SOFAR 3000TL-G33kW single-phase string inverter, 1 MPPT

Overview

The SOFAR 3000TL-G3 is a 3kW single-phase string inverter with one MPP tracker, accepting up to 550V and 12A from a single string. The manual recommends up to 4100Wp of PV, with full output between 275 and 500V. Maximum output current is 14.5A, and efficiency reaches 97.7% maximum and 97.2% European. In its 321×260.5×131.5mm, 6.3kg IP65 housing it is cooled by natural convection; SOFAR specifies a 25A breaker and copper cable of at least 6mm².

• Six models from 1.1kW to 3.3kW rated output
• Single MPPT, 12A input, 50–550V operating range
• Weight 5.5–6.3kg, IP65, natural convection
• Feed-in limitation with a current sensor
• Type III surge protection on DC and AC
• RS485 standard, Wi-Fi, GPRS or Ethernet optional

How it works

These transformerless inverters convert one PV string into single-phase 230V AC. The tracker operates from 50V and starts feeding at 70V, with a 360V rated input, 12A maximum input current and 15A short-circuit current. The 1100, 1600 and 2200TL-G3 accept up to 500V, the 2700, 3000 and 3300TL-G3 up to 550V. The manual recommends a PV power from 1500Wp on the smallest model to 4500Wp on the 3300TL-G3.

Key features

Maximum efficiency is 97.5% on the three smaller models and 97.7% on the larger ones, with European efficiencies of 96.9% and 97.2%. Protection includes reverse polarity, anti-islanding, residual current and ground fault monitoring, string fault monitoring and Type III surge arresters on PV and AC. The IP65 housings are cooled by natural convection and the manual quotes a noise level below 25dB. Active power can be limited from 0 to 100% and reactive power set through the power factor.

Installation and compatibility

Wall-mount the unit vertically or tilted back by no more than 15°, preferably sheltered from direct sun, rain and snow; the maximum operating altitude is 2000m. Each inverter needs its own breaker, with no loads between inverter and breaker: 16A for the 1100 and 1600TL-G3 and 25A for the other models, using copper cable of at least 4mm² or 6mm². Where an external RCD is required, SOFAR suggests Type A with 100mA or higher.

A current sensor on the CT port enables feed-in limitation. The logic interface accepts ripple control commands for VDE-AR-N 4105 and EN 50549-1, plus DRM modes for Australia. SOFAR publishes certificates for VDE-AR-N 4105, EN 50549-1, C10/11 and VDE V 0126-1-1, and its EU datasheet also lists CEI 0-21 and G98.

Monitoring and settings

RS485 is standard, and up to 31 inverters can be daisy-chained. An optional Wi-Fi, GPRS or Ethernet logger uploads generation, alarm and status data for remote monitoring; the user manual describes this with the SolarMAN portal and app. Firmware can be updated from a USB drive or remotely through the logger, and the grid code is selected from the country list on the LCD.

Questions and answers