Sungrow Inverter and battery Review
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Company History
Unlike other inverter companies that evolved from well-established power electronics manufacturers, Sungrow was founded in 1997 by Cao Renxian, a Hefei University of Technology professor who wanted to improve the electricity supply in rural western China using renewable energy. This motivation to help supply renewable energy was the foundation for one of the most successful inverter companies in the world. Sungrow Power Supply Co Ltd is now one of the world’s largest inverter manufacturers, with a net worth of $1.5 billion and specialises in R&D, manufacturing and services of power supply systems for wind energy, battery storage and conversion, electric vehicles and solar PV power systems.
Another rather commendable characteristic of Sungrow is the company actively participates in many social welfare activities, including poverty alleviation, donations to schools, disaster relief, and seeks to enhance the sustainability of public welfare practices. This level of social corporate responsibility possibly evolved from the generous nature of the founder and became ingrained in the company culture.
Sungrow Inverters Quick Summary
First established: 1997 - Long-standing company
Best Solar inverter: SG (G3) series 3kW- 10kW
Best Hybrid inverter: SH-RS series up to 10kW
Price bracket: Med $$$$
Warranty: Very Good - 10 years
Quality and reliability: Excellent 5/5
Service and support: Good 4/5
System Monitoring: Very Good 5/5
Value for Money: Very Good 5/5
Overall: Highly Recommended ☆☆☆☆☆
Sungrow Range of Inverters 2024
Sungrow is one of the few companies offering solar inverters designed for residential, commercial and utility-scale grid-tie systems and small and large-scale battery storage systems. However, this review will focus on the popular Sungrow inverters and batteries for residential and small commercial applications.
Inverters and batteries covered in this review
SG-RS - Residential Solar Inverters - Single-phase up to 10kW
SG-RT - Residential Solar Inverters - 3-phase up to 20kW
SH5K-30 - Residential Hybrid Inverter - 5kW Single-phase
SH-RS - Residential Hybrid Inverter - Single-Phase up to 10kW
SH-RT - Residential Hybrid Inverter - 3-Phase up to 10kW
SG-CX range - Commercial Solar Inverters - 3-Phase
SG-CX-P2 range - Commercial Solar Inverters - 3-Phase
Sungrow Microinverter range (New)
SBR Battery - modular HV Battery system
SBH Battery - modular HV Battery system (New)
Not covered in this review - SG-HX Series - 1500v string inverters up to 350kW
SG Series Solar Inverters
The residential SG series solar inverters from Sungrow have become very popular due to their competitive price and great reliability. The sales figures show they are Australia's second biggest-selling solar inverter by volume, coming second only to Fronius. Sungrow Inverters have a very good reputation for quality and service from the Sydney-based support office, which has further helped improve their status.
NEW SG-RS (G3) Solar Inverters
The third-generation SG-RS series string inverters from Sungrow come packed with an impressive range of features at an affordable price. Improvements include a very low 50V minimum MPPT operating voltage, which enables very short strings of only two panels, and an increased input current limit from 12.5A to 16A with a higher 20A Maximum, making it a good match for the more powerful higher-current solar panels. The larger 5kW, 8kW, and 10KW versions now feature 3 x MPPTs, making it perfect for larger solar arrays and allowing for more flexible designs.
The 3-phase variety is the SG-RT series, available in 5, 7, 8, and 10kW sizes with 2 MPPTs and a maximum input voltage of 1000V. Unfortunately, the 3-phase series does not have a built-in display and is limited to only 2 MPPTs, although it does have a much higher current input rating for parallel strings.
String Solar Inverters - SG series (Gen3)
| Model | Phases | Sizes (kW) | No. MPPTs | Solar Oversizing # |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG-RS-S | Single-Phase | 2.0, 2.5, 3.0 | 1 x MPPT | Up to 200% |
| SG-RS | Single-Phase | 3.0, 5.0 | 2 x MPPT | Up to 200% |
| SG-RS-ADA | Single-Phase | 5.0, 8.0, 10.0 | 3 x MPPT | Up to 200% |
| SG-RT | 3-Phase | 5.0, 7.0, 10, 15, 20 | 2 x MPPT | Up to 200% |
# Solar oversizing is when the solar array size (kW) exceeds the inverter size. For example, 200% oversizing means a 5kW inverter can have up to 10kW of solar panels. Most modern solar inverters allow up to 150% oversizing, but some manufacturers allow up to 200% provided the maximum string voltage (Voc) and current (Isc) do NOT exceed the inverter input limits.
