Maximum energy efficiency: Sofar 1600TL-G3 inverter
Compact single-phase inverters for small grid-connected PV systems
The SofarSolar 1.1K...3.3KTL-G3 is a sleek, compact and lightweight solar inverter for the smallest single-phase PV systems.
With an efficiency of up to 97.7%, it maximises the energy yield of your photovoltaic system. The built-in zero export function allows the user to limit the power fed into the grid by simply adding a current transformer to the system.
The inverter also comes with a WiFi dongle, allowing you to easily connect the inverter to the SofarSolar monitoring portal.
High efficiency
• Maximum efficiency of 97.5%.
• Precise real-time MPPT algorithm for maximum output
• Wide input voltage operating range
All-in-one. Flexible and cost-effective system solution
• Flexible installation options thanks to IP65 rating
• Easy installation and maintenance thanks to the ‘Plug & Play’ connection
• Choice of interface – Wi-Fi / RS485 / GPRS
• LCD + LED display
• Integrated zero export function (optional)
Low maintenance costs
• Removable cover for easy installation
• Stainless steel covers
• A flexible control solution
Smart grid management
• Reactive power capacity
• Automatic power reduction in the event of over-frequency
• Remote control of active/reactive power limits
Operating modes
A. Energy management unit
This control can be used to switch the inverter on/off via an external (remote) control.
B. Reactive power supply to the grid
The inverter is capable of generating reactive power and can therefore feed it into the grid by adjusting the phase angle. The feed-in management can be controlled directly by the grid operator via a dedicated RS485 serial interface.
C. Limiting the active power fed into the grid
If enabled, the inverter can limit the amount of active power fed into the grid by the inverter to the desired value (expressed as a percentage).
D. Automatic power reduction when the grid is over-frequency
When the grid frequency exceeds the limit value, the inverter reduces the output power, which is necessary for grid stability.
E. Data transmission
The inverter or a group of inverters can be monitored remotely via an advanced communication system based on the RS-485 serial interface, or remotely via Wi-Fi/GPRS.
F. Software updates
Support for local software updates via USB stick and remote updates via Wi-Fi/GPRS.
Wiring and connection
1. DC switch
2. PV input terminals
3. Wi-Fi/GPRS/Ethernet
4. Network connection port
5. Bleed valve
6. USB/DRMs/RS485/CT
What is the difference between the Sofar 1600TL-G3 and the 1100TL-G3, and which one should I choose?
The 1600TL-G3 delivers 1,600 W of rated power, which is 45% more than the 1100TL-G3 (1,100 W). It supports up to 2,200 Wp of solar panels (compared to 1,500 Wp), and its maximum output current is 7.7 A (compared to 5.3 A). In terms of output, this translates to an additional 200 to 300 kWh per year depending on your location, representing a saving of around €40 to €60 on your annual bill. Choose the 1100TL-G3 if you only have 2 to 3 panels to connect or very limited roof space. Choose the 1600TL-G3 if you have space for 4 to 5 panels and wish to maximise production on a small residential installation. The rest of the specifications (dimensions, weight, 10-year warranty, certifications, quiet operation) are identical between the two models.
How many solar panels can be connected to the 1600TL-G3 and how should it be sized?
The 1600TL-G3 has a single MPPT with a voltage range of 50 to 500 V, a maximum input voltage (Voc) of 500 V and a maximum input current of 12 A. The recommended maximum PV power is 2,200 Wp, which typically corresponds to 4 x 550 Wp panels or 5 x 440 Wp panels in series. For optimal sizing with modern 400–450 Wp panels (Voc ≈ 37–41 V), 4 panels in series give a total Voc of 148–164 V and a power of 1,600–1,800 Wp — within the inverter’s limits. With 5 panels (Voc ≈ 185–205 V, power ≈ 2,000–2,250 Wp), we remain within the acceptable range whilst slightly oversizing the system to compensate for periods of low sunlight. The 70 V start-up voltage ensures power generation from the morning and into the evening.
Is 1,600 W within the single-phase feed-in limits in Belgium (C10/11)?
Yes, the 1600TL-G3 is perfectly suited to Belgium. The C10/11 standard (Synergrid) sets out technical requirements for connecting photovoltaic installations to the Belgian distribution network, and the inverter is C10/11 certified. For single-phase residential installations, the maximum permitted feed-in power varies depending on the DSO (Fluvius, ORES, Sibelga), but is generally around 5 to 10 kVA for private individuals — the 1,600 W is therefore well within the permitted limits without any special procedures. The inverter also features a zero export function for cases where a feed-in limit is imposed by the network operator or requested by the user to maximise self-consumption.
Why choose a centralised grid-connected inverter like the 1600TL-G3 rather than micro-inverters?
For an installation of 4 to 5 well-oriented panels (same roof section, little or no shading), the 1600TL-G3 offers concrete advantages over micro-inverters: lower total cost (a single inverter vs a micro-inverter per panel), simpler installation (a single wall-mounted box, a single AC cable), centralised monitoring via a single interface, and slightly higher efficiency thanks to the wide-range MPPT (50–500 V). Micro-inverters are preferable when panels are installed facing multiple orientations, exposed to significant partial shading, or on roofs with complex geometries. For a small standard installation on a single, well-exposed roof, the 1600TL-G3 is the most economical and reliable solution.
What is the warranty on the 1600TL-G3 and why is it completely silent?
The 1600TL-G3 comes with a 10-year manufacturer’s warranty — exceptional in this price range. Its natural convection cooling, with no fan whatsoever, ensures a noise level below 25 dBA, meaning near-silence (by way of comparison, a fridge makes around 40 dB). The absence of a fan eliminates the main wear-and-tear component and reduces the risk of failure in the long term. The inverter can be installed in any room in the house — garage, hallway, utility room — without causing any noise disturbance. Its aluminium casing ensures effective passive heat dissipation and long-lasting protection against corrosion.
Can I upgrade to a hybrid system with batteries after installing the 1600TL-G3?
Yes, this upgrade is possible but requires replacing the grid-tied inverter with a hybrid inverter (which manages both the grid and the batteries). The 1600TL-G3, like all grid-tied inverters, cannot be converted to a hybrid system simply by updating it — a replacement is required. Sofar Solar offers single-phase hybrid inverters in its range that are compatible with existing PV cabling (same MC4 connectors, same voltage ranges), which simplifies the migration: the panels and their DC cabling can be retained; only the inverter needs to be replaced. If you anticipate adding batteries within the next 2 to 3 years, it may be wise to opt directly for a hybrid inverter such as the Sofar ESI 5K-T1 or the Deye SUN-6K-SG05LP1-EU, even if this represents a higher initial investment.
How does the zero export function work with a Linky meter (France) or a Fluvius meter (Belgium)?
The zero export function of the 1600TL-G3 works by adding a current transformer (CT clamp) to the main power cable, upstream of the distribution board. This sensor measures the power imported or exported to the grid in real time and transmits the information to the inverter, which adjusts its output power to keep the feed-in at zero (or at a predefined threshold). In France, with a Linky meter, the CT can be easily connected to the main input of the distribution board. In Belgium, with Fluvius dual-index (prosumer) meters, the same principle applies. This function is particularly useful for flats in block-of-flats where grid injection is not desired, or to avoid the prosumer tax by maximising self-consumption. The CT is not supplied with the inverter and must be ordered separately.
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