1. Introduction
This manual provides essential information for the safe and efficient installation, operation, and maintenance of your Growatt SPE ES Series Hybrid Solar Inverter. The Growatt SPE ES series are single-phase hybrid solar inverters designed for residential solar energy systems, offering efficient power conversion and smart energy management. Please read this manual thoroughly before installation and operation.
2. Setup
2.1 Unboxing and Inspection
Carefully unpack the inverter and all accessories. Inspect the contents for any damage. If any components are missing or damaged, contact your supplier immediately.
2.2 Physical Installation
The inverter should be mounted in a well-ventilated area, away from direct sunlight and moisture. Ensure sufficient clearance around the unit for proper airflow. The dimensions of the inverter are approximately 550mm (W) x 465mm (H) x 150mm (D), and it weighs 21.5kg. Use appropriate mounting hardware to secure the inverter to a sturdy wall or frame.
2.3 Electrical Connections
All electrical connections must be performed by a qualified electrician in accordance with local and national electrical codes. Ensure the inverter is switched off before making any connections.
2.3.1 System Architecture
The Growatt SPE ES inverter integrates into a comprehensive solar energy system, allowing for spontaneous use of generated power and uploading excess power to the grid. The system typically includes solar panels, the inverter, metering devices, the power grid, and local loads. Monitoring can be done via a Cloud Server, Shine Server, or Shine Phone application.
2.3.2 Connection Ports
The inverter features various connection ports for different components of your solar system:
- PV1, PV2: Photovoltaic input terminals for solar panels.
- AC Input: Connection for the AC grid supply.
- GEN: Generator input terminal.
- AC Output: Connection for household loads.
- DC Input: Battery connection terminals.
- CURRENT SHARING: For parallel operation with multiple inverters.
- NC C NO: Dry contact for external control.
- PAR-IN, PAR-OUT: Parallel communication ports.
- BMS, RS485: Communication ports for Battery Management System and other devices.
- WiFi/GPRS, USB: Data communication modules for monitoring.
- INPUT BREAKER: Integrated input breaker for safety.
3. Operating Instructions
3.1 Powering On/Off
- Ensure all electrical connections are secure and correct.
- Turn on the DC input switch (if present) and then the AC input breaker.
- Locate the 'ON/OFF' switch on the inverter and switch it to 'ON'.
- The inverter display will light up, indicating the startup sequence.
- To power off, reverse the sequence: switch the inverter to 'OFF', then turn off the AC input breaker, and finally the DC input switch.
3.2 Display and Controls
The inverter features an LCD display and control buttons for monitoring system status and adjusting settings.
- Display: Shows real-time data such as power generation, battery status, and error codes.
- Buttons (ESC, UP, DOWN, ENTER): Used to navigate menus and confirm selections on the display.
3.3 Monitoring
The Growatt SPE ES inverter supports remote monitoring via WiFi or 4G communication modules. This allows you to track your system's performance using the Shine Phone app or through the Cloud Server/Shine Server platforms.
- Shine Phone App: Download the official Growatt monitoring app to your smartphone for real-time data and alerts.
- Cloud/Shine Server: Access detailed performance reports and historical data through the web portal.
4. Maintenance
4.1 General Care
- Keep the inverter clean and free from dust and debris. Use a soft, dry cloth for cleaning.
- Ensure that the ventilation openings (fans) are not blocked to prevent overheating.
- Regularly check all cable connections for tightness and signs of wear or damage.
4.2 Environmental Conditions
To ensure optimal performance and longevity, the inverter should operate within the specified environmental conditions:
- Operating Temperature Range: –10°C to +50°C
- Relative Humidity: 5% to 95% (non-condensing)
- Altitude: <2000m
- Protection Degree: IP20 (Indoor use recommended, protect from water and dust ingress)
5. Troubleshooting
If the inverter is not operating as expected, consider the following basic troubleshooting steps:
- No Power/Display Off: Check all AC and DC input connections and ensure the ON/OFF switch is in the 'ON' position. Verify power supply from the grid and solar panels.
