Sofar solar 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual

Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
Solar Grid-tied Inverter
Product Model: SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3
User manual

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
I
Contents
Preface..................................................................................................................IV
1. Basic Safety Information.......................................................................... - 1 -
1.1. Requirement for Installation and Maintenance...................... - 1 -
1.2. Symbols and signs.................................................................. - 4 -
2. Product Characteristics............................................................................. - 7 -
2.1. Intended Use........................................................................... - 7 -
2.2. Function Description............................................................ - 11 -
2.3. Electrical block diagram.......................................................- 12 -
2.4. Efficiency and derating curve...............................................- 12 -
3. Installation.............................................................................................. - 14 -
3.1. Installation Process............................................................... - 14 -
3.2. Checking Before Installation................................................- 14 -
3.3. Tools......................................................................................- 17 -
3.4. Determining the Installation Position...................................- 19 -
3.5. Moving of inverter................................................................- 20 -
3.6. Installation............................................................................ - 21 -
4. Electrical Connection..............................................................................- 23 -
4.1. Electrical Connection........................................................... - 24 -
4.2. Grounding Connection (PE)................................................. - 25 -
4.3. AC-Output Wiring................................................................ - 26 -
4.4. Connect PV side of inverter (DC-Input).............................. - 29 -
4.5. Communication Connection.................................................- 32 -
5. Commissioning of inverter..................................................................... - 42 -
5.1. Cable Connection Inspection................................................- 42 -
5.2. Start Inverter......................................................................... - 42 -
5.3. Shutdown inverter.................................................................- 43 -
5.4. Setting power quality response modes................................. - 43 -
6. Operation interface................................................................................. - 44 -
6.1. Operation and Display Panel................................................ - 44 -
6.2. Standard Interface.................................................................- 45 -
6.3. Main Interface.......................................................................- 47 -
6.4. Updating Inverter Software.................................................. - 55 -
7. Trouble shooting and maintenance......................................................... - 58 -
7.1. Troubleshooting.................................................................... - 58 -
7.2. Maintenance..........................................................................- 67 -
8. Technical Data........................................................................................ - 68 -
9. Quality Assurance...................................................................................- 74 -

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
II
Figures and Tables
Figure 2- 1 PV Grid-Tied System..................................................................... - 7 -
Figure 2- 2 Overview of grid configurations.................................................... - 8 -
Figure 2- 3 Front, side and back of the machine (3.3~12K)............................. - 9 -
Figure 2- 4 Bottom view................................................................................... - 9 -
Figure 2- 5 Mounting bracket dimensions........................................................ - 9 -
Figure 2- 6 Bottom view of the SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3............................ - 10 -
Figure 2- 7 Product label.................................................................................- 10 -
Figure 2- 8 Electrical block diagram...............................................................- 12 -
Figure 2- 9 Typical efficiency curve (of the 12KW).......................................- 12 -
Figure 2- 10 Rated Power ratio vs Grid Voltage............................................. - 13 -
Figure 3- 2 Installation position selection.......................................................- 19 -
Figure 3- 3 Wall clearances for single inverter............................................... - 20 -
Figure 3- 4 Wall clearances for multiple inverters..........................................- 20 -
Figure 3- 5 Remove inverter from package (1)...............................................- 21 -
Figure 3- 6 Remove inverter from package (2)...............................................- 21 -
Figure 3- 7 Installation instruction (1)............................................................ - 22 -
Figure 3- 8 Installation instruction (2)............................................................ - 22 -
Figure 4- 1 Flowchart for connecting cables to the inverter........................... - 24 -
Figure 4- 2 Grounding connection instruction (1).......................................... - 25 -
Figure 4- 3 Grounding connection instruction (2).......................................... - 25 -
Figure 4- 4 Inverter external grounding instruction diagram..........................- 26 -
Figure 4- 5 Incorrect connection between load and inverter...........................- 27 -
Figure 4- 6 AC side CSA vs power loss..........................................................- 28 -
Figure 4- 7 A 3 phase cable............................................................................. - 28 -
Figure 4- 8 AC cable connection instruction diagram (1)...............................- 29 -
Figure 4- 9 AC cable connection instruction diagram (2)...............................- 29 -
Figure 4- 10 DC cable connection (1).............................................................- 30 -
Figure 4- 11DC cable connection (2)..............................................................- 30 -
Figure 4- 12 DC cable connection (3).............................................................- 31 -
Figure 4- 13 DC cable connection(4)..............................................................- 31 -

