--- title: "SOFAR 8KTLM-G3 Grid-tie Inverter: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "SOFAR 8KTLM-G3 8 kW grid-tie inverter. Specs: 97.3% European efficiency, 3 MPPT, 600 V max DC input, 17.5 kg." source: "https://comparepv.com/inverter/sofar-solar-sofar-8ktlm-g3" updated: 2026-01-16 --- # SOFAR 8KTLM-G3 ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Sofar Solar - **Model:** SOFAR 8KTLM-G3 - **Series:** SOFAR 7KTLM-G3 - **Rated AC power:** 8 kW - **Type:** Grid-tie - **Phases:** Single-phase ## How it compares Compared against 266 inverters from 6 to 12 kW. Ranks are within that class. | Measure | This inverter | Class median | Standing | Rank in class | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | European efficiency | 97.3% | 97.6% | Weak - bottom 25% | 141 | | MPPT trackers | 3 | 2 | Strong - top 13% | 6 | | Max DC input voltage | 600 V | 1000 V | Weak - bottom 24% | 161 | | Weight per kW | 2.2 | 2.3 | Typical | 120 | | Warranty | - | 5 yrs | | | ## Specification ### AC output - **Rated AC power:** 8 kW - **Max apparent power:** 8.80 kVA - **Phases:** Single-phase - **Nominal AC voltage:** 230 V - **Max AC current:** 40.0 A - **Grid frequency:** 50 Hz - **Power factor:** 1 (adjustable +/-0.8) - **Harmonic distortion (THD):** 3.0 % ### PV input - **Max DC voltage:** 600 V - **MPPT voltage range:** 80 to 550 V - **Start-up voltage:** 90 V - **MPPT trackers:** 3 - **Max input current per MPPT:** 20.0 A - **Max short-circuit current per MPPT:** 30.0 A ### Efficiency - **European efficiency:** 97.3 % - **Max efficiency:** 98.1 % ### Physical - **Dimensions:** 380 × 468 × 187 mm - **Weight:** 17.5 kg - **Enclosure:** IP65 - **Cooling:** natural - **Operating temperature:** -30 to 60 °C - **Max humidity:** 100 % - **Max altitude:** 4000 m ### Connectivity and protection - **Interfaces:** Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Display - **Protocols:** RS485, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth (App) - **Protection:** DC switch, Surge protection ### Warranty and certificates - **Certifications:** IEC/EN 61000-6-1/3, IEC/EN 61000-3-11/12, IEC 62116, IEC 61727, IEC 61683, IEC 60068-1/2/14/30, IEC/EN 62109-1/2, G99, VDE V 0126-1-1, EN 50549-1, ANRE 208 ### Pros - **3 Independent MPPTs in a Single-Phase Inverter** - Having 3 MPPT trackers in a 7 kW single-phase inverter is uncommon in this class - most competitors (e.g., Fronius Primo, SMA Sunny Boy) offer only 2 MPPTs. This allows the system to be split across 3 independent roof sections with different azimuths and tilt angles without energy yield compromises. - **European Efficiency of 97.3%** - The datasheet-confirmed European efficiency (weighted according to Central European irradiance distribution) is 97.3%, with a peak efficiency of 98.1%. This places the inverter at the top of its segment and translates into measurably higher annual energy yields in Polish climatic conditions compared to inverters achieving 96.5-96.8% EU efficiency. - **Smart I-V Curve Scanning** - The integrated I-V curve scanning function enables remote diagnostics of PV string health without additional measurement equipment. It accelerates detection of issues such as shading losses, module degradation, and loose connectors, thereby reducing system operating and maintenance costs. - **10-Year Standard Warranty** - Sofar Solar provides a standard 10-year factory warranty for the European market (per sofarsolar.eu terms), with an extension option up to 25 years. Vendors such as Delta or GoodWe frequently offer only 5-7 years as standard, making this a significant after-sales advantage. - **Grade A Rating per Wood Mackenzie H1 2025** - Sofar Solar has been accredited as a Grade A inverter manufacturer in the Wood Mackenzie H1 2025 report, confirming compliance with rigorous ESG criteria, R&D investment levels, and financial stability. Grade A status is material for the bankability of commercial projects and for insurers. ### Cons - **Asymmetric MPPT Input Current Ratings** - MPPT1 supports up to 20 A, while MPPT2 and MPPT3 are each rated at only 16 A (per manufacturer datasheet). When using high-current bifacial modules (Isc > 14 A, Imp > 13 A) on the second or third string, the 16 A ceiling may become a limiting factor in module selection and will require additional design verification. - **Maximum MPPT Voltage of 550 V** - The upper MPPT operating limit is 550 V, which is lower than the 600 V offered by the Fronius Primo G2 or SMA Sunny Boy 6.0. In practice, this restricts the maximum string length for standard 60-cell modules on cold days and demands more careful Voc calculation when designing longer strings. ## About this series The SOFAR 7KTLM-G3 series are grid-tie inverters for photovoltaic installations where stable operation with the grid and maximized yields under diverse rooftop conditions are key. Their key feature is **three independent MPPTs** - enabling the division of strings into different panels, handling partial shading effectively, and allowing flexible system design without significant compromises. Users benefit from high **European efficiency**, meaning excellent performance under typical operating conditions in Poland - translating to more energy generated annually, not just during sunny midday hours. A valuable feature is also **smart I-V curve scanning**, supporting diagnostics and faster detection of module issues. Monitoring is convenient thanks to communication (including WiFi, RS485, and often optional Ethernet) and viewing within the app. The inverter has a typical **IP65 enclosure** for this class, and compliance with common connection and safety standards facilitates approvals. This makes it a good choice for larger residential installations and small commercial projects. ## Questions ### What is the warranty period for the SOFAR 7KTLM-G3 inverter? Sofar Solar provides a 12-year warranty on the SOFAR 7KTLM-G3 series inverters, calculated from the date of sale. This is one of the longest standard warranty periods in the grid-tied inverter category and offers meaningful investment protection for a substantial portion of the PV system's operational lifetime. To maintain warranty coverage, installation must be performed by a certified installer and the unit must be registered with the manufacturer. ### Is the SOFAR 7KTLM-G3 suitable for roofs with multiple roof faces or partial shading? Yes, the 7KTLM-G3 series features 3 independent MPPT trackers, allowing string arrays on different roof faces (e.g., south- and east-facing) to operate at their individual optimum points independently of one another. Under partial shading conditions, a loss of performance on one MPPT does not degrade the output of the remaining trackers, resulting in lower annual energy losses compared to single-MPPT inverters. ### What is the peak efficiency of the SOFAR 7KTLM-G3 inverter, and what does it mean in practice? The peak efficiency is 98.1%, and the high weighted European efficiency (EU efficiency) means the inverter maintains strong performance under the variable irradiance conditions typical of Central Europe - not only at solar noon on clear days. In practice, this translates into higher annual energy yields and a shorter payback period compared to devices with lower part-load efficiency. ### What is the purpose of the smart I-V curve scanning function in the SOFAR 7KTLM-G3? The smart I-V curve scanning function automatically sweeps the current-voltage characteristic of each PV string. This enables rapid detection of faulty modules, hot spots, soiling, or wiring errors without requiring an on-site service visit with a dedicated tester. The system owner or installer can trigger a scan remotely via the mobile app, significantly reducing diagnostic time and ongoing maintenance costs. ### How does monitoring work on the SOFAR 7KTLM-G3, and is a separate communication gateway required? The inverter supports communication via RS485, USB, and Bluetooth. A Wi-Fi module is typically included in the package or available as an optional add-on, enabling wireless internet connectivity and real-time data visibility in the Sofar Solar mobile app. For most residential installations, a smartphone and a standard Wi-Fi router are sufficient - no separate communication gateway needs to be purchased. ### Can the SOFAR 7KTLM-G3 handle frost and harsh weather conditions? Yes, the inverter operates across a temperature range of -30°C to +60°C, making it fully suited to winter conditions in continental climates. Its IP65-rated enclosure is dust-tight and protected against water jets, allowing installation both indoors (garage, utility room) and outdoors. Cooling is achieved through natural convection with no cooling fan, eliminating operational noise and removing a potential point of mechanical failure. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/inverters/1717057302739013587-c2646e94482d.pdf) ## Alternatives | Inverter | Rated AC | Euro efficiency | MPPT | Weight | Difference | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Growatt MOD 8000TL3-X](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-mod-8000tl3-x) | 8 kW | 98.1% | 2 | 14.0 kg | +0.8 pp efficiency, -1 MPPT, 3.5 kg lighter | | [Growatt MOD 8KTL3-X2(Pro)](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-mod-8ktl3-x2-pro) | 8 kW | 98.1% | 2 | 14.6 kg | +0.8 pp efficiency, -1 MPPT, 2.9 kg lighter | | [Sungrow SG8.0RT-20](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sungrow-sg8-0rt-20) | 8 kW | 98.0% | 2 | 17.0 kg | +0.7 pp efficiency, -1 MPPT | | [GoodWe GW8000-DT](https://comparepv.com/inverter/goodwe-gw8000-dt) | 8 kW | 98.0% | 2 | 24.0 kg | +0.7 pp efficiency, -1 MPPT, 6.5 kg heavier | | [Ginlong Solis S6-GR3P-8K02-NV-ND](https://comparepv.com/inverter/ginlong-solis-s6-gr3p-8k02-nv-nd) | 8 kW | 97.9% | 2 | 15.4 kg | +0.6 pp efficiency, -1 MPPT, 2.1 kg lighter | | [Sungrow SG6.0RT](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sungrow-sg6-0rt) | 8 kW | 97.8% | 2 | 18.0 kg | +0.5 pp efficiency, -1 MPPT | | [Solis-3P8K-4G](https://comparepv.com/inverter/ginlong-solis-solis-3p8k-4g) | 8 kW | 97.8% | 2 | 18.0 kg | +0.5 pp efficiency, -1 MPPT | | [Sungrow SG8.0RT-P2](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sungrow-sg8-0rt-p2) | 8 kW | 97.7% | 2 | 18.0 kg | +0.4 pp efficiency, -1 MPPT | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/inverter/sofar-solar-sofar-8ktlm-g3