GivEnergy vs SunSynk : Which Hybrid Solar Inverter?!

Summary

The speaker is seeking advice on selecting solar inverters for their 22 solar panels, aiming for a 9.46 kilowatt peak system. They are considering three inverter options: Give Energy, SunSync, and an 8.8 kW hybrid inverter. The SunSync inverter offers a lower startup voltage and higher charge rate for future battery integration, while Give Energy is praised for its user-friendly app. The 8.8 kW hybrid inverter provides significant headroom for expansion and high charge/discharge rates, but at a higher cost. The speaker is concerned about long-term satisfaction and the potential need for future upgrades, seeking input to make an informed decision.

Takeaways

• 😀 The user is considering solar panel installation and has narrowed down to 22 panels with a peak of 9.46 kilowatts.
• 🔍 The panels will be on two different strings and orientations to avoid overlapping and will not be on the same East-West split.
• 📱 Three inverters are being recommended by the installer: Give Energy, SunSync, and an 8.8 kW hybrid inverter.
• 📊 Give Energy is praised for its smoother app experience, which is described as more modern and minimalistic.
• 📈 SunSync is noted for providing more data but with a less polished and modern interface compared to Give Energy.
• 🌞 SunSync has a lower startup voltage, allowing it to start earlier in the day and continue later into the evening.
• 🔌 The SunSync 5 kilowatt inverter has a lower current per string, which might limit the number of panels on one side of the roof.
• 🔋 When considering adding batteries later, SunSync's charge rate is almost twice that of Give Energy, offering 120 amps versus 65 amps.
• 🔌 The 8.8 kW hybrid inverter has a higher startup voltage and can handle more solar input and output, with a charge rate of 190 amps.
• 💰 The price difference between Give Energy and SunSync is negligible, but the 8.8 kW hybrid inverter is more expensive.
• 🔧 The user is concerned about future-proofing and the longevity of the inverter, considering the potential for over-sizing equipment for better performance and longevity.

Q & A

What is the maximum solar panel capacity the roof can accommodate?

The roof can accommodate 22 solar panels with a peak capacity of 9.46 kilowatts.

Why are the solar panels being installed on two different strings?

The solar panels are being installed on two different strings due to their different orientations and to avoid overlapping, resulting from the East-West split of the roof.

What are the three recommended inverters mentioned in the script?

The script does not specify the exact names of the three inverters, but it discusses their features and capabilities, such as smoother app experience, data availability, and technical capabilities.

What is the difference between the app experiences of Give Energy and SunSync?

Give Energy is described as having a smoother, more minimal, and modern app experience, while SunSync's app provides more data and is considered technically more capable but possibly less polished.

Why are 5 kilowatt inverters being compared despite the system's 9.46 kilowatt peak?

The 5 kilowatt inverters are being compared because they are likely more than adequate for the system, considering the panels are on different strings and orientations, which may result in not fully utilizing the peak capacity.

What is the advantage of SunSync's lower startup voltage?

SunSync's lower startup voltage allows it to come on earlier in the day and possibly keep running later into the evening, which could potentially increase energy generation.

How does the Sunsyn's current per string compare to the limitations it presents?

The Sunsyn's current per string is lower, which could limit the number of panels that can be installed on one of the roof faces without reaching the limit.

What is the significant difference when considering adding batteries later on?

The charge rate on the Sunsyn is almost twice that of the Give Energy, with a difference between 65 amps and 120 amps, which is considerable, especially for adding substantial battery capacity.

What is the main advantage of the 8.8 kilowatt hybrid inverter mentioned in the script?

The 8.8 kilowatt hybrid inverter has a higher startup voltage, can handle more solar input with up to 22 amps per string, and has a significantly higher voltage charge rate of 190 amps, providing more headroom for future expansion.

What concerns does the user have regarding the choice of inverter and future-proofing?

The user is concerned about choosing an inverter that will meet their needs for potentially 10-15 years, avoid software glitches, and provide enough capacity for future energy demands and potential battery expansion.