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
III
Figure 4- 14 Use a multimeter to check the positive and negative electrodes- 31 -
Figure 4- 15 Removal DC connector.............................................................. - 32 -
Figure 4- 16 Communications port................................................................. - 32 -
Figure 4- 17 Inverter – RRCR Connection..................................................... - 35 -
Figure 4- 18 Inverter – RRCR Connection..................................................... - 36 -
Figure 4- 19 Picture of the RS485/USB converter and PC terminal...............- 37 -
Figure 4- 20 Connecting a single inverter via RS485..................................... - 37 -
Figure 4- 21 Daisy chain multiple inverters via RS485..................................- 37 -
Figure 4- 22 Connecting a single wifi logger to wireless router.....................- 38 -
Figure 4- 23 Connecting multiple wifi loggers to wireless router.................. - 38 -
Figure 4- 24 Electrical connections (Meter + CT)..........................................- 41 -
Figure 6- 1 Remove communication broad cover...........................................- 56 -
Table 3- 1 Package contents............................................................................- 17 -
Table 3- 2 Installation tools.............................................................................- 18 -
Table 4- 1 The decisive voltage class (DVC) of terminals............................. - 24 -
Table 4- 2 AC breaker and RCD specifications.............................................. - 27 -
Table 4- 3 Recommend COM cable size.........................................................- 33 -
Table 4- 4 Com port description......................................................................- 33 -
Table 4- 5 Function description of the DRMs terminal.................................. - 34 -
Table 4- 6 Function description of the terminal.............................................. - 35 -
Table 4- 7 4 port RRCR power levels............................................................. - 35 -
Table 4- 8 Function description of the terminal.............................................. - 36 -
Table 4- 9 1 port RRCR power level...............................................................- 36 -
Table 6- 1 List of available grid codes............................................................ - 49 -
Table 7- 1 Error Code / Event List.................................................................. - 66 -

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
IV
Preface
Notice
Thank you on your purchase of a SofarSolar inverter. This manual contains
important safety and operational information that assist you in using this product.
Please observe all applicable safety regulations that have been mandated by your
local electrical supplier.
Save these instructions!
This manual should be considered a piece of safety equipment and therefore
must accompany the device, even when it is transferred to another user or site.
Copyright Declaration
The copyright of this manual belongs to Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co. Ltd. Any
corporation or individual should not plagiarise, partially copy or fully copy it
(including software, etc),and no reproduction or distribution of it in any form or
by any means. All right reserved.
SOFARSOLAR reserves the right of final interpretation. This manual is subject
to change according to user’s or customer’s feedback. Please check our website
at http://www.sofarsolar.com for latest version.
The current Version updated at 20210812.
The current Version is V1.01-AU.
Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd
Location: 401, Building 4, Antongda Industrial Park, District 68, XingDong
Community, XinAn Street, BaoAn District, Shenzhen, China.
Postcode: 518000
Company Website: www.sofarsolar.com
Email: [e-mail]