- Fault Indicator On: Refer to the inverter's display for specific error codes. Consult the full Growatt user manual (if available) for detailed explanations of fault codes.
- Low Power Output: Check solar panel connections and ensure they are clean and free from shading. Verify battery charge level if operating in backup mode.
- Communication Issues: Ensure WiFi/4G modules are correctly installed and configured. Check network connectivity.
For complex issues or if troubleshooting steps do not resolve the problem, please contact technical support.
6. Specifications
Below are the detailed specifications for the Growatt SPE ES Series Hybrid Solar Inverters:
| Datasheet | SPE 8000 ES | SPE 10000 ES | SPE 12000 ES |
|---|---|---|---|
| Input data (DC) | |||
| Max. recommended PV power (for module STC) | 10000W | 12500W | 15000W |
| Max. DC voltage | 550V | ||
| Start voltage | 120V | ||
| MPP voltage range | 60V-480V | ||
| No. of MPP trackers | 2 | ||
| No. of PV strings per MPP tracker | 1 | ||
| Max. input current per MPP tracker | 27A | ||
| Output data (AC) | |||
| AC nominal power | 8000W | 10000W | 12000W |
| Max. AC apparent power | 8000VA | 10000VA | 12000VA |
| Nominal AC voltage | 230V | ||
| AC grid frequency | 50/60Hz | ||
| Output current | 34.8A | 43.5A | 52.2A |
| Adjustable power factor | 0.8leading…0.8lagging | ||
| THDi | < 5% | ||
| Max. conversion efficiency (PV/AC) | 96.5% | ||
| European efficiency @ vnominal (PV/AC) | 95.5% | ||
| Battery data (DC) | |||
| Nominal DC voltage | 48V | ||
| Max charging and discharging current | 190A/200A | 220A/240A | 250A/280A |
| Type of battery | Lithium/Lead-acid | ||
| Backup power (AC) | |||
| AC nominal output power | 8000W | 10000W | 12000W |
| Nominal AC output voltage | 230V | ||
| Nominal AC output frequency | 50/60Hz | ||
| Switch time | <20ms@Single <30ms@Paralle |
||
| Efficiency | |||
| Peak. efficiency | 96.5% | ||
| European efficiency | 95.5% | ||
| General data | |||
| Dimensions (W / H / D) | 550/465/150mm | ||
| Weight | 21.5kg | ||
| Operating temperature range | –10°C ... +50°C | ||
| Noise emission (typical) | ＜75dB | ||
| Self-consumption | < 75W | ||
| Topology | Transformerless | ||
| Cooling | DC fan | ||
| Protection degree | IP20 | ||
| Relative humidity | 5%~95% non-condensing | ||
| Altitude | ＜2000m | ||
| Communication | WiFi/4G | ||
7. User Tips
- Professional Installation: Always ensure that the inverter is installed by a certified professional to guarantee safety and compliance with electrical standards.
- Ventilation is Key: Proper airflow around the inverter is crucial for preventing overheating and ensuring long-term performance. Regularly check that vents are clear.
- Monitor Regularly: Utilize the Growatt monitoring app or web platform to keep track of your system's performance, battery status, and energy production. This helps in early detection of any issues.
- Battery Compatibility: Ensure that any connected batteries (Lithium or Lead-acid) are compatible with the inverter's specifications for optimal charging and discharging.
- Parallel Operation: If expanding your system with parallel inverters, ensure correct current sharing and communication connections as per the system architecture.
8. Warranty and Support
For technical support, warranty claims, or any inquiries regarding your Growatt SPE ES Hybrid Solar Inverter, please use the contact information below. It is recommended to have your product model and serial number ready when contacting support.
- WhatsApp: +86 18473951878
- Email: 17680775530@163.com
