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SOFAR 8kW PV Installation: Opinions, Durability, Failures & Experiences with Inverters

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  • #331 19075849
    rakmo
    Level 13  
    starob wrote:

    This program that you linked is not what you see in the photo - are you mixing something?


    Not in the photo, it is already more complex, prepared for sending to pvmonitor. But I tried the one from the link and it also does not work. I changed the cables, the RS485 connection icon disappears when connected in reverse, it still occurred to me to disconnect the Wi-Fi module and try to communicate only via RS, maybe there is a reason.
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  • #332 19075988
    starob
    Level 29  
    rakmo wrote:
    Not in the photo, it is already more complex, prepared for sending to pvmonitor.

    ..this doesn't read by RS
    rakmo wrote:
    it still occurred to me to disconnect the wifi module and try to communicate only in rs, maybe there is a reason.

    good idea, use some software and test the communication first, e.g. https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic2050116.html
  • #333 19076038
    Emi_B
    Level 9  
    starob wrote:
    rakmo wrote:
    Not in the photo, it is already more complex, prepared for sending to pvmonitor.

    ..this doesn't read by RS
    rakmo wrote:
    it still occurred to me to disconnect the wifi module and try to communicate only in rs, maybe there is a reason.

    good idea, use some software and test the communication first, e.g. https://www.elektroda.pl/rtvforum/topic2050116.html


    The use of such a cable:

    SOFAR 8kW PV Installation: Opinions, Durability, Failures & Experiences with Inverters

    to be connected between the inverter and the logger and listening to both sides gives quite good results, but you need to remember that the inverter gives + 5V power on the 9th pin and you have to give it to the logger.
    PS
    There, the MODBUS protocol is normally used only as RS232.
  • #334 19084034
    lukasz-s
    Level 11  
    Hello
    I connected the panels to this inverter, everything fired as it should, I think, There is some way if all the panels are working properly, the inverter shows like evenly on each of the strings, it is not always known, but whether it goes to check in general.
  • #335 19084119
    3301
    Level 34  
    lukasz-s wrote:
    Hello
    I connected the panels to this inverter, everything fired as it should, I think, There is some way if all the panels are working properly, INVERTER shows like evenly on each of the strings, it is not always known, but whether it goes to check in general.

    A little clearer, how many modules in the string and with what Umpp? when you multiply it, this should be the voltage at the inverter input, the string currents compared should be the same and you still have at least two parameters to compare, if it is supposedly equal, then it should be good
  • #336 19084644
    lukasz-s
    Level 11  
    There were 2 strings of 10, now I have two of 14 LR4-60HPB-350M inverter SOFAR 8.8 panels. and the question is whether you can see in the inverter or in the application, whether it is generally OK, whether these tensions are as they should be
    SOFAR 8kW PV Installation: Opinions, Durability, Failures & Experiences with Inverters
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  • #337 19084674
    3301
    Level 34  
    From 420 to 480 V depending on the insolation, indicate the voltages and currents.
  • #338 19084736
    prose
    Level 35  
    lukasz-s wrote:
    there were 2 strings of 10 now I have two of 14 LR4-60HPB-350M inverter SOFAR 8.8 panels. and the question is whether you can see in the inverter or in the application, whether it is generally OK, whether these tensions are as they should be
    SOFAR 8kW PV Installation: Opinions, Durability, Failures & Experiences with Inverters

    It is just right. Best working point 660 V.
  • #339 19085042
    lukasz-s
    Level 11  
    Tomorrow, when the sun will be there, I will take pictures and put it in and see if it's ok.
  • #340 19085092
    prose
    Level 35  
    lukasz-s wrote:
    tomorrow, when the sun will be, I will take photos and put it in and see if it's ok

    I have 1 string of 16 530 V panels and I will be adding more.
  • #341 19089164
    slonina
    Level 11  
    Grucha383 wrote:
    Soft 2.20 is in Polish. For me, after uploading, the default was English.


    Many thanks and Kudosa to my friend Grucha383 for sharing the firmware. The update from 2.00 to 2.20 shared went without surprises. I get the impression that after the update, the inverter finds the MPP faster.

