Designed for residential and commercial use, the Sungrow HX Series solar inverters (SG350HX, SG250HX, and SG125HX) are PV system-based string inverters that produce a power output between 113.6 – 352 kVA. Their astonishing 99% efficiency rating easily outperforms most competitors.
If you’re looking for the ideal inverter for your solar power system, Sungrow has some of the most elite solar options on the market, the Sungrow HX Series solar inverters.
This review has all you need to know about Sungrow’s HX series. We’ll cover everything from AC power conversion and technical specifications to warranty and key features.
We’ll also weigh in with our expert onion on their worthiness as a purchase for your home or business.
Let’s dive right in!
What is the Sungrow HX Series Inverter?
The HX Series solar inverters by Sungrow are state-of-the-art inverters with excellent system performance and a truly impressive max efficiency of 99%.
Sungrow is a global inverter solution and solar panel supplier founded by Prof. Cao Renxian in 1997. Also known as Sungrow Power Supply Co., (or simply Sungrow), the company quickly became a profitable solar system enterprise due to its revolutionary inverter technology surpassing the 300 kW barrier for any solar panel to date.
These latest inverters by Sungrow come with built-in anti-PID recovery, a function many inverter brands don’t currently offer. Potential induced degradation (PID) is the aging effect that reduces the power output of even the best inverter over time.
Direct current (DC) is produced by the solar panels of any home’s solar system. However, power optimisers in the form of solar inverters are required to use this energy. These solar inverters convert the energy from the home’s solar system into alternating current (AC).
Most home appliances can only utilise AC, so a quality inverter with your solar system soon becomes essential. You also need battery inverters to attach batteries to your system if you don’t want to rely on grid power. These battery inverters also adjust the form of current to be used in your home.
Sungrow has an outstanding R&D team developing a wide range of products. They manufacture PV inverters and produce storage batteries that can be used in commercial and residential solar systems.
A seasoned enterprise with a track record of over twenty-five years in PV solar system production, Sungrow has expanded its installation operation to over 150 countries throughout the world.
As an industry trailblazer, Sungrow employs over 2,600 highly-proficient R&D scientists who are constantly aiming to provide more efficient energy solutions for you!
In 2019, its testing centre was accredited by CSA, TÜV Rheinland, and SGS. That same year, the company also established the biggest PV inverter factory in the world.
Currently, Sungrow’s global annual production is estimated to be around 140 GW, with over 20 GW of these being produced overseas.
Sungrow’s corporate social responsibility is also admirable; it has installed PV systems in over 3,000 villages to help alleviate poverty and promote rural development.
Sungrow HX Series Solar Inverter Range
The Sungrow HX series has three main string inverters (and a US-based sub-type for the SG250HX).
125HX
The 125HX inverter has the smallest power output of all HX series models, with a range of 113.6 – 125 kVA. Like other HX inverters, it’s also transformerless.
The nominal PV input voltage for this inverter is 1,160 V, while the nominal AC output voltage produced is up to 800 V. The output voltage ranges between 680 – 880 V. The maximum efficiency of this inverter is 99%.
The power output from the inverter based on atmospheric temperature is as follows:
- 125 kVA @ 40 ℃, and
- 113.6 kVA @ 50 ℃.
250HX
The 250HX is a transformerless, three-phase PV inverter that’s grid-connected and is an integral part of any PV power system. This inverter has a power output ranging between 200 – 250 kVA.
The nominal PV input voltage for this inverter is 1,160 V, while the nominal AC output voltage produced by the 250HX model reaches 800 V. The output voltage ranges between 680 – 880 V. The max efficiency of this inverter is 99%.
The power output from the inverter based on atmospheric temperature is as follows:
- 250 kVA @ 30 ℃,
- 225 kVA @ 40 ℃, and
- 200 kVA @ 50 ℃.
The 250HX is the most popular of all its HX counterparts – so much so that it has a unique variant that follows US regulations so that it can be shipped to North America.
