Top 5 Solar Inverters used in RatedPower

Inverters are essential components in solar photovoltaic (PV) systems that convert the variable direct current (DC) solar energy generated from solar panels into alternating current (AC) power to be fed into buildings or electricity grids.

The brands of the top five solar inverters used in the utility-scale PV projects modeled in RatedPower are Huawei, Sungrow, and ABB.

Huawei’s string inverters tend to be the most popular in Europe, Sungrow’s string and central inverters are popular in Asia and Latin America, and ABB’s central inverters are used in Latin America and Europe.

Here we look at the features of the five most popular solar inverter models below.

The five most popular solar inverter models

The following data amounts to 9.47 TW across 101,822 simulations from 14,757 projects throughout 2022

1. Huawei SUN2000-215KTL-H3 String Inverter

Percentage used in RatedPower projects: 11%

Specifications

• Maximum efficiency: ≥ 99.0%

• Maximum input voltage: 1500V

• Maximum input current (per MPPT): 100A

• MPP voltage range: 500–1500V

• Rated input voltage: 1080V

• Number of inputs: 14

• Number of MPP trackers: 3

• Rated active power: 200kW

• Rated output voltage: 800V AC, 3W+PE

• Rated output current: 144.4A

• Maximum output current: 155.2A

• Operating temperature range: -25 ~ +60 °C

• Protection: PV string fault detection, DC surge protection Type II, AC surge protection Type II

• Display: LED indicators, Bluetooth module + app, USB data cable + app, WLAN module + app

• Dimensions: 1035 x 700 x 365 mm

Description

The Huawei SUN2000-215KTL-H3 is a high-performance three-phase string inverter with a 200kW nominal AC active power output. The model is designed for large-scale solar industry applications, including solar parks and commercial buildings.

The inverter has three independent MPP trackers with two string connections each. It uses DC connectors and an AC connection area and includes Type 2 integrated surge protection for AC and DC power. The device operates with intelligent air cooling.

2. Huawei SUN2000-215KTL-H0 String Inverter

Percentage used in RatedPower projects: 7%

Specifications

• Maximum efficiency: ≥ 99.0%

• Maximum input voltage: 1500V

• Maximum input current (per MPPT): 30 A

• MPP voltage range: 500–1500V

• Rated input voltage: 1080V

• Number of inputs: 18

• Number of MPP trackers: 9

• Rated active power: 200kW

• Rated output voltage: 800V, 3W+PE

• Rated output current: 144.4A

• Maximum output current: 155.2A

• Operating temperature range: -25 ~ +60 °C

• Protection: PV string fault detection, DC surge protection Type II, AC surge protection Type II

• Display: LED indicators, WLAN module + app

• Dimensions: 1035 x 700 x 365 mm

Description

The Huawei SUN2000-215KTL-H0 is a three-phase string inverter with a 200kW nominal AC output for large systems. It is designed for industrial solar energy systems, and utility-scale applications.

The model has nine independent maximum power point (MPP) trackers with two string connections, each for different layouts and 18 strings for smart monitoring. It includes Type 2 integrated AC and DC surge protection.

3. Sungrow SG250HX String Inverter

Percentage used in RatedPower projects: 7%

Specifications

• Maximum efficiency: ≥ 99.0%

• Maximum input voltage: 1500V

• Maximum input current (per MPPT): 30A

• MPP voltage range: 500-1500V

• Rated input voltage: 1160V

• Number of inputs: 12

• Number of MPP trackers: 2

• AC output power: 250 kVA @ 30°C / 225 kVA @ 40°C / 200 KVA @ 50 °C

• Rated output voltage: 800V, 3/PE

• Maximum output current: 180.5A

• Operating temperature range: -30 ~ +60 °C

• Protection: PV string fault detection, DC surge protection Type II, AC surge protection Type II, short circuit protection, grid and ground fault monitoring

• Display: LED indicators, Bluetooth + app

• Dimensions: 1051 x 660 x 363 mm

Description

The Sungrow SG250HX is a three-phase, 250kW string inverter compatible with bifacial photovoltaic (PV) modules. It has two MPP trackers and 12 inputs for various configurations.

The model features smart forced air cooling and reactive power at night. Its integrated fault protection includes surge arresters, ground fault monitoring, and grid monitoring. It offers touch-free commissioning and remote firmware upgrade for ease of installation.

4. Sungrow SG3125V-30 Central Inverter

Percentage used in RatedPower projects: 5%

Specifications

• Maximum efficiency: ≥ 99.0%

• Maximum input voltage: 1500V

• MPP voltage range: 875-1300V

• Number of MPP inputs: 2

• Number of DC inputs: 18 (optional: 22/24 inputs negative grounding or floating; 28 inputs negative grounding)

• AC output power: 3437 kVA @ 45 ℃ / 3125 kVA @ 50 ℃

• Rated output voltage: 600V

• Maximum AC output current: 3308A

• Operating temperature range: -35 ~ +60 °C

• Protection: DC Load break switch + fuse, AC circuit breaker, DC surge protection Type I + II, AC surge protection Type II, grid, ground fault, and insulation monitoring

• Display: Touchscreen

• Dimensions: 2280 x 2280 x 1600 mm

Description

The Sungrow SG3125V-30 is an outdoor central inverter with three-level technology. The model features a modular design that allows for easy maintenance. It has an external touch screen and a monitoring function for online analysis and troubleshooting. The SG3125V-30 has two MPP inputs and 18 DC inputs, with an option to use 22/24 inputs with a floating power supply.

The inverter has temperature-controlled forced air cooling, active and reactive power control, and power ramp rate control. It includes integrated DC power input and AC power generation, output protection, surge protection, grid monitoring, and ground fault monitoring.

5. ABB CORE-1000.0-TL Central Inverter

Percentage used in RatedPower projects: 4%

Specifications

• Maximum efficiency: ≥ 99.0%

• Maximum input voltage: 1000V

• MPP voltage range: 500-850V

• Rated input voltage: 1150V

• Number of inputs pairs: 12

• Number of MPP trackers: 2

• AC output power: 1000kW

• Rated grid voltage: 320V

• Maximum output current: 1984A

• Operating temperature range: -25 ~ +50 °C

• Protection: Output overvoltage protection, night-time disconnect

• Display: Optional LCD touchscreen

• Dimensions: 1800 x 2600 x 800 mm

Description

The CORE-1000.0-TL central inverter is specifically designed for the fast-growing market for solar systems. The model features a maximum input voltage of up to 1000Vdc, allowing for flexibility in design and configuration and reduced DC energy distribution losses for large-scale PV applications.

The inverter is aimed at system integrators and end users. It is fully equipped to connect to the power grid for fast and easy installation with no additional accessories required. It has a user-friendly interface and modular design for convenient operation and maintenance. The model features a wide input range and integrated DC and AC protection. There are two independent RS-485 communication interfaces for inverter and intelligent string combiner monitoring.