If you are looking for a solar inverter that can handle different power sources and optimize your energy consumption, you might want to consider the Growatt inverter. Growatt is a Chinese company that has been producing solar inverters since 2010. They have a global presence with branches in 14 countries, including South Africa and Australia. We will review the Growatt inverter, focusing on its features, performance, and customer feedback. We will also compare it with some of the alternatives in the market and give you our verdict on whether it is worth buying.
Table of Contents
- What is a Solar Inverter?
- What are the types of Growatt inverters?
- What are the Features of the Growatt Inverter?
- How Does the Growatt Inverter Perform?
- How much do Growatt inverters cost in Nigeria?
- What are the Customer Reviews of the Growatt Inverter?
- What are the Alternatives to the Growatt Inverter?
- Is the Growatt Inverter Worth Buying?
- What are the features and benefits of Growatt inverters?
What is a Solar Inverter?
A solar inverter is a device that converts the direct current (DC) electricity generated by solar panels into alternating current (AC) electricity that can be used by your appliances or fed back to the grid. Without an inverter, you cannot use solar energy to power your home or business.
What are the types of Growatt inverters?
Growatt offers a wide range of inverters for different applications and capacities. Some of the main types are:
– Hybrid inverters: These inverters can work with or without batteries, depending on your preference and needs. They can also switch between grid and solar power automatically, ensuring uninterrupted power supply. Hybrid inverters are ideal for homes and businesses that want to reduce their dependence on the grid and save on electricity bills.
– Off-grid inverters: These inverters are designed for standalone solar systems that are not connected to the grid. They store the excess solar power in batteries and use it when there is no sun or during power outages. Off-grid inverters are suitable for remote areas where grid access is unreliable or expensive.
– On-grid inverters: These inverters are connected to the grid and feed the surplus solar power back to the grid, earning you credits or money from your utility company. On-grid inverters are compatible with net metering or feed-in tariff schemes that reward you for generating green energy. On-grid inverters are recommended for urban areas where grid connection is stable and available.
What are the Features of the Growatt Inverter?
Growatt offers a range of solar inverters for different applications, from residential to commercial and utility-scale. The most popular model for home use is the Growatt 5000TL HVM, which is a hybrid inverter with a maximum power output of 5kW.
The Growatt 5000TL HVM has the following features:
– Built-in MPPT charge controller: This feature allows the inverter to track the maximum power point of the solar panels and optimize their output. It also regulates the charging and discharging of the battery to extend its lifespan.
– Bluetooth and WiFi remote monitoring: This feature allows you to monitor and control the inverter from your smartphone or computer using the Growatt app or web portal. You can check the real-time status, historical data, and settings of your solar system.
– Energy source prioritization: This feature allows you to configure how the inverter uses different energy sources, such as solar, battery, grid, or generator. You can set it to prioritize using solar power first, then battery power, then grid power, or vice versa. You can also set it to use only solar power or only grid power when needed.
– Bypass mode support: This feature allows the inverter to bypass the battery and directly supply AC power from the solar panels or the grid when possible. This can reduce the conversion losses and improve efficiency.
– Can work without battery: This feature allows you to use the inverter as a grid-tie inverter without connecting a battery. This can lower your initial cost and allow you to add a battery later if you want.
How Does the Growatt Inverter Perform?
The Growatt 5000TL HVM has a high efficiency rating of 98%, which means it can convert most of the DC power into AC power without much loss. It also has a low noise level of less than 25 dB, which means it is very quiet and does not disturb your living environment.
The Growatt 5000TL HVM can handle a maximum PV input voltage of up to 450 Vdc and a maximum PV input current of up to 18 A per MPPT tracker. It can also handle a maximum AC output current of up to 22 A and a maximum AC output power of up to 5 kVA.
The Growatt 5000TL HVM has a surge power rating of 10 kVA, which means it can handle short-term spikes in power demand from appliances such as air conditioners or refrigerators. It also has various protection features such as overvoltage, overcurrent, overload, short circuit, reverse polarity, anti-islanding, etc.
The Growatt 5000TL HVM has a standard warranty of five years from the date of installation, which can be extended to 10 years for an additional fee. The warranty covers the repair or replacement of defective parts or components, but not the labor or transportation costs.
How much do Growatt inverters cost in Nigeria?
The price of Growatt inverters in Nigeria depends on several factors, such as the type, capacity, model, features, and dealer. However, based on our research, we have compiled a list of some of the most popular Growatt inverters and their approximate prices in Nigeria as of August 2023:
– Growatt Inverter – 3kVA/24V: ₦402,800 – ₦381,500
– Growatt Inverter – 3kVA/48V: ₦425,100 – ₦392,400
– Growatt SPF 3500 ES – 3.5kVA/48V: ₦573,400
– Growatt Inverter – 5kVA/48V: ₦643,100
– Growatt SPF 5000 ES – 5kVA/48V: ₦681,300 – ₦664,900
– Growatt SPF 6000 ES Plus – 6kVA/48V: ₦805,600 – ₦779,400
– Growatt Inverter – 8KVA/48V: ₦1,342,900
– Growatt Inverter – 10kVA/48V: ₦1,517,300
– Growatt Inverter – 12kVA/48V: ₦1,659,000
Please note that these prices are only estimates and may vary depending on the market conditions and availability. You can check online platforms like Jumia or Sygnite for the latest prices and offers on Growatt inverters in Nigeria.
