Sofar Solar ESI-12K-T1 – 12 kW three-phase hybrid inverter, the most powerful model in the ESI-T1 range
The ESI-12K-T1 in the ESI-T1 range
The Sofar Solar ESI-12K-T1 is the 12,000 W three-phase hybrid inverter — the flagship of the ESI-T1 range. It shares the same architecture as the ESI-6.5K-T1 and the ESI-10K-T1 — same housing (708×440×170 mm, 30 kg), the same three independent MPPT trackers, the same IP66 rating, and the same passive cooling — but with a maximum rated power of 12 kW and 24,000 Wp of connectable PV capacity.
|
ESI-6.5K-T1 |
ESI-10K-T1 |
ESI-12K-T1 |
| Rated power |
6,500 W |
10,000 W |
12,000 W |
| Max. connectable PV |
13,000 Wp |
20,000 Wp |
24,000 Wp |
| Max AC power |
7,150 VA |
11,000 VA |
13,200 VA |
| Can be installed in Belgium |
✅ Yes |
⚠️ No |
⚠️ No |
⚠️ For Belgium: only the ESI-6.5K-T1 can be installed as a three-phase system in Belgium. The ESI-12K-T1 is reserved for France, Luxembourg and other markets.
24,000 Wp of connectable PV: up to 60 panels
With 3 fully independent MPPT controllers (range 160–950V, max 1000V, 25A each, 1 string per MPPT), the ESI-12K-T1 can accommodate up to 24,000 Wp of panels — equivalent to approximately 48 to 60 panels of 400–500 Wp spread across 3 different orientations. This is the highest PV capacity in the entire ESI-T1 range, ideal for:
- Large roofs on detached houses or farmhouses (over 200 m² of available roof space)
- Car park canopies or agricultural shelters
- Installations requiring a high PV/power ratio (200%) to maximise output during periods of low sunlight
IP66 and passive cooling: robust and silent
Like the entire ESI-T1 range, the ESI-12K-T1 features an IP66 rating and fully passive cooling via natural convection (zero fans):
- Completely silent operation, even at full load of 12 kW
- Can be installed outdoors under a canopy or in an unheated room
- Temperature range: -30°C to +60°C (derating above +45°C)
- Extended service life thanks to the absence of moving mechanical parts
What this inverter actually does
- It converts solar energy into 400V AC three-phase electricity with a maximum efficiency of 98.2% (EU 97.5%)
- It stores surplus energy in the BTS battery for use in the evening or during a mains power cut
- It automatically switches to battery power within 10 ms in the event of a power cut
- It feeds surplus energy back into the three-phase grid (France, Luxembourg)
With 40 to 48 panels (20 to 24 kWp) and a 15 to 30 kWh battery, a large farm or SME can achieve 75 to 88% self-consumption, representing an estimated saving of between €2,500 and €5,000 per year.
Compatible battery: Sofar BTS 5K high-voltage
Compatible with Sofar BTS 5K batteries (LiFePO4 CATL, integrated BMS, 350–435V). From 1 to 6 modules for 5 to 30 kWh of scalable storage without changing the inverter.
→ See the Sofar BTS 5K battery
Advanced features
- 5 operating modes: self-consumption, Time of Use, full sale, battery reserve, off-grid — comprehensive guide to modes
- AC Coupling: integrate an existing three-phase grid inverter — AC Coupling guide
- Integrated EMS: automatic management between panels, grid, battery and consumption
- RemoteOTA updates
Installation
- ⚠️ Not available for installation in Belgium — available only in France, Luxembourg and other markets
- 380/400/415V three-phase grid required
- 4-pole main circuit breaker (minimum 25A per phase)
- Battery cabling rated for 30A
- Operates without a battery upon installation
- See the BTS battery configuration guide on ESI
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 for seamless connectivity. Choose your connection method: Ethernet, GPRS or LTE. Transform every installation into a connected, smart and sustainable experience.
Apple Store - Solarman Smart
Android - Google Play - Solarman Smart

Setup steps:
1. After launching the app, register or log in to your SOLARMAN account.
2. Create a new system and enter the required details.
3. Scan the barcode on the logger stick to pair the inverter.
4. Configure the logger in the newly created system.
5. Press the button on the WiFi dongle for 1 second to activate WPS mode.
6. Select your local WiFi network and enter your password.
7. The WiFi dongle is now configured.
The future of energy in your home
The Sofar Solar ESI-12K-T1 is more than just an inverter: it is the heart of your energy self-sufficiency. With its 12 kW power output, scalable storage and responsiveness, it ensures your home is always powered, more economical and more environmentally friendly.
