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In this Sungrow review, we delve into the performance and reliability of this stalwart of the clean energy industry’s top inverters and battery storage systems, including their efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and suitability for residential and commercial applications.
Sungrow Company Overview
Sungrow Power Supply Co., Ltd is a leader in solar inverter research and development. Professor Cao Renxian founded the company in 1997, and it is headquartered in Hefei, Anhui, China. Its portfolio of solar equipment includes PV inverters, energy storage systems, and PV plant solutions.
In fact, it’s the largest global supplier of PV inverters, with over 405GW in installations as of June 2023. It also claims to have the largest dedicated R&D team in the industry. Sungrow’s products are used in over 170 countries worldwide.
Sungrow Products
Sungrow is involved with researching and manufacturing a wide range of clean energy solutions. While its series of inverters and battery storage solutions form its core offering, it has a comprehensive catalogue of equipment, including:
- String inverters: A wide range of products designed for residential, commercial, and industrial use.
- Hybrid inverters: These combine the capabilities of solar and battery inverters and offer seamless energy management for on- and off-grid systems.
- EV charging systems: AC and DC electric vehicle charging systems are equipped with the iEnergyCharge monitoring platform.
- iSolarCloud: A centralised cloud-based hub for monitoring solar plants running on specialised devices for easy integration.
- Floating PV solutions: Floating bodies and booster + inverter platforms for water-based plants.
- Accessories: Combiner boxes and monitoring solutions for efficient solar farm management.
In addition to solar energy solutions, Sungrow offers extensive wind- and hydrogen-based power generation, storage, and management solutions.
Sungrow String Inverter
As one of their core offerings, Sungrow offers a variety of string inverters tailored to different needs.
Types of Sungrow String Inverters
String inverters take DC from PV panels and convert it into AC to be fed into the electrical grid. With different series of inverters available, Sungrow caters to residential and commercial solar projects requiring between 2kW and 352kW installations.
Here are the different types of string inverters it offers:
- SG5.0/6.0/8.0/10/12RT: Ideal for residential use, known for their compact design and high efficiency.
- SG15/20RT: Suitable for larger residential or small commercial installations, offering robust performance.
- SG2.0/2.5/3.0RS-S: Light and compact solution designed for small-scale residential systems, providing cost-effectiveness.
- SG3.0/3.6/4.0/5.0/6.0RS: Popular for their versatility and ease of installation in residential settings.
- SG33/50CX-P2: High-power inverters for commercial applications featuring reliable energy conversion.
- SG33CX: A reliable option for medium-sized commercial installations.
- SG110CX: Designed for large-scale commercial projects, offering high power output and efficiency.
- SG125CX-P2: Another robust option for commercial use, known for its durability.
- SG350HX: Suitable for industrial applications requiring high power output and efficiency.
Sungrow’s Most Popular String Inverters
The SG/RT series is Sungrow’s flagship range of string inverters, featuring exceptional performance and reliability. Although they offer high efficiency and reliability, these inverters typically cater to residential users.
Some key offerings in this series include:
- Sungrow SG6.0RT:
- Efficiency: 98.4%
- MPPT: 1
- Max output: 6.6kW
- Sungrow SG5.0RT:
- Efficiency: 98.4%
- MPPT: 1
- Max output: 5.5kW
- Sungrow SG3.0RT:
- Efficiency: 98.2%
- MPPT: 2
- Max output: 3.3kW
These models share a variety of smart technologies that enhance both their convenience and performance under a variety of conditions:
- Lower startup & wider MPPT voltage
- Compatibility with bifacial modules
- Built-in PID recovery function
- Smart IV curve scanning
- 24 / 7 Live monitoring
- Over-the-air firmware updates
- Quick arc fault circuit interrupter
- Build-in Type II DC & AC SPD
- High anti-corrosion rating C5
- Compact and lightweight design (21 kg)
- Push-in connectors
- Fast and easy commissioning via the App
Performance of the Sungrow String Inverters
Sungrow string inverters are known for their excellent performance. They offer high efficiency, often exceeding 98%, and are equipped with advanced MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) technology to maximise energy harvest from solar panels.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sungrow String Inverters
Advantages:
- High efficiency and performance
- Easy to install and maintain
- Robust and durable design
- Advanced monitoring and control features
- Competitive pricing
Disadvantages:
- Limited availability in some regions
- May require professional installation for optimal performance
How Much Do Sungrow String Inverters Cost?
