Growatt SPF 4000T DVM-MPV User manual

Off Grid MPV Solar Inverter
Split Phase 4KW-12KW
Version: 1.0
User Manual

Table Of Contents
Information on this Manual ..........................................................................................................................................................1
Validity ...........................................................................................................................................................................................1
Scope..............................................................................................................................................................................................1
Target Group.................................................................................................................................................................................1
Safety Instructions .......................................................................................................................................................................1
Introduction........................................................................................................................................................................................2
Features .........................................................................................................................................................................................2
Product Overview .........................................................................................................................................................................3
Installation..........................................................................................................................................................................................4
Unpacking and Inspection...........................................................................................................................................................4
Preparation ....................................................................................................................................................................................4
Battery Connection.......................................................................................................................................................................5
AC Input/Output Connection ......................................................................................................................................................8
PV Connection.............................................................................................................................................................................10
Communication Connection ......................................................................................................................................................11
Dry Contact Signal......................................................................................................................................................................11
Operation ...........................................................................................................................................................................................13
Power ON/OFF ............................................................................................................................................................................13
Operation and Display Panel.....................................................................................................................................................13
LCD Setting..................................................................................................................................................................................16
Display Setting ............................................................................................................................................................................21
Operating Mode Description .....................................................................................................................................................24
Fault Reference Code.................................................................................................................................................................25
Warning Indicator.......................................................................................................................................................................25
Battery Equalization ......................................................................................................................................................................26
Trouble Shooting.............................................................................................................................................................................27
Specifications ...................................................................................................................................................................................28

1
Information on this Manual
Validity
This manual is valid for the following devices:
SPF 4000T DVM-MPV
SPF 5000T DNM-MPV
SPF 6000T DVM-MPV
SPF 8000T DVM-MPV
SPF 10000T DVM-MPV
SPF 12000T DVM-MPV
Scope
This manual describes the assembly, installation, operation and troubleshooting of this unit. Please read
this manual carefully before installations and operations.
Target Group
This document is intended for qualified persons and end users. Tasks that do not require any particular
qualification can also be performed by end users. Qualified persons must have the following skills:
Knowledge of how an inverter works and is operated
Training in how to deal with the dangers and risks associated with installing and using electrical
devices and installations
Training in the installation and commissioning of electrical devices and installations
Knowledge of the applicable standards and directives
Knowledge of and compliance with this document and all safety information
Safety Instructions
WARNING: This chapter contains important safety and operating instructions.
Read and keep this manual for future reference.
1. CAUTION –Only qualified personnel can install this device with battery.
2. Before using the unit, read all instructions and caution marks on the unit, understand the batteries and all
appropriate sections of this manual.
3. CAUTION --To reduce risk of injury, charge only deep-cycle lead acid type rechargeable batteries. Other
types of batteries may burst, causing personal injury and damage.
4. NEVER cause AC output and DC input short circuit. Don‟t connect to the mains when DC input short circuits.
5. NEVER charge a frozen battery.
6. Do not disassemble the unit. Take it to a qualified service center when service or repair is required.
Incorrect re-assembly may result in a risk of electric shock or fire.
7. To reduce risk of electric shock, disconnect all wiring before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
Turning off the unit will not reduce this risk.
8. Be very cautious when working with metal tools on or around batteries. A potential risk, such as dropping a
tool to spark or short circuit batteries or other electrical parts, could cause an explosion.
9. For optimum operation of this off grid solar inverter, please follow required spec to select appropriate cable
size. It‟s very important to correctly operate this off grid solar inverter.
10. Please strictly follow installation procedure when you want to disconnect AC or DC terminals. Please refer
to INSTALLATION section of this manual for the details.
11. GROUNDING INSTRUCTIONS –This off grid solar inverter should be connected to a permanent grounded
wiring system. Be sure to comply with local requirements and regulation to install this inverter.
12. Warning!! Only qualified service persons are able to service this device. If errors still persist after
following troubleshooting table, please contact local dealer or service center for maintenance.