FAQ - SolaX Mono 6 kW Hybrid Inverter – X1-Hybrid-6.0-D G4.1
1. What is the difference between the SolaX X1-Hybrid 6.0 and the 5.0 — which one should I choose? +
The SolaX X1-Hybrid-6.0-D G4.1 delivers a nominal 6,000 W compared to 5,000 W for the 5.0 model, representing a 20% increase in power. It supports up to 9,000 Wp of solar panels (vs 7,500 Wp) and its maximum AC output current is 28.6 A (vs 23.9 A). Its EPS peak power reaches 7,200 VA for 10 minutes (vs 6,000 VA / 1 hour for the 5K). The 6 kW model is recommended for households with an annual electricity consumption of over 5,000 kWh, homes with a heat pump, an electric vehicle or several high-power appliances to be powered simultaneously.
2. How many solar panels can be connected to the SolaX X1-Hybrid-6.0-D G4.1 and what is the optimal configuration? +
The SolaX X1-Hybrid-6.0-D G4.1 supports up to 9,000 Wp of recommended PV power, distributed across 2 independent MPPT channels (1 string per MPPT). The maximum PV input voltage is 600 V, with an MPPT range of 70 to 550 V and a maximum input current of 16 A per MPPT (maximum short-circuit current 20 A). This configuration allows for the connection of approximately 18 to 22 panels of 420–450 Wp. The very low start-up voltage of 90 V enables power generation from the first light of dawn, thereby extending the effective generation time throughout the day.
3. What is the emergency power supply (EPS) capacity of the SolaX X1-Hybrid-6.0-D G4.1 and how is it used? +
In the event of a mains power cut, the SolaX X1-Hybrid-6.0-D G4.1 switches to EPS (emergency power supply) mode in less than 10 ms. Its nominal emergency output power is 6,000 W, with a maximum apparent power of 6,600 VA. The peak power reaches 7,200 VA for 10 minutes, which is sufficient to start high-current appliances such as a pump, an air conditioning compressor or a fridge. Thanks to the connected battery, your essential equipment remains powered throughout the duration of the power cut, without any noticeable interruption.
4. How does the SolaX X1-Hybrid-6.0-D G4.1 compare to a Sofar or Deye inverter of equivalent power? +
The SolaX X1-Hybrid-6.0-D G4.1 stands out from single-phase Sofar ESI or Deye inverters of similar power in several respects: its MPPT range (70–550 V) is wider and starts lower (90 V start-up voltage), which improves output during periods of low sunlight. Its THDi of less than 2% is better than the 3% of the Sofar ESI models. Its night-time standby power consumption (< 3 W) is exceptionally low. However, the SolaX range does not include advanced IP66-rated passive cooling on this model, and Smart Load management is a feature absent from the entry-level Sofar ESI ranges.
5. How does the SolaX X1-Hybrid-6.0-D G4.1’s Smart Load management work? +
The Smart Load function on the SolaX X1-Hybrid-6.0-D G4.1 allows high-power loads (heat pump, water heater, EV charging point) to be controlled automatically only when solar generation exceeds household consumption. When a solar surplus is detected via the built-in current transformer (CT), the inverter activates the assigned load in under 0.3 seconds — much faster than conventional home automation systems. This feature prevents surplus energy from being fed into the grid without remuneration and maximises self-consumption without the need for additional investment in home automation equipment.
6. What certifications does the SolaX X1-Hybrid-6.0-D G4.1 have, and in which countries can it be installed? +
The SolaX X1-Hybrid-6.0-D G4.1 is certified to IEC 61727, EN 50549, G98/G99 (UK), AS 4777.2 (Australia), VDE4105 (Germany), IEC 0-21 (Italy), RD1699 and UNE 206007-1 (Spain) and VFR. These certifications make it compatible with European markets (France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Belgium via EN 50549), the UK, Australia and other international markets. It is therefore perfectly suited to residential projects across Europe, particularly for WattuNeed’s French, Belgian and Luxembourg markets.
7. What are the efficiency, cooling and installation requirements of the SolaX X1-Hybrid-6.0-D G4.1? +
The SolaX X1-Hybrid-6.0-D G4.1 boasts a maximum efficiency of 97.6% and a European efficiency of 97.0%, with a THDi of less than 2% — among the best in its class. Its cooling is entirely passive (natural convection, <30 dB), ensuring quiet operation and reduced maintenance. It operates from -35°C to +60°C at altitudes of up to 3,000 m, with a night-time standby power consumption of less than 3 W. Its compact size (417 × 482 × 181 mm, 24 kg) allows for installation by a single person, and firmware updates can be carried out via USB stick without the need for a technician.