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
V
Outline
This manual is an integral part of SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3. It describes the
assembly, installation, commissioning, maintenance and troubleshooting of the
product. Please read it carefully before operating.
Scope of Validity
This manual contains important instructions for:
SOFAR 3.3KTLX-G3
SOFAR 4.4KTLX-G3
SOFAR 5KTLX-G3-A
SOFAR 5.5KTLX-G3
SOFAR 6.6KTLX-G3
SOFAR 8.8KTLX-G3
SOFAR 8.8KTLX-G3-A
SOFAR10KTLX-G3-A
SOFAR 11KTLX-G3
SOFAR 11KTLX-G3-A
SOFAR 12KTLX-G3
Target Audience
This manual is for qualified electricians. The tasks described in this manual only
can be performed by qualified electricians.
Symbols Used
The following types of safety instruction and general information appear in this
document as described below:
“Danger”indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
will result in death or serious injury.
Danger
“Warning”indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in death or serious injury
Warning
“Caution”indicates a hazardous situation which, if not avoided,
could result in minor or moderate injury
Caution
“Attention”indicates there are potential risks, if fail to prevent,
may lead to equipment cannot normally or property damage.
Attention
“Note”provides additional information and tips that are valuable
for the optimal operation of the product.
Note

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
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1.Basic Safety
Information
Outline of this Chapter
Please read the instruction carefully. Faulty operation may cause serious injury
or death.
Safety Instruction
Introduce the safety instruction during installation and operation of SOFAR
3.3~12KTLX-G3.
Symbols Instruction
This section gives an explanation of all the symbols shown on the inverter and
on the type label.
1.1. Requirement for Installation and Maintenance
Installation of SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 on-grid inverter must conform with
laws, regulations, codes and standards applicable in the jurisdiction.
Before installing and adjusting the produce, please read all of instructions,
cautions and warnings in this manual.
Before connecting the product to the electrical utility grid, contact the local
utility company for allowance. Also, this connection must be made only by
qualified electrician.
If the failure persists, please contact the nearest authorized maintenance centre.
If you don't know which service centre is closest to you, please contact your
local distributor. Don't attempt to repair the product by yourself, this may lead
serious injury or damage.
If you have any question or problem when you read the
following information, please contact Shenzhen
SOFARSOLAR CO., Ltd.
Note

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
-2-
Qualified Person
When inverter is working, it contains lethal voltages and went hot in some area.
Improper installation or maloperation could cause serial damage and injury. To
reduce the risk of personal injury and to ensure the safe installation and
operation of the product, only a qualified electrician is allowed to execute
transportation, installation, commissioning and maintenance. Shenzhen
SOFARSOLAR Co, Ltd does not take any responsibility for the property
destruction and personal injury because of any incorrect use.
Label and Symbols
SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 has a labels and warning symbols attach the side of
product which contains important information and technical data, these labels
must not be removed from the device.
Installation location requirement
Please install inverter on surfaces with enough load bearing capacity (such as
walls, PV racks etc.). Ensure adequate clearance around and in particularly
above the unit is left for passive/active ventilation. Ensure the inverter is
installed in a wall ventilated environment and have enough air-cooling cycle. Air
humidity should less than 90%.
Transportation Requirement
If you find packing problems that may have caused damage of the inverter,
or find any visible damage, please notify the transportation company
immediately.
The factory packaging is designed to prevent transportation related damage

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
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i.e. violent shocks, humidity, vibration, however if the unit is visibly damaged,
do not install it.
Electrical Connection
Please comply with all the current electrical regulations about accident
prevention in dealing with the current inverter.
Before the electrical connection, use opaque material to cover the
PV modules or disconnect PV string DC switch. PV arrays will
produce dangerous voltage if it is exposure under sun.
Danger
All operation must accomplish by certified electrical engineer
Must be trained;
Completely read the manual operation and understand all
information.
Warming
Must get permission by local utility company before connecting
to grid and the connection must be done by certified electricians.
Attention
Operation
Touching the utility grid or the terminal conductors can lead to
lethal electric shock or fire!
Do not touch non-insulated cable ends, DC conductors and any
live components of the inverter.
Attention to any electrical relevant instruction and document.
Danger
Enclosure or internal components may get hot during operation.
Do not touch hot surface or wear insulated gloves.
Keep it away from kids!
Attention
Maintenance and repair
Before any repair work, turn OFF the AC circuit breaker between
the inverter and electrical grid first, then turn OFF the DC
switch.
After turning OFF the AC circuit breaker and DC switch wait for
at least 5 minutes before carry any maintenance or repair work.
Danger

