--- title: "Growatt MAX 253KTL3-X HV Grid-tie Inverter: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "Growatt MAX 253KTL3-X HV 253 kW grid-tie inverter. Specs: 98.5% European efficiency, 1500 V max DC input, 109.0 kg, 5 yrs warranty." source: "https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-max-253ktl3-x-hv" updated: 2026-01-16 --- # Growatt MAX 253KTL3-X HV ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Growatt - **Model:** MAX 253KTL3-X HV - **Series:** MAX KTL3-X HV - **Rated AC power:** 253 kW - **Type:** Grid-tie - **Phases:** Three-phase ## How it compares Compared against 95 inverters from 100 to 500 kW. Ranks are within that class. | Measure | This inverter | Class median | Standing | Rank in class | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | European efficiency | 98.5% | 98.6% | Typical | 36 | | MPPT trackers | - | 10 | | | | Max DC input voltage | 1500 V | 1100 V | Strong - top 24% | 1 | | Weight per kW | 0.4 | 0.6 | Typical | 29 | | Warranty | 5 yrs | 5 yrs | Typical | 2 | ## Specification ### AC output - **Rated AC power:** 253 kW - **Max apparent power:** 253.00 kVA - **Phases:** Three-phase - **Nominal AC voltage:** 800 V - **Max AC current:** 182.6 A - **Grid frequency:** 50 Hz - **Power factor:** 0.8 leading ... 0.8 lagging - **Harmonic distortion (THD):** 3.0 % ### PV input - **Max DC voltage:** 1500 V - **MPPT voltage range:** 500 to 1500 V - **Start-up voltage:** 500 V - **Max input current per MPPT:** 30.0 A - **Max short-circuit current per MPPT:** 50.0 A ### Efficiency - **European efficiency:** 98.5 % - **Max efficiency:** 99.0 % ### Physical - **Dimensions:** 675 × 1070 × 340 mm - **Weight:** 109.0 kg - **Enclosure:** IP66 - **Cooling:** forced-air - **Operating temperature:** -30 to 60 °C - **Max humidity:** 100 % - **Max altitude:** 4000 m ### Connectivity and protection - **Interfaces:** Wi-Fi, Display - **Protocols:** RS485, USB, PLC (optional), 4G (optional), GPRS (optional) - **Protection:** DC switch, Surge protection ### Warranty and certificates - **Warranty:** 5 years - **Certifications:** CE, IEC62116, IEC61727, IEC60068, IEC61683, IEC60529, PEA, MEA, VDE0126, NRS097-2-1:2017, CEA2019, Greece (grid code/listing) ### Pros - **European efficiency: 98.5% and peak efficiency: 99.0%** - The European efficiency rating (Euro-eta) provided by the manufacturer is 98.5%, with a peak rating of 99.0% - figures comparable to those of leading utility-scale inverters (e.g., SMA Sunny Tripower CORE2: 98.3% EU-eta). In the Polish climate (with a solar radiation profile similar to that of central Europe), higher efficiency under partial loads directly translates into a higher annual energy yield. - **Supports up to 15 MPPT (Maximum Power Point Tracking) trackers, with a 1500 V DC voltage.** - The series supports up to 15 independent MPPT inputs (9 MPPT for 175-216 kW, 12 MPPT for 225-250 kW, 15 MPPT for 230-253 kW) with a DC voltage range of 500-1500 V. The support for 1500 V bus allows for the creation of longer strings, reducing the number of connections and DC boxes, which lowers the BOS installation costs for commercial systems. - **Built-in I-V curve scanning** - The smart I-V scan and intelligent string monitoring function enable diagnostics without physical measurements in the field. Early detection of degradation, shading, or cell damage reduces maintenance and repair interventions and minimizes production losses - a significant advantage over models without this function (e.g., basic Huawei SUN2000 models without the additional Smart Dongle module). - **AFCI and Anti-PID Safety Features** - Optional AFCI (arc fault detection), Anti-PID, and Night SVG modules enhance fire safety and limit degradation caused by induced potential, which is particularly important in industrial installations with large roof areas. - **Extended warranty up to 20 years** - The standard warranty period is 5 years, with the option to extend it to 10, 15, or 20 years. For projects financed with a loan or lease (repayment periods of 10-15 years), the ability to tailor the warranty to the financing schedule enhances the project's banking comfort. ### Cons - **No Tier-1 BNEF (non-bankable) status** - Growatt is not listed on the Tier-1 BloombergNEF list for inverters, which confirms the \`tier\_1\_bankable: false\` field in the manufacturer's data. In commercial projects financed by banks or infrastructure funds, the lack of a "bankable" status may require additional credit guarantees or prevent financing without an insurance guarantee, increasing project costs by 0.5-1.5% of the investment value. - **A brief overview of the operational history of the manufacturer.