APsystems DS3880VA single-phase microinverter for two PV modules

Overview

DS3 is the 880VA model of the APsystems DS3 series, built for two modules of roughly 300–620Wp, each on an independent MPP tracker. Each input accepts 20A operating and 25A short-circuit current, so high-current modules can be used, and the unit delivers 3.8A at 230V single-phase with 97.3% peak efficiency. Up to five units fit on a 2.5mm² branch and seven on a 4mm² branch, according to the datasheet. Communication to the ECU runs over encrypted ZigBee.

• DS3-L 730VA, DS3 880VA, DS3-H 960VA at 230V
• Two modules per unit, one MPPT each
• Up to 20A input current per channel
• 97.3% peak efficiency, 99.5% MPPT efficiency
• Encrypted ZigBee to ECU, EMA portal monitoring
• 12-year standard warranty, extendable to 25 years

How it works

Each DS3 unit mounts on the racking behind two PV modules and converts their DC output into 230V single-phase AC. Both inputs have their own MPP tracker working between 28 and 45V, so a shaded or differently oriented module does not pull down its neighbour. DC voltage at the module never exceeds the module's own open-circuit voltage, with a 60V input limit. Galvanically isolated high-frequency transformers, an integrated safety protection relay and Reactive Power Control complete the design.

Choosing between DS3-L, DS3 and DS3-H

The three models share housing, voltage ranges and 97.3% peak efficiency, and differ in output and input current. DS3-L delivers 730VA with 18A per input and suits modules of about 255–550Wp. DS3 delivers 880VA with 20A per input for 300–620Wp modules, and DS3-H 960VA for 330–660Wp modules. APsystems states the series is backwards compatible with QS1 and YC600 microinverters and their accessories, which helps when extending older systems.

Installation and compatibility

Units connect to the Y3 AC bus cable, closed with an end cap and Y-CONN caps on unused ports. The datasheet allows 7, 5 or 5 units (DS3-L, DS3, DS3-H) per 2.5mm² branch and 8, 7 or 6 per 4mm² branch, subject to local rules. Keep at least 2cm free above and below each unit, DC leads under 3m, and both conductors of a module on the same channel. Bipolar breakers are mandatory; RCDs only where local code requires them.

Grounding is possible through the PE wire of the bus cable, the grounding washer on a grounded rack or an external lug. The datasheet lists EN 50549-1/-10, CEI 0-21, VDE-AR-N 4105, UTE C15-712-1, UNE 217002, RD 1699, G98/G99 and G100 among its grid compliances, and APsystems publishes Italian, German, French, Polish and Spanish certificates for the series.

Monitoring and warranty

Microinverters report over encrypted ZigBee to an APsystems ECU gateway, which uploads module-level data to the EMA web portal and EMA Manager app; APsystems recommends no more than 80 inverters per ECU. A status LED blinks green ten times at start-up. The standard warranty is 12 years, extendable to 25 years, but it requires the system to stay connected to EMA through the ECU; otherwise only the 2-year legal warranty applies.

Questions and answers