Hi guys, any solar gurus that can provide their info on these would be much apprreciated.
Basically have an opportunity to get either of these two batteries installed at the same price (basically both $3000, which is a bargain either way).
I'll provide the spec sheets below, but the summary to avoid reading the lot is outlined in the next three points below:
Growatt - 25% more usable capacity, but a smaller 3.3kw AC output. Needs/ comes with a seperate 3kw AC coupled inverter (so AC ouput would now be 3kw max), or with a 5kw Hybrid inverter if installng it with a new solar panel system ($5000 for battery + 5kw hybrid inverter + 6.6kw of panels). I dont know if it takes AC input? - Though i thought that's what Hybrid inverter means? See Hybrid spec sheet below). Chinese built.
Alpha ESS- Has it's own inbuilt Hybrid Inverter, so should be able to add more panels directly to it DC coupled, plus hook up my existing 4.2kw system AC coupled. Less capacity at 9.3Kw, AC output is 4.7kw max, but doesnt say the nominal? Assembeled down the road from me in SA.
My situation - Currently have a 4.2 kw SMA inverter and 3.8kw panels. With enough roof space for another 10 panels + 7 more on a shed.
Extened reading ;)
If I go Growatt panels + battery - It will cost me $50 per panel to remove the old 15 panels. They then install the new 6.6 with a Hybrid inverter. Old system goes in the bin, or maybe I can connect the old panels up to the AC side of the Hybrid inverter. Don't know, as I dont know how to read the spec sheet for this? That would be good as a sparky could conect them up on the shed roof for around $1000 extra. Net result $5000+$750 removal+$1000 ($6750 for 10.kw panels - 5kw limited to the grid- + 12kw battery). Or I just pay the $3000, get it AC coupled with a 3kw battery inverter and stick with what I have. So 3.8kw solar+ 13kw battery $3000.
If I go Alpha - Install with current system DC coupled. Buy 3kw of more panels for $500 from gumtree and get a sparky to hook them up AC coupled on the other input. Outlay around $3000 for the Alpha+ $500 panels + $1000 install. Net product $4500k for 6.8kw panels+9.3kw battery (but 8yr old gear). Or again $3k, stick with existing 3.8kw panels + AC coupled 9.3 battery (with future options).
Lastly - Current house situation is we produce exactly the same amount as we consume (freaky). However, buying from the grid is 4x more costly - hence the battery. BUT…baby on the way in July…so more power/ panles will be required.
Growatt Battery Specs- http://www.ginverter.com.au/show-44-627.html
Growatt Hybrid inverter spec sheet - http://www.ginverter.com.au/show-9-594.html
Growatt AC coupled inverter Spread Sheet - https://www.ginverter.com/Residential-Storage-Inverters/43-5…
Alpha ESS -SMILE 10.3P - https://www.alpha-ess.com/Upload/Images/20200224093017_96219…
If you have read this far, thank you kindly.
I'd get the bigger capacity smaller AC output - 3 kW is heaps for around the house use, so there shouldn't be a need for more than that at any one time (you might need more if you're running a very big aircon overnight?).