** - Growatt has been operating since 2010 (15 years), while the leaders in the industrial segment - SMA (since 1981) and Fronius (since 1945) - have a significantly longer documented history of service. For installations with a 20-year financial outlook, a shorter track record represents a risk factor when assessing the long-term availability of service and spare parts. ## About this series Growatt MAX KTL3-X HV series are three-phase grid-connected (on-grid) inverters designed for large commercial and industrial installations, where stable operation, easy diagnostics, and maximized energy yields are crucial. **Multiple MPPTs** allow independent operation of strings with different orientations or partial shading, enabling the system to better "capture" energy under real rooftop and terrain conditions. The **intelligent string monitoring** and diagnostic features, such as I-V curve scanning, simplify quick detection of performance drops without tedious field measurements. High **European efficiency** ensures better energy production in Poland's typical operating profile, not just under ideal laboratory conditions. Remote monitoring is supported by flexible communication options-**Wi-Fi, Ethernet** (via data loggers) and service interfaces-facilitating integration with monitoring platforms and the work of O&M teams. High IP rating and overvoltage protection enhance safety, while the standard warranty, with potential extensions, supports long-term projects. ## Questions ### How many MPPT inputs does the Growatt MAX KTL3-X HV inverter have, and why are so many necessary? The top-of-the-range models in this series (230-253 kW) are equipped with up to 15 independent MPPT inputs supporting DC voltages up to 1500 V. This allows each string to operate at its own individual maximum power point, which is critical on large-scale farms where modules may have different orientations, tilt angles, or be subject to partial shading from surrounding structures. In practice, this translates into measurably higher annual energy yields compared with inverters featuring fewer MPPT channels. ### What is the European efficiency of the Growatt MAX KTL3-X HV inverter? The inverter achieves a European efficiency (Euro-eta) of 98.5%, with a peak efficiency of up to 99.0%. European efficiency is calculated as a weighted average across irradiance profiles typical of Central Europe, making it a more accurate indicator of real-world losses under Polish climatic conditions than peak efficiency figures alone. A value of 98.5% positions this series among the leading products in the utility-scale inverter segment. ### Is the Growatt MAX KTL3-X HV suitable for a large 1 MW photovoltaic farm? Yes, the MAX KTL3-X HV series is designed with utility-scale installations in mind. The available power range of 185 to 253 kW allows a 1 MW plant to be built using as few as four to six units. The maximum DC input voltage of 1500 V enables longer string configurations, reducing BoS cabling costs. The IP66 protection rating ensures reliable operation in demanding field conditions without the need for additional enclosures. ### What does the I-V curve scan function in the Growatt MAX KTL3-X HV inverter do, and does it simplify servicing? The I-V curve scan function enables the inverter to autonomously characterize the electrical performance of each string without requiring a service crew to visit the site with a dedicated measuring instrument. The algorithm identifies anomalies such as damaged cells, soiled modules, or faulty bypass diodes, and pinpoints the specific string requiring inspection. For O&M teams managing large-scale farms, this reduces diagnostic time from several hours to just a few minutes. ### What warranty is provided for the Growatt MAX KTL3-X HV inverters, and can it be extended? Growatt provides a standard warranty of 5 years, with the option to extend coverage to 10 years through optional service packages. For utility-scale projects, it is advisable to procure the extended warranty at the EPC contract stage, as purchasing it at a later date is more expensive. It is worth noting that Growatt is not classified as a Tier 1 supplier according to BNEF, a factor that some project financiers incorporate into their contractual terms and conditions. ### What communication and monitoring options does the Growatt MAX KTL3-X HV series offer? The inverter supports communication via Wi-Fi and Ethernet connected through data loggers, as well as RS485 and dry-contact interfaces for integration with third-party SCADA systems. Data is transmitted to the Growatt ShineServer platform, accessible via a web browser or API. O&M teams can remotely update firmware, retrieve alarm logs, and generate production reports without the need for on-site visits. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/inverters/max-185-253ktl3-x-hv-datasheet-202305-bfc7ae10ce0c.pdf) ## Alternatives | Inverter | Rated AC | Euro efficiency | MPPT | Weight | Difference | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Solis-255K-EHV-5G-PLUS](https://comparepv.com/inverter/ginlong-solis-solis-255k-ehv-5g-plus) | 255 kW | 98.8% | 12 | 113.0 kg | +2.0 kW, 4.0 kg heavier | | [SOFAR 255KTL-HV](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sofar-solar-sofar-255ktl-hv) | 255 kW | 98.7% | 12 | 99.0 kg | +2.0 kW, 10.0 kg lighter | | [SOFAR 250KTLX0](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sofar-solar-sofar-250ktlx0) | 250 kW | 98.8% | | 111.0 kg | -3.0 kW, 2.0 kg heavier | | [Sungrow SG250HX-20](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sungrow-sg250hx-20) | 250 kW | 98.8% | 6 | 106.0 kg | -3.0 kW, 3.0 kg lighter | | [Growatt MAX 250KTL3-X HV](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-max-250ktl3-x-hv) | 250 kW | 98.7% | | 99.0 kg | -3.0 kW, 10.0 kg lighter | | [Huawei SUN2000-330KTL-H2](https://comparepv.com/inverter/huawei-sun2000-330ktl-h2) | 275 kW | 98.8% | 6 | 112.0 kg | +22.0 kW, 3.0 kg heavier | | [GoodWe GW225K-HT](https://comparepv.com/inverter/goodwe-gw225k-ht) | 225 kW | 98.5% | 12 | 111.0 kg | -28.0 kW, 2.0 kg heavier | | [GoodWe GW225KN-HT](https://comparepv.com/inverter/goodwe-gw225kn-ht) | 225 kW | 98.5% | 12 | 111.0 kg | -28.0 kW, 2.0 kg heavier | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-max-253ktl3-x-hv