--- title: "Sungrow SH8.0RT-20 Hybrid Inverter: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "Sungrow SH8.0RT-20 8 kW hybrid inverter. Specs: 97.9% European efficiency, 2 MPPT, 1000 V max DC input, 27.0 kg." source: "https://comparepv.com/inverter/sungrow-sh8-0rt-20" updated: 2026-01-16 --- # Sungrow SH8.0RT-20 ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Sungrow - **Model:** SH8.0RT-20 - **Series:** SH RT-20 - **Rated AC power:** 8 kW - **Type:** Hybrid - **Phases:** Three-phase - **Battery port:** yes ## 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 | 97.9% | 97.6% | Typical | 51 | | MPPT trackers | 2 | 2 | Typical | 46 | | Max DC input voltage | 1000 V | 1000 V | Typical | 59 | | Weight per kW | 3.4 | 2.3 | Weak - bottom 23% | 203 | | Warranty | - | 5 yrs | | | ## Specification ### AC output - **Rated AC power:** 8 kW - **Max apparent power:** 8.00 kVA - **Phases:** Three-phase - **Nominal AC voltage:** 400 V - **Max AC current:** 12.1 A - **Grid frequency:** 50 Hz - **Power factor:** >0.99 / 0.8 leading to 0.8 lagging - **Harmonic distortion (THD):** 3.0 % ### PV input - **Max DC input power:** 12.00 kW - **Max DC voltage:** 1000 V - **MPPT voltage range:** 150 to 950 V - **Start-up voltage:** 180 V - **MPPT trackers:** 2 - **Max input current per MPPT:** 13.5 A - **Max short-circuit current per MPPT:** 18.0 A ### Efficiency - **European efficiency:** 97.9 % - **Max efficiency:** 98.4 % ### Battery - **Battery port:** Yes - **Battery voltage:** 150–600 V - **Max charge current:** 30.0 A - **Max discharge current:** 30.0 A - **Grid-forming:** Yes ### Physical - **Dimensions:** 540 × 460 × 170 mm - **Weight:** 27.0 kg - **Enclosure:** IP65 - **Cooling:** natural - **Noise:** 30 dB - **Operating temperature:** -25 to 60 °C - **Max humidity:** 100 % - **Max altitude:** 4000 m ### Connectivity and protection - **Interfaces:** Wi-Fi, Ethernet, Display - **Protocols:** RS485, WLAN, Ethernet, CAN, DI\*4 / DO\*1 / DRM - **Protection:** DC switch, Surge protection ### Warranty and certificates - **Certifications:** IEC/EN 62109-1/-2, IEC/EN 61000-6-1/2/3/4, EN 62477-1, IEC 61727, IEC 62116, IEC 61683, VDE-AR-N-4105, AS/NZS 4777.2:2020, EN50549-1, NRS 097-2-1, TOR Generator Type A, OVE-Richtlinie R25, NC RfG PTPiREE, PSE 2018, EIFS 2018:2, PPDS4, NTS 631 V2.0, UNE217002, RD 1699, CEI 0-21 ### Pros - **European Efficiency 97.3% (max 97.7%)** - According to the SH5.0/6.0/8.0/10RT-20 V22.1 datasheet, the European efficiency is 97.3% with a peak of 97.7% - both above the median for three-phase hybrid inverters in the 5-10 kW class, where typical European efficiency ranges from 96.5% to 97.5%. This translates into measurably higher annual energy yield under the variable irradiance conditions characteristic of the Polish climate. - **Silent Operation - Natural Convection, ≤30 dB(A)** - The fanless design (natural convection cooling only) ensures operation at ≤30 dB(A), eliminates moving parts subject to wear, and allows installation in boiler rooms and garages adjacent to living spaces. Inverters with active cooling in this power class typically reach 45-55 dB(A). - **EPS - Emergency Switchover \<20 ms** - An islanding switchover time below 20 ms meets the protection requirements of devices sensitive to supply interruptions (NAS, routers, select consumer electronics and appliances). Competitors in this segment (e.g., Fronius Symo GEN24 Plus) claim a comparable switchover time, whereas older, lower-tier hybrids frequently exceed 100 ms. - **HV Battery Compatibility: 150-600 V** - The wide battery voltage range of 150-600 V enables direct integration with Sungrow SBR/SBH, BYD HVS/HVM, and LG RESU Prime HV systems without additional DC converters. A maximum charge/discharge current of 30 A at up to 10.6 kW ensures optimal operation across the 5-10 kW AC power range. - **IP65, -25°C to 60°C, Altitude up to 4,000 m a.s.l.** - IP65 protection allows outdoor installation without an additional enclosure. The operating temperature range of -25°C to 60°C covers the extreme conditions found in Poland (frost down to -20°C). EU certifications include Low Voltage Directive 2014/35/EU, EMC Directive 2014/30/EU, and RoHS 2011/65/EU - all required for national subsidy programs (Mój Prąd, Czyste Powietrze). ### Cons - **AC Power Range Limited to 5-10 kW** - The SH RT-20 series covers only the 5, 6, 8, and 10 kW variants. Installations requiring more than 10 kW from a single hybrid inverter must migrate to a different series (SH20T or SH25T), which entails a separate certification process and different battery parameters. For installers managing a large portfolio of systems, this limits product standardization. ## About this series The Sungrow SH RT-20 series is a **three-phase hybrid inverter** designed for installations that are intended not only to feed energy back into the grid, but also to operate with an energy storage system and increase self-consumption. In practice, they are suitable for modern homes and smaller and medium-sized commercial properties, where flexibility and stable power supply