The cost of Sungrow inverters varies by model and its specifications. Residential string inverters like the SG5.0RT typically range from €950 to €1,400, while commercial models such as the SG110CX can cost between €4,500 and €9,000. However, some entry-level models are available for just over €450, like the SG8K-D.
Inverters from Sungrow vs Other Manufacturers
In the string inverter market, Sungrow balances affordability and performance. In terms of performance metrics, they often equal or surpass those of more expensive brands. They are an attractive option for maximising budgets without compromising quality.
Sungrow Hybrid Inverters
Sungrow’s hybrid inverters combine solar and battery inverters in a single unit, providing flexible energy management solutions.
Types of Sungrow Hybrid Inverters
Similar to its string inverters, Sungrow offers a wide range of hybrid inverters for different applications:
- SH5.0/6.0/8.0/10RT: Popular for residential applications, these inverters offer high-efficiency energy conversion and storage.
- SH3.0/3.6/4.0/5.0/6.0RS: Designed for smaller residential systems, with a balance between performance and cost.
- SH15/20/25T: Suitable for larger residential or small commercial installations, providing high power output.
- SC1200UD/SC1375UD/SC1575UD: Designed for medium to large-scale commercial applications.
- SC2000UD/SC2500UD: High-capacity inverters for extensive commercial and industrial use.
- SC2750UD-MV/SC3150UD-MV/SC3450UD-MV: Suitable for large industrial installations requiring significant power.
- SC4000UD-MV/SC5000UD-MV/SC5500UD-MV: High-voltage inverters for industrial applications.
- SC6300UD-MV/SC6900UD-MV: The highest capacity inverters for extensive industrial systems.
Sungrow’s Most Popular Hybrid Inverters
Sungrow’s SH5.0/6.0/8.0/10RT is its most popular. While it’s ideally suited for residential installations, its high efficiency and storage make it suitable for smaller commercial applications as well.
Here are some key specifications of the models in this series:
- Sungrow SH5.0RT:
- Efficiency: 98%
- MPPT: 2
- Max output: 5kW
- Sungrow SH6.0RT:
- Efficiency: 98.2%
- MPPT: 2
- Max output: 6kW
- Sungrow SG8.0RT:
- Efficiency: 98.2%
- MPPT: 2
- Max output: 8kW
On top of their impressive specifications, Sungrow’s hybrid inverters feature many of the same cutting-edge tech as their string counterparts:
- DC 13.5A current input, compatible with high-power PV modules
- Supports parallel connection with master-slave controlling
- Provides 100% power to unbalance loads in backup mode
- Supports retrofitting scenarios
- Seamless transition to backup mode for protection against power outages
- Fast charging/discharging
- Compatible with AC EV chargers
- High self-consumption with optimised built-in EMS
- Free online monitoring
- Remote firmware update and customisable settings
- Unique push-in connectors for time-saving installation
- Touch-free commissioning with a smartphone
- Lightweight and compact
Performance of the Sungrow Hybrid Inverters
Sungrow hybrid inverters deliver excellent performance, high conversion efficiency, and reliable energy storage capabilities. They support both on-grid and off-grid applications, with features that ensure energy availability even during power outages. More advanced capabilities, such as remote monitoring and control, make managing them convenient.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sungrow Hybrid Inverters
Advantages:
- High efficiency and performance
- Integrated energy storage solutions
- Versatile for both on-grid and off-grid use
- Advanced monitoring and control features
- Competitive pricing
Disadvantages:
- Initial setup can be complex
- Higher upfront cost compared to standard inverters
How Much Do Sungrow Hybrid Inverters Cost?
The cost of Sungrow hybrid inverters varies based on the model and specifications. However, as expected, they are generally more expensive than string inverters. Residential hybrid inverters like the SH5.0RT typically range from €1,800 to €2,700, while larger commercial models can cost between €9,000 and €18,000.
Hybrid Inverters From Sungrow vs Other Manufacturers
Like their string inverters, Sungrow hybrid inverters are often more affordable than other high-end brands while delivering comparable performance and reliability. They offer cost-effective solutions for those looking to invest in solar energy and battery storage that’s hassle-free to maintain and provides a high level of performance.
