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.

Outlines

00:00

🔆 Solar Panel System Inverter Selection

The speaker is seeking advice on choosing between two solar inverters for their solar panel system. They have narrowed down their options to 22 panels with a peak of 9.46 kilowatts. The panels will be on two different strings and orientations due to an East-West split on the roof. The three inverters under consideration are recommended by their installer. Give Energy is noted for its smoother, more modern app experience, while SunSync is praised for its comprehensive data. The comparison focuses on 5 kilowatt inverters, with the SunSync having a lower startup voltage for earlier operation. The speaker also discusses the limitations on the number of panels due to the inverter's current per string capacity, and the potential for adding batteries in the future, where SunSync's charge rate is significantly higher than Give Energy's. The backup power capabilities and fully integrated touchscreen of the SunSync inverters are also mentioned. The price difference between the two brands is negligible, but the 8.8 kilowatt inverter is also considered for its higher capacity and charge rate, despite being more expensive and larger in size.

05:03

🤔 Future-Proofing and Inverter Decisions

In this paragraph, the speaker contemplates the benefits of future-proofing their solar system by potentially oversizing the inverter, drawing parallels to their experience with car and home audio equipment where headroom can lead to better longevity. They discuss the advice found in guides that recommend using the smallest inverter possible to maximize solar array use, even if it means some clipping at peak times. However, these guides often do not consider the charge and discharge rates relevant for battery systems. The speaker expresses concern about the need to swap out inverters due to dissatisfaction with charge and discharge rates, a situation they wish to avoid. They mention the experiences of others who have had to install a second inverter to run in parallel due to software glitches. The speaker is leaning towards a decision that will be correct the first time, considering the long-term use of the system, potential expansion, and increasing energy demands, especially with a growing family.

Keywords

💡Solar Panels

Solar panels are devices that convert sunlight into electricity using photovoltaic cells. In the video's context, the speaker discusses narrowing down the number of solar panels to fit on their roof, aiming for a peak of 9.46 kilowatts. This is a central theme of the video, as the speaker is considering the installation of a solar power system for their home.

💡Inverters

Inverters are electrical devices that convert direct current (DC) from solar panels into alternating current (AC), which is used in homes and businesses. The script mentions three types of inverters being considered for the solar system: Give Energy, SunSync, and an 8.8 kW hybrid inverter. The choice of inverter is crucial as it affects the system's performance, efficiency, and ability to integrate with future technologies like batteries.

💡Peak Wattage

Peak wattage refers to the maximum power output of a solar panel or system under ideal conditions. The script mentions a peak of 9.46 kilowatts, which is the maximum power that the solar panels can produce. This is an important metric when designing a solar system to ensure it meets the energy needs of the household.

💡Orientation

Orientation in the context of solar panels refers to the direction they face, which affects the amount of sunlight they receive and, consequently, their energy production. The script mentions that the panels will be on two different orientations, which could impact the overall efficiency of the solar system.

💡App Experience

The app experience refers to how user-friendly and intuitive the software interface is for monitoring and managing the solar system. The script contrasts Give Energy's smoother, more modern app with SunSync's more data-rich but potentially less polished interface. This is important for users who want to easily track their system's performance and manage their energy usage.

💡Startup Voltage

Startup voltage is the minimum voltage at which an inverter begins to operate. The SunSync inverter has a slightly lower startup voltage, as mentioned in the script, which means it could start working earlier in the day and continue later into the evening compared to other inverters. This can affect the total daily energy production of the solar system.

💡String

In solar installations, a string refers to a series of solar panels connected together. The script discusses the imper current per string, indicating the maximum current that can flow through a string of panels. This is important for ensuring that the solar system is not overloaded and operates safely.

💡Battery Integration

Battery integration refers to the ability of a solar system to work with battery storage, allowing for energy to be stored for use when the sun isn't shining. The script mentions the charge rate on the SunSync being almost twice that of the Give Energy, which is a significant factor when considering future battery additions to the system.