Inverter Features and highlights
New modern design with LCD display (exc SG-RT)
Up to 3 x MPPTs on the ADA model (single-phase)
Solar oversizing up to 200% allowed
Extra wide MPPT operating voltage range
Increased input current of 16A per MPPT (Max 20A)
Built-in smart PID recovery function
IV curve scan for advanced diagnostics
A stand-out feature of the new SG-RS and SG-RT (3-phase) series inverters is the built-in smart PID recovery function that reduces or eliminates the degradation problem due to potential induced degradation (PID) in solar panels. Like the Hybrid SH-RS inverters described below, the new SG-RS inverters also feature advanced diagnostic tools, including an IV curve scan, which helps determine if the solar panels have any faults or serious degradation issues. Like most modern string inverters, the Sungrow residential inverters are cooled via passive cooling using a large rear heatsink. Due to the efficient design, no power de-rating is specified to occur below 45 deg C ambient temperature, which is impressive for a passively cooled inverter.
Sungrow Hybrid Inverters - Energy Storage
Sungrow, along with Goodwe, were two of the first companies to develop compact, affordable hybrid inverters for residential battery storage way back in 2015. While the early hybrid inverters were limited in power, they proved to be very reliable and paved the way for the much more powerful SH series hybrid inverters, which now provide instantaneous backup power and up to 200% solar oversizing to enable homes to become highly self-sufficient.
Sungrow Hybrid Inverter Summary - SH Series
| Model | Phases | Sizes (kW) | No. MPPTs | Solar Oversizing # | Backup Power |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SH-RS 3-6.0 | Single-Phase | 3.0, 3.6, 4.0, 5.0, 6.0 | 2 x MPPT | Up to 200% | 6kW (all models) |
| SH-RS 8.0-10 | Single-Phase | 8.0, 10.0 | 4 x MPPT | Up to 200% | 8kW / 10kW |
| SH-RT 5.0-10 | 3-Phase | 5.0, 6.0, 8.0, 10.0 | 2 x MPPT | Up to 150% | 5kW, 6kW, 8kW, 10kW |
SH-RS Hybrid Inverters - Single-Phase
Following the release of the SH-RT 3-phase hybrid series, Sungrow released a single-phase version compatible with the high-voltage (HV) Sungrow LFP battery system described below, along with several other HV battery systems, including those from BYD and LG. The new-look lightweight SH-RS series is available in sizes from 3.0kW to 6.0kW and features modern styling, instantaneous backup power, high efficiency and a wide operating temperature range from -25 to 60°C.
NEW 8kW and 10kW single-phase hybrid inverters
Sungrow recently announced more powerful 8kW and 10KW versions of the SH-RS hybrid inverters will be available from September 2023 with an impressive 4 MPPTs and an incredible peak backup power rating of 13.6kW for 10 seconds, making it one of the most powerful single-phase hybrid inverters available. At this level, this inverter can even back up very large loads, including large air-conditioning systems, water pumps, and other high-surge loads if required.
Advanced features - PID
The SH series inverters also boast some very advanced diagnostic tools, including an IV curve scan, which helps determine if the solar panels have any faults or serious degradation issues. However, a stand-out feature is the built-in smart PID recovery function that reduces or eliminates the problem of degradation due to potential induced degradation (PID) in solar panels. These very useful tools are generally only available on large utility-scale inverters, so this makes the new SH-RS hybrid inverter one of the most advanced and sophisticated residential inverters in the world. Learn more about the impressive Sungrow PID recovery technology here.
Download the full Sungrow SH-RS 3-6kW inverter datasheet.
Download the full Sungrow SH-RS 8-10kW inverter datasheet.
Sungrow hybrid off-grid certified
Generally, most hybrid inverters are not designed or recommended for off-grid operation due to the high power demand requirements and inability to manage a backup generator when needed. However, Sungrow is one of a growing number of hybrid inverter manufacturers that are moving into the off-grid space, integrating smart generator controls and designing more powerful hybrid inverters that can operate in permanent off-grid mode. However, it is important to note that hybrid inverters, like any off-grid system, will only work successfully when it is designed correctly to suit the specific load requirements. Learn more about designing off-grid and hybrid systems.
Sungrow off-grid configuration diagram - Image credit Sungrow
SH-RT 3-phase hybrid inverter
Image credit Sungrow
This is one inverter series that has been very well received by the solar industry. Unlike the wide variety of single-phase hybrid inverter options, until a few years ago, there were a limited number of 3-phase hybrid inverters available for households. Thankfully, Sungrow has developed what appears to be some of the most advanced 3-phase hybrid inverters to date. The new SH-RT range is available in 5.0kW, 6.0kW, 8.0kW and 10kW power ratings, but the initial release will only feature the 5kW and 10kW models, with the 8kW model coming at a later stage. (6kW model not available in Australia).
The new hybrid inverters feature a wide HV battery voltage range from 150V to 600V and extra high charge/discharge ratings up to 10.6kW. They also contain dual MPPTs with a wide operating voltage range from 200V to 950V, plus solar oversizing allowed up to 200%, often needed for charging a battery and powering loads during poor weather.
