPDs, there was still damage.

6 hours ago, James 1 said:

It is the software that makes the difference

The firmware running the inverter is almost the same between Deye and Sunsynk, just GUI is different. They are engineered by Deye.

Deye makes the Sunsynk firmware and can do updates etc from their side as well, for Sunsynk units too.

Yes the app and website differ. The GUI is slightly different. But the Deye engineers are handling all that.

Sunsynk is just a middle man to put it bluntly.

There may be variations between firmware versions that can cause a difference as well, as mentioned above.

Sunsynk was actually not just a middle man

They saw a solid product that was not functioning optimally

They entered into an agreement with Deye

Sunsynk developed their own software and tested it extensively

They get Deye to install the Sunsynk software at the Deye factory when the inverter is made

It is Deye that has now "caught up" on the Sunsynk software

Sunsynk continue to do the research and development

Deye manufactures

6 hours ago, James 1 said:

Sunsynk was actually not just a middle man

They saw a solid product that was not functioning optimally

They entered into an agreement with Deye

Sunsynk developed their own software and tested it extensively

They get Deye to install the Sunsynk software at the Deye factory when the inverter is made

It is Deye that has now "caught up" on the Sunsynk software

Sunsynk continue to do the research and development

Deye manufactures

Software, if you talking about the app and Web application, yes that's Sunsynk developed.

No way Deye learnt any firmware features from Sunsynk. Lol.

I've had the Deye support team even load a Sunsynk firmware for me onto a Deye inverter to test doing a firmware update with a Sunsynk dongle (where the deye dongle wasn't working). Go figure.

14 hours ago, abd7 said:

While Solis doing a swap out for a new unit is commendable where applicable, for the client with no insurance, Deye makes much more sense.

I've seen lightning surges knock out the comms boards etc on Deye units, even the main board, screen etc, they repair them all under warranty without hassle, minimal questions asked. And the units work perfectly years later, with the 10 year warranty still in place (if using Deye batteries). So whilst there may be a tiny percentage of repairs that need to be sent back again, I don't think that should be the basis for not purchasing Deye. The majority of the repairs (huge quantities) are done well. They don't do board level repairs, the Parts are replaced and inverters tested thoroughly.

And I've also heard of furious Solis clients when Solis tell them there's nothing they can do for them. They won't replace nor repair. The client is stuck.

So for someone with insurance, Solis is a solid choice. Otherwise not.

Also, yes the SPDs are obviously required and we are talking about installs where despite the SPDs, there was still damage.

We have handled warranty claims and returns across thousands of inverters from various brands, including Deye, Sunsynk, Kodak, Solis, Goodwe, Ates, GivEnergy, Victron, Megarevo, and others.

In our experience, Solis has often provided straightforward and prompt resolutions, such as swapping out units for replacement even in cases involving external factors like surges, incorrect phase rotation, or earthing issues with relatively quick turnaround.

There are cases where escalated or demanding interactions from installers or consumers can lead to more reluctance from support teams, particularly if the issue traces to installation faults or misuse.

We frequently see battery related issues firmware mismatches or configuration errors initially blamed on the inverter. In most such cases we've encountered, the root cause was battery side BMS dictating settings and errors, as the BMS controls communication in modern hybrid systems not the inverter. This applies across many quality brands.

That said, other brands like Deye and Sunsynk have made noticeable improvements to their support in recent times, which is positive to see.

There have been cases with longer waits several months, even up to a year for some Sunsynk repairs in the past, and occasional instances where units returned unfixed, but these vary by situation and have improved for many users.

The main point I'd like to illustrate is that genuine inverter hardware failures appear to be very rare across quality brands like these most reported problems trace back to installation related issues and consumer misuse rather than the products themselves.

For example, we supplied a client with three Solis 8kW inverters for a remote farm setup.

The original installer experienced mainly with another brand encountered ongoing issues.

Phantom grid loads, erratic PV production, uneven battery charging, and more. Despite multiple checks by electricians and significant time and money spent, the problems persisted.

The installer suggested returning the Solis units in favor of their preferred brand.

Solis responded supportively by providing three replacement inverters at their cost, while the originals remained in place for testing, new CT clamps, and WiFi dongles to rule out accessory faults. Notably, in this case and consistent with what we've seen in other Solis claims they sent the replacements to the client before receiving the original units back, which helped minimize downtime for the end user even though the originals turned out not to be faulty after full investigation.

This escalated significantly for the client including threats of legal action against us and Solis for supplying faulty equipment.

When we got involved directly and arranged for an experienced Solis installer to review the site, several installation issues came to light.

Incorrect string configuration at the combiner boxes attempting to parallel panels improperly over 50m distance.

No earthing clips or proper earthing between panels.

Combiner boxes with only Type 2 SPDs and underrated fuses in a high-lightning area, Type 1 SPDs are typically recommended.

Permanent earth neutral bond on the inverter output despite Solis having built in relays for this.

No dedicated earthing at panels relying solely on the steel shed structure in concrete.

No common earth cable linking panels to the overall system.

Makeshift BMS cable extension using taped Cat5 wires.

Battery wiring without a proper bus bar from master to the three inverters.

Inverters and batteries not earthed at chassis level.

CT clamps initially placed incorrectly later extended with thin, unsuitable cable instead of proper Modbus rated wire.

