Our proposed Neovolt system is a single-phase and inverter battery system that integrates seamlessly into properties with an existing three-phase grid connection. The inverter pairs with a Neovolt three-phase smart meter equipped with six CT clamps for accurate measurement and management.
- Two CTs per phase (total of 6):
- One set measures import/export to the grid
- The other measures load consumption
Electrical Compatibility
Even though the inverter discharges on a single phase, the system remains fully compatible with a three-phase supply. Monitoring and Control
CT Configuration:
- Two CTs per phase (total of 6):
- One set measures import/export to the grid
- The other measures load consumption
Functionality:
- The system collects real-time active power data across all three phases.
- The Neovolt Battery Management System (BMS) calculates the net load of the entire property, not just the phase where the inverter is connected.
- Based on this total demand, the inverter discharges accordingly to maximize self-consumption and minimize grid imports.
Despite being a single-phase unit, the inverter operates with full awareness of the property’s three-phase consumption profile.
Compliance and Stability
- This setup complies with Australian Service and Installation Rules, including phase balancing requirements (e.g., not exceeding 5 kW difference across phases).
- The inverter must be installed on a phase that maintains system balance. If additional capacity is needed, another single-phase inverter may be installed on a different phase to preserve compliance.
Field-Proven Design
Neovolt’s three-phase monitoring with a single-phase inverter has been successfully deployed in hundres of homes across NSW, QLD, and SA. It is widely used as a cost-effective and compliant retrofit for battery expansion in multi-phase solar homes.
Summary
The Neovolt SPH5K single-phase battery system delivers effective energy storage for three-phase homes by:
- Monitoring total site demand via 6 CTs
- Discharging based on real-time total consumption
- Operating within Australian standards
- Supporting mixed inverter environments
This architecture enables smart battery control, efficient self-consumption, and seamless integration without overhauling existing infrastructure.
We need a simple infographic showing this. Here’s an example from Fronius.
- Why do I need a smart meter?
A smart meter is needed when installing a 1-phase inverter on a 3-phase home because your inverter only exports power on one phase, while your appliances may use power across all three. - The smart meter measures power on all three phases and calculates the total import/export. This allows excess solar on one phase to offset usage on the others—so you get proper feed-in credit and accurate billing.
- I already have a smart meter from an existing install. Why do I need to buy another one?
The smart meter we're installing is for the Battery system, the one you currenty have is specifically for the solar inverter.