Download the full Sungrow SH5.0/6.0/8.0/10/RT specification datasheet.
Sungrow Microinverter Range
New for 2024
At Intersolar 2024 in Munich, Germany, Sungrow showcased its new range of microinverters. The lineup includes three models: S450S single, S800S double, and S1600S quad, with power ratings of 450W, 800W, and 1600W, respectively. The microinverters feature a wide MPPT voltage range of 16-60V, which is compatible with all modern panels. Ensuring optimal performance in high temperatures, Sungrow has engineered a unique wavy microchannel heat sink design to increase heat dissipation, enabling full power operation, even in non-ventilated environments, at rooftop temperatures as high as 60°C. The high C5 corrosion resistance rating allows for long-term operation in corrosive environments.
The new Sungrow microinverter range - 450W, 800W & 1600W options - Image Credit Sungrow
The new micros uses a 2.8m AC busbar to accommodate various module layouts and reduce installation time. Configuration is streamlined, and high-performance Wi-Fi antennas boost signal strength by 50% and double the transmission range, providing stable and responsive communication. Installers only need to set up one microinverter, while others in the network automatically sync within a minute for quick cloud connectivity. Other features include intelligent self-checking through the iSolarCloud platform, allowing installation personnel to pre-check connections, inverter status, and system performance. Official pricing and release dates are yet to be confirmed, but they are expected in late 2024.
Download the full Sungrow Microinverter series datasheet
Sungrow Battery Systems
Following the launch of the new SBH battery series in June 2024, Sungrow now offers two high-voltage battery options: the first-generation SBR series and the second-gen SBH series. The new version is based on a scalable tower platform similar to the SBR series but with a larger 5kWh module capacity, up from 3.2kWh, and greater power output optimised for larger-size single and 3-phase systems.
SBR Series - 3.2 kWh Modules - From 9.6 kWh up to 100 kWh
SBH Series - 5.0 kWh Modules - From 20 kWh up to 160 kWh (New)
SBR Series battery
Sungrow released the first generation SBR (HV) battery system to complement its range of SH-RT (3-phase) and SH-RS (single-phase) hybrid inverters in 2021. The system comprises a base unit, head unit containing the BMS, slide-in switchgear DC isolator, and multiple 3.2kWh lithium battery modules. The high-voltage 3.2kWh batteries are built using Lithium Ferro Phosphate (LFP) cells, considered the safest and longest-lasting battery cell chemistry. They also contain no Cobalt, making them more sustainable compared to the lithium MNC cells used by some other manufacturers.
The minimum battery size is 9.6kWh using three modules, which is generally adequate for the average household. The system also has a good power rating with a maximum output of 6.57kW using three modules and an impressive 17.5kW peak output from 8 modules stacked in series. The price is also extremely competitive, coming in at around $660 per kWh, making it one of the most affordable lithium batteries on the market.
Sungrow SBR Battery Features
Type: HV DC battery system - Stackable lithium LFP modules
Minimum Size: 3 modules or 9.6kWh with 100% usable capacity
Maximum Size: up to 100kWh with 4 stacks of 8 modules in parallel
Module power - approximately 1.92kW continuous, 2.2kW peak (per module)
Stack power - up to 15.3kW per stack of 8 modules.
Protection - Inbuilt DC circuit breaker
Price: $6400 for 9.6kWh or approx $660 per kWh plus installation
Warranty: 10 years
Compatibility: Sungrow SH-RT and SH-RS series inverters
Download the full Sungrow SBR HV battery specification datasheet.
Sungrow Battery Comparison Chart - SBR Series Vs new SBH Series in 2024
2. SBH Series Battery
New for 2024
Like the SBR series, the new SBH Series battery modules are built using Lithium ferro-phosphate (LFP) prismatic cells, which are considered to have the safest and longest-lasting battery cell chemistry. However, the new enhanced design also packs more punch, with 5kWh usable capacity per module and an equally substantial boost in power from 1.9kW to 3.5kW. With more capacity and faster charging and discharging, the new battery system was ultimately designed with larger-scale 3-phase residential and small commercial systems in mind.
Sungrow SBH Battery Features
Type: HV DC battery system - Stackable lithium LFP modules
Minimum Size: 4 modules or 20kWh with 100% usable capacity
Maximum Size: up to 160kWh with 4 stacks of 8 modules in parallel
Module power - approximately 3.5kW continuous, 5.0kW peak (per module)
Stack power - up to 40.0kW per stack of 8 modules.
Protection - Inbuilt DC circuit breaker
Price: $13,500 for 20kWh or approx $675 per kWh plus installation
Warranty: 10 years
Compatibility: Sungrow SH-RT and SH-RS series inverters
Download the full Sungrow SBH HV battery specification datasheet.