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
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Inverter should not work again until removing all faults. If any
repair work is required, please contact local authorized service
centre.
Should not open the inverter cover without authorized permit,
SOFARSOLAR does not take any responsibility for that.
Attention
EMC/Noise Level
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) refers to that on electrical equipment
functions in a given electromagnetic environment without any trouble or error,
and impose no unacceptable effect upon the environment. Therefore, EMC
represents the quality characters of an electrical equipment.
The inherent noise-immune character: immunity to internal electrical noise
External noise immunity: immunity to electromagnetic noise of external
system
Noise emission level: influence of electromagnetic emission upon
environment
Electromagnetic radiation from inverter may be harmful to
health!
Please do not continue. Stay away from the inverter in no less
than 20cm when inverter is operational.
Danger
1.2. Symbols and signs
High voltage of inverter may be harmful to health!
Only certified engineer can operate the product;
Juveniles, Disable, should not use this product;
Keep this product out of the reach of children;
Danger
Caution of burn injuries due to hot enclosure!
Only touch the screen and pressing key of the inverter while it is
working.
Caution
PV array should be grounded in accordance to the requirements
of the local electrical grid company.
Attention
Ensure input DC voltage < Max. DC voltage .Overvoltage
may cause permanent damage to inverter or other losses,

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
-5-
which will not be included in warranty!
Warning
Warning signs on the device
SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 has some safety symbols on the inverter. Please read
and fully understand the meaning of the symbols before installation.
Symbols
Name
Explanation
This is a residual voltage
in the inverter!
After disconnect with the DC side,
there is a residual voltage in the
inverter, operator should wait for 5
minutes to ensure the capacitor is
completely discharged.
Caution of high voltage
and electric shock
The products operates at high
voltages. Prior to performing any
work on the product, disconnect the
product from voltage sources. All
work on the product must be carried
out by qualified persons only.
Caution of hot surface
The product can get hot during
operation. Avoid contact during
operation. Prior to performing any
work on the product, allow the
product to cool down sufficiently
The product complies with the CE Certification
Grounding Terminal
This symbol indicates the position for
the connections of an additional
equipment grounding conductor
Observe the
documentation
Read all documentation supplied with
the product before install

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
-6-
Positive pole and
negative pole
Positive pole and negative pole of the
input voltage (DC)
Temperature
Indicated the temperature allowance
range
RCM logo
RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark)
The product complies with the
requirements of the applicable
Australian standards.

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
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2.Product Characteristics
Outline of this Chapter
Product Dimensions
Introduce the field of use and the dimensions of the product
Function Description
Introduce working principle and internal components of the product
Efficiency Curves
Introduce the efficiency curves of the product
2.1. Intended Use
Field of use
SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 is a transformer-less on grid PV inverter, that
converters the direct current of the PV panels to the grid-compliant, three-phase
current and feeds into the utility grid.
Figure 2- 1 PV Grid-Tied System
SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 may only be operated with PV arrays (photovoltaic
module and cabling) for on grid condition. Do not use this product for any other
or additional purposes. Any damage or property loss due to any use of the
product other than described in this section, SOFARSOLAR will not take the
responsibility. DC input of the product must be PV module, other source such

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
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like DC sources, batteries will void the manufacturers warranty.
Intended grid types
SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 configurations. For the TT type of electricity grid, the
voltage between neutral and earth should be less than 30V. inverters are
compatible with TN-S, TN-C, TN-C-S, TT, IT grid.
Figure 2- 2 Overview of grid configurations
Product Dimensions
The choice of optional parts of inverter should be made by a qualified technician
who knows the installation conditions clearly.
Dimensions Description
SOFAR 3.3KTLX-G3
SOFAR 4.4KTLX-G3
SOFAR 5KTLX-G3-A
SOFAR 5.5KTLX-G3
SOFAR 6.6KTLX-G3
SOFAR 8.8KTLX-G3
SOFAR 8.8KTLX-G3-A
SOFAR10KTLX-G3-A
SOFAR 11KTLX-G3
SOFAR 11KTLX-G3-A
SOFAR 12KTLX-G3
L×W×H=430*385*182mm
SOFAR Inverters
SOFAR Inverters
SOFAR Inverters
SOFAR Inverters
SOFAR Inverters