Once these were corrected and the last firmware update on the system was performed at that time by the experienced Solis installer the system has run reliably for nearly two years as of now, with additional batteries and panels added successfully.

It now powers the full farmstead, including geysers, borehole pumps, hatchery, and staff quarters, without issues and operates 99% off grid.

They've had multiple lightning strikes that knocked out the grid and damaged the transformer on the farm.

The system was unaffected however, the farmer ensured insurance coverage specifically for the high lightning and hail risks in the area.

This case highlights what we've seen repeatedly the vast majority of solar system problems easily the overwhelming share in our experience relate to installation practices, component compatibility, site specific factors like inadequate surge protection and earthing, or consumer misuse and lack of understanding rather than inherent inverter defects.

Proper setup, following manufacturer guidelines including ensuring firmware is up to date after significant changes, and using experienced installers familiar with the brand, makes a huge difference regardless of whether it's Solis, Deye, or another solid option.

Both Solis and Deye including rebrands like Sunsynk are capable products with strong followings in SA choice often comes down to specific features, battery compatibility, local support availability, and installer/consumer preference.

The fact that Deye and Sunsynk often handle repairs even on surge damaged units is helpful for those without insurance.

However, inverters represent only a small portion of total system cost solar panels damaged by lightning, hail and storms or batteries affected by surges don't enjoy the same repair advantages.

Update: I eventually bought the 2025 8kw Deye, 3 Greenrich WM5000 batteries and 12 620w Canadian Solar Bifacial panels.

System has been installed and I needs some advice on the parameters on the inverter but I will make a separate post.

I am happy with the Deye, it does what I need it to do and at a good price.

Thanks for the comments they were insightful.

Edited March 30Mar 30 by jdido87

4 hours ago, jdido87 said:

Update: I eventually bought the 2025 8kw Deye, 3 Greenrich WM5000 batteries and 12 620w Canadian Solar Bifacial panels.

That's great - let me be the first to say "welcome to solar" 😁😁

Soon you will change from "how can I use less electricity..." to "what can I do to increase my electrical consumption - I have excess power that's being wasted..." 🫠😁

Just now, HennieL said:

That's great - let me be the first to say "welcome to solar" 😁😁

Soon you will change from "how can I use less electricity..." to "what can I do to increase my electrical consumption - I have excess power that's being wasted..." 🫠😁

Thank you Hennie

That is already happening 🤣🤣. Yesterday was the first full day of solar, generated A LOT of surplus energy. I ran the irrigation whole day, probably going to dry up the wellpoint at this rate 😂.

The equipment is installed in my laundry room which also housed the pool pump. I have to remover everything water. Can wait to get the pool pump reconnected but a lot of manual labor involved there now.

Perhaps I can ask a quick question now.

I have 3 Greenrich WM5000 batteries and 1 8kw Deye with 12 620w Canadian Solar Bifacial Solar panels. The installer set the battery capacity to 435Ah should it not be 290Ah? Also the Max A Charge and Discharge is set to 40Ah and 120Ah respectively. Is that not too low.

Edited March 30Mar 30 by jdido87

1 hour ago, jdido87 said:

I have 3 Greenrich WM5000 batteries and 1 8kw Deye with 12 620w Canadian Solar Bifacial Solar panels. The installer set the battery capacity to 435Ah should it not be 290Ah? Also the Max A Charge and Discharge is set to 40Ah and 120Ah respectively. Is that not too low.

You are correct, the total battery capacity (3 units) is 289Ah (3 x 96.6Ah nominal capacity)

The Greenrich data sheet recommends a maximum charge and discharge rates of 0.5C, thus not more than 43A per battery - in your case thus 129A. Just note that this recommendation is for all charging and discharging to occur at a fixed temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, and that is not so easy to maintain in sunny South Africa... I'm conservative when it comes to battery charging and discharging (blame that on my first system that I installed many years ago that ran off lead-acid batteries...), and would advise to not exceed 0.25C (25% of the rated Ah capacity) in normal use, thus not more than 65A. This allows one to safely charge (and discharge) at more realistic temperatures.

Here's an extract form the Greenrich data sheet:

Th

48 minutes ago, HennieL said:

You are correct, the total battery capacity (3 units) is 289Ah (3 x 96.6Ah nominal capacity)

The Greenrich data sheet recommends a maximum charge and discharge rates of 0.5C, thus not more than 43A per battery - in your case thus 129A. Just note that this recommendation is for all charging and discharging to occur at a fixed temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, and that is not so easy to maintain in sunny South Africa... I'm conservative when it comes to battery charging and discharging (blame that on my first system that I installed many years ago that ran off lead-acid batteries...), and would advise to not exceed 0.25C (25% of the rated Ah capacity) in normal use, thus not more than 65A. This allows one to safely charge (and discharge) at more realistic temperatures.

Here's an extract form the Greenrich data sheet:

Thanks a million I took the charge rate down to 65A. This is all a big learning curve for me. My wife is already fed up with me as I constantly watching videos and reading up on these matters.

12 minutes ago, jdido87 said:

This is all a big learning curve for me. My wife is already fed up with me as I constantly watching videos and reading up on these matters.

Ja Swaer - the training of the wife is quite important: Don't put the kettle on while the stove is on, don't use your hair dryer whilst making toast... 😁😂

Let's continue in your new thread...