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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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.
Read more product reviews from Solar Choice
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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
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.
Amazing
Had issues with app, but that was our internet. Installed a Telstra Booster and everything good now.
Monitoring easy, working well so far
App is really easy to use
Was advised good product
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
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 :)
Seems fit for purpose.
Excellent review
Yes
Happy with inverter except have been unable to set up web application not user friendly.
Great modern system with phone connectivity
The system should do well.
Same as for the panels
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
Satisfied
Can be monitored via your phone
would be happy if they turned up to install them
All ok
Only started using it today due to the length of time it took to be inspected.
Very happy with the App
Working well. No noise
bit dodgy
Happy with the brand so far. need to setup the monitoring app still.
So far - yes
Very happy,can monitor it on my phone
Happy with the brand App/monitoring.
System output looks good so far!
No problems at all to date
The phone app can be temperamental but simple stop and restart always fixes
yes happy with the app monitoring
Very good, work straight away.
Generally happy, compact and silent inverter. One area of improvement could be the app showing generation but also consumption (albeit this is something that most of inverters app are not offering as a standard feature)
Excellent inverter. Would have been nice to have import / export monitoring as well as just power generated.
Are happy with them
The monitoring and energy generation is great.
Okay
Once again the installation is fine our only concern is that the reduced feed in tariff and increasing electricity costs are making the decision to install solar less rewarding and is less attractive from a financial viewpoint.
Wifi is awesome with ct,s added to monitor total power. I get a total picture off power exported/imported/cost.
have not had a problem
Too early to comment on performance.
Working well although the setup to read data on a mobile has never worked despite being set up by the installer. Not really a major concern.
The inverter appears to be working ok up to its rated output. I was able to contact the manufacturer who quickly helped to get my app working.
Seems OK. Has got quiet hot on occasion. Large heat sink, covered with awning. App won't work.
Good brand
Too early to say but there are plenty of happy owners and installers for them.
Appear to do the job well
To date working as required
I've rated it high, but system has only just been commissioned so its hard to say.
I know nothing about it yet as we have not been able to use our solar since installarion
Great
Perfect
Seems to be working well. not an easy thing to get the app to work on my phone but will keep trying.
Didn't like the app but it's not difficult to use
Works really well and is easy to use
The inverter has worked perfectly since install. Great support when required, even though Growatt was not at fault. Recently the voltage in our area was too high due to grid issues, causing the solar system to shut down as the voltage exceeded the normal limits. I contacted "Now Solar" and they arranged for the Growatt team to quickly make adjustments to our Inverter (remotely) so it could handle the unusually high voltage in our area. Really quick and effective support.
Inverter is ok. No issue so far. Wifi app (Shinephone) is a bit hard to setup if customers don't have basic network knowledge
good
Ok
Too early to tell.
Very happy
have been happy so far
none, it looks as if it works.
Great
Cannot connect app or real time data.
Not been installed for long but the problem I have with Growatt is they do not like talking to end users. They prefer to talk to installers only. I presented them with my problem and I got three different answers and two of those were from the same technical support engineer.
Neat and tidy installation
I was told that these inverters have 10 year replacement warranty so should be of a good quality
Newly installed system so we are still assessing but we did a lot of research prior to purchase and this system was best rated
Outstanding customer service
Good and easy to operate
# 1 Growatt - most selling, good app in phones
Works great does what it suppose to do.
Great
Appears to be working fine
Didn't get that far
Compact unit and the monitoring app works well.
No sure not connected to the grid
Very happy with reviews
Appears to work well.
Monitoring app doesn’t work, tech support non existent. Cheap system.
Simple to use
NA
The inverter works fine. To get added import export power and energy cost tracking I opted for a 3rd party monitoring system from Reduction Revolution
So far so good.
Again looks like a world wide product
Put my trust in Get greener owner as I new he was genuine and cared about his clietal
Seems to be a very well know brand
Seems fine. I note you only get ~85% capacity which I didn't realise before installation.
No problems.
Difficult to assess savings at this point due to slow install of interconnect by powerCore
