Question 1

How do I know if a battery is compatible with my inverter?

Accepted Answer

Match three things: nominal voltage, communication protocol and maximum charge/discharge current. A 51.2V (48V nominal) rack battery such as the Dynamp DLR5105 or Datou Boss 100Ah only works with a 48V-class hybrid inverter — it will not work with a 24V unit. The battery and inverter must also speak the same protocol over CAN or RS485; Afore, Fox ESS and Solis hybrids all support the common Pylontech/CAN protocol used by our rack batteries.

Question 2

Can I mix a 24V battery with a 48V inverter (or vice versa)?

Accepted Answer

No. Battery voltage class must match the inverter's DC battery input. Our 5kWh 24V 200Ah LiFePO4 wall battery pairs with 24V inverters such as the 3.6kW and 4kW hybrid units. For 48V inverters like the 12kW hybrid, use 51.2V rack batteries.

Question 3

Can I add more batteries later?

Accepted Answer

Yes, with rack-mount LiFePO4 batteries. Parallel additional identical modules (same brand, same capacity, ideally similar age) and set the address/DIP switches so each module has a unique ID with one master. Avoid mixing chemistries, capacities or brands on the same bus.

Question 4

How much battery storage do I actually need?

Accepted Answer

As a rule of thumb, size storage to your evening and overnight usage. A typical UK home using 8–10kWh per day is well served by 5–10kWh usable storage. Heavy EV charging or electric heating usually justifies 10–15kWh.

Question 5

What is DoD and cycle life?

Accepted Answer

Depth of discharge is how much of the pack you can safely use — LiFePO4 typically allows 90–95%. Cycle life is how many full charge/discharge cycles before capacity drops to 80%; our LiFePO4 batteries are rated 6000+ cycles, roughly 15 years of daily cycling.

Question 6

What size inverter do I need for my solar array?

Accepted Answer

Size the inverter to your array's peak DC output, allowing 1.0–1.3x DC oversizing. For example, 10 x 460W panels (4.6kW DC) suits a 3.6kW–6kW hybrid inverter. Oversizing slightly is normal in the UK because panels rarely hit their rated output.

Question 7

Single phase or three phase?

Accepted Answer

Most UK homes are single phase — choose a single-phase hybrid such as the Afore 3.6kW or AF6K-1L 6kW. Use a three-phase unit like the Afore AF10K-TH only if your property has a three-phase supply, which is common on commercial and larger rural properties.

Question 8

What do MPPT trackers and voltage windows mean for panel layout?

Accepted Answer

Each MPPT tracker manages one string. Keep the string's open-circuit voltage (Voc, cold-weather corrected) below the inverter's maximum DC input voltage, and keep operating voltage inside the MPPT range. Panels on different roof orientations should go on separate trackers.

Question 9

Do I need a hybrid inverter or a string inverter?

Accepted Answer

Choose a hybrid if you want battery storage now or in the future, plus backup/UPS output during power cuts. A plain string inverter is cheaper but cannot charge a battery without adding a separate AC-coupled charger.

Question 10

What continuous and surge output should I look for off-grid?

Accepted Answer

Add up your continuous loads, then check the surge rating for motor start-up (fridges, pumps, power tools) which can draw 3–5x running current. Pure sine wave output is essential for sensitive electronics.

Question 11

Should I wire panels in series or parallel?

Accepted Answer

Series adds voltage and keeps current low, which suits grid-tied and hybrid inverters with high-voltage MPPT inputs — this is the usual choice for roof arrays. Parallel adds current at a fixed voltage and suits small 12V/24V off-grid PWM systems such as caravan and motorhome kits.

Question 12

What is the correct connection order when commissioning?

Accepted Answer

Always connect the battery to the inverter first, then the PV array, then the AC grid or loads. Shut down in reverse: AC off, PV isolator off, then battery. Powering an inverter from PV with no battery attached can damage the unit.

Question 13

What cable and protection do I need between battery and inverter?

Accepted Answer

Use short, correctly rated DC cable — typically 25–35mm² for a 48V 100A rack battery — with a DC-rated breaker or fuse at the battery, plus a DC isolator. On the PV side use double-insulated solar cable with MC4 connectors and a DC isolator at the inverter.

Question 14

Do I need earthing and surge protection?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Bond the mounting rails and all metallic frames to the property earth, and fit DC and AC surge protection where the run is long or the property is exposed. All AC connections must comply with BS 7671.

Question 15

Can I install this myself?

Accepted Answer

Off-grid, caravan and plug-in balcony kits are DIY-friendly. Anything connected to your home's mains supply must be installed and commissioned by a qualified electrician and notified under MCS/G98/G99 for grid export. See our installation guide for step-by-step wiring diagrams, or contact us for an installed price.

Frequently asked questions

Battery compatibility

Inverter sizing

Connecting panels & batteries

Still not sure?