--- title: "Sungrow SG12RT Grid-tie Inverter: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "Sungrow SG12RT 6 kW grid-tie inverter. Specs: 97.4% European efficiency, 2 MPPT, 1100 V max DC input, 18.0 kg." source: "https://comparepv.com/inverter/sungrow-sg12rt" updated: 2026-01-16 --- # Sungrow SG12RT ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Sungrow - **Model:** SG12RT - **Series:** SG15/17/20RT - **Rated AC power:** 6 kW - **Type:** Grid-tie - **Phases:** Three-phase ## How it compares Compared against 362 inverters from 3 to 6 kW. Ranks are within that class. | Measure | This inverter | Class median | Standing | Rank in class | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | European efficiency | 97.4% | 97.2% | Typical | 96 | | MPPT trackers | 2 | 2 | Typical | 13 | | Max DC input voltage | 1100 V | 600 V | Strong - top 4% | 1 | | Weight per kW | 3.0 | 3.3 | Typical | 146 | | Warranty | - | 5 yrs | | | ## Specification ### AC output - **Rated AC power:** 6 kW - **Max AC power:** 6.60 kW - **Max apparent power:** 6.60 kVA - **Phases:** Three-phase - **Nominal AC voltage:** 400 V - **Max AC current:** 10.0 A - **Grid frequency:** 50 Hz - **Power factor:** >0.99 at rated / adjustable 0.8 leading – 0.8 lagging - **Harmonic distortion (THD):** 3.0 % ### PV input - **Max DC input power:** 9.00 kW - **Max DC voltage:** 1100 V - **MPPT voltage range:** 160 to 1000 V - **Start-up voltage:** 180 V - **MPPT trackers:** 2 - **Max input current per MPPT:** 25.0 A - **Max short-circuit current per MPPT:** 32.0 A ### Efficiency - **European efficiency:** 97.4 % - **Max efficiency:** 98.4 % ### Physical - **Dimensions:** 480 × 370 × 195 mm - **Weight:** 18.0 kg - **Enclosure:** IP65 - **Cooling:** forced-air - **Operating temperature:** -25 to 60 °C - **Max humidity:** 100 % - **Max altitude:** 4000 m ### Connectivity and protection - **Interfaces:** Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Display - **Protocols:** WLAN, Ethernet, RS485, DI, DO - **Protection:** AFCI, DC switch, Surge protection ### Warranty and certificates - **Certifications:** IEC/EN 61000-6-1/2/3/4, IEC 61000-3-2/3/11/12, IEC/EN 62109-1/2, IEC 61727, IEC 62116, IEC 61683, IEC 60068-2-1/2/14/30/64/27, IEC TS 62910, EN 50530, AS/NZS 4777.2:2020, VDE-AR-N-4105, DIN VDE 0126-1-1/A1, EN 50549-1, DEWA, VFR 2019, UTE C15-712-1, PSE NC RfG, UNE 206006/7 IN, MEA/PEA, G98, UNE 217002:2020, NTS V2 TypeA ### Pros - **Bankability Leader: BNEF #1 for the Sixth Consecutive Year** - Sungrow ranked first in the BloombergNEF Inverter Bankability Survey 2025 with 100% of surveyed financial institutions casting a positive vote - for the sixth year in a row. For project developers and investors, this translates into easier access to project financing and a well-founded confidence in the enforceability of the manufacturer's long-term warranty (10 years standard, with extension options available). - **Passive Cooling + IP65 Rating Included as Standard** - The inverter operates across the full 0-100% power range using natural convection only - a large rear heatsink with no fans - eliminating all moving parts and mechanical noise. The standard IP65 rating allows outdoor installation without any additional enclosure. Both features directly reduce service costs and increase MTBF compared to forced-air-cooled models. - **Integrated AFCI and Complete DC/AC Protection Package** - The unit includes an integrated Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI), DC disconnect switch, Type II SPD surge protection on both AC and DC sides, and active PID recovery - the full set required under Polish grid connection conditions and the PN-EN 62109 standard. In this power class, several competing models (e.g., the older Fronius Symo) offer AFCI only as a paid option. - **Wide MPPT Range 160-1000 V, Unit Weight 18 kg** - A startup voltage of 160 V and an operating range up to 1000 V across two independent MPPTs allow flexible string design even under winter low-irradiance conditions or with bifacial modules. At 15-20 kW output, the inverter weighs just 18 kg, enabling single-person installation and avoiding excessive load on lightweight rooftop mounting structures. - **Peak Efficiency 98.5%, Built-in WLAN/LAN Monitoring** - A maximum efficiency of 98.5% places this series on par with comparable SMA STP and Huawei SUN2000 models in the same power class. The integrated WLAN module and Ethernet port, combined with the iSolarCloud platform, support remote diagnostics and over-the-air firmware updates without requiring an on-site service visit. ### Cons - **Previous-Generation Platform - Current Active Line Is the RT-P2** - The SG15/17/20RT-P2 series (datasheet V2, 2023) is Sungrow's current mainstream offering in this power segment and provides, among other improvements, a higher DC oversizing ratio. The original RT series is being progressively phased out by European distributors, which may result in reduced stock availability and a shorter after-sales support horizon for new installations. ## About this series The Sungrow SG15/17/20RT series are three-phase grid-tie inverters designed for reliable operation in larger installations - from complex domestic systems to commercial and light industrial setups. Their key advantage is the **2x MPPT**, which simplifies the design of rooftop systems with different orientations or partial shading - each tracker independently optimizes the strings' performance, improving daily energy yield. These