Sungrow S1600S1600VA single-phase microinverter for four PV modules

Overview

The Sungrow S1600S handles four PV modules from one 1600VA single-phase unit, with four independent 16–60V MPPT inputs for 375–570W modules. One device instead of four cuts the number of fixings and AC connections on a roof, and Sungrow recommends it for rooftop systems. The 361×271×55mm IP67 housing weighs 7.5kg; three units fit on a 2.5mm² AC branch, giving twelve modules and 4.8kVA per circuit.

• 1, 2 or 4 independent MPPT inputs, 16A each
• Recommended module power 375–570W
• Built-in Wi-Fi, iSolarCloud app and portal monitoring
• IP67 and C5 corrosion protection, -40…+65°C
• Certified to VDE-AR-N 4105, CEI 0-21 and EN 50549

How it works

Sungrow's S-series microinverters convert DC from one (S450S), two (S800S) or four (S1600S) PV modules into single-phase AC. Every input has its own maximum power point tracker, so a shaded or soiled module only affects its own output, and the DC side stays at module level, below 60V. Units can also be spread across the three phases of a 3P+N supply, provided each phase receives a similar installed power.

Each microinverter has built-in Wi-Fi and connects to the home router, sending module-level data to iSolarCloud. Sungrow recommends the S450S and S800S for balcony systems and the S1000S and S1600S for rooftop arrays, and models can be mixed on one roof to reach the required power.

Key features

All models share a 16–60V MPPT range, 16A input current and 20A short-circuit current per input, 96.2% maximum and 95.4% European efficiency, and night consumption below 50mW. Housings are IP67 and C5 corrosion protected, naturally cooled, with an isolated high-frequency transformer topology. AC output is 220/230/240V at 50 or 60Hz with adjustable power factor, and integrated protections include grid monitoring, leakage current protection, rapid shutdown and type II AC surge protection.

Installation and compatibility

Units are bolted to a bracket under the modules with M8 screws at 9.0Nm, at least 20mm above the roof or from a wall and no more than 6m apart. DC cable plus module lead must stay under 3m, modules may not be connected in series, and input PV1 must always be used; unused inputs are closed with IP67 plugs. AC links run through T-connector trunk cables, with an extension cable where units are more than 2.8m apart.

Branch limits on 2.5mm² cable are 10 S450S, 6 S800S or 3 S1600S units. Sungrow recommends earthing the enclosure through its M4 earthing point with 2.5mm² copper, and a 3P+N breaker of at least 16A when units are distributed over three phases. Certifications include VDE-AR-N 4105, VDE 0126, CEI 0-21, UNE 217002 and EN 50549.

Monitoring and settings

Grid code, country and Wi-Fi settings are made in the iSolarCloud app over local access; once one unit is configured the others join automatically. Production and faults per module are then visible in the iSolarCloud app and web portal. An optional iHomeManager with current transformers can be added in the distribution board for energy management, and a Wi-Fi extender is recommended if the router signal at the array is weak.

Questions and answers