--- title: "SOFAR 255KTL-HV Grid-tie Inverter: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "SOFAR 255KTL-HV 255 kW grid-tie inverter. Specs: 98.7% European efficiency, 12 MPPT, 1500 V max DC input, 99.0 kg." source: "https://comparepv.com/inverter/sofar-solar-sofar-255ktl-hv" updated: 2026-01-16 --- # SOFAR 255KTL-HV ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Sofar Solar - **Model:** SOFAR 255KTL-HV - **Series:** SOFAR 255KTL-HV - **Rated AC power:** 255 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 | 98.7% | 98.6% | Typical | 22 | | MPPT trackers | 12 | 10 | Strong - top 14% | 3 | | Max DC input voltage | 1500 V | 1100 V | Strong - top 24% | 1 | | Weight per kW | 0.4 | 0.6 | Strong - top 18% | 17 | | Warranty | - | 5 yrs | | | ## Specification ### AC output - **Rated AC power:** 255 kW - **Max apparent power:** 255.00 kVA - **Phases:** Three-phase - **Nominal AC voltage:** 800 V - **Max AC current:** 184.0 A - **Grid frequency:** 50 Hz - **Power factor:** 1 (adjustable ±0.8) - **Harmonic distortion (THD):** 3.0 % ### PV input - **Max DC voltage:** 1500 V - **MPPT voltage range:** 500 to 1500 V - **Start-up voltage:** 550 V - **MPPT trackers:** 12 - **Max input current per MPPT:** 30.0 A - **Max short-circuit current per MPPT:** 50.0 A ### Efficiency - **European efficiency:** 98.7 % - **Max efficiency:** 99.0 % ### Physical - **Dimensions:** 714 × 1100 × 368 mm - **Weight:** 99.0 kg - **Enclosure:** IP66 - **Cooling:** forced-air - **Operating temperature:** -30 to 60 °C - **Max humidity:** 100 % - **Max altitude:** 5000 m ### Connectivity and protection - **Interfaces:** Bluetooth, Display - **Protocols:** RS485, PBUS, Bluetooth (APP) - **Protection:** DC switch, Surge protection ### Warranty and certificates - **Certifications:** EN/IEC 62109-1/2, EN/IEC 61000, IEC 62116, IEC 61727, IEC 61683, IEC 60068-2-1/2/14/30, EN 50530, VDE V 0126-1-1, VDE-AR-N 4110/4120, EN 50549, IEC 62910 ### Pros - **12 Independent MPPTs - Segment Leader** - The SOFAR 255KTL-HV features 12 independent MPPT trackers across 24 string inputs, compared to 10 MPPTs on its direct competitor, the Huawei SUN2000-250KTL-H3. This translates into superior energy harvest on arrays with mixed orientations, longer strings, and partial shading conditions - without the need for power optimizers. - **High European Efficiency of 98.70%** - A European efficiency of 98.70% combined with a peak efficiency of 99.02% (per the manufacturer's official datasheet) positions this inverter above the SMA Sunny Highpower PEAK3 (~98.5% CEC) and on par with the Huawei SUN2000-250KTL (≥99.0%). In practice, higher European efficiency means more energy delivered to the grid under typical European irradiance profiles. - **IP66 + C5 - Resistance to Marine and Industrial Environments** - An IP66 protection rating (dust-tight and water-jet proof) combined with corrosion category C5 (per EN ISO 12944) allows installation in coastal, industrial, and desert environments without additional external enclosures, reducing overall project BoS costs. - **PID Recovery Function and I-V Curve Scanning** - The built-in active PID recovery function protects modules against potential-induced degradation, extending their operational lifespan. Integrated I-V curve scanning supports on-site diagnostics without additional instrumentation, reducing the time required to identify underperforming strings during maintenance. - **Integrated Type II DC and AC SPD Surge Protection** - Built-in Type II surge protective devices (SPDs) on both the DC and AC sides eliminate the need for external surge arresters in combiner or distribution cabinets, simplifying project documentation and reducing electrical installation costs while maintaining compliance with IEC 61643. ### Cons - **Power Derating Above 35°C Ambient Temperature** - The rated output of 255 kVA is guaranteed only up to 35°C; at 45°C it drops to 230 kVA, and at 50°C to 220 kVA - a reduction of approximately 14% relative to the nominal rating (per the official Krannich/SOFAR datasheet). For installations in Southern Europe and the Middle East, where ambient temperatures regularly exceed 40°C, actual annual energy yield may fall short of projections based on nameplate capacity. ## About this series The SOFAR 255KTL-HV series are **three-phase grid-tie inverters** designed for large ground-mount and industrial installations, where reliable operation, dependable service, and high energy production under real grid conditions are essential. This model stands out from the competition with **12 independent MPPTs**, simplifying the design of long strings and enabling better utilization of modules with different orientations or partial shading without compromising energy yields. In practice, high **European