Alwin Aleven’s 36kW Three-Phase Solar System in Netherlands

In the Netherlands, Alwin Aleven has developed and completed a comprehensive solar energy project that brings together power independence and cutting-edge inverter technology. This 36kW three-phase system is not only a testament to personal energy freedom but also a model of scalability and technical precision.

Alwin’s system demonstrates what’s possible when planning, hands-on installation, and modern energy hardware converge. Let’s explore the system in detail, from solar panels and inverters to battery configuration and overall performance.

Energy Demand Background

In the Netherlands, three-phase power is essential for households and businesses that require higher energy consumption, such as homes with electric vehicles, heat pumps, or large appliances. While single-phase systems are common for smaller homes, three-phase systems are more efficient in balancing the power load across multiple circuits. They provide greater reliability for high-demand setups, reduce voltage drops, and ensure consistent power supply.

However, for average families in this country, this means that monthly energy bills can be quite high, especially if their home has electric heating or multiple electric vehicles. The overall trend is pushing many households to invest in renewable energy sources to ensure energy independence and cost savings over time.

System Architecture and Project Outcome

3 Inverters in Parallel

At the heart of the system are three PowMr SunSmart 12KPL3 three phase inverters, each with a rated output of 12kW, delivering a total of 36kW. To meet the demands of high energy consumption and ensure stable delivery, the inverters are connected in parallel—one per phase—forming a complete three-phase 400V output system by default.

To ensure the system is robust, flexible, and capable of meeting diverse energy needs, the inverters are connected not only through the standard line, neutral, and ground wiring, but also through communication cables that allow them to operate as a synchronized unit. Each inverter is configured into parallel mode via setting item 31, a crucial step that enables seamless coordination.

Once configured, the inverters are able to exchange data with one another, automatically adjusting energy flow based on the user’s demand. This allows for intelligent distribution of energy loads and coordinated use of the shared battery bank, maintaining system stability under varying load conditions.

6 Batteries in Parallel

The energy storage system is built using six 51.2V 200Ah LiFePO₄ batteries, providing a total energy storage capacity of 61.4 kWh. Alwin ensured proper wall-mounted installation, carefully placing the pipes, brackets, and cables to maintain a clean and safe setup.

To ensure long-term safety and performance, Alwin configured the BMS to manage charging cycles, prevent overcharging, and regulate temperature and voltage, keeping the batteries in peak health. Additonally, he integrated the entire system with Home Assistant, a robust open-source automation platform, enabling seamless management of his home’s energy storage.

96 Solar Panels

Alwin’s photovoltaic system comprises 96 solar panels rated at 405W each, delivering a total capacity of 38.88 kW. For mounting, he chose Esdec racking hardware, well-regarded for its durability, wind resistance, and ease of installation.

Special attention was given to string configuration and cable routing. The 96 panels were evenly distributed across 6 independent arrays, each containing 16 panels. These arrays were connected to inverters equipped with two MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) inputs, each capable of handling up to 9000W of PV input—more than suficient for each 6,480W array.

By splitting the arrays per inverter input, Alwin ensured optimal energy tracking throughout the day, adapting to varying sunlight conditions and significantly reducing energy losses caused by shading or panel mismatch.

During initial test runs, the system performed impressively, reaching a net solar production of 9.9 kWh per inverter while charging the batteries up to 90% capacity.