Felicity Solar Compatibility: A Simple Setup Guide

This guide is for South African homeowners, businesses, and installers who want to know whether Felicity Solar compatibility is up to scratch. It explains what compatibility really means, how battery-to-inverter communication works, and what needs to be checked to avoid errors, poor performance, or shortened battery lifespan.

You’ll learn the difference between basic voltage compatibility and full BMS communication, how CANbus and RS485 are used, and why correct communication is critical for accurate state-of-charge readings, safe charging, and long-term reliability during load-shedding.

In short, this guide helps you confirm Felicity battery compatibility by checking inverter communication protocols, setup modes, and installation details — so your system runs smoothly, reports accurately, and performs reliably under South Africa’s frequent outage conditions.

What “Compatibility” Really Means

When people ask whether a Felicity battery is compatible with their inverter, they’re usually referring to two different layers of compatibility:

1. Voltage Compatibility (Basic Level)

This ensures the battery and inverter operate on the same system voltage; most home systems in SA are 48V. If the voltage matches, the components can work together at a basic level.

2. BMS Communication Compatibility (Smart Level)

This is where things get more advanced. A battery’s BMS (Battery Management System) communicates with the inverter to share information such as:

• State of Charge (SOC)
  
• Charge/discharge limits
  
• Temperature data
  
• Protection alerts
  

Why does this matter? Because accurate communication means:

• Improved lifespan (the inverter won’t overcharge or over-discharge the battery)
  
• More accurate SOC readings
  
• Better performance during load-shedding
  
• Smoother system behaviour overall
  

Summed up, basic compatibility makes it work, but full BMS communication makes it work properly.

Felicity Battery Communication Basics

Most Felicity lithium batteries support two main communication protocols: CANbus and RS485. These are simply two different ways for the battery and inverter to “talk.”

CANbus vs RS485 (Simple Explanation)

CANbus

• Fast, stable communication
  
• Used by many modern hybrid inverters
  
• Great for real-time data and precise SOC readings

RS485

• Older but widely supported communication method
  
• More tolerant of long cable runs
  
• Still commonly used in off-grid setups

Why two options?

Different inverters prefer different languages. Brands like Sunsynk, Deye, and newer hybrid models often use CANbus. Older systems or certain off-grid inverters may prefer RS485. This is why it’s important to know what your inverter expects and why buying the correct communication cable is crucial.

The Two Operating Modes

Felicity batteries can run in one of two ways:

1. Full Communication Mode (Recommended)

The inverter and battery exchange data constantly. SOC is accurate, charging is efficient, and the lifespan is protected.

2. Voltage-Only Mode (Fallback)

The inverter treats the battery like a “dumb” power source.
This still works for backup, but:

• SOC readings may be wrong
  
• Charging may not be as efficient
  
• Lifespan can be shortened if settings aren’t dialled in carefully
  

Voltage mode is a temporary solution or a last resort for older equipment, but we always recommend full communication where possible.

Typical Causes of Comms/BMS Errors

If your Felicity battery isn’t syncing with your inverter, the problem is usually one of these:

1. Incorrect or unverified communication cable

Not all CANbus/RS485 cables are wired correctly for your inverter’s port. Using the wrong pinout is one of the most common causes of communication failure.

2. Wrong protocol selected on the inverter

Every battery has a protocol or profile that must be selected during setup. If the wrong one is chosen, the inverter won’t read the BMS.

3. Firmware mismatch

Older inverters sometimes need firmware updates to recognise newer battery models.

4. Loose or incorrect terminations

CANbus and RS485 connections require tight, correct terminations. Even slight looseness can break communication.

5. Installation oversight

Small details like cable polarity, DIP switch positions, or missing terminators can prevent communication from working.

How to Ensure a Smooth Felicity Setup

Here are the steps we recommend to avoid headaches and get your system running smoothly:

1. Always buy warranty-backed stock

Cheap parallel imports often come with mismatched firmware or missing cables. Stick to trusted SA suppliers.

2. Use verified communication cables

The correct pinout matters. A generic-look cable can cause major issues.

3. Let your installer confirm the protocol

Your inverter will have a list of supported protocols. Choosing the wrong one is like picking the wrong language.

4. Follow proper commissioning steps

This includes:

• Connecting communication cables before powering up
  
• Setting voltage ranges correctly
  
• Selecting the right battery profile
  
• Confirming SOC accuracy
  

If anything feels off, stop and get support; incorrect settings can shorten battery lifespan.

Best Practices for SA Load-Shedding Use

South Africa’s energy patterns are tough on batteries. Applying a few best practices dramatically improves performance.

Charge/Discharge Limits

Avoid pushing your battery to extremes every cycle. Your settings should reflect real-world usage, not lab conditions.

Depth of Discharge (DoD)

A lower DoD (meaning you don’t drain the battery fully) extends lifespan significantly.

Heat and Placement

Batteries dislike heat. Install in a cool, ventilated space for best performance. Garages and outdoor rooms often need airflow. A well-sized, well-installed system should easily handle SA’s load-shedding intensity.

FAQs

Why is my Felicity battery not syncing with my inverter?

Most often, it’s a communication issue: incorrect cable, wrong protocol, mismatched firmware, or improper terminations. These are usually quick fixes.

Can Felicity run without comms?

Yes, in voltage-only mode. But SOC may be inaccurate, and lifespan can be shortened. Full communication is always recommended.

What information should I send Invert Solar to confirm compatibility?

Send us:

• Your inverter brand and model
  
• A photo of your inverter’s communication ports
  
• Your Felicity battery model
  
• Whether you plan to add solar or expand later
  

This lets us confirm exactly which cable and settings you need.

Need help confirming compatibility?

Battery and inverter compatibility isn’t just about matching voltage, it’s about correct communication, proper setup, and long-term system reliability. When a Felicity battery is configured correctly with the right protocol and settings, you get accurate monitoring, safer charging, and better performance during South Africa’s frequent outages.

What to do next

Read our Felicity inverter guide to better understand hybrid vs off-grid options and correct sizing.

Ask us to confirm compatibility between your inverter and a Felicity battery before you buy.

Explore the Felicity range to find models suited to your system.