Sungrow Battery Storage
Sungrow also offers a range of ESS solutions to support its inverters and other energy generation systems. These turnkey solutions are available for residential, C&I, and utility-scale applications. Sungrow’s battery systems are primarily based on PCS and lithium-ion technologies, and most are supported by its suite of management and monitoring software solutions.
Types of Sungrow Battery Storage
Sungrow offers a range of battery storage solutions, with its SBR series particularly popular and the SBH following closely behind.
Sungrow SBR Battery Storage
The SBR series includes the SBR064, SBR096, SBR128, SBR160, SBR192, SBR224, and SBR256. These batteries are known for their high efficiency, safety, and scalability, making them suitable for various energy storage needs.
For example, the entry-to-mid-range SBR096 has a capacity of 9.6kWh and a battery voltage of 150V-219V.
Some of the other capabilities of the SBR range includes:
- Up to 30 A continuous charging and discharging current with high efficiency
- Up to 100 % usable energy
- Lithium iron phosphate battery
- Multi-stage protection design and extensive safety certification
- Extendable during lifetime
- Supports 2-8 modules per unit with up to 6.4-25.6 kWh capacity range
- Compact and Light – can be installed by a single person
- Plug and Play, wiring-less connection between modules
High Voltage LFP Battery
Sungrow also offers high-voltage LFP batteries, such as the SBH100, SBH150, SBH200, SBH250, SBH300, SBH350, and SBH400. These batteries are designed for high-capacity energy storage and are ideal for commercial and industrial applications.
The offer features like:
- Up to 50A continuous charging and discharging current
- Eight power module units with a maximum power output of up to 28kW
- Up to 100% usable energy
- Lithium iron phosphate Battery
- Multi-stage protection design and extensive safety certification
- Extendable during lifetime with a 10–40 kWh capacity range
- Plug-and-play installation
Performance of the Sungrow SBR Storage
Sungrow SBR storage systems deliver excellent performance, high efficiency, and long lifespans. They offer reliable energy storage and backup capabilities, ensuring continuous power supply even during grid outages. Their advanced battery management system optimises performance and enhances safety for end-users and installers.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sungrow SBR
Advantages:
- High efficiency and performance
- Scalable and modular design
- Advanced safety features
- Reliable energy storage and backup
- Competitive pricing
Disadvantages:
- Higher upfront cost compared to lower-capacity batteries
- Availability may be limited in some regions
How Much Does Sungrow SBR Cost?
The cost of Sungrow SBR battery storage systems can vary significantly depending on the specific model and storage capacity. Generally, prices range from around €1,800 to €9,000 per unit, with the SBR096 costing approximately €2,700.
However, these prices can vary further based on the supplier, installation costs, and additional features or services included.
SBR Battery Storage From Sungrow vs Other Manufacturers
Like they do for inverters, Sungrow also represents one of the best value for money options in the ESS space. Compared to prominent names like Tesla, Powerwall, and LG Chem RESU, their batteries offer competitive efficiencies, lifespans, and performance.
At the same time, they are typically more cost-effective than products with similar specifications at different price ranges. Due to their quality-of-life features, Sungrow is a preferred manufacturer for many installers.
What is the Sungrow Warranty?
All Sungrow inverters and storage solutions are covered by their robust in-house warranties.
Mostly, these warranties are on par with those offered by other brands. The standard warranty periods are:
- Inverters typically come with a 5- to 10-year warranty, depending on the model and region. Five years used to be the standard, but most new-generation models come with a 10-year warranty. Some models may offer an extended warranty option of up to 20 years.
- Battery Storage Systems: Generally include a 10-year warranty, covering performance and manufacturing defects. The warranty may specify a minimum capacity retention over the warranty period.
Summary – Are Sungrow Inverters and Batteries Worth Buying?
With a solid track record and positive reputation among installers, Sungrow is not just another cheap Chinese manufacturer in the clean energy sector. They have a history of excellence and punching above their weight that spans 27 years, with no signs of slowing down.
Both Sungrow’s inverters and battery solutions go beyond just offering top-grade performance at reasonable price points. They also utilize advanced technologies and software to simplify installation, maintenance, and monitoring for residential, C&I, and utility-scale installations.
