Sofar solar SOFAR 3KTLM-G3 User manual

SOFAR 3 …6KTLM-G3
Installation and
operating manual
Version 01 | June 2022
English
SOFAR 3KTLM, 3.6KTLM, 4KTLM, 4.6KTLM, 5KTLM, 6KTLM

TABLE OF CONTENT
2 SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3
Table of Content
1About this manual 5
1.1 Copyright declaration 5
1.2 Structure of the manual 5
1.3 Scope 6
1.4 Target group 6
1.5 Symbols used 6
2Basic safety information 8
2.1 Safety information 8
2.2 Symbols and signs 14
3Product features 17
3.1 Product dimensions 17
3.2 Labelling on the device 19
3.3 Functional features 19
3.4 Efficiency curve 21
4Installation 22
4.1 Installation information 22
4.2 Installation procedure 22
4.3 Examination before installation 23
4.4 Connections 25
4.5 Tools 25
4.6 Installation location 27

TABLE OF CONTENT
SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3 3
4.7 Unpacking the inverter 29
4.8 Installation of the inverter 31
5Electrical connections 32
5.1 Safety instructions 32
5.2 System overview 34
5.3 Electrical connection 36
5.4 Connecting the PE cables 37
5.5 Connecting the DC cables 38
5.6 Connecting the AC power cables 41
5.7 System monitoring 46
5.8 Installation of the WiFi-, GPRS or Ethernet stick 48
5.9 RS485, CT, logic interfaces 53
6Commissioning the inverter 59
6.1 Safety test before commissioning 59
6.2 Starting the inverter 59
7Operation of the device 60
7.1 Control panel and display field 60
7.2 Standard display 61
7.3 Status display 61
7.4 Menu structure 62
7.5 Firmware update 67
8Troubleshooting handling 68

TABLE OF CONTENT
4 SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3
8.1 Troubleshooting 68
8.2 Error code list 70
8.3 Maintenance 82
9Technical data 83

ABOUT THIS MANUAL
SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3 5
1About this manual
This manual contains important safety information that must be
observed during installation and maintenance of the device.
Carefully read this manual before use and retain it for future
reference!
This manual must be treated as an integral component of the device.
The manual must be kept in close proximity to the device, including
when it is handed over to another user or moved to a different
location.
1.1 Copyright declaration
The copyright of this manual is owned by SOFARSOLAR. It may not be
copied –neither partially nor completely –by companies or individuals
(including software, etc.) and must not be reproduced or distributed in
any form, or with the appropriate means.
SOFARSOLAR reserves the right to final interpretation. This manual
may be amended following feedback from users or customers. Please
consult our website at http://www.sofarsolar.com for the latest
version.
The current version was updated on 20.07.2022.
1.2 Structure of the manual
This manual contains important safety and installation instructions
that must be observed during installation and maintenance of the
device.

ABOUT THIS MANUAL
6 SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3
1.3 Scope
This product manual describes the installation, electrical connection,
commissioning, maintenance and fault elimination procedures of the
SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3 inverters.
1.4 Target group
This manual is intended for specialist electrical engineers who are
responsible for the installation and commissioning of the inverter in
the PV system, as well as the PV system operators.
1.5 Symbols used
This manual contains information on safe operation and uses symbols
to ensure the safety of persons and property as well as the efficient
operation of the inverter. Please read through the following symbol
explanations carefully in order to prevent injury or property damage.

ABOUT THIS MANUAL
SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3 7
DANGER
Non-observance will result in death or serious injury.
•Follow the warnings in order to prevent death or serious
injury!
WARNING
Non-observance may result in death or serious injury.
•Follow the warnings in order to prevent serious injury!
CAUTION
Non-observance may result in minor injury.
•Follow the warnings in order to prevent injury!
ATTENTION
Non-observance may result in property damage!
•Follow the warnings in order to prevent damage to or
destruction of the product.
NOTE
•Provides tips essential to the optimal operation of the
product.