350HX
The 350HX is the heavyweight of the HX series. It has a power output ranging between 295 – 352 kVA, depending on the temperature in the surroundings.
This inverter’s nominal PV input voltage is 1,080 V, while the nominal AC output voltage is up to 800 V. The output voltage can range between 640 – 920 V. The max efficiency of this inverter is 99.01%.
Again, the power output based on atmospheric temperature is as follows:
- 352 kVA @ 30 ℃
- 320 kVA @ 40 ℃
- 295 kVA @ 50 ℃.
Currently, the 350HX is only available for shipment to Europe. Its European variant has slightly different efficiency ratings. However, it’s still a powerhouse when it comes to electricity conversion, and one of the best solar inverters in the European market!
Inverters in a photovoltaic system convert the direct current (DC) produced by a solar panel into an alternating current (AC). Some appliances run on AC electricity, so inverters are integral to your renewable energy solutions.
String inverters are connected in sequence with the PV module, which gives them a string-like appearance; hence the term “string inverter.”
These inverter types are the most reliable technology when it comes to solar energy conversions. A single string inverter can handle electricity produced by ten solar panels.
Since there are fewer connections between solar panels and string inverters, the electricity loss is minimised, as is the risk of potential hazards.
This makes the HX Series string inverters some of the finest available in the market.
Sungrow HX Series Technical Specifications
The technical specs for each HX series solar inverter are provided in the datasheets below:
HX125 Solar Inverter
| Input (DC) | SG125HX |
|---|---|
| Max. PV Input Voltage | 1500 V |
| Min. PV Input Voltage / Start-up Input Voltage | 500 V / 550 V |
| Nominal PV Input Voltage | 1160 V |
| MPP Voltage Range | 500 V – 1500 V |
| MPP Voltage Range for Nominal Power | 860 V – 1300 V |
| No. of Independent MPP Inputs | 6 |
| Max. Number of Input Connectors per MPPT | 2 |
| Max. PV Input Current | 30 A * 6 |
| Max. DC Short-Circuit Current | 50 A * 6 |
| Output (AC) | SG125HX |
| AC Output Power | 125 kVA @ 40 ℃ / 113.6 kVA @ 50 ℃ |
| Max. AC Output Current | 90.2 A |
| Nominal AC Voltage | 3 / PE, 800 V |
| AC Voltage Range | 680 – 880 V |
| Nominal Grid Frequency / Grid Frequency Range | 50 Hz / 45 – 55 Hz, 60 Hz / 55 – 65 Hz |
| Harmonic (THD) | < 3 % (at nominal power) |
| Power Factor at Nominal Power / Adjustable Power Factor | > 0.99 / 0.8 leading – 0.8 lagging |
| Feed-in Phases / AC Connection | 3 / 3 |
| Efficiency | SG125HX |
| Max. Efficiency / European Efficiency | 99.0% / 98.7% |
| Protection | SG125HX |
| DC Reverse Connection Protection | Yes |
| AC Short Circuit Protection | Yes |
| Leakage Current Protection | Yes |
| Grid Monitoring | Yes |
| DC Switch | Yes |
| AC Switch | No |
| PV String Current Monitoring | Yes |
| Q at Night | Yes |
| PID Protection | Anti-PID and PID recovery |
| Surge Protection | DC Type II / AC Type I + II |
