The Growatt SPF5000-ES is a 5kW off-grid solar inverter and battery charger built around a 48V DC system and a 100A MPPT solar charger. PV input can run up to 450V DC, and the inverter can operate without a battery bank connected, drawing directly from solar. Wi-Fi monitoring is included as standard.

Key features of this Growatt 5kW off-grid inverter

• Continuous output, 5kW off-grid
• Solar charger, 100A integrated MPPT
• PV input range, MPPT window from 120V to 450V DC, maximum PV input voltage 450V DC
• Battery independent, runs from solar without a battery bank connected
• Combined supply, draws from solar, battery and grid at once rather than dropping to bypass when reserves are low
• Parallel operation, up to 6 units for 30kW total
• Scheduled charging, built-in timer for overnight off-peak charging
• Monitoring, Wi-Fi module included

How it works

The SPF5000-ES runs at higher PV string voltages than many 48V off-grid inverters, with an MPPT window from 120V up to 450V DC. Growatt recommends a minimum of six 300-500W panels wired in series to keep the string within the correct operating range, with a healthy system typically sitting between 300V and 350V.

Rather than switching to bypass mode when the battery is low, the inverter combines whatever solar, battery and grid power is available to keep supplying loads. This reduces reliance on the grid and makes better use of the solar generated during the day. The overnight timer can charge the battery bank from the grid at off-peak rates, so the batteries start each day full ahead of solar generation.

Applications

• Off-grid homes needing higher PV string voltage operation
• Systems requiring simultaneous solar, battery and grid supply to loads
• Off-grid installations that may expand via parallel units
• Systems using overnight scheduled charging on an economy tariff

Installation notes

Installation should be carried out by a qualified electrician or solar installer. PV string voltage must not exceed 450V DC at any time, including cold-weather open-circuit voltage, so this should be calculated for the coldest expected temperature before commissioning. Battery systems must comply with BS EN 62619 and local building regulations.