CX Series Commercial Inverters
As the world’s second-largest manufacturer of industrial and utility inverters, Sungrow offer a wide range of string inverters and central inverters designed for larger MW scale installations. However, here we’ll focus on the smaller 3-phase string solar inverters for commercial installations.
The Sungrow CX range of commercial string inverters - Image credit sungrow
For the global market, the new look CX series commercial string inverters are available in a range of sizes including 33kW, 40kW, 50kW, plus the extra-large 110kW model. These next-generation inverters have an impressive list of features (ref below) making them some of the most advanced 3-phase inverters on the market.
Sungrow SG50CX 3-phase string inverter with 5 x MPPTs
CX Inverter features
Built-in DC isolator
Active cooling system
PID recovery function
PV over-sizing up to 150%
Inbuilt IV curve scan
IP66 with C5 anti-corrosion
Installation angle from 90° to 170°
In Australia, the CX model range is slightly different and includes a 30kW (29.9kVA) model with 3 x MPPTs, a 50kW model with 5 x MPPTs, and the larger 110kW model with 9 x MPPTs. (The 40kW unit is not available in Australia).
See the Sungrow SG30CX specification datasheet.
See the Sungrow SG110CX datasheet and SG33/40/50CX datasheet.
10-year Warranty
In the past, all Sungrow inverters had a standard 5-year and optional 10-year warranty on some models. Sungrow now offers a 10-year warranty on most new-generation inverters sold in Australia from the 1st of April 2020 to supply customers with better service. This includes the following models:
SG2K-S (Premium) , SG2K5-S (Premium), SG3K-S(Premium), SG3K-D (Premium) , SG5K-D (Premium), SG8K-D (Premium), SH5.0RT, SH10RT, SH5K-30, SG5KTL-MT, SG10KTL,MT, SG15KTLM, SG20KTLM, SG30CX (Premium), SG50CX (Premium), SG110CX (Premium). At present, the warranty extension is applied to inverters purchased and installed in Australia only.
Solar Monitoring
New look iSolarCloud for 2024
Sungrow inverters feature Wifi monitoring as standard (using the included dongle) on all models and use the new, modern, cloud-based monitoring portal iSolarCloud, a huge improvement over the previous outdated monitoring platform. The new free smartphone app is also very simple and works quite well.
Consumption monitoring was an issue on the older SG models, but the premium SG inverters now all support it. It’s simple to set up with a smart energy meter plus the logger1000 or WIFI dongle.
The new look Sungrow ISolarCloud main monitoring platform
Sungrow offers a variety of meters, dongles and data loggers (logger1000 controller) for single and three-phase installations. Note that energy meters are required for export limiting and battery storage systems to function. The Sungrow hybrid inverters come with a S100 meter & dongle included.
Summary
With a long history of manufacturing renewable power systems and very good feedback from our network of solar installers, Sungrow is an excellent option for those wanting a reliable, cost-effective inverter for solar or energy storage systems. This is further reinforced by the 10-year warranty now standard on most next-generation inverters. For residential rooftop systems, the Sungrow SG series inverters have become a popular choice, and the new and improved IsolarCloud online portal makes monitoring and firmware upgrades easy.
On the commercial side, the range of CX string inverters not only looks impressive but has a long list of standard features, including smart active cooling systems, inbuilt IV curve scan, PV over-sizing up to 150%, PID recovery, and 12 x MPPTs on the new SG110CX-P2 model, making them some of the most advanced inverters on the market.
Regarding battery storage, the slick new SH-RT and SH-RS series hybrid inverters and high-voltage modular SBR and SBH battery systems are a powerful and affordable combination with instantaneous backup power, making it a reliable option for households requiring backup power. Additionally, the SH series hybrid inverters feature some of the most advanced diagnostic tools and innovative PID recovery technology to reduce the common problem of panel PID degradation. For larger energy storage requirements, Sungrow offers a range of utility-scale energy storage systems and is looking to become one of the industry leaders in this space.
Personal Experience
As for my direct experience, I have designed and installed numerous Sungrow grid-tie and hybrid systems over the last six years and have been impressed with their performance and reliability. Of all the systems I have been involved in, I have not experienced any failures or issues requiring a warranty or replacement. The only problems have revolved around commissioning and online cloud connection, which is common with any solar inverter. However, the most notable improvement has been in the iSolarcloud monitoring system, which is very easy to use. The updated, user-friendly platform has streamlined the installation and commissioning process. It also offers a vast array of tools and information, enabling remote diagnostics, firmware upgrades and enhanced monitoring.
Sungrow hybrid inverter and battery installation in early 2018 by Transfer Solar
Sungrow hybrid inverter & SBR battery installation in 2024 by Tranfer Solar