2
Introduction
Hybrid Power System
This is a multifunctional split-phase output off grid solar inverter, integrated with a MPPT solar charge
controller, a low frequency pure sine wave inverter and a UPS function module in one machine, which is
perfect for off grid backup power and self-consumption applications.
The whole system also need other devices to achieve complete running such as PV modules, generator, or
utility grid. Please consult with your system integrator for other possible system architectures depending on
your requirements. The WiFi / GPRS module is a plug-and-play monitoring device to be installed on the
inverter. With this device, users can monitor the status of the PV system from the mobile phone or from the
website anytime anywhere.
Features
Rated power 4KW to 12KW
MPPT solar charge controller
Low frequency inverter with large transformer
Pure sine wave AC output
Overload, short circuit and deep discharge protection
Configurable AC/ solar input priority via LCD setting
Compatible to mains voltage or generator power
WiFi / GPRS remote monitoring

3
Product Overview
(4KW/5KW/6KW) (8KW/10KW/12KW)
1. ON/OFF power switch
2. LCD dispaly
3. Status indicator
4. Charging indicator
5. Fault indicator
6. Function buttons
7. Battery “-”
8. Battery “+”
9. Fan
10. Remote control port
11. Dry contact
12. USB port
13. WiFi/GPRS device port
14. BMS(optional)
15. RS485 (optional)
16. AC input switch
17. AC output switch
18. AC input
19. AC output
20. PV input

4
Installation
Unpacking and Inspection
Before installation, please inspect the unit. Be sure that nothing inside the package is damaged. You
should have received the following items in the package:
The unit x 1
User manual x 1
Communication cable x 1
Software CD x 1
Preparation
Before connecting all wiring, please take off bottom cover by removing eight screws as shown below.
Mounting the Unit
Consider the following points before selecting where to install:
Do not mount the inverter on flammable construction materials.
Mount on a solid surface
Install this inverter at eye level in order to allow the LCD
display to be read at all times.
The ambient temperature should be between 0°C and 55°C to
ensure optimal operation.
The recommended installation position is to be adhered to the
wall vertically.
Be sure to keep other objects and surfaces as shown in the
right diagram to guarantee sufficient heat dissipation and to
have enough space for removing wires.
SUITABLE FOR MOUNTING ONCONCRETE OR
OTHER NON-COMBUSTIBLE SURFACE ONLY
Install the unit by screwing the six setscrews.

5
Battery Connection
CAUTION: For safety operation and regulation compliance, it‟s requested to install a separate DC over-
current protector or disconnect device between battery and inverter. It may not be requested to have a
disconnect device in some applications, however, it‟s still requested to have over-current protection
installed. Please refer to typical amperage in below table as required fuse or breaker size.
WARNING! All wiring must be performed by a qualified person.
WARNING! It's very important for system safety and efficient operation to use appropriate cable for
battery connection. To reduce risk of injury, please use the proper recommended cable and terminal
size as below.
Recommended battery cable and terminal size:
Model
Battery Voltage
Wire Gage/min
4kw
48V
1*2AWG
5kw
48V
1*1AWG
6kw
48V
2*3AWG
8kw
48V
2*2AWG
10kw
48V
2*1AWG
12kw
48V
3*2AWG
Please follow below steps to implement battery connection:
1. Assemble battery ring terminal based on recommended battery cable and terminal size.
2. Connect all battery packs as units requires. It‟s suggested to connect at least 200Ah capacity
battery for 4KW~6KW model and at least 400Ah capacity battery for 8KW~12KW model.
3. Insert the ring terminal of battery cable flatly into battery connector of inverter and make sure the
bolts are tightened with torque of 2-3 Nm. Make sure polarity at both the battery and the
inverter/charge is correctly connected and ring terminals are tightly screwed to the battery
terminals.
WARNING: Shock Hazard
Installation must be performed with care due to high battery voltage in series.
CAUTION!! Do not place anything between the flat part of the inverter terminal and the ring
terminal. Otherwise, overheating may occur.
CAUTION!! Do not apply anti-oxidant substance on the terminals before terminals are connected
tightly.
CAUTION!! Before making the final DC connection or closing DC breaker/disconnector, be sure
positive (+) must be connected to positive (+) and negative (-) must be connected to negative (-).

