Overview of Growatt – Company History
A Brief Rundown on Solar Inverters
The solar inverter is what turns the solar energy generated by solar panels into the useable electricity that powers households. The energy generated by the solar panels is in the form of direct current (DC) energy. DC electricity only flows in one direction and is the type of electricity used to power phones and laptops. The role of the solar inverter in a photovoltaic (PV) system is to convert the DC energy into the useable AC electricity that powers households.
The inverters are also connected to the grid, this is important as it needs to be able to handle the flow of AC electricity. As any surplus solar generated electricity is fed back into the grid. There are four types of solar inverters, these being string inverters, hybrid inverters, micro inverters, and power optimisers.
What is PV Evolution Labs Top Performer?
PV Evolution Labs (PVEL) with support from DNV GL has been independently testing Solar Panel reliability since 2014, and for the first time in 2019 have tested solar inverters. It is a voluntary test which manufacturers have to pay to be a part of. The solar panel testing is considered internationally as an excellent indication of solar panel quality. It’s expected that the inverter testing will have the same recognition. To read the full PVEL scorecard click here.
Growatt didn’t rank in any of these tests.
Growatt Inverter Review – Points of Difference
Growatt are one of the few inverter manufacturers to extend their product range into battery storage. That means for customers looking to install solar and batteries they can install a Growatt solution that integrates both technologies seamlessly and can be monitored through a single app.
All of the CEC approved Growatt Inverter range are Transformerless Inverters, which contributes to the high efficiency.
Growatt Inverter Efficiency
The Growatt flagship residential single phase inverter (MIN 2500-6000TL-X/XH) features a maximum efficiency rating of 98.2% to 98.4% depending on the size of the inverter. This definitely puts them towards the top end of the market in terms of inverter efficiency with the leading European inverters offers 97% to 97.6% on their flagship residential models.
How much do Growatt inverter cost?
The below prices are an indicative guide of the wholesale costs of Growatt Inverters. These prices are only available to solar installation companies, not to end customers.
Model Number | Description | Indicative Wholesale Cost |
GW-1500-S | Growatt 1500-S Inverter | $310-$320 |
GW-2000-S | Growatt 2000-S Inverter | $330-$340 |
GW-3000-S | Growatt 3000-S Inverter | $400-$410 |
GW-MIN5000TL-X | Growatt MIN5000TL-X Inverter | $560-$570 |
GW-MIN6000TL-X | Growatt MIN6000TL-X Inverter | $590-$600 |
Keep in mind that inverter costs generally only run between 10-20% of your total system, so often it is worth investing in a high quality inverter given this will have a large impact on the efficiency and performance of your Solar Power project.
Compare quotes from up to 7 installers in your area now.
Growatt Inverter Warranty
Growatt have updated their warranty policy for Australian customers in recent years and now offer a 10 year standard warranty. This matches most options on the market which include a 10 year warranty.
Growatt also have a list of scenarios where warranty would be voided, like improper installations and reselling of devices. Most of these exclusions seem reasonable and comparable with other warranty documents Solar Choice has examined.
Growatt have an Australia website, office and phone number (1800 476 928), so it is good to see that Growatt customers will not be stuck trying to contact Chinese headquarters in the event of warranty claim.
Read Growatt’s full warranty document here.
A Review of Growatt Inverters Available in Australia
Most Growatt inverters have Clean Energy Council (CEC) approval for Australia’s Small-scale Renewable Energy Scheme, the country’s home solar rebate program. However, it’s crucial to note that not all kW sizes of certain inverters receive approval. The CEC-approved Growatt inverters include:
- Growatt 750-3000-S 1-2kW & 3kW
- Growatt MIN 2500-6000TL-XH 2.5-6kW
- Growatt MIN 2500-6000TL-X 2.5-6kW
- Growatt 3000-6000TL3-S 3-6kW
- Growatt 7000-11000TL3-S 7-11kW
- Growatt SPH 3000-6000 3-6kW
Growatt Solar Inverters Pros and Cons
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Growatt Inverter Specifications
Growatt 3000-S | Growatt MIN 5000TL-XH | Growatt SPH 3000 | |
Rated AC Power Output | 3000W | 5000W | 3000W |
Maximum Continuous Output Current | 14.3A | 22.7A | 16A |
Maximum DC Voltage | 550V | 550V | 550V |
Maximum Inverter Efficiency | 97.6% | 98.4% | 97.5% |
Dimensions | 271 x 359 x 141 mm | 375 x 350 x 160 mm | 547 x 516 x 170 mm |
Weight | 9.1kg | 10.8kg | 27kg |
Warranty | 10 Years | 10 Years | 10 Years |
Operational Temperature Range | -25°C to 60°C | -25°C to 60°C | -25°C to 60°C |
Made in | China | China | China |
Growatt’s Innovative Commercial Solar Project in the Netherlands
2016 marked a significant milestone in the solar energy sector in the Netherlands with the installation of an impressive 1.5MW solar system. This project, spearheaded for the Dutch utility company Liander, notably became the largest solar installation in the country at that time. What made this project particularly groundbreaking was its choice of technology: 70 units of the Growatt 20kUE inverters. These inverters represent the pioneering first generation of three-phase inverters produced by Growatt, a testament to the company’s commitment to innovation in solar energy solutions. The location of this solar plant was strategically chosen to be a parking lot, maximizing space utility and contributing to the region’s renewable energy goals.
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This Growatt inverter review is performed independently by Solar Choice. Solar Choice has no affiliation with any Solar Panel, Battery or Inverter brands.
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Reviews from Australians who have installed Growatt Inverters
Reinstalled new unit that has been claimed on warranty after 4 years from initial installation
I have had a Growatt system in the past and so far this system is performing well
manual can't be understood written in garbled English. verry hard to interpret I don't have any idea of what is going on from the app.
The monitoring app helps though took a while to understand.
I had an amazing experience with Amazing Solar company that installed solar panels for me. The installation was done exceptionally well. I'm really happy with the outcome.
Reporting system and app are absolutely rubbish
Seems to be working to spec and good app
It is the first one for me with this brand but my neighbour and other people I know who have the same brand installed say good things about this brand.
Had issues with app, but that was our internet. Installed a Telstra Booster and everything good now.
Great brand works excellent and very happy I know it’s not so called top of the brands but I am very happy
The man who came after the installation to check it was done correctly reassured me that this brand of inverter has a good reputation and works particularly well with the Jinko panels. I have been very happy
Review left 2 years after system installed
Silent operation (important for us with proximity to bedroom) and cheaper than fronius option. No issues with performance.
Happy with the shine application and easy to monito the out put and performance of the system on my phone.
Impossible to read display in full sunlight... Otherwise very happy
I don't have anything to say: it just sits there working. What else do I need :)
Review left 2 years after system installed
Happy with inverter except have been unable to set up web application not user friendly.
Great modern system with phone connectivity
Works well, decent warranty & reviews. Office in Australia.
Still not aware to comment as no date available - No App still installed on my phone & no grid connection done as yet - Both messed up by Amazing solar team
would be happy if they turned up to install them