✔ Four Operating Modes — Full Flexibility
The ECCO supports four distinct operating modes, selectable via the LCD: Grid-tie only (no batteries required — PV exports to grid); Hybrid (PV + battery + grid working together, self-consumption maximised); Off-grid (fully independent from the grid, island mode); and Battery only / UPS (backup power from battery alone during outages). This means the system can start as a grid-tied installation with no batteries and be upgraded incrementally.
✔ Dual MPPT — Up to 6,500W PV Input
Two independent MPPT trackers (each accepting up to 13A / 500V) allow panels on different roof orientations or with different shading profiles to be connected independently, maximising total generation. The 6,500W maximum DC input gives headroom for over-panelling — connecting more PV wattage than the 5kW rated AC output to ensure the inverter runs at full power even on partly cloudy days or in winter. MPPT range is 150–425V.
✔ 120A Battery Charge/Discharge
The 120A battery interface supports high charge and discharge currents — enough to fully utilise a Sunsynk 5.32kWh battery at its rated 0.5C rate (50A per battery), or two batteries at 100A combined. At 120A discharge from a 48V battery bank, the inverter can sustain close to its full 5,760W DC discharge power, ensuring battery can supply the full rated output without throttling. Compatible with lead-acid and lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries, with BMS self-adaptation for lithium types.
✔ Programmable Export & 6-Stage Time of Use
Export power to the grid is fully programmable — the inverter can be configured for zero export, limited export, or unrestricted export depending on DNO requirements and homeowner preference. 6-stage time-of-use (ToU) scheduling allows charge and discharge windows to be programmed across 6 time periods per day. This enables strategies like charging from grid at low-rate Octopus Agile prices overnight and discharging during peak-rate periods.
✔ Generator & Wind Turbine Compatible
A dedicated Generator input allows a diesel or petrol generator to be integrated as an AC power source alongside the grid and PV. The inverter can automatically start a generator (via dry contact signal output) when battery SoC falls below a set threshold. Wind turbine input is also supported. This makes the ECCO suitable for off-grid and hybrid off-grid installations in remote locations or as backup for critical loads.
✔ Parallel Operation — Up to 16 Units
Up to 16 ECCO inverters running the same firmware can be paralleled for systems requiring more than 5kW continuous power. Three-phase parallel configurations are also supported, enabling balanced three-phase output for commercial installations. The parallel communication uses dedicated CAN ports, and DIP switch settings configure each unit's role in the parallel group.
✔ Sunsynk Connect App & Wi-Fi / GSM Monitoring
The included data logger connects to the Sunsynk Connect platform for real-time monitoring of PV generation, battery state of charge, grid import/export, and load consumption via smartphone app (iOS and Android). The visual power flow screen on the LCD gives an at-a-glance overview of energy routing. Octopus Agile integration is supported — the platform can automatically schedule battery charging based on real-time tariff prices.
✔ ≤10ms Transfer Time — Near-Seamless Backup
When grid power fails, the ECCO switches to battery backup in 10 milliseconds or less — fast enough that most computers, routers, and sensitive electronics do not lose power or need to restart. This compares favourably to traditional UPS systems and makes the ECCO suitable for protecting home offices, networking equipment, and refrigeration. The transfer is fully automatic; no user action is required.
✔ IP65 — Fanless — Silent Operation
IP65-rated for indoor and outdoor wall mounting. Natural convection cooling means no fan and no fan noise — rated at less than 30 dB(A), quieter than a library. No filter cleaning or fan replacement is required. Weight is 17.5 kg at 330 × 433 × 238mm — a compact form factor that fits in a standard utility room or garage without dominating the space.
What batteries are compatible with this inverter?
The SYNK-5K-SG04LP1 ECCO is compatible with lead-acid (12V/24V/48V) and lithium-ion batteries at 48V nominal. For lithium batteries, the inverter communicates with the BMS via CAN or RS485 and self-adapts charging parameters — no manual configuration of charge voltage or current is needed. Compatible lithium batteries include the Sunsynk SUN-BATT-5.32 (SUN-BATT-5.32-IP65), Pylontech US2000C/US3000C/Force-L2, Sunsynk CATL range, and others that support the standard Pylontech or BMS CAN protocol. Confirm compatibility with your specific battery model before installation.
Does it need DNO notification for UK grid connection?
Yes. For grid-connected operation in the UK, the inverter must comply with G98 (for systems ≤3.68kW export per phase) or G99 (above this threshold). At 5kW rated output, this inverter typically falls under G99, which requires prior DNO approval before commissioning. The inverter holds EN 50549-1 certification and carries UKCA and CE marks. Your MCS-certified installer will handle DNO notification. For off-grid operation with no grid connection, DNO notification is not required.
Can I start without batteries and add them later?
Yes — this is one of the ECCO's key design advantages. You can deploy the inverter in grid-tied mode with PV only (no batteries) and add battery storage at a later date. Similarly, you can start with battery backup only (no PV) and add panels later. The inverter supports all transitions between modes without hardware modification. This flexibility allows the system cost to be spread over time or adjusted to match available budget at installation.
What is the Meter Port on the ECCO model used for?
The Meter Port (exclusive to the ECCO model — not present on the standard SG03LP1) connects to a CHiNT or Eastron SDM120CT grid import/export meter. This gives the inverter accurate real-time measurement of actual grid import and export at the meter point, enabling: (1) zero-export limiting — the inverter throttles output to prevent any power flowing back to the grid, satisfying DNO constraints; (2) precise time-of-use control against real grid consumption data; and (3) accurate monitoring of total import and export figures in the Sunsynk Connect app. Without a meter, the inverter relies on less accurate CT-coil measurement for export limiting.
