Sofar Solar mono 3.68 kW hybrid inverter – ESI-3.68K-S1

3.68 kW hybrid inverter: Easy installation and online monitoring

The Sofar ESI-3.68K-S1 hybrid inverter: optimised self-consumption with high-voltage storage

The Sofar Solar ESI-3.68K-S1 is a 3,680 W single-phase hybrid inverter designed for small households, flats and houses of 50 to 100 m² looking to maximise their solar self-consumption with storage. It occupies a mid-range position in the Sofar ESI range: more powerful than the ESI-3K-S1 (3,000 W) with a higher PV capacity of 5,400 Wp, whilst remaining accessible for a first residential installation. It can operate without a battery from the moment of installation and gradually scale up to 30 kWh of storage.

What this inverter actually does

The Sofar ESI-3.68K-S1 constantly manages three essential functions:

• It converts the energy from your solar panels into usable electricity (230 V AC) with a maximum efficiency of 97.7%
• It stores the surplus in a Sofar BTS 400 V high-voltage battery for use in the evening, at night or during a power cut
• It automatically switches to the battery in the event of a mains power cut within 10 ms, with a peak power of 5,520 VA for 10 seconds — enough to start up your most power-hungry appliances

With 8 to 10 solar panels (4 to 5 kWp) and a 5 to 10 kWh battery, you can achieve 55 to 70% self-consumption, representing an estimated saving of between €500 and €800 per year depending on your consumption profile.

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5,400 Wp of connectable PV: a capacity greater than most 3 kW systems

This is one of the technical strengths of this model. With up to 5,400 Wp of connectable solar panels (compared to 4,500 Wp for the ESI-3K-S1), you can install:

• 10 to 12 panels of 450–500 Wp — ideal for a large roof or a house with two orientations
• Two independent strings via the 2 MPPT controllers (range 85–520 V, max 550 V, max current 16 A per MPPT) — perfect if your panels are spread across two roof sections facing different directions
• Higher daily output than with a standard 3 kW system limited to 4,500 Wp — you maximise every hour of sunshine

Off-grid peak power: 5,520 VA for 10 seconds

In the event of a grid outage with a battery connected, the Sofar ESI-3.68K-S1 can deliver 5,520 VA for 10 seconds — that is 150% of its rated power. This allows equipment with high inrush currents to start up without any problems:

• Fridge and freezer (start-up peak 3 to 5 times the rated power)
• Washing machine during start-up
• Water pump or booster
• Compact electric water heater

Sofar BTS high-voltage battery: modern and scalable architecture

The Sofar ESI-3.68K-S1 is compatible with the Sofar BTS 5K high-voltage battery system ( 400 V LiFePO4) — the same architecture as the entire ESI range:

• Start with 1 BTS 5Kmodule (5.12 kWh) — enough to cover a full night’s energy needs for a small household
• Add up to 6 modules gradually to reach 30.72 kWh without changing the inverter
• 400 V high-voltage system: better conversion efficiency, simplified cabling, lower currents
• CATL LiFePO4 cells: long service life, optimal safety, BMS integrated into each module
• Max. charge/discharge current: 20 A — matched to the inverter’s power rating

Advanced features

• 5 operating modes: priority self-consumption, off-peak charging, full feed-in, battery reserve, off-grid standalone
• AC Coupling: integrate an existing grid-connected inverter to charge the Sofar battery without replacing the existing system
• Parallel function: two ESI-3.68K-S1 units in master/slave configuration to double the power
• OTA updates: remote software updates, without physical intervention

Installation: what you need to know

Installation must be carried out by a qualified electrician. Key points:

• Operates without a battery upon installation — add one according to your budget and requirements
• Main circuit breaker rated for at least 16 A in single-phase
• Battery cabling rated for 20 A — standard gauge is sufficient
• Set up viathe SolarMan Smart app or directly on the inverter

Sofar PowerAll

SolarMan Smart

SofarSolar is redefining the future of energy with smart inverters. Equipped with advanced monitoring features, our inverters come with a WiFi Stick as standard, paving the way for seamless connectivity. Choose your path to efficiency with options such as Ethernet, GPRS or LTE dongles. Transform every installation into a digital symphony, where solar power becomes a connected, smart and sustainable experience. SofarSolar, your partner for smarter and brighter energy.

Apple Store - Solarman Smart

Android - Google Play - Solarman Smart

Setup steps:

1. After launching the app, register as a new user or enter your current SOLARMAN login details.
2. Create a new system and enter the system data.
3. Scan the barcode on the logger stick to assign an inverter to the system.
4. Go to the newly created system to configure the logger stick (device/logger).
5. Press the button on the WiFi dongle for 1 second to activate the dongle’s WPS mode so that the smartphone can connect to the WiFi dongle.
6. Now select your local WiFi network for internet access and enter your WiFi password.
7. The WiFi dongle is now configured with the access details.