6
Lithium battery connection
If choosing lithium battery for Growatt SPF series products, you are allowed to use the lithium battery only
which we have configured. There‟re two connectors on the lithium battery, RJ45 port of BMS and power cable.
Please follow below steps to implement lithium battery connection:
1. Assemble battery ring terminal based on recommended battery cable and terminal size (same as Lead acid,
see section 3.4.1 for details) .
2. Insert the ring terminal of battery cable flatly into battery connector of inverter and make sure the bolts are
tightened with torque of 2-3Nm. Make sure polarity at both the battery and the inverter/charge is correctly
connected and ring terminals are tightly screwed to the battery terminals
3. Connect the end of RJ45 of battery to BMS communication port of inverter.
4. The other end of RJ45 insert to battery comm port.
Note: if choosing lithium battery, make sure to connect the BMS communication cable between the battery and
the inverter. You need to choose battery type as “lithium battery”.
Lithium battery communication and setting
In order to communicate with battery BMS, you should set the battery type to “LI” in Program 5. Then the LCD
will switch to Program 51, which is to set the protocol type. There are four RS485 protocols in the inverter.Basic
Protocol 1 is defined by Growatt. Protocol 2, Protocol 3 and protocol 4 are other customized protocols. Any
questions about the communication with BMS, please consult with the Growatt.
1. Connect the end of RJ45 of battery to BMS communication port of inverter
Make sure the lithium battery BMS port connects to the inverter is Pin to Pin, the inverter BMS port pin
assignment shown as below:
Pin number
BMS port
1
RS485B
2
RS485A
3
--
4
--
5
--
6
--
7
--
8
--

7
2. LCD setting
To connect battery BMS, need to set the battery type as “LI” in Program 05.
After set “LI” in Program 05, it will switch to Program 51 to choose battery type.
05
Battery type
AGM (Default)
Flood
User-Defined
If “User-Defined” is selected, battery charge voltage and low DC cut-
off voltage can be set up in program 19, 20 and 21.
User-Defined 2
(Suitable for lithium battery when no communicating with BMS)
If „US2‟ is selected, battery charge voltage and low DC cut-off
voltage can be set up in program 19,20 and 21.
Lithium (Only suitable when communicate with BMS)
The lithium battery BMS communication protocol options
When the battery type set to Li, the setting option 12, 13, 21 will change to display percent.
Note: When the battery type set as “LI”, the Maximum charge current can't be modified by the
user. When the communication fail, the inverter will cut off output.
12
Setting SOC point back to
utility source when
selecting “SBU priority” or
“Solar first” in program 01
Default 40%, 30%~50% Settable
13
Setting SOC point back to
battery mode when
selecting “SBU priority” or
“Solar first” in program 01
Default 80%, 60%~100% Settable
21
Low DC cut-off voltage.
If self-defined is selected in
program 5, this program can be
set up
Default 20%, 5%~50% Settable

8
AC Input/Output Connection
CAUTION!! Before connecting to AC input power source, please install a separate AC breaker
between inverter and AC input power source. This will ensure the inverter can be securely
disconnected during maintenance and fully protected from over current of AC input. The recommended
spec of AC breaker is 40A for 4KW~6KW, 80A for 8KW~12KW.
CAUTION!! There are two terminal blocks with “IN” and “OUT” markings. Please do NOT mis-connect
input and output connectors.
WARNING! All wiring must be performed by a qualified personnel.
WARNING! It‟s very important for system safety and efficient operation to use appropriate cable for AC input
connection. To reduce risk of injury, please use the proper recommended cable size as below.
Suggested cable requirement for AC wires
Model
Gauge
Torque Value
4KW/5KW
10 AWG
1.4~ 1.6 Nm
6KW/8KW
8 AWG
1.4~ 1.6 Nm
10KW/12KW
6 AWG
1.6~ 1.8 Nm
AC Wiring
Single phase with 240V output
Input: HOT1+ HOT2+
Ground
Output: HOT1+ HOT2
Single phase with 120V output
Input: HOT1+ HOT2+
Ground
Output:
HOT1+ N or HOT2+ N
Please follow below steps to implement AC input/output connection:
1. Before making AC input/output connection, be sure to open DC protector or disconnector first.
2. Remove insulation sleeve 10mm for six conductors. And shorten phase L and neutral conductor N 3 mm.
3. Insert AC input wires according to polarities indicated on terminal block and tighten the terminal
screws. Be sure to connect PE protective conductor first.