What are the Customer Reviews of the Growatt Inverter?
The Growatt inverter has received mostly positive feedback from customers who have bought and used it. Here are some of the reviews from Amazon.com:
– “I have been using this inverter for about a month now and I am very happy with it. It works well with my solar panels and battery and it is very easy to set up and monitor. The app is very user-friendly and shows all the information I need. The inverter is also very quiet and does not make any noise. I would recommend this product to anyone looking for a hybrid inverter.”
– “This is a great inverter for the price. It has all the features I wanted, such as MPPT, WiFi, bypass mode, etc. It is also very efficient and reliable. I have not had any issues with it so far. The only thing I wish it had was a display screen on the inverter itself, but that is not a big deal since I can use the app to check everything.”
– “I bought this inverter to replace my old one that broke down after two years. I am glad I chose this one because it is much better than my previous one. It has more functions, more power, and more efficiency. It also works well with my existing solar panels and battery. The installation was easy and the customer service was helpful. I am very satisfied with this purchase.”
What are the Alternatives to the Growatt Inverter?
The Growatt inverter is not the only hybrid inverter in the market. There are other brands that offer similar or different features and performance. Some of the alternatives are:
– SMA Sunny Boy Storage: This is a hybrid inverter from SMA, a German company that is one of the leading manufacturers of solar inverters. The SMA Sunny Boy Storage has a maximum power output of 5kW and can work with up to three high-voltage batteries. It has a high efficiency rating of 97% and a low noise level of 25 dB. It also has a built-in web server and an app for remote monitoring and control. The SMA Sunny Boy Storage has a standard warranty of five years, which can be extended to 10 or 20 years for an additional fee.
– Victron MultiPlus-II: This is a hybrid inverter from Victron, a Dutch company that specializes in power electronics for off-grid and marine applications. The Victron MultiPlus-II has a maximum power output of 5kVA and can work with up to six low-voltage batteries. It has an efficiency rating of 94% and a noise level of 34 dB. It also has a built-in color control panel and an app for remote monitoring and control. The Victron MultiPlus-II has a standard warranty of five years, which can be extended to 10 years for an additional fee.
– GoodWe ES: This is a hybrid inverter from GoodWe, another Chinese company that produces solar inverters. The GoodWe ES has a maximum power output of 5kW and can work with up to two high-voltage batteries. It has an efficiency rating of 97% and a noise level of 25 dB. It also has a built-in LCD screen and an app for remote monitoring and control. The GoodWe ES has a standard warranty of five years, which can be extended to 10 years for an additional fee.
Is the Growatt Inverter Worth Buying?
The Growatt inverter is a reliable and affordable option for solar energy systems that require flexibility and versatility. It can work with different energy sources and optimize your energy consumption according to your preferences. It also has a high efficiency rating, a low noise level, and various protection features.
The Growatt inverter is easy to install and use, thanks to its built-in MPPT charge controller, Bluetooth and WiFi remote monitoring, and energy source prioritization. It also has the option to work without a battery, which can lower your initial cost and allow you to add one later if you want.
The Growatt inverter has received mostly positive feedback from customers who have praised its performance, features, and customer service. It also has a standard warranty of five years, which can be extended to 10 years for an additional fee.
The only drawbacks of the Growatt inverter are that it does not have a display screen on the device itself, which might be inconvenient for some users, and that it does not rank well in independent testing by PV Evolution Labs, which might raise some doubts about its quality.
What are the features and benefits of Growatt inverters?
Growatt inverters have several advantages over other brands, such as:
– High efficiency: Growatt inverters have a peak efficiency of up to 98%, which means they waste less energy during the conversion process and deliver more power to your loads.
– Smart monitoring: Growatt inverters have built-in WiFi or Bluetooth modules that allow you to monitor and control your solar system from your smartphone or computer. You can check the performance, status, and data of your system anytime, anywhere.
– Easy installation: Growatt inverters have a compact and lightweight design that makes them easy to install and maintain. They also have user-friendly interfaces and LCD displays that show clear information and settings.
– Safety and protection: Growatt inverters have multiple protection features that ensure the safety of your system and equipment. They have over-voltage, over-current, over-temperature, short-circuit, reverse polarity, islanding, and surge protection functions that prevent damage and fire hazards.
– Warranty and service: Growatt inverters come with a standard warranty of 5 years, which can be extended to 10 years for some models. They also have a network of authorized dealers and service centers in Nigeria that can provide you with after-sales support and technical assistance.
See also: Salpha Energy – How to Get Affordable and Reliable Solar Power
Conclusion
Growatt inverters are a great choice for anyone who wants to enjoy the benefits of solar energy in Nigeria. They are efficient, smart, easy, safe, and affordable. They can also cater to different needs and preferences, whether you want to go off-grid, on-grid, or hybrid. If you are interested in buying a Growatt inverter, you can contact us for more information and guidance. We are the official Growatt partner in Nigeria and we can help you with the installation, maintenance, and service of your solar system.