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
8 SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3
2Basic safety information
NOTE
•If you have any questions or problems after reading the
following information, please contact SOFARSOLAR
This chapter details the safety information pertaining to the
installation and operation of the device.
2.1 Safety information
Read and understand the instructions within this manual and
familiarise yourself with the relevant safety symbols in this chapter
before beginning with the installation of the device and eliminating
any faults.
Before connecting to the power grid, you must obtain official
authorisation from the local power grid operator in accordance with
the corresponding national and state requirements. Furthermore,
operation may only be carried out by qualified electricians.
Please contact the nearest authorised service centre if any
maintenance or repairs are required. Please contact your dealer to
obtain information about your nearest authorised service centre. Do
NOT carry out repairs on the device yourself; this may lead to injury or
property damage.
Before installing the device or carrying out maintenance on it, you
must open the DC switch in order to interrupt the DC voltage of the
PV generator. You can also switch off the DC voltage by opening the

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3 9
DC switch in the Array junction box. Not doing this may result in
serious injury.
2.1.1 Qualified personnel
Personnel tasked with the operation and maintenance of the device
must have the qualifications, competence and experience required to
perform the described tasks, while also being capable of fully
understanding all instructions contained within the manual. For safety
reasons, this inverter may only be installed by a qualified electrician
who:
-has received training on occupational safety, as well as the
installation and commissioning of electrical systems
-is familiar with the local laws, standards and regulations of the
grid operator.
SOFARSOLAR assumes no responsibility for the destruction of
property or any injuries to personnel caused by improper usage.
2.1.2 Installation requirements
Please install the inverter according to the information contained in
the following section. Mount the inverter to a suitable object with a
sufficient load-bearing capacity (e.g. walls, PV frames etc.) and
ensure that the inverter is upright. Choose a suitable place for the
installation of electrical devices. Ensure that there is sufficient space
for an emergency exit which is suitable for maintenance. Ensure
sufficient ventilation in order to guarantee an air circulation for the
cooling of the inverter.

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
10 SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3
2.1.3 Transport requirements
The factory packaging is specifically designed to prevent transport
damage, i.e. violent shocks, moisture and vibrations. However, the
device must not be installed if it is visibly damaged. In this case, notify
the responsible transport company immediately.
2.1.4 Labelling on the device
The labels must NOT be concealed by items and foreign objects (rags,
boxes, devices, etc.); they must be regularly cleaned and kept clearly
visible at all times.
2.1.5 Electrical connection
Observe all applicable electrical regulations when working with the
Solar inverter.

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3 11
DANGER
Dangerous DC voltage
•Before establishing the electrical connection, cover the PV
modules using opaque material or disconnect the PV
generator from the inverter. Solar radiation will cause
dangerous voltage to be generated by the PV generator!
DANGER
Danger through electric shock!
•All installations and electrical connections may only be
carried out by trained electricians!
IMPORTANT
Authorisation for grid feed-in
•Obtain authorisation from the local power grid operator
before connecting the inverter to the public power grid.
NOTE
Voiding of guarantee
•Do not open the inverter or remove any of the labels.
Otherwise, SOFARSOLAR shall assume no guarantee.

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
12 SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3
2.1.6 Operation
DANGER
Electric shock
•Contact with the electrical grid or the device’s terminals may
result in an electric shock or fire!
•Do not touch the terminal or the conductor which is
connected to the electrical grid.
•Follow all instructions and observe all safety documents that
refer to the grid connection.
CAUTION
Burning due to hot housing
•While the inverter is being operated, several internal
components will become very hot.
•Please wear protective gloves!
•Keep children away from the device!

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3 13
2.1.7 Repair and maintenance
DANGER
Dangerous voltage!
•Before carrying out any repair work, first switch off the AC
circuit breaker between the inverter and power grid, and then
the DC switch.
•After switching off the AC circuit breaker and the DC switch,
wait a minimum of 5 minutes before starting any
maintenance or repair work.
IMPORTANT
Unauthorised repairs!
•Following the elimination of any faults, the inverter should
be fully functional once more. Should any repairs be
required, please contact a local authorised service centre.
•The internal components of the inverter must NOT be
opened without the relevant authorisation. Shenzhen
SOFARSOLAR Co., Ltd. assumes no responsibility for any
resulting losses or defects.