| General Data | SG125HX |
| Dimensions (W*H*D) | 916 * 690 * 340 mm |
| Weight | 75 kg |
| Isolation Method | Transformerless |
| Degree of Protection | IP66 |
| Night Power Consumption | < 7 W |
| Operating Ambient Temperature Range | -30 to 60 ℃ |
| Allowable Relative Humidity Range (Non-condensing) | 0 – 100 % |
| Cooling Method | Smart forced air cooling |
| Max. Operating Altitude | 5,000 m (> 4,000 m derating) |
| Display | LED, Bluetooth + APP |
| Communication | RS485 / PLC |
| DC Connection Type | MC4-Evo2 (Max. 6 mm², optional 10 mm² ) |
| AC Connection Type | OT/DT terminal (Max. 120 mm²) |
| Compliance | IEC 62109, IEC 61727, IEC 62116, IEC 60068, IEC 61683, VDE-AR-N 4110:2018, VDE-AR-N 4120:2018, IEC 61000-6-2, IEC 61000-6-4, EN 50549- 2, P.O.12.2, G99, VDE 0126-1-1/A1:VFR2019. |
| Grid Support | Q at Night function, LVRT, HVRT, active and reactive power control, and power ramp rate control. |
HX250 Solar Inverter
| Input (DC) | SG250HX |
|---|---|
| Max. PV Input Voltage | 1500 V |
| Min. PV Input Voltage / Startup Input Voltage | 500 V / 500 V |
| Nominal PV Input Voltage | 1160 V |
| MPP Voltage Range | 500 V – 1500 V |
| MPP Voltage Range for Nominal Power | 860 V – 1300 V |
| No. of Independent MPP Inputs | 12 |
| Max. Number of Input Connectors per MPPT | 2 |
| Max. PV Input Current | 30 A * 12 |
| Max. DC Short-Circuit Current | 50 A * 12 |
| Output (AC) | SG250HX |
| AC Output Power | 250 kVA @ 30 ℃ / 225 kVA @40 ℃ / 200 kVA @ 50 ℃ |
| Max. AC Output Current | 180.5 A |
| Nominal AC Voltage | 3 / PE, 800 V |
| AC Voltage Range | 680 – 880 V |
| Nominal Grid Frequency / Grid Frequency Range | 50 Hz / 45 – 55 Hz, 60 Hz / 55 – 65 Hz |
| THD | < 3 % (at nominal power) |
| DC Current Injection | < 0.5 % In |
| Power Factor at Nominal Power / Adjustable Power Factor | > 0.99 / 0.8 leading – 0.8 lagging |
| Feed-in Phases / Connection Phases | 3 / 3 |
| Efficiency | SG250HX |
| Max. Efficiency | 99.0 % |
| European Efficiency | 98.8 % |
| Protection | SG250HX |
| DC Reverse Connection Protection | Yes |
| AC Short Circuit Protection | Yes |
| Leakage Current Protection | Yes |
| Grid Monitoring | Yes |
| Ground Fault Monitoring | Yes |
| DC Switch | Yes |
| AC Switch | No |
| PV String Current Monitoring | Yes |
| Q at Night Function | Yes |
| Anti-PID / PID Recovery Function | Yes |
| Overvoltage Protection | DC Type II / AC Type II |
| General Data | SG250HX |
| Dimensions (W*H*D) | 1,051 * 660 * 363 mm |
| Weight | 99 kg |
| Isolation Method | Transformerless |
| Ingress Protection Rating | IP66 |
| Night Power Consumption | < 2 W |
| Operating Ambient Temperature Range | -30 ℃ to 60 ℃ |
| Allowable Relative Humidity Range (Non-condensing) | 0 – 100 % |
| Cooling Method | Smart forced air cooling |
| Max. Operating Altitude | 5,000 m (> 4,000 m derating) |
| Display | LED, Bluetooth + App |
| Communication | RS485 / PLC |
| DC Connection Type | MC4-Evo2 (Max. 6 mm², optional 10mm²) |
| AC Connection Type | OT / DT terminal (Max. 300 mm²) |
