SOFAR 15KTLX-G315kW three-phase string inverter, 2 MPPT

Overview

The SOFAR 15KTLX-G3 is the 15kW entry model of the 15-24KTLX-G3 series, with 16.5kVA maximum apparent power and 23.9A maximum output current. Two trackers take two strings each at up to 26A per tracker, and the manual recommends a PV array of up to 22500Wp, with full output between 420 and 850V. Efficiency is 98.6% maximum and 98.2% European. The unit weighs 20kg, and SOFAR specifies a 40A three-pole breaker with 0.1A residual current protection.

• Rated output 15–24kW with 110% apparent power
• Two MPPT with two strings each, 26A per tracker
• 1100V maximum input, 140–1000V MPPT range
• Max. efficiency 98.6%, European efficiency 98.2%
• Type II surge protection on DC and AC sides
• Smart air cooling, IP65, -30…+60°C

How it works

Two independent trackers each accept two PV strings, with up to 26A input current and 36A short-circuit current per tracker. The MPPT window is 140–1000V with a 160V start-up and a 650V rated input; full output is reached from 420V on the 15KTLX-G3 and from 540V on the 24KTLX-G3, up to 850V. The AC output is 3/N/PE 230/400V, and every model supplies 110% of its rated power as apparent power, for example 24.2kVA on the 22kW unit.

Key features

Peak efficiency is 98.6% and European efficiency 98.2% on all models. Protection covers DC reverse polarity, anti-islanding, leakage current, ground fault and PV string fault monitoring, with an integrated DC switch and Type II surge arresters on PV and AC. Arc-fault detection is available as an option. Unlike the smaller KTLX-G3 models, this series uses smart air cooling with fans, and the manual gives a noise level of 40dB or less. An I-V curve scan helps track the true power peak under partial shading.

Installation and compatibility

Install the inverter vertically or tilted back by up to 15°, with 80cm free above, 50cm below and 50cm on each side. Each unit needs a dedicated three-pole breaker with 0.1A residual current protection: 40A for the 15 and 17kW models, 50A for 20kW and 63A for 22 and 24kW, with five-core copper cable of 10mm² or 12mm² recommended. The housing measures 520×430×189mm and weighs 20 to 23kg.

Feed-in limitation requires an external smart meter, supplied separately, and an RS485 bus links up to 31 inverters. SOFAR publishes certificates for VDE-AR-N 4105, EN 50549-1, C10/11, TOR Erzeuger Type A and G99; the datasheet also lists VDE V 0126-1-1, and the country menu includes CEI 0-21 settings for Italy.

Monitoring and settings

Parameters can be set on the LCD or over Bluetooth with the app. RS485, USB and Bluetooth are standard, and a Wi-Fi or Ethernet stick logger enables remote monitoring of production, alarms and status. Firmware and country settings can be loaded from a USB drive, and the datasheet lists remote firmware upgrade among the series features.

Questions and answers