are key. A major advantage is the presence of **independent MPPT inputs**, which facilitate the design of rooftop systems with different orientations or partial shading - the inverter can optimize the operation of each string independently, rather than pulling the entire system down to the weakest module. High **European efficiency** means better energy production under real working conditions, typical of the Polish climate. On a daily basis, you benefit from **monitoring and communication** (WiFi, Ethernet, app), as well as comprehensive safety features and casing designed for demanding conditions. This series is compatible with high-voltage energy storage systems, and the equipment features the required certifications and is offered with the manufacturer’s warranty. ## Questions ### How many MPPT inputs does the Sungrow SH RT-20 inverter have, and is it suitable for a roof with multiple orientations? The SH RT-20 series features 2 independent MPPT inputs, each supporting 2 strings. This allows the installer to connect panels facing different orientations (e.g., south and east/west) or partially shaded roof sections as separate strings. Each MPPT input is optimized independently, resulting in measurably higher energy yield compared to installations where all strings are combined on a single MPPT tracker. ### How quickly does the Sungrow SH RT-20 inverter switch to backup power in the event of a grid outage? The switchover time to backup mode is less than 20 milliseconds. In practice, this means that most household appliances - such as a refrigerator, router, or LED lighting - will not detect any interruption in power supply. A prerequisite is a charged energy storage system connected to the inverter; without a battery, backup mode is not available. ### Which energy storage systems are compatible with the Sungrow SH RT-20 series? The SH RT-20 series is compatible with Sungrow high-voltage battery systems, including the modular SBR series batteries. System capacity can be scaled modularly, reaching up to 25.6 kWh in a single installation. The manufacturer recommends using storage units that are certified and compatible with the specific firmware version of the inverter, so it is advisable to confirm the configuration with your installer before purchase. ### What is the manufacturer's warranty on inverters in the Sungrow SH RT-20 series? The standard manufacturer's warranty on Sungrow inverters for residential installations (up to 20 kW) is 10 years. Sungrow is a Tier 1 manufacturer with a global service network, ensuring genuine availability of technical support and repair services. Warranty terms may require the unit to be registered in the iSolarCloud system. ### Can the Sungrow SH RT-20 inverter be monitored via a mobile app? Yes, the SH RT-20 series supports communication via Wi-Fi and Ethernet through the included Winet-S dongle. Installation data is accessible in the iSolarCloud mobile app - the user can view real-time generation, battery state of charge, self-consumption, and historical data. The app is available for both Android and iOS and does not require an additional subscription. ### Is the Sungrow SH RT-20 suitable for charging an electric vehicle using solar energy? The SH RT-20 series supports integration with AC electric vehicle chargers that are compatible with the Sungrow ecosystem. The inverter can prioritize EV charging during periods of excess PV generation, thereby reducing grid import. This feature requires appropriate system configuration and a compatible charger - details should be confirmed with your installer. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/inverters/ds-20240111-sh5-0-6-0-8-0-10rt-20-datasheet-v23-en-e6a6acd9b8fd.pdf) ## Alternatives | Inverter | Rated AC | Euro efficiency | MPPT | Weight | Difference | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [SolarEdge SE8000H](https://comparepv.com/inverter/solaredge-se8000h) | 8 kW | 99.0% | | 19.6 kg | +1.1 pp efficiency, 7.4 kg lighter | | [Growatt MOD 8000TL3-XH](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-mod-8000tl3-xh) | 8 kW | 98.1% | 2 | 14.0 kg | 13.0 kg lighter | | [Growatt MOD 8000TL3-HU](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-mod-8000tl3-hu) | 8 kW | 98.1% | 2 | 19.0 kg | 8.0 kg lighter | | [Huawei SUN5000-8K-MAP0](https://comparepv.com/inverter/huawei-sun5000-8k-map0) | 8 kW | 98.0% | 2 | 21.0 kg | 6.0 kg lighter | | [Huawei SUN2000-8KTL-M1](https://comparepv.com/inverter/huawei-sun2000-8ktl-m1) | 8 kW | 98.0% | 2 | 17.0 kg | 10.0 kg lighter | | [Huawei SUN2000-8KTL-M1 (High current version)](https://comparepv.com/inverter/huawei-sun2000-8ktl-m1-high-current-version) | 8 kW | 98.0% | 2 | 17.0 kg | 10.0 kg lighter | | [Huawei SUN2000-8K-MAP0](https://comparepv.com/inverter/huawei-sun2000-8k-map0) | 8 kW | 98.0% | 2 | 21.0 kg | 6.0 kg lighter | | [Sungrow SH8.0RT](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sungrow-sh8-0rt) | 8 kW | 97.9% | 2 | 27.0 kg | Similar on paper | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/inverter/sungrow-sh8-0rt-20