Everything you need to know about installing the Growatt APX battery

The Growatt APX battery is a modular high-voltage system for residential and small commercial installations. The system works with inverters from the Growatt XH and HU series. Installation is straightforward, provided you pay attention to compatibility, correct wiring, and proper smart meter configuration. In this article, we guide you step-by-step through the installation, highlight common mistakes, and offer practical tips. This way, you can avoid delays on the job!

What is the Growatt APX HV Battery System?

The APX HV (High Voltage) battery from Growatt is designed for residential and small commercial installations and works with:

• MIN TL-XH/XH2

• MOD TL3-XH (BP)/HU

• MID TL3-XH & XHL

   Note: The standard MOD XH (without BP) is not compatible with APX, but does work with the ARK battery. You can recognise this by checking the sticker on the inverter. The text "backup" is shown next to the SN for the XH(BP) variant. 

Key Features

• LFP battery technology (safe and sustainable)

• 5 kWh per module, scalable up to 30 kWh (or even **60 kWh when used with the MID XH series)

• Fast and safe installation

What do you need?

Basic components:

• APX Power Module

  • P0 for MIN-XH

  • P2 for MOD/MID models

• Compatible hybrid inverter (use our configurations for this)

• 1 to 6 battery modules (each 5 kWh)

• For >4 modules:

  • Extra battery base

  • Parallel cable

• For >30 kWh on one inverter:

  • APX Cascading Communication Cable

Communication & monitoring:

• COM cable between inverter and battery

• Smart meter (see: choosing the correct smart meter)

• Signal cable between smart meter and inverter (or wireless via GroHome Manager)

• ShinePhone App + OSS installer account

• Most recent firmware

Installation steps

1. Battery on existing inverter? 

Yes, then check compatibility and verify the firmware. Use only compatible Growatt inverters (as mentioned above). 

Is the installation for a new inverter? Then proceed to step 2. 

1. Always update the inverter first, then the other components
   Preferably use OSS via Shine Wilan – X2 (fastest method).

2. Check in OSS if the message appears that the most recent firmware is installed.
3. Does the update not work via OSS or do you not see this function in your portal?
   Then ask 4blue to activate this and possibly send update files to update locally via USB.

2. Assembly of the battery modules

• Max. 4 modules per stack

• For >4 modules:

  • Create two stacks

  • Use parallel cable and extra base

• Assembly order: from bottom to top, with the power module last on top.

3. Wiring diagram and cabling

The inverter is connected to the battery via a COM cable and linked to the smart meter. See the images below for wiring diagrams. Also see the manual of the APX battery.

The Min-XH inverters have 2 COM ports. Here, the SYS COM must be used and not the regular COM port. 

See the manual for a detailed wiring diagram.
❗ Pay attention to correct connection of both electricity and communication.

for MIN-XH = SYS COM plug

The regular COM plug on the MIN-XH is used as Power Control Interface (PCI). However, this is hardly ever applied in practice. 

Note: Using a MID inverter? Then connect battery 1 to ports 7 to 10 and battery 2 to ports 27 to 30. This ensures everything works as it should.

MOD-HU: 

power module: 

4. Configuration of the smart meter

Ensure the smart meter is correctly connected and properly configured in the inverter.

See the article: Setting up the smart meter correctly

5. Commissioning

When everything is correctly connected, the inverter automatically recognises the APX battery.

Settings can be adjusted via:

• ShinePhone App

• OSS Portal

Configure, among others:

• Smart scheduling

• Peak shaving

Common installation errors (and how to avoid them)

Still having problems?

Sometimes the problem lies with the software version of the components. Feel free to contact us.

📧 support@4blue.nl
📞 024 204 2090

Did you know that both you and we at 4blue can perform remote firmware updates for Growatt products? This way you can assist your customer even faster!

Conclusion

The Growatt APX battery is a powerful and flexible energy storage solution. Thanks to the modular design and smart integration with Growatt inverters, installation is relatively easy, provided you carefully follow the steps and compatibility requirements.

By using the correct settings and avoiding common mistakes, you ensure smooth operation and a satisfied customer.