Sungrow SG20.0RT Inverter 20kW on-grid three-phase

The inverter is the part that converts the direct current from the panels into the 230/400 V current used by the equipment in the building. This version works together with the grid, without a battery: the energy produced is consumed on the spot, and what is left goes into the grid. It has two independent panel inputs, so the roof can be split into two zones with different orientations, and it permanently monitors the cables to detect an electric arc, that is the spark that appears in a loose connection.

The 20,000 W and the up to 30 kWp of panels accepted make it suitable for a building with sustained consumption during working hours: hall, warehouse, farm or company headquarters. The fact that the panels can exceed the inverter's power by a large margin is a design choice, because the peak power occurs only a few hours a day, and the rest of the time the panel surplus translates into a higher real output. The efficiency of 98.5%, respectively 98.1% European weighted, keeps the losses to a minimum, and the IP65 enclosure with C5 anti-corrosion protection allows outdoor mounting, including in aggressive environments such as industrial areas or near the sea. The cooling is done with forced ventilation, with a typical noise of 45 dB(A), so placing it in a technical space is preferable.

Maximum input voltage 1,100 V, MPPT range 160-1,000 V, nominal 600 V, start-up 180 V; two MPPT with two strings each, maximum input current 50 A (25 A per MPPT), Isc 64 A, maximum recommended PV power 30 kW. Output 20,000 W at 230/400 V, 3/N/PE, maximum 22,000 VA (limited to 20,000 VA in Germany, Belgium and Australia), 31.9 A, 180-276 V per phase, 50 Hz (45-55 Hz), THD below 3%, power factor adjustable between 0.8 capacitive and 0.8 inductive. Maximum efficiency 98.5% and European 98.1%, transformerless construction, IP65 with C5 anti-corrosion protection, 370x480x195 mm, 21 kg, intelligent forced cooling, 45 dB(A), -25...+60 C, maximum altitude 4,000 m; AFCI, PID recovery, type II SPD on DC and AC, DC switch and leakage current protection. DC connection through MC4 and AC through a quick connector, WLAN, Ethernet, RS485, DI and DO communication; compliant with VDE-AR-N 4105, EN 50549-1, CEI 0-21, DIN VDE 0126-1-1, IEC 62109-2, IEC 61727, IEC 62116, EN 61000-6-1/-3.

Who it suits

Suitable for halls, warehouses, farms or company headquarters with a three-phase connection and a 20-30 kWp installation, where the energy is consumed during working hours.

Terms explained

• DC/AC ratio (oversizing): The ratio between the power of the panels and the power of the inverter; a ratio above 1 increases the output in the morning and evening hours and on cloudy days.
• C5 anti-corrosion protection: The corrosion resistance class that allows mounting in aggressive environments, such as industrial areas or near the sea.
• Power factor: The ratio between the useful power and the total power delivered to the grid; here it is adjustable between 0.8 capacitive and 0.8 inductive, at the grid operator's request.

Technical specifications

Recommended applications

• Commercial on-grid installations of 20-30 kWp
• Halls, warehouses and company headquarters with daytime consumption
• Systems with bifacial modules and a high DC/AC ratio
• Farms and agricultural units with a three-phase connection

Technical details

Specifications confirmed from the manufacturer's datasheet

Sungrow SG20RT is the 20 kW three-phase on-grid inverter of the SG15/17/20RT series for 1000 Vdc systems. It has two independent MPPT trackers, with two strings each, maximum input voltage 1100 V, MPPT range 160-1000 V, nominal voltage 600 V and start-up from 180 V. The maximum input current is 50 A (25 A per MPPT), the short-circuit one 64 A, and the maximum recommended photovoltaic power 30 kW.

The rated AC power is 20000 W at 230/400 V, 3/N/PE, with a maximum of 22000 VA (limited to 20000 VA in Germany, Belgium and Australia) and 31.9 A maximum output current. The voltage range is 180-276 V per phase, the frequency 50 Hz (45-55 Hz), THD below 3% and the power factor adjustable between 0.8 capacitive and 0.8 inductive.

Maximum efficiency 98.5% and European 98.1%. Transformerless construction, IP65, C5 anti-corrosion protection, 370x480x195 mm, 21 kg, intelligent forced cooling, 45 dB(A), range -25...+60 C, maximum altitude 4000 m. It includes AFCI for electric arc detection, PID recovery, type II SPD on DC and AC, DC switch and leakage current protection. DC connection through MC4 and AC through a quick connector. WLAN, Ethernet, RS485, DI and DO communication. Compliant with VDE-AR-N 4105, EN 50549-1, CEI 0-21, DIN VDE 0126-1-1, IEC 62109-2, IEC 61727, IEC 62116, EN 61000-6-1/-3.