2nd inverter and solar panels

shibli

Hi , 

I currently have a solar power system consisting of a Growatt SPF 4000 inverter, a 6.5 kW Growatt battery, and 4 kW of solar panels. I'm considering expanding my system by doubling the number of solar panels. My question is whether I can simply add more panels and a secondary inverter, or if it would be more beneficial to replace the existing inverter with a larger model. How would a second inverter work with new panels in conjunction with my current set-up.

TIA
Shibli
 

QrizB

Assuming you don't qualify for FIT payments, I suspect either approach would work.

Screwdriva

I’d suggest replacing the Growatt with a larger Fronius 6kW inverter (assuming all the panels are not on a single South facing aspect) and selling the Growatt on. Better to have a reliable, single point of failure vs two unreliable points of failure. 

shibli

Screwdriva said:

I’d suggest replacing the Growatt with a larger Fronius 6kW inverter (assuming all the panels are not on a single South facing aspect) and selling the Growatt on. Better to have a reliable, single point of failure vs two unreliable points of failure. 

Unfortunately I have the growatt batteries so not sure if it would be compatible with other brands. No FIT and roof is more west / east facing.

ispookie666

If roof space is not limited, get a complete second system. DNO might place export limitation or cap at your current export.

This is one of my reasons I went with Enphase, although expensive in every possible way- it does give me the flexibility of adding more panels/systems