inverters offer high **European efficiency**, meaning truly good energy conversion under typical operating conditions in Poland - translating to lower losses and more predictable production. They feature extensive communication and monitoring: **WLAN and Ethernet**, along with remote viewing via an app, facilitating service and quick diagnostics. These are not hybrid models, so they **do not directly work with energy storage systems** unlike battery inverters. In practice, they are chosen where reliable grid export, safety features, certifications, and standard, long-term warranty are important. ## Questions ### What are the differences between the SG15RT, SG17RT, and SG20RT models - which one should I choose for my installation? The three models differ solely in rated AC output power: 15 kW, 17 kW, and 20 kW respectively. All other specifications are identical - dual MPPT, MPPT voltage range of 160-1000 V, the same enclosure, and the same communication interfaces. The right choice depends on the size of the PV array and the grid connection capacity allocated by the network operator. For a typical commercial building or a larger residence with approximately 20-25 kWp of panels, the SG20RT is the most commonly selected model. ### How does the dual MPPT function in the Sungrow SG15/17/20RT, and when does it make a real difference? Each of the two independent MPPT trackers optimizes its assigned string of panels separately. This is practically significant when part of the array faces south while another section faces east or west, or when one string is partially shaded by a chimney or dormer windows. As a result, a lower-performing string does not drag down the output of the entire installation - the inverter extracts the maximum power from each roof section independently. ### Can the Sungrow SG15/17/20RT be connected to a battery energy storage system? No - the SG15/17/20RT series are grid-tie inverters only and do not include a battery input. They do not natively support energy storage systems. If you are planning an installation with a battery, a hybrid inverter is required - for example, from the Sungrow SH-T series. The SG15/17/20RT is the right choice where the priority is a cost-effective, reliable export of energy to the grid without the added complexity of battery integration. ### What is the warranty on the Sungrow SG15RT, SG17RT, and SG20RT inverters? The standard manufacturer's warranty is 10 years. As a Bloomberg NEF Tier 1 company, Sungrow maintains an extensive service network and offers local-language technical support. It is worth checking with your distributor whether a warranty extension is available, as some partners offer the option to extend coverage to 20 years for an additional fee. ### What is the efficiency of the SG20RT, and what does it mean for annual energy yield? The SG20RT achieves a maximum efficiency of 98.5%, with a European efficiency (a weighted metric reflecting real operating conditions in temperate climates) of approximately 98.1%. In practical terms, this means that for every 1,000 kWh generated by the panels, the inverter loses only approximately 19 kWh during DC-to-AC conversion. This is among the best results in this power class, translating directly into higher annual energy yield and a shorter investment payback period. ### Does the Sungrow SG15/17/20RT have built-in monitoring, and how is it configured? Yes - the SG15/17/20RT series inverters feature integrated Wi-Fi and an Ethernet port, enabling direct connection to the iSolarCloud platform without any additional communication gateway. Once paired with the on-site home network or router, the user has remote access to real-time production data, service alerts, and historical logs. Setup takes just a few minutes and requires no additional accessories. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/inverters/DS-20230228-SG15-17-20RT-Datasheet-V18-EN-292a173468c1.pdf) ## Alternatives | Inverter | Rated AC | Euro efficiency | MPPT | Weight | Difference | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [SolarEdge SE6000H (HD‑Wave, single phase)](https://comparepv.com/inverter/solaredge-solaredge-se6000h-hd-wave-single-phase) | 6 kW | 99.0% | | 10.6 kg | +1.6 pp efficiency, 7.4 kg lighter | | [SolarEdge EV Charging Single Phase Inverter SE6000H (aka H6000SE / SE6000H)](https://comparepv.com/inverter/solaredge-solaredge-ev-charging-single-phase-inverter-se6000h-aka-h6000se-se6000h) | 6 kW | 99.0% | | 11.9 kg | +1.6 pp efficiency, 6.1 kg lighter | | [Solis-3P6K-4G](https://comparepv.com/inverter/ginlong-solis-solis-3p6k-4g) | 6 kW | 97.8% | 2 | 18.0 kg | +0.4 pp efficiency | | [Ginlong Solis S6-GR3P-6K02-NV-ND](https://comparepv.com/inverter/ginlong-solis-s6-gr3p-6k02-nv-nd) | 6 kW | 97.7% | 2 | 14.7 kg | 3.3 kg lighter | | [SMA Solar STP6.0-3AV-40 (Sunny Tripower 6.0)](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sma-solar-stp6-0-3av-40-sunny-tripower-6-0) | 6 kW | 97.6% | 2 | 17.0 kg | 1.0 kg lighter | | [GoodWe GW6K-DT](https://comparepv.com/inverter/goodwe-gw6k-dt) | 6 kW | 97.6% | 2 | 15.0 kg | 3.0 kg lighter | | [Growatt MOD 6000TL3-X](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-mod-6000tl3-x) | 6 kW | 97.5% | 2 | 12.5 kg | 5.5 kg lighter | | [Growatt MOD 6000TL3-X2 (Pro)](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-mod-6000tl3-x2-pro) | 6 kW | 97.5% | 2 | 14.6 kg | 3.4 kg lighter | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/inverter/sungrow-sg12rt