Video reference. "Sungrow Inverter, Optimiser and Battery Installation" is from Upvolt Energy, a UK solar installation company. The video follows a complete installation of the Sungrow SH hybrid inverter alongside optimisers and a Sungrow battery, covering the AC wiring, battery module connections, CT clamp setup and commissioning on iSolarCloud.
1. Surveying the site and sizing the system
The Sungrow SBR (Solar Battery Residential) range pairs with Sungrow SH hybrid inverters. The SH inverter handles DC input from the solar panels via its MPPTs and manages the DC connection to the SBR battery stack, exporting surplus as AC to the household and grid. Because the inverter and battery are integrated at the DC level, adding a Sungrow battery to an existing Sungrow hybrid inverter is straightforward; adding it alongside a different brand of inverter typically involves replacing the inverter with an SH model.
The installer assesses the solar array, consumer unit, and daily consumption. SBR batteries are modular: the SBR096 base module (9.6 kWh) is the starting point, with SBR016 expansion modules adding 1.6 kWh at a time up to the SH inverter's maximum. The installer recommends the initial capacity and notes whether space and wiring allow for future expansion.
2. Mounting the inverter and planning the battery position
The SH hybrid inverter wall-mounts close to the solar cable entry point. SBR modules stack vertically in a column beside or below the inverter. Before any drilling, the installer confirms the wall can carry the combined weight of the full planned stack, that the location temperature will remain within Sungrow's specified operating range throughout the year, and that the cable route between the battery stack and the inverter's battery terminals is short and clean.
3. Stacking and connecting the SBR battery modules
The SBR096 base module is mounted first on its wall bracket. Expansion modules are added above it in the sequence specified in the installation guide, each linked to the next by a bus bar and a communications cable. Terminal connections are made in order and torqued to the values in the Sungrow manual. A final check confirms polarity through the full stack before the battery DC output connects to the SH inverter's battery terminals.
4. Running the AC supply cable to the consumer unit
The inverter's AC output connects via a dedicated circuit to the consumer unit. Twin-and-earth cable is sized for the inverter's rated output current and route length, keeping volt drop within BS 7671 Regulation 525 limits. An RCBO or MCB at the consumer unit protects the circuit and is sized to match the cable and inverter rating. Polarity and earth continuity are verified before the board cover goes back on, and the circuit schedule is updated.
5. Fitting and orienting the CT clamp
A CT clamp on the grid import conductor tells the SH inverter how much power the household is drawing from or exporting to the grid. The inverter uses this reading to decide whether to charge the battery from surplus solar, discharge it to cut import, or export. Fitting the clamp in the wrong direction inverts the readings: the battery charges from the grid during the day instead of from solar and discharges at night when the grid is cheapest.
The installer confirms the CT clamp is reading the correct sign convention in iSolarCloud before commissioning proceeds, with a sanity check against any load known to be on at that moment.
6. Commissioning on iSolarCloud and notifying Part P and DNO
With all connections complete and dead tests passed, the installer powers up and commissions via iSolarCloud. Self-use, time-of-use, feed-in priority and backup settings are configured to match the household's energy tariff and requirements. A test charge and discharge cycle confirms the system operates correctly.
The installation is notified through the installer's Part P competent person scheme and you receive an Electrical Installation Certificate. DNO notification follows G98 for systems exporting up to 3.68 kW per phase, with the DNO notified within 28 days. Systems larger than this, or on a three-phase supply, need G99 pre-approval before work starts. Keep the EIC and DNO letter with your property documents.
When to call us
Richard installs home battery storage systems across east Kent, including Sungrow and other brands. He handles the battery module installation, AC supply wiring, CT clamp, iSolarCloud commissioning, Part P certification and DNO notification. Get in touch for a free fixed quote.
Battery storage installation in east Kent?
Richard installs Sungrow, GivEnergy, Growatt and other home battery systems across Sandwich, Deal, Dover, Ramsgate and Canterbury. Free fixed quotes, full certification, same-day commissioning.
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