Comparison Growatt SPF 6000 ES Plus vs LuxPower SNA 6000 WPV

— Autonomous inverter. Voltage and power converters that are not connected to an external electrical network. They are supposed to be used as part of autonomous photovoltaic systems - such inverters generate electricity, which is spent exclusively for the needs of the household. It can be consumed directly by household appliances or accumulated in batteries. This type of inverter is often called off grid.

— Network inverter. Inverters operating synchronously with the external power supply network. They are designed to convert solar energy into alternating power with the parameters of the general network. Grid-connected inverters are used in battery-free systems - all generated energy is used for own consumption, and the excess is transferred to the network at a “feed-in tariff”. To do this, some indicators of generated electricity are adjusted, in particular, amplitude differences are eliminated, the network frequency is equalized, etc. Grid-tied inverters are also known as on-grid inverters.

— Hybrid inverter. Battery-grid inverters are peculiar hybrids of autonomous and network converters. Actually, this is where the name hybrid comes from. Inverters of this type work with battery chains, and excess electricity is sent to the general network. This ensures the energy independence of the system based on solar panels with the ability to use the energy a...ccumulated in the batteries without disconnecting from the network. For example, if DC power is prioritized, power is primarily supplied from batteries, and any energy shortages are supplied from the external grid. This comes in handy in case of bad weather conditions or insufficient power generated by solar panels. If electricity is generated in excess, the excess energy is released into the general network at a “feed-in tariff”.

— Inverter for campers (motorhomes). Such narrow-niche inverters usually work in conjunction with a branded charging station - while staying at a campsite, it charges the vehicle’s battery. And while driving, such inverters are connected to the car’s alternating power generator and with their help, the energy reserves in the battery cells of the charging station are replenished.

The current strength that the device is capable of stably and safely delivering when operating in rated mode (i.e. for the longest possible time without the risk of overloads and failures). The indicator is expressed in Amperes (A).

The maximum amount of direct current in amperes that the inverter can convert. If the solar panel produces a current exceeding this value, the inverter simply does not use it. This is often justified when connecting an inverter to high-power solar panels - the maximum input current of the inverter is reduced to acceptable values so that moderate-sized wires can be used to transmit energy.

The operating range of the inverter is usually located between the starting voltage and the maximum voltage. This interval is indicated in volts.

The maximum solar panel short circuit current that the inverter can accept without the risk of breakdown or emergency shutdown. The parameter is usually indicated in amperes.

Strings in solar energy are chains of panels connected in series. With this connection method, the voltage of the solar panels is summed up, and the current remains constant, which allows you to significantly increase the power generation capacity while maintaining a fairly low current and without the need to use large-section wires.

Specifically, this paragraph indicates the maximum number of strings that can be connected to the inverter for solar panels.

— UPS function. Inverters with a UPS function automatically switch to battery-powered mode when there is insufficient power generation from solar panels or in cases where the main power source is disconnected. This ensures load redundancy. Note that switching may not occur instantly, but with a certain delay (about 10-30 ms).

— Connecting the generator. Inverters that support the generator connection function significantly increase the reliability and efficiency of autonomous solar energy systems. In practice, the function can be implemented in several basic ways. First, the system can automatically turn the generator on and off depending on the battery charge level or current power consumption, ensuring efficient use of resources and minimizing fuel consumption. Secondly, switching the load to the generator can be carried out when there is a shortage of electricity generation from solar panels. And thirdly, the generator can be used to maintain an optimal battery charge level so that the system is in full readiness at any time.

— Parallel connection. The inverter has special connectors through which two or more devices can be connected to a single electrical network. Parallel connection is used when one inverter is not able to pull the entire load from solar panels and the input power exceeds the capabilities of the device itself.

— Built-in monitoring. The presence of a built-in monitoring module on board the inverter, which collects information about the productivity of solar panels, allows you to monitor energy production and consumption, as well as monitor the performance of the system as a whole. Moreover, these parameters can often be viewed and controlled in real time (including through a mobile application for a smartphone). The monitoring module is usually connected to the Internet via a Wi-Fi network.

Connection interfaces provided in the inverter design for solar panels.

- RS232. A specialized communication interface used to directly connect the inverter to a computer. As a rule, the interface provides the ability to monitor solar generation systems around the clock using a local network. Also, the RS232 connector can be used to communicate several inverters with each other, or, less often, for software updates or service testing.

- RS485. A connector often used to connect several inverters to a central hub, which, in turn, connects to a computer. This connection can be useful for setting up a solar generation system or sending monitoring data over the network.

- USB. A standard USB port is often used for configuring equipment via a wired connection to a computer or for inverter firmware updates.

- LAN (RJ45). The presence of a LAN connector (RJ45) in the inverter design. Such ports are standardly used for wired connections in computer networks using a twisted pair cable.

- Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi communication module for wireless connection of the inverter to a computer, laptop or mobile phone. Using specialized software, you can receive monitoring data from the inverter directly “over the air” - transmitting information over a Wi-Fi network eliminates the...fuss with wires.

— Bluetooth. Option to wirelessly pair the inverter with smartphones, tablets or laptops via Bluetooth. Thanks to data synchronization, the user will be able to monitor equipment performance and remotely control the inverter within range of the Bluetooth wireless network.

— Overload protection. A protection system against connecting an off-design load whose power consumption exceeds the capabilities of the inverter for solar panels. In such situations, the power to the outlets is automatically turned off, since overloading the device promises failure and even fire. Triggering of the protection is usually accompanied by a sound and/or light signal.

— Overheat protection. This protection is triggered when the temperature inside the inverter rises critically. When such situations occur, the device turns off, which avoids breakdowns. In the future, some models will automatically turn on when the temperature normalizes, while others must be turned on manually. Note that overheating is caused not only by malfunctions, but also by completely normal reasons - for example, long-term operation at high air temperatures. Typically, overheating protection is accompanied by a sound and/or light signal.

— Protection against ↑ or ↓ battery voltage. A protection system that prevents the inverter from being supplied with excessively high or excessively low voltage from the batteries. When the operating voltage range is exceeded, the device automatically turns off to avoid breakdowns and other troubles. A sound and/or light signal can warn of protection activation.

— Short circuit protection. Protec...tion that is triggered when the output current increases critically (for example, due to a foreign metal object getting between live parts of the load). To avoid breakdowns and failure, the power at the inverter output is automatically turned off. Triggering of the protection system is usually accompanied by a sound and/or light signal.

— Reverse polarity protection. Protection system in case of incorrect polarity of connection. If the “plus” and “minus” do not match, the inverter is disconnected from the power supply in order to avoid damage to the electronic components. Notification of protection activation is often provided by a sound and/or light signal.

— Protection class. The class of protection against dust and moisture provided by the inverter housing for solar panels. Indicated according to the IP standard by two numbers: the first (from 1 to 6) means resistance to penetration of foreign objects and dust, the second (from 1 to 8) - protection from moisture. The higher the number, the higher the level of protection provided. Also note that instead of the first digit in the designation of the protection class, “X” may be indicated - for example, IPX7. In this case, the device is not certified for dust protection, although in fact the level of such protection may be quite high. So, in the example with moisture resistance “7”, the case can be completely immersed in water - which means it is closed very tightly from dust.

The IP protection level is especially important to consider when choosing models for outdoor use and installation in rooms with high humidity levels - they are the ones most susceptible to adverse environmental influences. A high IP class will guarantee stable operation of the inverter for solar panels in such difficult conditions.