Narada Battery Pairing Settings Per Inverter

Key Takeaways

• Always connect the BMS communication cable when pairing lithium batteries with an inverter.
• Growatt and Deye inverters support BMS communication via CAN or RS485, but specific protocol numbers may require manufacturer guidance.
• Solis inverters do not explicitly list Narada batteries as directly compatible for BMS communication.
• Inverex (Axpert VM III) inverters allow for user-defined voltage settings if direct BMS communication is not established.

How do I pair my Narada lithium battery with my solar inverter?

Pairing a Narada lithium battery with a solar inverter typically involves configuring the inverter's settings to recognize and communicate with the battery's Battery Management System (BMS). The most common cause of pairing issues is incorrect communication protocol selection or missing BMS cable connection. The first thing to check is that the physical BMS communication cable is securely connected between the battery and the inverter.

How to Configure Your Inverter for Narada Batteries

Proper configuration ensures your inverter and Narada battery operate safely and efficiently. The steps vary depending on your inverter brand.

1. Growatt SPF 3500 ES / SPF 5000 ES Inverters

For Growatt SPF 3500 ES and SPF 5000 ES off-grid solar inverters, follow these steps to configure for Narada lithium batteries:

• Battery Type (Program 05): Set this to "Lithium". This setting is "only suitable when communicated with BMS".
• Communication Protocol (Program 36): The manual indicates "Protocol 51" is a CAN communication protocol. The manual also states, "You can choose RS485 communication protocol which is from L01 to L50, and you can also choose CAN communication protocol which is from L51 to L99." It is important to "Please get instruction from Growatt to choose which protocol to match the BMS" for your specific Narada battery model.
• BMS Communication Cable: Ensure the BMS communication cable is connected between the Narada battery and the Growatt inverter. If choosing a lithium battery, make sure to connect the BMS communication cable between the battery and the inverter.

2. Solis S5-EH1P-L Series Inverters

The Solis S5-EH1P-L Series manual lists specific battery brands for its "Battery Select" menu, such as BYD, LG Chem, Pylon, and Dyness. However, it does not explicitly mention "Narada" as a selectable option. This suggests that direct BMS communication with Narada batteries may not be natively supported by these Solis models. If Narada is not listed, you may need to operate the inverter in a user-defined mode if available, or consult Solis technical support for compatibility.

3. Deye SUN-5K-SG03LP1-EU / SUN-6K-SG03LP1-EU Hybrid Inverters

Deye SUN-5K-SG03LP1-EU and SUN-6K-SG03LP1-EU hybrid inverters support BMS communication through dedicated ports:

• BMS 485 Port: This port uses RS485 for battery communication.
• BMS CAN Port: This port uses CAN for battery communication.
• Lithium Mode (Battery Setting): Set this to "BMS protocol". The manual advises to "Please reference the document(Approved Battery)" for specific BMS protocols.
• BMS Communication Cable: Ensure the correct BMS communication cable is connected to either the RS485 or CAN port, depending on your Narada battery's communication interface.

4. Inverex (Axpert VM III) Inverters

The Axpert VM III, often rebadged by brands like Inverex, offers flexible settings for lithium batteries:

• BMS Communication Port: The inverter provides a "Reversed communication port for BMS (RS485, CAN-BUS, RS232)". Connect your Narada battery's BMS communication cable to the appropriate port.
• Battery Type (Program 05): If direct BMS communication is not fully established or supported, select "User-Defined". If "User-Defined" is selected, battery charge voltage and low DC cut-off voltage can be set up in program 26, 27 and 29.
• User-Defined Voltage Settings (for 5KW model):
• • Bulk charging voltage (Program 26): Set between 48.0V to 61.0V. The increment of each click is 0.1V.
  • Floating charging voltage (Program 27): Set between 48.0V to 61.0V. The increment of each click is 0.1V.
  • Low DC cut-off voltage (Program 29): Set between 42.0V to 48.0V. The increment of each click is 0.1V.
  • Note: These voltage ranges are generic for a 5KW model and should be cross-referenced with your Narada battery's specifications.

Narada Battery Pairing Settings Table

This table summarizes the key settings for pairing Narada batteries with common inverter brands. Where specific Narada protocols are not detailed in the inverter manual, general lithium battery settings or user-defined options are provided.

Communication Protocols and Firmware

Lithium batteries rely heavily on their Battery Management System (BMS) to communicate critical information like State of Charge (SOC), voltage, current, and temperature to the inverter. This communication typically occurs over protocols like CAN-BUS or RS485.

• CAN-BUS (Controller Area Network): A robust vehicle bus standard designed to allow microcontrollers and devices to communicate with each other in applications without a host computer. It is commonly used for high-speed, reliable communication in battery systems.
• RS485: A standard defining the electrical characteristics of drivers and receivers for use in serial communications systems. It is widely used in industrial control systems and is suitable for longer distances and multi-drop networks.

When an inverter is set to communicate with a lithium battery's BMS, it often takes over control of charging and discharging parameters. This means that many voltage and current settings that would be user-configurable for lead-acid batteries are managed directly by the BMS in a closed-loop system. The manuals confirm that when "Lithium" or a specific brand is selected, certain settings become non-adjustable by the user.

Ensure your inverter's firmware is up-to-date, as manufacturers often release updates to improve compatibility with new battery models or optimize existing communication protocols. For Axpert VM III inverters, "Build-in Bluetooth for mobile monitoring (Requires App), OTG USB function" and PC connection via "supplied communication cable" are available for monitoring and potentially updating. Deye inverters support "WIFI monitoring" and Growatt offers a "WiFi / GPRS module" for monitoring.

Safety: Lithium Battery Systems

Working with solar power systems, especially those involving high-voltage batteries, carries significant risks. Always prioritize safety.

• Qualified Personnel: "All wiring must be performed by a qualified personnel." High battery voltage in series requires careful installation.
• BMS Communication: If choosing a lithium battery, make sure to connect the BMS communication cable between the battery and the inverter. This cable is crucial for the inverter to monitor and protect the battery.
• Automatic Shutdown: "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." This is a critical safety feature; if BMS communication is lost, the inverter will stop operating to prevent damage to the battery.
• Appropriate Cabling: "It's very important for system safety and efficient operation to use appropriate cable for battery connection." Undersized cables can lead to overheating and fire hazards.
• High Voltage: "Installation must be performed with care due to high battery voltage in series." Always assume wires are live and use insulated tools. Disconnect all power sources (PV, battery, AC) before performing any wiring or maintenance.

When to call a technician instead

While this guide provides settings information, complex issues or unfamiliar procedures should always prompt a call to a qualified solar technician.

• Persistent Communication Errors: If, after checking all connections and settings, your inverter still fails to communicate with the Narada battery's BMS, a technician can diagnose deeper electrical or software issues.
• Unlisted Compatibility: If your specific Narada battery model or inverter is not explicitly listed as compatible in the manuals, a technician can advise on potential workarounds or alternative solutions.
• High Voltage Work: Any work involving high DC voltage, such as connecting battery banks or internal inverter wiring, should only be performed by trained and certified professionals.
• Warranty Concerns: Attempting unauthorized modifications or incorrect wiring can void your inverter or battery warranty. Consult the manufacturer's warranty terms before undertaking any advanced troubleshooting.