9
WARNING:
Be sure that AC power source is disconnected before attempting to hardwire it to the unit.
4. Then, insert AC output wires according to polarities indicated on terminal block and tighten terminal
screws. Be sure to connect PE protective conductor first.
5. Make sure the wires are securely connected.
CAUTION: Appliances such as air conditioner are required at least 2~3 minutes to restart because it‟s required
to have enough time to balance refrigerant gas inside of circuits. If a power shortage occurs and recovers in a
short time, it will cause damage to your connected appliances. To prevent this kind of damage, please check
with manufacturer of air conditioner that if it‟s equipped with time-delay function before installation. Otherwise,
this off grid solar inverter will trigger overload fault and cut off output to protect your appliance but sometimes
it still causes internal damage to the air conditioner.
CAUTION: Important
Be sure to connect AC wires with correct polarity. If L and N wires are connected reversely, it may cause
utilility short-circuited when these inverters are worked in parallel operation.

10
PV Connection
CAUTION: Before connecting to PV modules, please install separately a DC circuit breaker between
inverter and PV modules.
WARNING! All wiring must be performed by a qualified personnel.
WARNING! It'‟ very important for system safety and efficient operation to use appropriate cable for PV module
connection. To reduce risk of injury, please use the proper recommended cable size as below.
Model
Typical Amperage
Cable Size
Torque
4KW/5KW/6KW
80A
8AWG
1.6~1.8 Nm
8KW/10KW/12KW
120A
8AWG
1.6~1.8 Nm
PV Module Selection:
When selecting proper PV modules, please be sure to consider below parameters:
1. Open circuit Voltage (Voc) of PV modules not exceeds max. PV array open circuit voltage of inverter.
2. Open circuit Voltage (Voc) of PV modules should be higher than min. battery voltage.
Solar Charging Mode
INVERTER MODEL
4KW/5KW/6KW/8KW/10KW/12KW
Max. PV Array Open Circuit Voltage
250Vdc
PV Array MPPT Voltage Range
60~245Vdc
Min. battery voltage for PV charge
34Vdc
Please follow below steps to implement PV module connection:
1. Remove insulation sleeve 10 mm for positive and negative conductors.
2. Check correct polarity of connection cable from PV modules and PV input
connectors. Then, connect positive pole (+) of connection cable to
positive pole (+) of PV input connector. Connect negative pole (-) of
connection cable to negative pole (-) of PV input connector.
3. Make sure the wires are securely connected.
PV Wiring
4KW/5KW/6KW，MPPT 80A
8KW/10KW/12KW, MPPT 120A

11
Communication Connection
Please use supplied communication cable to connect to inverter and PC. Insert bundled CD into a
computer and follow on-screen instruction to install the monitoring software. For the detailed software
operation, please check user manual of software inside of CD.
Dry Contact Signal
There is one dry contact (3A/250VAC) available on the rear panel. It could be used to deliver signal to
generator when battery voltage reaches warning level.
Unit Status
Condition
Dry contact port:
NC & C
NO & C
Power Off
Unit is off and no output is powered.
Close
Open
Power On
Output is off and no output is powered
Close
Open
Output is
powered
from.
Battery or
solar
Program
01 set as
Utility
Battery voltage< Low DC warning
voltage
Open
Close
Battery voltage>Setting value in
Program 13 or battery charging
reaches floating stage
Close
Open
Program
01 is set as
SBU or
Solar first
Battery voltage< Setting value in
Program 12
Open
Close
Battery voltage>Setting value in
Program 13 or battery charging
reaches floating stage
Close
Open

