The Solis S6-EA1P5K-L is a 5kW single-phase, low-voltage AC-coupled inverter from Solis' sixth-generation storage range, built to add battery storage to an existing grid-tied PV system without touching the DC side. Because it connects purely on the AC side, the existing solar inverter, panel strings, and DC wiring are left completely undisturbed — the S6-EA1P5K-L simply sits alongside the current PV inverter and manages the flow of energy between the grid, the household loads, and a compatible 40-60V low-voltage lithium-ion battery. This makes it one of the most straightforward routes to retrofitting battery storage onto an older or third-party solar installation. Onboard, it supports six independent Time of Use (TOU) charge/discharge schedules, peak shaving in both self-use and generator modes, and a battery healing function that helps protect cell health and prolong battery lifespan over time.
40-60V
Li-ion Battery Range
105 A
Max. Charge/Discharge Current
>93.5%
Max. Battery-to-AC Efficiency
🔴 Installer note: AC-coupled retrofit installations must comply with the relevant grid connection standard for the property (G98/G99 in the UK) and be commissioned by a qualified, competent installer. Battery installation, wiring, and protective device sizing must follow the manufacturer's manual and local wiring regulations.
🟡 Battery compatibility: The S6-EA1P5K-L is designed around 40-60V low-voltage lithium-ion batteries, communicating via CAN. It also supports a general lithium setting for non-communicating batteries where no CAN link is available. Always check the current Solis battery compatibility list before specifying a battery, as supported models and firmware requirements are updated periodically.
🟢 What "AC-coupled" means here: Unlike a hybrid inverter that sits directly in the DC path between the panels and the battery, an AC-coupled inverter takes AC power already produced by the existing solar inverter, converts it as needed to charge the battery, and converts it back to AC to supply the home or export to the grid. This keeps the retrofit simple and avoids re-engineering the existing PV array.
Six-Slot TOU Scheduling
Six independently configurable charge/discharge windows let the battery be scheduled around variable tariffs, charging on cheap off-peak electricity and discharging during peak-rate periods to reduce the cost of grid-imported power.
Non-Communicating Battery Support
A general lithium setting allows the inverter to operate reliably with batteries that lack a CAN data link, widening the pool of batteries that can be paired with an existing PV installation without needing manufacturer-matched communication protocols.
Battery Healing Function
Periodic real-time monitoring and a dedicated healing routine work to rebalance and condition battery cells, helping counter the capacity fade that would otherwise shorten the working life of the connected battery.
Peak Shaving in Two Modes
Peak shaving is available in both self-use and generator modes, letting the battery flatten demand spikes by supplementing grid supply during high-load moments rather than pulling full peak power from the grid or generator.
High Frequency Isolation Topology
The high-frequency isolation design keeps the unit compact and efficient while maintaining galvanic separation between the battery and AC circuits, supporting the inverter's Class I protection rating.
IP66 Outdoor-Rated Enclosure
An IP66 enclosure and natural convection cooling allow the unit to be sited outdoors or in unconditioned spaces alongside the existing PV inverter, without requiring forced-air cooling or a weatherproof cabinet.
Battery
| Battery type |
Li-ion |
| Battery voltage range |
40 - 60 V |
| Max. charge / discharge current |
105 A |
| Communication |
CAN |
Input AC (Grid Side)
| Input voltage range |
187 - 253 V |
| Max. input current |
22.8 A / 21.8 A |
| Frequency range |
45 - 55 Hz / 55 - 65 Hz |
Output AC (Grid Side)
| Rated output power |
5 kW |
| Max. apparent output power |
5 kVA |
| Operation phase |
1/N/PE |
| Rated grid voltage |
220 V / 230 V |
| Grid voltage range |
187 - 253 V |
| Rated grid frequency |
50 Hz / 60 Hz |
| Rated / max. grid output current |
22.8 A / 21.8 A |
| Power factor |
> 0.99 (0.8 leading - 0.8 lagging) |
| THDi |
< 3% |
Efficiency
| BAT charged / discharged to AC max. efficiency |
> 93.5% |
Protection
| Protection class |
Class I |
| Overvoltage category |
DC II / AC III |
| Battery reverse protection |
Yes |
| Battery over/under voltage protection |
Yes |
| Short circuit protection |
Yes |
| Output over current protection |
Yes |
| Temperature protection |
Yes |
General Data
| Dimensions (W x H x D) |
440 x 465 x 192 mm |
| Weight |
19.9 kg |
| Topology |
High frequency isolation |
| Operating ambient temperature range |
-25°C to +60°C |
| Ingress protection |
IP66 |
| Cooling concept |
Natural cooling |
| Max. operating altitude |
4000 m |
| Grid connection standard |
C10/11, EN 50549, G98, G99, VDE-AR-N 4105, AS4777.2, France |
| Safety / EMC standard |
IEC/EN 62109-1/-2, EN 61000-6-2/-3 |
Features
| DC connection |
Terminal block |
| AC connection |
Quick connection plug |
| Display |
LED indicator & Bluetooth + App (SolisCloud) |
| Communication |
RS485, CAN, optional Wi-Fi / LAN |
Does the S6-EA1P5K-L work with my existing solar inverter?
Yes. As an AC-coupled unit, it connects to the AC side of the installation, so it operates alongside whatever PV inverter is already installed rather than replacing or interfacing with it on the DC side.
What batteries can I use with this inverter?
It's designed for 40-60V low-voltage lithium-ion batteries, either communicating via CAN or set up under the general lithium (non-communicating) profile. Check Solis' current battery compatibility list before ordering to confirm a specific battery model.
Can this inverter provide backup power during a grid outage?
Backup functionality depends on the overall system design and installation configuration. Speak with your installer about how backup/EPS operation is configured for AC-coupled retrofits, as this is set up at commissioning rather than being an automatic default.
Is the S6-EA1P5K-L suitable for outdoor installation?
Yes, its IP66-rated enclosure and natural cooling design allow it to be mounted outdoors or in an unconditioned space, provided it's kept out of direct proximity to flammable materials and within its -25°C to +60°C operating range.
How is monitoring handled?
The inverter includes an LED status indicator and Bluetooth connectivity for setup via the SolisCloud app, with RS485 and CAN as standard communication interfaces and Wi-Fi/LAN available as optional add-ons for remote monitoring.
