Deye SUN-135K (135 kW, 8 MPPT) - three-phase grid-tie inverter for an industrial solar array

What this inverter is for

This Deye three-phase grid-tie inverter of 135 kW is a machine for industrial solar arrays: a rated active power of 135 kW, an apparent power of 135 kVA, a 3L/N/PE 220/380 V connection and a frequency of 50 Hz. The photovoltaic input: a maximum array power of 202.5 kW, a maximum voltage of 1,100 V, a tracking range of 200-1,000 V, a start from 250 V and eight independent trackers of four strings each - thirty-two inputs in all. The operating current is 40 A per tracker, the short-circuit current up to 60 A, the maximum efficiency 98.8 % and the European 98.2 %, with harmonic distortion below 3 %. The build: a transformerless topology, an IP65 enclosure, a weight of about 103 kg, dimensions of 1006 × 516 × 325.5 mm, smart cooling and a noise level up to 65 dB. Typical applications: the roof of a production building or a logistics centre, a 150-200 kW ground array, the solar side of a large commercial site, a station selling electricity into the grid. Where this model does not suit: anywhere that backup supply during a grid failure is needed - a grid-tie inverter has no such function.

The name in the listing and the actual series

This listing deserves a separate comment, because the name in the card contains an inaccuracy and we think it right to say so plainly. What the name states: the index G03, which at Deye belongs to the junior series of grid-tie inverters of 3-10 and 30-50 kW. What a power of 135 kW actually means: machines of this class are made in the SUN-120/125/130/135/136K-G01P3-EU series, where the 135 kW model is one of five. Why that matters when ordering: the series index determines what is supplied, the communication options and the documentation the network operator accepts at approval. What we do about it: we describe this listing by the parameters of the series' 135 kW model, because that is what matches the power and connection scheme in the card. What we advise you to do: confirm the full model index with us when ordering, so that the connection documents carry the exact designation. Why we do not correct the card ourselves: the catalogue's data is filled in by the supplier, and we verify the full designation with them before despatch.

Zero export, VSG and PID protection

Besides the conversion itself, this platform has a set of functions which become decisive when an array is approved with the network operator. What zero export is: a mode in which the inverter limits its output so that nothing goes into the grid and all the generation is consumed on site. When that is needed: if the connection conditions forbid export, or if selling the surplus is not economically worthwhile. What it requires: a meter or current transformers at the site's incoming point and the limit configured at commissioning. What VSG support is: a virtual synchronous generator mode in which the inverter behaves like a rotating machine and helps hold the grid's frequency. What the PID protection option gives: resistance to potential-induced degradation of the panels, that is the slow fall in the modules' output because of voltage with respect to earth. What should be ordered in advance: PID protection is an option, so whether a particular delivery includes it is established before payment.

Why this model gives no backup during a grid failure

This is the commonest question about grid-tie inverters, and the answer is better known before buying than after the first outage. How a grid-tie inverter works: it synchronises with the grid's voltage and delivers power into it, that is the grid is its reference. What happens when the grid disappears: the inverter is obliged to shut down within a fraction of a second, and that is a safety requirement rather than a design shortcoming. Why it is done that way: if a crew is repairing the line, voltage on it from the array's side is unacceptable, so anti-islanding protection is mandatory. What that means for the site: during a grid failure the solar array does not feed the production, even in bright sun. How backup is added: separate storage is installed on the AC side, or a hybrid system is built with inverters of the SUN-SG01HP3 series and batteries. What to calculate in advance: the site's critical load and the backup duration needed, because the storage configuration depends on them.

An altitude up to 4,000 m, humidity up to 100 % and an IP65 enclosure

The conditions in which the equipment is permitted to work decide where it can be installed without additional structures. What IP65 means: full protection against dust and against jets of water, so the inverter is mounted on a wall in the open with no cabinet and no canopy. What humidity is permitted: from zero to a hundred percent without condensation, which allows work near water, in damp industrial zones and in foggy areas. What altitude is permitted: up to 4,000 metres, so there is no restriction for any site in our country. About temperature and cooling: the smart cooling adjusts the fans' speed to the load and the temperature, and in the heat the inverter limits its power instead of shutting down on a fault. What matters during installation: not placing the machine on a south wall in direct sun, and leaving clear gaps on all sides for air. Why that really affects the result: an inverter in a shaded, ventilated place limits its power less often at a summer noon, that is it delivers more kilowatt-hours.

Monitoring: RS485, RS232, Wi-Fi and LAN

A 135 kW array without monitoring works blind, and this platform's set of interfaces allows a scheme to be chosen to suit the site. What the set includes: RS485 and RS232 ports, Wi-Fi and wired Ethernet, and a built-in 240 × 160 display for work on site. Where RS485 is needed: for daisy-chaining several inverters and passing data into the site's supervisory system. Where LAN is better: if the site has a network with a reliable channel, because a wired connection is steadier than wireless in an industrial environment. Where Wi-Fi is justified: on small sites and for quick configuration through the mobile application. What has to be visible in the monitoring: the output of each of the thirty-two strings separately, because otherwise a fall in one of them on an array of this size simply goes unnoticed. What to configure from the start: fault notifications and daily reports, so that a problem is found on the day it appears rather than in the monthly bill.

Maintaining the array: what to do every year

An industrial array needs regular attention, and the list of work is short but should not be skipped. What to do with the panels: wash the surface of dust, pollen and bird droppings, because on a large field soiling costs noticeable percent. What to do with the fixings: check the tightness of the clamps and the structure's condition after winter loads and strong winds. What to do with the inverter: clean the heatsinks and the cooling grilles, check the fans' operation and the condition of the cable entries. What to check in the electrical part: the tightness of the power connections with a thermal imager or a tester, because a loosened contact heats up and fails gradually. What to do with the data: compare the strings' output against each other and against the previous year, in order to see slow degradation or a problem module. What to do with the software: update the firmware on the manufacturer's recommendation, especially when the network operator's requirements for grid behaviour change.

How it differs from the catalogue's neighbouring models

The 120-136 kW series is one power platform in five power variants, so the choice comes down to the array's size. This listing is the 135 kW model: 135 kVA of apparent power, an array up to 202.5 kW, eight trackers and thirty-two strings, a range of 200-1,000 V with a maximum of 1,100 V, an efficiency of 98.8 %, an IP65 enclosure and a weight of about 103 kg. The SUN-136K-G01P3-EU (item 2077) is the platform's senior model at 136 kW with an array up to 204 kW: the difference from this listing is minimal. The SUN-130K-G01P3-EU (item 2082) at 130 kW and the SUN-125K-G01P3-EU (item 2079) at 125 kW have the same dimensions and weight at a lower power. The SUN-120K-G01P3-EU (item 2080) is the platform's junior model at 120 kW with an array up to 180 kW. If less is needed: the SUN-110K-G03 (item 2071) at 110 kW, the SUN-100K-G03 (item 2076) at 100 kW, the SUN-50K-G03 (item 2072) at 50 kW. If backup during failures is needed: the hybrid SUN-30K-SG01HP3-EU-BM3 (item 2074) or SUN-25K-SG01HP3-EU (item 2075) with batteries.

This Deye three-phase grid-tie inverter of 135 kW takes an array up to 202.5 kW over eight trackers and thirty-two strings at 98.8 % efficiency. Send us your roof or field drawing and we will calculate the strings, confirm the full model index and select the set for approval.