| Compliance | IEC 62109, IEC 61727, IEC 62116, IEC 60068, IEC 61683, VDE-AR-N4110:2018, VDE-AR-N 4120:2018, EN 50549-1/2, UNE 206007-1:2013,P.O.12.3, UTE C15-712-1:2013. |
| Grid Support | Q at Night function, LVRT, HVRT, active and reactive power control, and power ramp rate control. |
HX350 Solar Inverter
| Input (DC) | SG350HX |
|---|---|
| Max. PV Input Voltage | 1500 V |
| Min. PV Input Voltage / Startup Input Voltage | 500 V / 550 V |
| Nominal PV Input Voltage | 1080 V |
| MPP Voltage Range | 500 V – 1500 V |
| MPP Voltage Range for Nominal Power | 860 V – 1300 V |
| No. of Independent MPP Inputs | 12 (Optional: 14 / 16) |
| Max. Number of Input Connectors per MPPT | 2 |
| Max. PV Input Current | 12 * 40 A (Optional: 14 * 30 A / 16 * 30 A) |
| Max. DC Short-Circuit Current per MPPT | 60 A |
| Output (AC) | SG350HX |
| AC Output Power | 352 kVA @ 30 ℃ / 320 kVA @ 40 ℃ / 295 kVA @ 50 ℃ |
| Max. AC Output Current | 254 A |
| Nominal AC Voltage | 3 / PE, 800 V |
| AC Voltage Range | 640 – 920 V |
| Nominal Grid Frequency / Grid Frequency Range | 50 Hz / 45 – 55 Hz, 60 Hz / 55 – 65 Hz |
| THD | < 3% (at nominal power) |
| DC Current Injection | < 0.5% In |
| Power Factor at Nominal Power / Adjustable Power Factor | > 0.99 / 0.8 leading – 0.8 lagging |
| Feed-in Phases / Connection Phases | 3 / 3 |
| Efficiency | SG350HX |
| Max. Efficiency / European Efficiency / CEC | 99.01% / 98.8% / 98.5% |
| Protection | SG350HX |
| DC Reverse Connection Protection | Yes |
| AC Short Circuit Protection | Yes |
| Leakage Current Protection | Yes |
| Grid Monitoring | Yes |
| Ground Fault Monitoring | Yes |
| DC Switch / AC Switch | Yes / No |
| PV String Current Monitoring | Yes |
| Q at Night Function | Yes |
| Anti-PID and PID Recovery Function | Optional |
| Overvoltage Protection | DC Type II / AC Type II |
| General Data | SG350HX |
| Dimensions (W*H*D) | 1,136 * 870 * 361 mm (44.7” * 34.3” * 14.2”) |
| Weight | ≤110 kg (≤242.5 lbs) |
| Isolation Method | Transformerless |
| Ingress Protection Rating | IP66 (NEMA 4X) |
| Night Power Consumption | < 6 W |
| Operating Ambient Temperature Range | -30 ℃ to 60 ℃ (-22 to 140 ℉) |
| Allowable Relative Humidity Range (Non-condensing) | 0 – 100 % |
| Cooling Method | Smart forced air cooling |
| Max. Operating Altitude | 4,000 m (> 3,000 m derating) / 13,123 ft (> 9,843 ft derating) |
| Display | LED, Bluetooth + APP |
| Communication | RS485 / PLC |
| DC Connection Type | MC4-Evo2 (Max. 6 mm², optional 10mm² / Max. 10AWG, optional 8AWG) |
| AC Connection Type | Support OT / DT terminal (Max. 400 mm² / 789 Kcmil) |
| Compliance | IEC 62109, IEC 61727, IEC 62116, IEC 60068, IEC 61683, VDE-AR-N 4110:2018,VDE-AR-N 4120:2018, EN 50549-1/2, UNE 206007-1:2013, P.O.12.3, UTE C15-712-1:2013, UL1741, UL1741SA, IEEE1547, IEEE1547.1, CSA C22.2 107.1-01-2001, California Rule 21, UL1699B. |
| Grid Support | Q at Night function, LVRT, HVRT, active and reactive power control, power ramp rate control, Q-U control, and P-f control. |
What is the Sungrow HX Series Solar Inverter Output Capacity?