12
Electrical Performance
AC Charger
The inverter is equipped with an active PFC (power factor correction) multistage battery charger. The PFC
feature is used to control the amount of power used to charge the batteries in order to obtain a power factor as
close as possible to 1.
When AC voltage is in the range of 154~260VAC, the charging current is 100%.
The inverter is with a strong charging current, 100Amp for 12KW model, and the charge current can be
adjusted from 10A~100A．This will be helpful when using on a small capacity battery bank.
There are mainly 3 stages:
Bulk Charging: This is the initial stage of charging. While Bulk Charging, the charger supplies the battery with
controlled constant current. The charger will remain in Bulk charge until the absorption charge voltage is
achieved.
Absorb Charging: This is the second charging stage and begins after the absorb voltage has been reached.
Absorb charging provides the batteries with a constant voltage and reduces the DC charging current in order to
maintain the absorb voltage setting.
In this period，the inverter will start a T1 time; the charger will keep the boost voltage in Boost CV mode until
the T1 time has run out. When charging current is <0.01C or the time is over 12 hours, then drop the voltage
Down to the float voltage.
Float Charging: The third charging stage occurs at the end of the absorb charging time. During float charging,
the charge voltage is reduced to the float charge voltage. In this stage, the battery are kept fully charged and
ready if needed by the inverter.
AC charging current
Model
Battery Voltage
Max. AC Charging Current
4KW
48V
40A
5KW
48V
50A
6KW
48V
60A
8KW
48V
70A
10KW
48V
80A
12KW
48V
100A

13
Operation
Power ON/OFF
Once the unit has been properly installed and the batteries are connected well, simply press On/Off
switch (located on the button of the case) to turn on the unit.
Operation and Display Panel
The operation and display panel, shown in below chart, is on the front panel of the inverter. It
includes three indicators, four function keys and a LCD display, indicating the operating status
and input/output power information.
1. LCD display
2. Status indicator
3. Charging indicator
4. Fault indicator
5. Function buttons
LED Indicator
LED Indicator
Messages
Green
Solid On
Output is powered by utility in Line mode.
Flashing
Output is powered by battery or PV in battery mode.
Green
Solid On
Battery is fully charged.
Flashing
Battery is charging.
Red
Solid On
Fault occurs in the inverter.
Flashing
Warning condition occurs in the inverter.
Function Buttons
Button
Description
ESC
To exit setting mode
UP
To go to previous selection
DOWN
To go to next selection
ENTER
To confirm the selection in setting mode or enter setting mode

14
LCD Display Icons
Icon
Function Description
Input Source Information
Indicates the AC input.
Indicates the PV input
Indicate input voltage, input frequency, PV voltage, battery voltage and
charger current.
Configuration Program and Fault Information
Indicates the setting programs.
Indicates the warning and fault codes.
Warning: flashing with warning code.
Fault:lighting with fault code
Output Information
Indicate output voltage, output frequency, load percent, load in VA, load in
Watt and discharging current.
Battery Information
Indicates battery level by 0-24%, 25-49%, 50-74% and 75-100% in battery
mode and charging status in line mode.
These two signs indicate the charge priority. SOLAR indicates solar first.
UTILITY indicate utility first. SOLAR blinking indicates solar only; SOLAR and
UTILITY both on indicates combined charging.
In AC mode, it will present battery charging status.
Status
Battery voltage
LCD Display
Constant
Current mode /
Constant
Voltage mode
<2V/cell
4 bars will flash in turns.
2 ~ 2.083V/cell
Bottom bar will be on and the other three
bars will flash in turns.
2.083 ~ 2.167V/cell
Bottom two bars will be on and the other
two bars will flash in turns.
> 2.167 V/cell
Bottom three bars will be on and the top
bar will flash.
Floating mode. Batteries are fully charged.
4 bars will be on.

15
In battery mode, it will present battery capacity.
Load Percentage
Battery Voltage
LCD Display
Load >50%
< 1.717V/cell
1.717V/cell ~ 1.8V/cell
1.8 ~ 1.883V/cell
> 1.883 V/cell
50%> Load > 20%
< 1.817V/cell
1.817V/cell ~ 1.9V/cell
1.9 ~ 1.983V/cell
> 1.983
Load < 20%
< 1.867V/cell
1.867V/cell ~ 1.95V/cell
1.95 ~ 2.033V/cell
> 2.033
Load Information
Indicates overload.
Indicates the load level by 0-24%, 25-49%, 50-74% and 75-100%.
0%~24%
25%~49%
50%~74%
75%~100%
Mode Operation Information
Indicates unit connects to the mains.
Indicates unit connects to the PV panel.
Indicates load is supplied by utility power.
Indicates the utility charger circuit is working.
Indicates the DC/AC inverter circuit is working.
These three sins indicate the output priority. SOL.FIRST indicates solar first.
BAT.FIRST indicates battery first. UTI.FIRST indicates utility first.
Mute Operation
Indicates unit alarm is disabled.

