Sofar 25KTLX-G3 User manual

SOFAR 25 … 50KTLX-G3
Installation and
operating manual
Version 01 | March 2023
English
SOFAR 25KTLX-G3, 30KTLX-G3, 30KTLX-G3-A, 33KTLX-G3, 36KTLX-G3,
40KTLX-G3, 45KTLX-G3, 50KTLX-G3

TABLE OF CONTENT
2 SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-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 13
3Product features 16
3.1 Product dimensions 16
3.2 Power grid types 17
3.3 Product dimensions 17
3.4 Labelling on the device 19
3.5 Functional features 19
3.6 Efficiency curve 21
4Installation 23
4.1 Installation information 23
4.2 Installation procedure 23
4.3 Examination before installation 24
4.4 Connections 26

TABLE OF CONTENT
SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3 3
4.5 Tools 26
4.6 Installation location 28
4.7 Unpacking the inverter 30
4.8 Installation of the inverter 31
5Electrical connections 33
5.1 Safety instructions 33
5.2 Electrical connection 34
5.3 Connecting the PE cables 35
5.4 Connecting the DC cables 37
5.5 Connecting the AC power cables 40
5.6 Communication ports 46
5.7 Energy meter connection 53
5.8 System monitoring 55
6Commissioning the inverter 61
6.1 Safety test before commissioning 61
6.2 Starting the inverter 61
6.3 Smartphone app SOFAR View 62
7Operation of the device 63
7.1 Control panel and display field 63
7.2 Standard display 64
7.3 Status display 64
7.4 Menu structure 65

TABLE OF CONTENT
4 SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3
7.5 Software update 68
8Troubleshooting handling 70
8.1 Troubleshooting 70
8.2 Maintenance 79
9Technical data 82

ABOUT THIS MANUAL
SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-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.eu for the latest version.
The current version was updated on 12/07/2023.
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 25 ... 50KTLX-G3
1.3 Scope
This product manual describes the installation, electrical connection,
commissioning, maintenance and fault elimination procedures of the
SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-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 25 ... 50KTLX-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 25 ... 50KTLX-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 DC

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3 9
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 25 ... 50KTLX-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.
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!

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3 11
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.
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.

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
12 SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3
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!
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
SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3 13
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!
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.

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
14 SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3
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
The inverter must always be transported and
stored with the arrows pointing upward
The temperature range in which the inverter can
operate

BASIC SAFETY INFORMATION
SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3 15
Symbol
Description
RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark)
The product meets the requirements of the
applicable Australian standards.

PRODUCT FEATURES
16 SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3
3Product features
This chapter describes the product features, dimensions and efficiency
levels.
3.1 Product dimensions
The SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3 is a grid-coupled PV inverter with up to
two MPPTs which converts the direct current generated by PV systems
into a three-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 25 ... 50KTLX-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
SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3 17
3.2 Power grid types
SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3 are compatible with the following grid types:
25~50KTLX-G3
L1
L2
L3
N
PE
PE
TN-S
Transformer
25~50KTLX-G3
L1
L2
L3
PEN
PE
TN-C
Transformer
25~50KTLX-G3
L1
L2
L3
N
PE
PE
TN-C-S
Transformer
25~50KTLX-G3
L1
L2
L3
N
PE
TT
Transformer
25~50KTLX-G3
L1
L2
L3
PE
IT
Transformer
NOTE
•For the TT grid, voltage between N and PE should be less
than 30 V.
3.3 Product dimensions
All SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3 have the following dimensions:
L × W × H = 585 mm × 480 mm × 220 mm

PRODUCT FEATURES
18 SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3
front, side, back
bottom view
wall bracket
480.0
539.0
585.0 231.0
403.0
176.0
126.0 126.0
80.0
4-12.0
8- 10.0
36.0
10.0
2- 7.0

PRODUCT FEATURES
SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3 19
NOTE
•SOFAR 25 ... 36KTLX-G3 inverters support 6-channel PV
string input.
•SOFAR 40 ... 50KTLX-G3 and the HV models support 8-
channel PV string input.
3.4 Labelling on the device
Labelling must not be covered or removed!
3.5 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

PRODUCT FEATURES
20 SOFAR 25 ... 50KTLX-G3
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.
3.5.1 Functions
ADigital inputs (DRMs)
The inverter can be switched on/off or the grid power can be controlled
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.