efficiency** is also crucial - meaning higher effectiveness under typical operating conditions, translating to more energy fed into the grid annually. The series features diagnostic support functions, such as IV curve scanning, and **built-in DC and AC surge protection**, enhancing installation safety. Available for monitoring operation are solutions for communication and monitoring (e.g., via local network or wireless modules), and the design with enhanced environmental protection facilitates outdoor installation. This is the ideal choice for large commercial PV farms and bigger projects - where reliability and monitoring are key. ## Questions ### How many MPPTs does the SOFAR 255KTL-HV inverter have, and why does this matter for large-scale PV plants? The SOFAR 255KTL-HV features 12 independent Maximum Power Point Trackers (MPPTs) with a total of 24 string inputs. This allows long strings with varying orientations or tilt angles to be connected without mutual yield interference. In practice, this means better utilization of irregular module arrays and lower losses under partial shading conditions compared to inverters with only 4-6 MPPTs. ### What is the warranty on the SOFAR 255KTL-HV inverter, and can it be extended? The standard manufacturer warranty for the SOFAR 255KTL-HV series is 10 years from the date of purchase. Sofar Solar and its authorized distributors offer paid warranty extensions to 15 or even 20 years. This should be factored into project budgeting, as an extended warranty may be required by financing institutions. ### What is the maximum DC voltage supported by the SOFAR 255KTL-HV, and is it compatible with 1500 V modules? Yes, the SOFAR 255KTL-HV is fully compatible with 1500 V DC systems - the DC input voltage range spans from 500 V to 1500 V. Support for higher DC voltage enables the design of longer strings with fewer cables and lower resistive losses, which is particularly cost-effective in large ground-mounted PV plants. ### What efficiency does the SOFAR 255KTL-HV achieve under real-world operating conditions? The inverter reaches a peak efficiency of 98.8%, while the European efficiency - which reflects real-world operating conditions with frequent irradiance fluctuations - is close to this figure. This translates into more energy delivered to the grid on an annual basis compared to lower-efficiency devices, a significant factor in projects in the hundreds-of-kilowatts range. ### Can the SOFAR 255KTL-HV be installed outdoors without an additional enclosure? Yes, the 255KTL-HV series carries an IP66 ingress protection rating and C5 anti-corrosion classification, allowing outdoor installation without an additional protective enclosure. The inverter is resistant to dust, rain, and aggressive industrial or coastal environments. Fanless natural convection cooling reduces the risk of mechanical failure and lowers operating costs. ### Does the SOFAR 255KTL-HV include built-in surge protection, and are additional protective devices required? The inverter integrates Type II surge protection devices (SPDs) on both the DC and AC sides, eliminating the need to purchase separate surge arresters in most installations. The unit also supports an Anti-PID function, which protects modules against potential-induced degradation (PID). For projects with specific requirements or insurer recommendations, the need for Type I protection should be discussed with the system designer. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/inverters/1717057508757076539-60f2dc0587de.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 | 14.0 kg heavier | | [Growatt MAX 253KTL3-X HV](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-max-253ktl3-x-hv) | 253 kW | 98.5% | | 109.0 kg | -2.0 kW, 10.0 kg heavier | | [SOFAR 250KTLX0](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sofar-solar-sofar-250ktlx0) | 250 kW | 98.8% | | 111.0 kg | -5.0 kW, 12.0 kg heavier | | [Sungrow SG250HX-20](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sungrow-sg250hx-20) | 250 kW | 98.8% | 6 | 106.0 kg | -5.0 kW, -6 MPPT, 7.0 kg heavier | | [Growatt MAX 250KTL3-X HV](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-max-250ktl3-x-hv) | 250 kW | 98.7% | | 99.0 kg | -5.0 kW | | [Huawei SUN2000-330KTL-H2](https://comparepv.com/inverter/huawei-sun2000-330ktl-h2) | 275 kW | 98.8% | 6 | 112.0 kg | +20.0 kW, -6 MPPT, 13.0 kg heavier | | [Sungrow SG285HX](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sungrow-sg285hx) | 285 kW | 98.8% | 12 | 116.0 kg | +30.0 kW, 17.0 kg heavier | | [GoodWe GW225K-HT](https://comparepv.com/inverter/goodwe-gw225k-ht) | 225 kW | 98.5% | 12 | 111.0 kg | -30.0 kW, 12.0 kg heavier | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/inverter/sofar-solar-sofar-255ktl-hv