SMA Sunny Tripower 5.0 (STP5.0-3AV-40)5kW three-phase string inverter, 2 MPPT

Overview

The STP5.0-3AV-40 is rated 5000W three-phase with 3×7.3A output current and takes up to 9kWp of PV on two MPP trackers, each with one string at up to 12A and an MPP range of 215–800V. European efficiency is 97.4% and maximum efficiency 98.2%. It operates from -25 to +60°C, uses 5W at night and offers Ethernet, WLAN (depending on availability) and RS485 with Modbus SunSpec for third-party energy management.

• 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 and 10kW three-phase output
• Two MPP trackers; 850V (3.0–6.0) or 1000V (8.0–10.0)
• Up to 15kWp PV on the 8.0 and 10.0
• Max. efficiency 98.2–98.3%
• IP65, convection cooled, 17–20.5kg
• Works in TN, TT, IT and Delta-IT grids

How it works

Sunny Tripower STPx.x-3AV-40 inverters feed PV power into a three-phase 3/N/PE network at 220/380, 230/400 or 240/415V. All models start at 175V and share a 580V rated input voltage, with MPP tracking up to 800V on two independent inputs. The 3.0–6.0 models accept one string per input at 12A, with 850V maximum input. The 8.0 and 10.0 accept two strings on input A at 20A and one on input B at 12A, with 1000V maximum input.

Key features

The housing is convection cooled, IP65 and climate class 4K4H, with a typical noise level of 30dB(A) and 5W night-time consumption. The 3.0–6.0 sizes measure 435×470×176mm at 17kg; the 8.0 and 10.0 measure 460×497×176mm at 20.5kg. Maximum efficiency is 98.2% for the smaller units and 98.3% for the larger ones, with European efficiency up to 98.0% on the STP10.0-3AV-40. SMA ShadeFix optimises yield under shading, and an all-pole-sensitive residual current monitoring unit is integrated.

Installation and compatibility

PV strings connect via SUNCLIX connectors and the grid via a plug-in AC connector. When an RCD is required by local rules, type A or B devices of 30mA or higher are compatible, one per inverter. According to the manual, the inverter can operate in TN-C, TN-S, TN-C-S, TT, IT and Delta-IT grids; in IT and Delta-IT systems grounding conductor monitoring must be deactivated, and SMA publishes dedicated datasheets for Delta-IT operation. Inputs A and B can also be run in parallel.

Monitoring and grid codes

Setup runs through the integrated web interface over Ethernet or WLAN, depending on availability, and an RS485 interface is available. Communication supports Modbus (SMA, SunSpec), Webconnect and SMA Data. SMA Smart Connected monitors the inverter free of charge in Sunny Portal and reports faults automatically, including in Italy. Listed approvals include CEI 0-21, VDE-AR-N 4105, EN 50549-1, C10/11, G98-1/G99-1, RD 1699, TOR Erzeuger type A and UTE C15-712. The warranty extends from 5 to 10 years on registration.

Questions and answers