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
14 SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3
2.2 Symbols and signs
CAUTION
Beware of burning hazards due to the hot housing!
•While the inverter is in operation, only touch the display and
the buttons, as the housing can become hot.
ATTENTION
Implement earthing!
•The PV generator must be earthed in accordance with the
requirements of the local power grid operator!
•For reasons of personal safety, we recommend that all PV
module frames and inverters of the PV system are reliably
earthed.
WARNING
Damage due to overvoltage
•Ensure that the input voltage does not exceed the maximum
permissible voltage. Overvoltage may cause long-term
damage to the inverter, as well as other damage that is not
covered by the warranty!

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3 15
2.2.1 Symbols on the inverter
Several symbols pertaining to safety can be found on the inverter.
Please read and understand the content of these symbols before
starting the installation.
Symbol
Description
Residual voltage is present in the inverter! Before
opening the inverter, you should wait five
minutes to ensure that the capacitor has been
fully discharged.
Caution! Danger through electric shock
Caution! Hot surface
The product is compliant with EU guidelines
Earthing point
Please read the manual before installing the
inverter
Device degree of protection according to EN
60529
Positive and negative poles of the DC input
voltage

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
16 SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3
Symbol
Description
The inverter must always be transported and
stored with the arrows pointing upward
RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark)
The product meets the requirements of the
applicable Australian standards.

PRODUCT FEATURES
SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3 17
3Product features
This chapter describes the product features, dimensions and
efficiency levels.
3.1 Product dimensions
The SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3 is a grid-coupled PV inverter with an
MPPT which converts the direct current generated by PV systems into
a single-phase alternating current and feeds it into the public power
grid. The AC circuit breaker and DC switch are used as a
disconnecting device and must be easily accessible.
SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3 inverters may only be used with photovoltaic
modules which do not require one of the poles to be earthed. In
normal operation, the operating current must not exceed the limits
specified within the technical data. Only photovoltaic modules may be
connected at the input of the inverter (no batteries or other power
sources must be connected).

PRODUCT FEATURES
18 SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3
The selection of the optional inverter parts must be determined by a
qualified technician who has good knowledge of the installation
conditions.
Dimensions SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3:
L × W × H = 349 mm × 344 mm × 164 mm
Dimensions of the mounting bracket for SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3:

PRODUCT FEATURES
SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3 19
3.2 Labelling on the device
Labelling must not be covered or removed!
3.3 Functional features
The DC output generated by the PV generator is filtered by the input
board before it reaches the power board. The input board also
provides functions such as the detection of insulation impedance and
the measurement of the DC current and voltage. The DC current is
converted into AC current by the power board. The AC current is
filtered by the output board and fed into the power grid. The output
board also provides functions such as grid voltage and current
measurement, earth fault protection and a disconnecting relay. The
control board supplies the auxiliary energy, controls the operating
state of the inverter and displays the operating status on the display
board. An error code will appear on the display if the inverter is in an
abnormal operating state. At the same time, the control board may
trigger the relay in order to protect the internal components.

PRODUCT FEATURES
20 SOFAR 3 ... 6KTLM-G3
3.3.1 Functions
ADigital inputs (DRMs)
The inverter can be switched on/off via the external control.
BFeeding of reactive power into the grid
The inverter is capable of generating reactive power and can also feed
it into the grid. The setting of the power factor (Cos Phi) can be
controlled via the serial RS485 interface.
CLimitation of the active power fed into the grid
The inverter can limit the active power fed into the grid to a specific
value (as a percentage of the rated output).
DOutput reduction at overfrequency within the grid
If the grid frequency is higher than the limit value, the inverter will
reduce the output power; this is required to ensure stability of the
grid.
EData transfer
The inverter (or a group of inverters) can be monitored remotely via
the RS485 communication bus or via WiFi/GPRS.
FSoftware update
The device supports local updates via USB stick and remote updates
via WiFi/GPRS.