💡Off-Grid Capability

Off-grid capability means that a solar system can operate independently of the main power grid. The script mentions that the SunSync inverter is marketed for full off-grid use, which is an important feature for those considering a system that can operate without reliance on the grid.

💡Backup Power

Backup power refers to the ability of a solar system to provide electricity during power outages or as an emergency power source. The script briefly touches on this topic, indicating that the SunSync inverter can support more current and output more power, which could be beneficial for backup power scenarios.

💡Headroom

Headroom in the context of solar inverters refers to the excess capacity or capability beyond the current needs, providing flexibility for future expansion or upgrades. The script discusses the 8.8 kW hybrid inverter having a lot of headroom, which could be beneficial for future-proofing the solar system against increasing energy demands.

Highlights

The user needs advice on choosing between three inverters for their solar panel system.

The solar panel system has been reduced to 22 panels with a peak of 9.46 kilowatts.

Panels will be on two different strings and orientations without overlapping due to an East-West split.

Give Energy and SunSync are the two main inverter brands being considered.

Give Energy has a smoother app experience, while SunSync offers more data.

SunSync has a lower startup voltage, allowing it to operate earlier and later in the day.

The user is comparing 5 kilowatt inverters, which are more than adequate for their needs.

SunSync's 5 kilowatt inverter has a lower current limit per string, which could be restrictive.

SunSync's charge rate for batteries is almost twice that of Give Energy, at 120 amps compared to 65 amps.

The user is considering the future addition of batteries and the impact on the inverter choice.

SunSync is marketed for off-grid capabilities and can support more current and output power.

SunSync inverters come with a fully integrated touchscreen.

The price difference between Give Energy and SunSync 5 kilowatt inverters is negligible.

The 8.8 kilowatt hybrid inverter is recommended for its higher startup voltage and capacity.

The 8.8 kilowatt inverter offers significant headroom with a 190-amp charge rate.

The user is concerned about the longevity of the inverter and the benefits of oversizing.

Some guides recommend going for the smallest inverter to maximize solar array use, even with some clipping.

The user is aware of people having to swap out Give Energy inverters due to dissatisfaction with charge and discharge rates.

The user wants to avoid software glitches and bugs that have been reported with some inverters.

The user is seeking advice to make the right choice for a long-term solar panel system.