    It would be nice to update the fimware in the datalogger, as long as it allows sending information via the MQTT protocol to an additional own server (currently I have version LSW3_14_FFFF_1.0.18). I send production data to PVMonitor by loading them from the datalogger via WiFi over HTTP, but there is no information such as the voltage of individual phases or the temperature of the inverter, only production.
  • #342 19098521
    lukasz-s
    Level 11  
    Hello
    Today, as far as the sun is, I was able to take such photos, there is a little difference, but sometimes it is even, the sun probably depends on it and also a screenshot from the application
    SOFAR 8kW PV Installation: Opinions, Durability, Failures & Experiences with Inverters
    SOFAR 8kW PV Installation: Opinions, Durability, Failures & Experiences with Inverters SOFAR 8kW PV Installation: Opinions, Durability, Failures & Experiences with Inverters
  • #343 19098683
    3301
    Level 34  
    The second string is probably shaded and, as shown in the photos, the voltage is higher and the current is lower
  • #344 19104136
    rumunn95
    Level 12  
    Does anyone have the firmware for the 3300tl-g3 inverter and would like to share it? Polish service oil inverters from China and the manufacturer does not speak. I would be grateful for sharing :)
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  • #345 19112188
    stev-an
    Level 19  
    Hello!
    So far, I use panels to heat water with a PWM controller and it is time to switch to on grid. I am finishing the ground build of 11 340W Leapton panels and in January I have to decide on an inverter. The topic is Sofar inverters and I am thinking about 3300tl-g3 from Polish distribution, the parameters suit me. Would any of the users of this model be willing to share their opinion and comments?
  • #346 19112242
    3301
    Level 34  
    This is a single-phase inverter and you cannot have 11 modules because you exceed 3680 W, and by the way, if you are already doing ground construction, you are not going to increase this installation in the future and would a larger inverter not work?
  • #347 19112279
    stev-an
    Level 19  
    I do not intend to increase it in the future, possibly I will buy 1 more panel to twelve if there will be no DC voltage overruns. A single-phase one would suit me, as for power, the inverter will not give more than 3300 W to the network, and there is a fashion for DC oversizing. At eleven it is close to the optimal voltage of 360 V. The eleventh was supposed to power the boiler room / battery /, but it's a pity. I will possibly report 10, because that was my intention.
  • #348 19113010
    DEFENCE
    Level 12  
    customerservice(_at_)solarmanpv.com
    09:17 (1 hour ago)
    to me
    Dear,
    The upload frequency has been changed to 2 min.

    However, they change as you write.
  • #349 19123877
    loozak2
    Level 11  
    Hello
    I have a Sofar Solar 11KTL-X inverter
    2 strings - 16 panels each.
    The inverter can see each of them, but if I disconnect one string in the protection on the DC side, the inverter will turn off and will not turn on.
    Only after connecting two strings does it start.
    What could be the reason?
    I tried to switch the input mode to "independent" (password 0001)
    The inverter confirms and nothing changes ...
  • #350 19124015
    theo33
    Level 27  
    Of course, have you tried on the 1st and 2nd inputs?
    After this adjustment, reset the inverter
    Read the voltages and currents of both inputs from several or a dozen periods, it is best to download them in Excel
  • #351 19124084
    loozak2
    Level 11  
    theo33 wrote:
    Of course, have you tried on the 1st and 2nd inputs?
    After this adjustment, reset the inverter
    Read the voltages and currents of both inputs from several or a dozen periods, it is best to download them in Excel


    Of course, I tried on two entrances.
    I reset the inverter (turning it off for a minute) Unless I have to reset it some other way.

    In addition, I am surprised that everything is going to be in one phase. Can be seen in the attachment.

    Software version 2.20
    [/ img]
    Attachments:
  • #352 19125200
    AT PRO
    Level 23  
    Did you turn off the inverter first by disabling one string on the safety devices? If not, it should not be done because you disconnect under load. How many inputs in the inverter do you have DC inputs connected to? It's best to insert a photo.
  • #353 19125230
    loozak2
    Level 11  
    AT PRO wrote:
    Did you turn off the inverter first by disabling one string on the safety devices? If not, it should not be done because you disconnect under load. How many inputs in the inverter do you have DC inputs connected to? It's best to insert a photo.


    Of course, I turn off the inverter first, then one string in DC protection. I turn on the inverter and nothing happens.

