Quick Answer
A 5kW hybrid solar inverter manages power flow between solar panels, batteries and the utility grid, making it the central component of any residential solar-plus-storage system. This guide compares Deye, Goodwe, Solis and Growatt across efficiency, charge rate, PV input, output power, scalability and weight. BSLBATT's LiFePO4 batteries are compatible with all four brands reviewed here.
In residential energy storage, the hybrid inverter connects PV panels, the utility grid, batteries and loads, directing the entire system to operate across multiple modes. Learn how each of the 4 operating modes works and which setup fits your home.
The 5kW hybrid solar inverter is the most widely adopted entry point for residential solar-plus-storage. The market includes several strong competing brands, each with different technology strengths, making the choice genuinely difficult for first-time buyers.
This guide compares four leading brands — Deye, Goodwe, Solis and Growatt — across six performance criteria: conversion efficiency, battery charge and discharge speed, PV input capacity, maximum output power, scalability and unit weight. For guidance on pairing any of these inverters with the right battery, see whether a LiFePO4 battery works with your inverter setup.
Standard 1: Efficiency and Performance
The efficiency and performance ratings of each inverter reflect its ability to convert solar energy into usable electricity under varying environmental conditions. Among the four models compared here, Goodwe's GW5048D-ES and Deye's SUN-5K-SG05LP1-EU both reach a maximum efficiency of 97.6%, with Growatt's SPH5000TL BL-UP matching that figure. Solis comes in at 97.5%. On European efficiency — a weighted metric that better reflects real-world performance across partial loads — the results are closely grouped between 96.2% and 97.2%.
| 5kW Hybrid Solar Inverters: Efficiency and Performance | ||||
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| Brand |  |
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| Model | SUN-5K-SG05LP1-EU | GW5048D-ES | S6-EH1P5K-L-PRO | SPH5000TL BL-UP |
| Max Efficiency | 97.6% | 97.6% | 97.5% | 97.5% |
| European Efficiency | 96.5% | 97% | 96.2% | 97.2% |
| MPPT Efficiency | / | 94% | / | 99.5% |
Standard 2: Battery Compatibility
All four inverters support both lead-acid and lithium battery configurations. For residential solar-plus-storage, LiFePO4 (LFP) is the preferred chemistry — its safety, cycle life and thermal stability make it better suited to home use than NMC alternatives. See LFP vs NMC batteries for solar: pros and cons for a detailed comparison.
| 5kW Hybrid Solar Inverters: Battery Compatibility | ||||
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| Brand | |
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| Model | SUN-5K-SG05LP1-EU | GW5048D-ES | S6-EH1P5K-L-PRO | SPH5000TL BL-UP |
| Battery Type | Lead Acid / Lithium Battery | Lead Acid / Lithium Battery | Lead Acid / Lithium Battery | Lead Acid / Lithium Battery |
Standard 3: Battery Charging & Discharging Efficiency
Higher charge and discharge current reduces the time needed to fill or drain the battery, improving overall system efficiency. Among these four inverters, Deye's SUN-5K-SG05LP1-EU leads with 120A on both charge and discharge. Goodwe and Solis follow closely at 100A and 112A respectively, while Growatt's SPH5000TL BL-UP offers 85A.
| 5kW Hybrid Solar Inverters: Battery Charging & Discharging Efficiency | ||||
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| Brand | |
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| Model | SUN-5K-SG05LP1-EU | GW5048D-ES | S6-EH1P5K-L-PRO | SPH5000TL BL-UP |
| Max. Charging Current | 120A | 100A | 112A | 85A |
| Max. Discharging Current | 120A | 100A | 112A | 85A |
Standard 4: Max. PV DC Input Power (W)
A higher maximum PV input allows connection to more or higher-output panels, increasing overall energy yield. Among these four models, Growatt's SPH5000TL BL-UP takes the lead with a 9,500W maximum PV input, followed by Solis at 8,000W. Deye and Goodwe both sit at 6,500W.
| 5kW Hybrid Solar Inverters: Max. PV DC Input Power (W) | ||||
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| Brand | |
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| Model | SUN-5K-SG05LP1-EU | GW5048D-ES | S6-EH1P5K-L-PRO | SPH5000TL BL-UP |
| Max. DC Input Power (W) | 6,500W | 6,500W | 8,000W | 9,500W |
Standard 5: Max Output Power (VA)
Maximum AC output power determines how much load the inverter can drive at once. Deye, Goodwe and Solis all reach 5,500VA in this comparison, giving them a slight edge for homes with higher simultaneous load demands. Growatt's SPH5000TL BL-UP is rated at 5,000VA.
| 5kW Hybrid Solar Inverters: Max Output Power (VA) | ||||
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| Brand | |
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| Model | SUN-5K-SG05LP1-EU | GW5048D-ES | S6-EH1P5K-L-PRO | SPH5000TL BL-UP |
| Max. Output Power | 5,500VA | 5,000VA | 5,500VA | 5,000VA |
Standard 6: Scalability
Parallel operation allows multiple inverter units to be stacked together to meet larger load demands or expand system capacity over time. Deye's SUN-5K-SG05LP1-EU supports up to 16 units in parallel, making it by far the most scalable option in this comparison. Solis follows with support for up to 6 parallel units.
| 5kW Hybrid Solar Inverters: Scalability | ||||
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| Brand | |
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| Model | SUN-5K-SG05LP1-EU | GW5048D-ES | S6-EH1P5K-L-PRO | SPH5000TL BL-UP |
| No. of Parallel Units | 16 | / | 6 | / |
Standard 7: Weight
A lighter inverter reduces labor and installation time, particularly in wall-mount or rooftop scenarios. Among these four models, Deye's SUN-5K-SG05LP1-EU is the lightest at 20kg, followed by Solis at 24kg. Goodwe's GW5048D-ES is the heaviest of the group at 30kg, with Growatt sitting at 27kg.
| 5kW Hybrid Solar Inverters: Weight | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | |
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| Model | SUN-5K-SG05LP1-EU | GW5048D-ES | S6-EH1P5K-L-PRO | SPH5000TL BL-UP |
| Weight | 20kg | 30kg | 24kg | 27kg |
Which Battery Works Best With These Inverters?
All four inverters reviewed here are compatible with 48V LiFePO4 batteries via CAN or RS485 BMS communication. BSLBATT's residential LiFePO4 batteries are pre-configured for lithium communication with Deye, Goodwe, Solis and Growatt — no manual parameter setup required.
Key pairing specs to check: nominal voltage (48V / 51.2V actual), BMS communication protocol (CAN or RS485), and maximum continuous charge current. For a full compatibility and setup guide, see LiFePO4 battery in inverter: setup and compatibility.
If you are still deciding between LiFePO4 and NMC chemistry for your battery, see LFP vs NMC batteries for solar: pros and cons for a detailed breakdown.
Final Thought
Each brand in this comparison targets a different performance priority: Deye leads on parallel scalability (up to 16 units) and charge speed (120A), Growatt maximizes PV input capacity at 9,500W, Solis offers strong output headroom at 5,500VA with a 112A charge rate, and Goodwe balances efficiency and output at a well-established price point.
The right choice depends on your load profile, available roof space and the battery you plan to pair with it. To discuss BSLBATT LiFePO4 battery compatibility with any of these inverters, contact the team at inquiry@bsl-battery.com.
Post time: May-08-2024