16
LCD Setting
After pressing and holding ENTER button for 3 seconds, the unit will enter setting mode. Press “UP” or “DOWN”
button to select setting programs. And then, press “ENTER” button to confirm the selection or ESC button to
exit.
Setting Programs:
Program
Description
Setting Option
01
Output source priority:
To configure load
power source priority
Solar first
Solar energy provides power to the loads as first priority.
If solar energy is not sufficient to power all connected loads,
battery energy will supply power the loads at the same time.
Utility provides power to the loads only when any one condition
happens:
- Solar energy is not available
- Battery voltage drops to either low-level warning voltage or
the setting point in program 12.
Utility first (default)
Utility will provide power to the loads as first priority.
Solar and battery energy will provide power to the loads only
when utility power is not available.
SBU priority
Solar energy provides power to the loads as first priority.
If solar energy is not sufficient to power all connected loads,
battery energy will supply power to the loads at the same time.
Utility provides power to the loads only when battery voltage
drops to either low-level warning voltage or the setting point in
program 12.
02
Maximum charging
current: To configure total
charging current for solar
and utility chargers.
(Max. charging current =
utility charging current +
solar charging current)
12KW model: default 80A, 10A~180A Settable
10KW model: default 80A, 10A~160A Settable
8KW model: default 80A, 10A~150A Settable
6KW model: default 80A, 10A~140A Settable
5KW model: default 80A, 10A~130A Settable
4KW model: default 80A, 10A~120A Settable
(If Li is selected in program 5, this program can‟t be set up)

17
03
AC input voltage range
Appliance (default)
If selected, acceptable AC input
voltage range will be within
154~272VAC
If selected, acceptable AC input
voltage range will be within
184~272VAC
05
Battery type
AGM (Default)
Flood
User-Defined
If “User-Defined” is selected, battery charge voltage and low DC
cut-off voltage can be set up in program 19, 20 and 21.
User-Defined 2
(Suitable for lithium battery when no communicating with BMS)
If „US2‟ is selected, battery charge voltage and low DC cut-off
voltage can be set up in program 19,20 and 21.
Lithium (Only suitable when communicate with BMS)
The lithium battery BMS communication protocol options
06
Auto restart when
overload occurs
Restart disable (default)
Restart enable
08
Output voltage
230V
220V
240V(default)
208V
09
Output frequency
50Hz (default)
60Hz

18
11
Maximum utility
charging current
12KW model: default 30A, 10A~100A Settable
10KW model: default 30A, 10A~80A Settable
8KW model: default 30A, 10A~70A Settable
6KW model: default 30A, 10A~60A Settable
5KW model: default 30A, 10A~50A Settable
4KW model: default 30A, 10A~40A Settable
(If Li is selected in program 5, this program can‟t be set up)
12
Setting voltage point
back to utility source
when selecting “SBU
priority” or “Solar
first” in program 01
48V model: default 46.0V, 44.0V~51.2V settable
Lithium battery mode: default 40%, 5%~50% settable
13
Setting voltage point
back to battery mode
when selecting “SBU
priority” or “Solar
first” in program 01
48V model: default 54.0V, 48.0V~58.0V Settable
48V Li mode: default 80%, 60%~100% settable
14
Charger source priority:
To configure charger
source priority
If this off grid solar inverter is working in Line, Standby or Fault
mode, charger source can be programmed as below:
Solar first
Solar energy will charge battery
as first priority.
Utility will charge battery only
when
solar energy is not available.
Utility first
Utility will charge battery as
first priority.
Solar energy will charge battery
only
when utility power is not
available.
Solar and Utility
Solar energy and utility will both
charge battery.
Only Solar
Solar energy will be the only
charger
source no matter utility is
available or not.
If this off grid solar inverter is working in Battery mode or Power
saving mode, only solar energy can charge battery. Solar energy
will charge battery if it's available and sufficient.