Transcripts

okay this one should be a quick little

one today I just need a little bit of

advice a little bit of help we've

whittled down now to 22 panels that we

can squeeze on the roof and we're

looking at a peak of 9.46

kilow and once we uh add all the panels

up they're on two different orientations

so they're going to be on two different

strings and uh won't be overlapping

because of the kind of uh East West

split these are the three inverters that

keep being recommended and are supported

by our installer now from what I

understand give energy seems to have a

little bit of a smoother app experience

maybe a little bit more minimal and a

little bit more modern whereas the Suns

experience seems to have all the data

and more that you could want but maybe

not quite as polished and as modern

looking but I don't know if this is a

bit of a case of an Apple versus Android

sort of mentality that maybe the sunsync

is technically more capable but the

apple or in this case the uh give energy

is actually the smoother experience and

the overall package so um we're

comparing the 5 kilowatt um inverters

because although we're looking at 9.46

kilowatt Peak with them being on

different strings and different

orientations um it's probably more than

adequate um you can see that the sunsync

has a slightly lower startup voltage so

it will come on earlier in the day and

probably keep running till earlier in

the evening I don't know how much of a

difference that's actually going to make

so if you've got any uh experience in

that area then be sure to let me know um

this is the imper current per string so

you can see that we would be a little

bit limited on the sunsync 5 kilowatt

especially on one of the uh one of the

faces of the roof where we're going to

have quite a few panels that that could

potentially be pushing us right to the

Limit um here you can see the out the

output it's near as anything the same

the big difference comes when we start

looking at adding batteries later on

down the line if we don't get it done at

the same time with the inverter the

charge rate on the Suns syn is almost

twice that of the give energy so

difference between 65 amps and 120 amps

that is

considerable um especially if we want to

be adding some substantial battery

capacity to deal with our heat pump in

the winter but uh anyway then there's

some the backup power like EPs and um

I'm not exactly sure on the off-grid

completely off-grid capability they give

energy the Suns syns seem to be uh quite

regularly marketed in that in that area

as being fully off grid but um it can

certainly support more uh more current

and output more power uh if that was

needed um on the actual unit the Suns

syns have a a fully integrated

touchcreen probably not much of an issue

for me because it seems like everything

can be accessed on my computer through

the portal but also through an app on

your smartphone all have Wi-Fi the price

difference is pretty much nothing

between it give energy and Sun 5 kilow

but really really you can see obviously

I've added here the 8.8 everyone seems

to recommend this um because it has the

same startup voltage as some a lot of

the smaller inverters but uh it can go

up to 22 amps per string so you can take

a lot more uh solar input and

potentially further down the line if we

wanted to expand one of the strings we'd

have the head room there and the

capacity to do so um but it also has

massive um massive jumps up in the

amount of output that it can deal with

and also the voltage charge rate then

comes in at 190 amps now there's not

even that many batteries that could uh

take that kind of charge rate and that

discharge rate so um you'd have to uh

have to strategically get the correct

battery setup if you wanted to really

trying maximize and make the most of

this hybrid this uh 8.8 KW hybrid

inverter it seems to have a lot of

Headroom 36.4 amp as you may be able to

tell there I didn't put the dimensions

did I it is a little bit of a bigger

unit and it is quite substantially more

money so is it worth

it h i don't know there's quite a few

people out there that seem to think this

is the one to go for this is the Big

Daddy of the moment that seems to have

technically all the bells and whistles

that you could want or could need um but

probably more than we would ever

actually use um but is it good for

future proofing and does it also mean I

know in some other areas of electronic

equipment and um especially speaking

from uh an experience with car audio

home audio when you have a lot of head

room and you're not pushing amplifiers

to the absolute maximum they do have

better longevity and so there is quite a

tendency to oversize things and not

really uh Flex the muscles of it I

presume there's going to be a similar

train of thought um looking through some

of the uh kind of guides and you know

the get into grips with things they seem

to recommend commend going for the

smallest inverter you possibly can to

maximize the use of your solar array

even if there's some clipping at the

peaks of the day but not many of those

guides to inverters take into account

the charge and discharge rate when you

start speaking about batteries and

looking at that further down the line so

um I can see there's a lot of people

already who have installed give energy

inverters and then have had to swap them

out because they've been so dissatisfied

by the charge and discharge rate and I

don't want to get trapped in that and

I've kind of in my mind I've already

kind of excluded the give energy a

little bit even though there are still a

lot of people who Rave about it but uh

quite a few people are talking about

having to then have a second inverter

installed try and run them in parallel

apparently there can be some glitches

and some bugs with the software and

that's not working as smoothly as it

possibly can I'd really like to avoid

any of that so I want to get it right

first time and if this is something

that's going to be in for who knows 10

15 years and potentially we will expand

as we go and of course our energy

demands are only ever going to increase

uh going forward especially with growing

kids in the house becoming teenagers and

I'm sure you people out there with

teenagers will be able to tell me all

about that anyway I'm completely

complely waffling on this was meant to

be a really short one so I'm just going

to end it there any advice you've got

for me any regrets you've made I have

looked at loads of other brands of

inverters as well but these are the ones

that are both supported by my installer

and come really highly recommended so I

don't really want to get deviating into

any other brands now but leave your

comments I read them all I try and reply

to every single one and uh I'm learning

a lot from all of you experts that

sharing your wisdom with me so thanks

and I'll see you

again