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
-9-
430
385
182
Figure 2- 3 Front, side and back of the machine (3.3~12K)
Figure 2- 4 Bottom view
Note: 3.3KTLX-G3 ,4.4KTLX-G3, 5KTLX-G3-A, 5.5KTLX-G3,6.6KTLX-G3,8.8KTLX-G3,
11KTLX-G3 supports 2-channel PV string input; 8.8KTLX-G3-A, 10KTLX-G3-A, 11KTLX-G3-A,
12KTLX-G3 supports 3-channel PV string input.
354.0
90.2
40.0
3-12.0
272.0
50.0
135°
12.0
2- 8.0
10.0
11.0
16.0 16.0
6- 10.0
Figure 2- 5 Mounting bracket dimensions

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
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Function description of inverter box (bottom)
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
Figure 2- 6 Bottom view of the SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3
1. DC Switch
2. DC negative connecters
3. DC positive connecters
4. USB Port (for WIFI or Ethernet communication)
5. Breather valve
6. COM Port (for RS485 communication)
7. AC output
Label on the equipment
Figure 2- 7 Product label
Note: label must NOT be hidden with objects and extraneous parts (rags, boxes, equipment, etc.,);
they must be cleaned regularly and kept visible at all times.

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
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- 11 -
2.2. Function Description
DC power generated by PV arrays is filtered through Input Board then enter
Power Board. Input Board also offer functions such as insulation impedance
detection and input DC voltage/ current detection. DC power is converted to AC
power by Power Board. AC power is filtered through Output Board then AC
power is fed into the grid. Output Board also offer functions such as grid
voltage/ output current detection, GFCI and output isolation relay. Control Board
provides the auxiliary power, controls the operation state of inverter and shows
the operation status by Display Board. Display Board displays fault code when
inverter is abnormal operation conditions. At the same time, Control Board can
trigger the replay to protect the internal components.
Function Module
A. Energy management unit
Remote control to start/down inverter through an external control.
B. Feeding reactive power into the grid
The inverter is able to produce reactive power thus to feed it into the grid
through the setting of the phase shift factor. Feed-in management can be
controlled directly by APP or through a RS485 interface.
C. Limited the active power fed into grid
If enable the limited of active power function, inverter can limit the amount of
active power fed into the grid to the desired value (expressed as percentage).
D. Self-power reduction when grid is over frequency
If grid frequency is higher than the limited value, inverter will reduce the output
power to ensure the grid stability.
E. Data transmission
Inverter or a group of inverters can be monitored remotely through an advanced
communication system based on RS485 interface or via USB port.
F. Software update
USB interface for uploading the firmware, remotely uploading by using USB
acquisition stick (WIFI or Ethernet) is also available.

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2.3. Electrical block diagram
Figure 2- 8 Electrical block diagram
2.4. Efficiency and derating curve
Figure 2- 9 Typical efficiency curve (of the 12KW)

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
Copyright © Shenzhen SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd.
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Figure 2- 10 Rated Power ratio vs Grid Voltage

SOFAR 3.3~12KTLX-G3 User manual
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3.Installation
Outline of this Chapter
This topic describes how to install this product, please read carefully before
install.
Do NOT install the product on flammable material.
Do NOT store this product in potentially explosive atmospheres.
Dangers
The enclosure and heat sink will get hot during operation, please
do not mount the product at a easy to reach location.
Caution
Consider the weight of this product when doing transport and
moving.
Choose an appropriate mounting position and surface.
At least two persons for installation.
Attention
3.1. Installation Process
3.2. Checking Before Installation
Checking Outer Packing Materials
Before unpacking, please check the condition of the outer package materials if
any damaged found, such as holes, cracks, please not unpack the product,
contact your distributor immediately. Recommend installing the product within
24 hours after unpacking the package.