125HX
The inverter has an AC output power of 125 kVA when the temperature is 40 ℃ and 113.6 kVA when the temperature hits 50 ℃.
It has a maximum AC output current of 90.2 A and an output voltage range of 680 – 880 V.
This output power comes from a PV input of at least 550 V (the start-up voltage) and a maximum PV input current of 30 A of direct current.
250HX
It produces an AC output power of 250 kVA when the temperature is 30 ℃, 225 kVA when the temperature sits at 40 ℃, and a minimum of 200 kVA when the temperature hits 50 ℃.
It has a maximum AC output current of 180.5 A and an output voltage range of 680 – 880 V.
This output power comes from a PV input of at least 500 V (the start-up voltage) and a maximum PV input current of 30 A.
350HX
Sungrow’s HX flagship, the 350HX, has an immense AC output power of 352 kVA when the temperature is 30 ℃, 320 kVA at 40 ℃, and a minimum of 295 kVA when the temperature reaches 50 ℃. This is quite literally a powerhouse!
It has a maximum AC output current of 254 A and an output voltage range of 640 – 920 V.
This output power comes from a PVPVnput of at least 500 V (the start-up voltage) and a maximum PV input current of 40 A of direct current.
What is the Sungrow HX Series Solar Inverter’s Efficiency?
The efficiency of each Sungrow model varies according to their type. However, you can use the table below as a shortcut to understanding the performance of each model:
| Model | Efficiency | European Efficiency |
|---|---|---|
| 125HX | 99% | 98.7% |
| 250HX | 99% | 98.8% |
| 350HX | 99.01% | 98.8% |
Each variant has a regular and a European efficiency level that is slightly lower due to different components per EU regulations. This alters the amount of electricity converted.
How Many MPP Trackers does the Sungrow HX Series Solar Inverter Have?
| Model | Number of MPPs |
|---|---|
| 125HX | 6 |
| 250HX | 12 |
| 350HX | 12 |
For all HX series inverters (125HX, 250HX, and 350HX), you can have two input connectors per MMPT.
However, the 350HX base model comes with 12 MPPs, and you can upgrade it to have additional MPPs. This gives you an inverter with up to 14 or 16 MPPs.
But it’s important to note that the maximum current input for each MPP is 30 A in both 250HX (30 A 12) and 125HX (30 A 6).
However, in the 350HX, the maximum current input is 40 A for the base 12 MPP model (40 A 12). But if you choose the 14 or 16 MPP options, your maximum current input will be 30 A (30 A 14, or 30 A * 16).
Does the Sungrow HX Series Solar Inverter have an Internal DC Circuit Breaker?
Yes! The HX series comes outfitted with DC circuit breakers, but the break threshold varies with each model.
If you receive a DC input of 50 A for each MPP, you will short-circuit your 125HX and 250HX inverters.
On the other hand, the 350HX has a greater resistance to DC overload and requires an input of 60 A.
Sungrow HX Series Solar Inverter Key Features
The HX series possesses state-of-the-art elements that soon prove their worth after installing your PV module:
- High yield: These inverters have a staggering 99% efficiency for your solar system and can convert almost all of the DC electricity input from the solar PV into AC. Your home appliances won’t miss out on even a drop of harvested sunlight.
- Grid compatibility and support: The HX series is globally compatible with any grid and has a minute reactive response time of less than 30 ms.
- Excellent safety: The HX inverter offers the best protection against reverse currents and short-circuiting. Its DC switch will automatically isolate faulty inverter components and offers real-time insulation remote monitoring.
- Smart technology: The inverter offers firmware upgrades, so you don’t need to call the Sungrow engineers to upgrade your inverter. You can simply connect your inverter to the internet, and it will automatically update its systems.
- Outstanding durability: These inverters offer long-term solutions for your solar needs as they are IP66 certified and corrosion-resistant. They won’t get weathered down over time as they battle the elements.
