Sungrow SP600S600W module optimiser for Sungrow inverters

Overview

The Sungrow SP600S is a 600W module-level optimiser for modules of 450–695W, with an 8–80V MPPT range, 20A input short-circuit current and 99.5% peak efficiency. It works only with compatible Sungrow string and hybrid inverters of the RS, RS-S, SH-RS, RT-P2 and CX-P2 series, adding per-module tracking, IV curve scanning in iSolarCloud and rapid shutdown to 30V within 20 seconds. It suits shaded or multi-orientation roofs equipped with a Sungrow inverter.

• 600W rated, 20A Isc, 8–80V MPPT range
• 99.5% maximum, 99.0% weighted efficiency
• Rapid shutdown to 30V within 20 seconds
• IP68, C5 corrosion protection, -40…+85°C
• Works only with compatible Sungrow inverters

How it works

The SP600S is fitted to one PV module and tracks that module's maximum power point through a DC/DC converter, so shaded, soiled or differently oriented modules no longer limit the whole string. Optimisers communicate over the DC cables by power line communication, with a range under 350m, and support module-level shutdown, IV curve scanning and diagnosis, and automatic recognition of their physical position. The datasheet also lists a bypass working mode.

Key features

Rated output is 600W from modules of 450–695W, with an 8–80V MPPT range, 20A input short-circuit current and 16A output current. Maximum efficiency is 99.5% and weighted efficiency 99.0%. On shutdown each optimiser outputs 1V and the string drops to 30V within 20 seconds, provided it contains no more than 30 units. The 86×108×25mm housing weighs 0.5kg with cables, is rated IP68 with C5 corrosion protection and runs from -40 to +85°C up to 4000m.

Installation and compatibility

The SP600S is not compatible with third-party products: Sungrow lists SG2.0–3.0RS-S, SG3.0–10RS, SH3.0–6.0RS, SG5.0–20RT-P2, SG25–50CX-P2 and SG125CX-P2 inverters and advises consulting Sungrow before ordering. String lengths depend on the inverter, from 4–25 units on RS-S and SH-RS models to 6–35 on RT-P2 and CX-P2, and parallel strings on one MPPT must have equal module counts.

Units push onto the module frame or bolt to an aluminium rail with M8 T-head bolts, preferably on the same side of each module near the junction box. Partial deployment, with optimisers on only some MPPT inputs, is possible on listed RS, RS-S, SH-RS and RT-P2 models but then rapid shutdown, IV diagnosis and automatic optimiser search are not available.

Monitoring and settings

Optimiser data reaches iSolarCloud through the inverter's communication device: a WiNet-S2 or EyeS4-EU handles up to 400 optimisers and a Logger1000 up to 4,900. After installation the physical and logical layout is set in the iSolarCloud app, either by importing Sungrow's Excel layout template or by placing units manually, and data then refreshes every 10 seconds.

Questions and answers