Sol-Ark 15K-2P 48V All-in-One Hybrid Inverter, 12kW-15kW AC Output, 19.5kW PV Input, UL 1741 & UL 9540 Lithium Battery Inverter

About the Sol-Ark 15K Hybrid Inverter

The Sol-Ark 15K was the first residential hybrid inverter with an integrated 200A transfer switch, and that feature is what makes it a true whole-home backup. Most competing hybrid inverters require a critical loads subpanel, backing up only a fraction of the home's circuits. The 15K connects directly to the main panel and backs up every circuit in the house. When the grid drops, it transfers to battery in 5 milliseconds, fast enough that computers and electronics continue running without interruption.

Power Output by Configuration

Available power from the 15K depends on the system. A system with only batteries outputs up to 12kW continuously while a grid-tied system uses up to 48kW from the grid. When used with solar panels, the 15K can receive up to 19.5kW of solar input, using up to 15kW to power loads and 4.5kW to simultaneously charge batteries.

When connected to solar, the surge capacity of 24kVA is enough to start large items like well pumps or compressors, while still running home loads.

Three MPPT Solar Inputs

Sol-Ark's 15K can take up to 500Vdc from solar panels, and it has three MPPTs with two inputs each. This design optimizes solar use. Shade on one solar panel reduces the power harvest from the entire string, but the three inputs mean shade on one string has no effect on the other strings. To learn more about how shading affects solar panel output, visit the Current Connected solar panel shading trainer.

Time of Use Programming

Different times of day and different seasons may require different power priorities. Utility companies in some locations charge different rates during different times of the day, and the changing seasons alter the solar harvest. The 15K includes TOU (Time of Use) settings to address these changes.

TOU includes six daily time slots for programming the 15K. Variables include battery level and current draw. Most people configure this feature to reduce energy costs by using battery power during peak hours, though it has many other applications.

Generator Start and Smart Load Control

Other configurable settings include two-wire AGS (Automatic Generator Start) and Smart Load control. One integrated terminal controls both these features, though not concurrently. AGS activates the generator when the battery reaches a user-defined level. Smart Load provides power when the battery reaches a defined threshold or when the inverter receives grid power.

IP65 Outdoor Rated Enclosure

The 15K has an ingress protection rating of IP65. This makes it safe for installation inside or outside as it's protected against ice buildup, falling rain, snow, and dust. At idle, the unit produces less than 30dB of noise at 77°F, roughly equivalent to a whisper.

NEC 2020 Rapid Shutdown

The 15K includes integrated RSD (Rapid Shutdown) capabilities. RSD is an important safety feature for firefighters and other emergency personnel. An integrated relay can incorporate an RSD button such as the IMO Rapid Shutdown Initiator. When someone presses the button, the 15K shuts down and sends a shutdown signal to connected RSD devices such as the Tigo TS4-A-F Rapid Shutdown Modules, which works with other RSD products to shut down power at the solar panel.

UL 1741 SB, Arc Fault, and Ground Fault Protection

The 15K carries one of the most comprehensive certification packages available on a residential hybrid inverter. UL 1741 SB (Smart Battery) and IEEE 1547.1-2020 compliance mean this inverter meets the latest grid interaction requirements, including Ca Rule 21 for California and HECO Rule 14H for Hawaii. Arc fault detection (UL 1699B, NEC 690.11) and ground fault detection (NEC 690.5) are both integrated, along with a PV DC disconnect switch (NEC 240.15), Type II surge protection on both DC and AC sides, and an integrated 200A AC output breaker.

Battery Compatibility and UL 9540

This inverter is compatible with many batteries and is UL 9540 certified with the Pytes V5, Pytes E-Box, and the Renon Xtreme LV batteries. Some installations require UL 9540 certification, which evaluates whether the components of an energy storage system can work together safely and how these components must be installed. A local electrician or AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) can provide more information regarding specific installations. The 15K communicates with batteries over CAN bus and RS485 MODBUS.

Parallel and Multi-Phase Configurations

Up to 12 Sol-Ark 15K units can be wired in parallel for commercial or industrial applications. The inverter supports 120/240V split phase, 120/208V three-phase, and 220V single-phase configurations.