- Battery compatibility: Using these solar inverters, you can connect the solar panels with a battery. Installing a battery is simple and offers you greater energy independence from the grid.
With all these benefits in mind, it’s no surprise how these fantastic Sungrow HX inverters are taking the Australian market by storm.
What is Sungrow HX Series Solar Inverter’s Warranty?
Sungrow provides a five-year warranty on its HX inverters. The warranty period commences on the date when the inverter is installed.
This is generally considered the date of your purchase.
Since 2020, Sungrow has also started offering extended warranties on select solar inverter models. As of writing, the HX series is not included in that inverter lineup.
However, warranty claims can only be made if the company has an office in your area. Luckily for Australian consumers, Sungrow has an office in North Sydney! If you stumble across a defective inverter, Sungrow provides the following options:
- Repair the defective inverter at the nearest Sungrow office, or
- Replace your faulty equipment (inverter/accessory).
But beware of warranty exclusions, which will void your coverage!
Please ensure you have not performed any of the following before taking your inverter to a Sungrow office:
- Not following proper installation instructions.
- Using different orientations of the components that are not suggested by the installation guide.
- Misuse of equipment by exposure to direct sunlight.
- Damage arising from voltage surges and wiring issues.
- No sound insulation is installed against winds, snow, or harsh weather conditions.
- Failure to ensure inverter safety.
- Corrosion (above or below the design).
- Improper ventilation for the installed inverters.
- Damage during transportation before the inverter can be installed.
- Damage to packaging before installation of inverters.
- Unauthorised repairs to inverters.
Is the Sungrow HX Series Solar Inverter Safe and Reliable?
Sungrow HX Series inverter is certified by PV Evolution Lab (PVEL). Since 2019, DNV GL has been testing the reliability and safety of the HX Series solar inverters.
Inverter brands pay for this third-party quality assurance. The assessment of the solar panel inverters ensures that the inverters meet global standards set by these respected solar bodies and can be installed internationally with any solar system. This also reduces the likelihood of inverter issues.
Is the Sungrow HX Series Solar Inverter CEC-Approved?
Yes! The CEC solidly approves Sungrow HX series inverters.
The Clean Energy Council in Australia is a government authority that serves as a regulatory body to ensure the quality of solar power systems. It verifies products, retailers, and even installers, to ensure that consumers are protected from scams and low-quality, security-risk products.
So far, the CEC has approved specific solar systems to enable homeowners to navigate the renewable energy market more conveniently.
Can you Retrofit a Battery to the Sungrow HX Series Solar Inverter?
Yes, you can install an AC battery to your HX series string inverter.
However, if you want to equip a battery with your solar system, it would require additional components and can be rather expensive. These components will also include a separate battery inverter. These battery inverters are different from solar inverters.
Batteries tend to be the heftiest capital when investing in renewable energy solutions, resulting in additional costs. However, those with the most well-equipped solar power systems often install a battery as part of the set.
Investing in a battery can be a wise decision. You’ll be able to store any surplus energy produced during the day, which you can then use at night. This will help you make a quicker return on your investment and might even allow you to go completely independent of the local power grid!
Is the Sungrow HX Series a High-Quality Inverter? Our Opinion
The Sungrow HX Series is a premium-quality, formidable set of inverters. They promise speedy returns on your investment through fewer expenses related to electricity. These inverters are 99% efficient, and major third-party quality assurance firms have accredited them.
The innovative technology used by Sungrow allows remote upgrades, optimisations, and real-time solar monitoring.
You can even install a battery with these inverters, as the HX series has a stellar safety track record. Their DC circuit breaker switch automatically cuts off any malfunctioning part of the inverter, preventing power surges or reverse currents from causing fires or other security hazards.
The inverters are also very durable. They have an IP66 corrosion-resistant casing, which can stand tall when facing the elements.
These incredible features make the HX series one of the best inverter series on the market for industrial, commercial, and even residential use.
Next Steps…
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