    Tomorrow I will check again but today I did it a few times and nothing.

    Do you know what this one phase is all about? why does it all go for one?
    Attachments:
  • #354 19125282
    prose
    Level 35  
    Everything goes into phase 3 is the app's fault, look at the amps.
  • #355 19125302
    theo33
    Level 27  
    The fact that the power is only visible at L1 is probably a software error and I have had this since the first sofar was launched about two years ago, note that it is the total power from three phases, as evidenced by the currents indicated in individual phases.

    As for the lack of work on 1 string, check if the poles are not swapped, e.g. (+) with PV1 and (-) with PV2, although these disadvantages inside the inverter should be short-circuited and it should not matter
  • #356 19125798
    marekkeram1
    Level 11  
    After changing to "input mode" from parallel to independent check in "system info" if you really have independent.
  • #357 19126347
    loozak2
    Level 11  
    marekkeram1 wrote:
    After changing to "input mode" from parallel to independent check in "system info" if you really have independent.


    The "info system" is as independent so well. (you can see in the photos)

    Today I checked by turning off the inverter first and only the protection on the DC side and then the same.

    + and - is also well connected .... on the strings

    I have no more ideas.
    Overall, I don't care about disconnecting one string, but I'm tired of something wrong ;)
    Attachments:
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  • #358 19127494
    AT PRO
    Level 23  
    If you can, disconnect the "+" and "-" plugs from one string from the inverter input, do not disconnect the protections and check then. Maybe you've got something mixed up in the security box.
  • #359 19128035
    loozak2
    Level 11  
    AT PRO wrote:
    If you can, disconnect the "+" and "-" plugs from one string from the inverter input, do not disconnect the protections and check then. Maybe you've got something mixed up in the security box.


    This is how each string works separately.

    Now I know what you mean.
    The electrician who connected it to me, however, confused the disadvantages of the panels. (unfortunately I will not replace them with the panels at the moment)
    The only thing left for me to do is replace the minuses in the DC box and everything should be fine.

    Therefore, the advice to replace only the cons when entering the inverter did not help :)

    EDIT:
    We were able to do it :)
    Thanks a lot to everyone for your commitment.
    best regards
  • #360 19146490
    grzes601
    Level 14  
    Happy New Year
    I launched my installation based on PV panels with a power of 415W and an efficiency of 20.6%
    The first active line has 15 panels.
    The second line is under construction to the target number of 15 panels.
    You write here that SOFAR has trouble getting the maximum power.
    I have 10000TL-Sx (pure Chinese) with software 2.00
    It is a bit early for me to complain about the full capacity of the inverter.
    All menu languages are available, there is also a choice of country and even Europe General

    best regards
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Topic summary

The discussion centers on experiences with Sofar inverters in approximately 8kW photovoltaic (PV) installations, focusing on technical issues, durability, and configuration challenges. Users report generally stable operation with models like Sofar 6.6KTL-X and 5.5KTL-X over extended periods, though some face connectivity problems, especially with Wi-Fi and software availability. A recurring technical problem involves input voltage exceeding the maximum allowed 600V DC for single-phase Sofar inverters (notably the 4KTLM-G2), causing errors such as PVOVP and BusOPV and inverter shutdowns. This is often due to too many PV panels connected in series on a single string, with 15 Q.CELLS Q.PEAK G4.1 305W panels sometimes exceeding voltage limits, especially in cold conditions where voltage rises. Solutions include splitting panels into two strings (e.g., 8 and 7 panels) connected to separate MPPT inputs, though some users report this does not fully resolve the issue. The maximum recommended panels per MPPT input is around 9 to avoid surpassing power and voltage limits. Users also discuss the need for three-phase inverters for larger installations above 7kW on a single phase due to grid operator restrictions. Software and firmware updates are sought after but not easily accessible, with some users lacking Polish language support. Comparisons with other brands like SMA and Fronius highlight Sofar's cost advantage but raise concerns about long-term reliability and service support, which is still developing in some regions. Network-related errors such as Grid OFP (over-frequency) have been reported, with troubleshooting involving network frequency checks and inverter restarts. Overall, Sofar inverters are considered a cost-effective option with some technical caveats related to system design, installation quality, and support infrastructure.
Summary generated by the language model.
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