The SRNE HESP48160SH3 is a 48V, 16,000W three-phase hybrid solar inverter, built for commercial and light-industrial sites running loads well beyond what a single-phase unit can carry. It’s the entry point into SRNE’s HESP 16-20kW three-phase series, with three independent MPPT solar charge controllers and IP65 weatherproofing for outdoor mounting.
Against the SRNE HESP48120S200-H’s 12,000W single-phase output, the SRNE HESP48160SH3 steps into genuine three-phase territory — native 230/400VAC three-phase output, higher charging current, and a third MPPT tracker for larger solar arrays.
What it does
Each SRNE HESP48160SH3 accepts up to 24,000W of solar input, split across three MPPT trackers rated at 26A each. Three independent tracking channels suit larger commercial roofs or ground-mount arrays with panels split across multiple orientations or shading conditions, with each string optimized on its own.
Charging draws up to 300A from grid, generator, or combined hybrid sources — a large enough current to bring a substantial 48V battery bank back to full charge in a short window, which matters for commercial sites in Nairobi or Mombasa where KPLC outages disrupt operations for hours at a time.
Key specifications
- Rated output power: 16,000W continuous, 32,000VA peak
- Output voltage: 230/400VAC, three-phase, ±5%
- Waveform: pure sine wave
- Rated AC output current: 23.2A
- Battery voltage: 48VDC — lithium-ion, lead-acid, or user-defined profiles
- Battery voltage range: 40VDC to 60VDC
- MPPT trackers: 3, independent
- Maximum PV input power: 24,000W total
- Maximum input current: 26A per tracker
- Maximum open circuit voltage: 1,000VDC
- MPPT voltage range: 160VDC to 800VDC
- Maximum grid charging current: 300A
- Maximum generator charging current: 300A
- Maximum hybrid charging current: 300A
- Grid/generator input voltage range: phase voltage 170VAC–280VAC, line voltage 305VAC–485VAC
- Bypass overload current: 70A
- MPPT tracking efficiency: 99.9%
- Maximum efficiency: 97.8% or higher
- Load motor starting capacity: 10HP
- Transfer time: 10 milliseconds (typical)
- Parallel capacity: up to 9 units
- Dimensions: 800mm x 470mm x 313mm
- Weight: 59.5kg
- Noise level: under 60dB
- Protection rating: IP65, suitable for outdoor installation
- Operating temperature: -25°C to 60°C, output derates above 45°C
- Warranty: manufacturer-stated coverage; confirm current term with supplier
Built for real-world three-phase loads
Commercial sites rarely draw power evenly across all three phases. The SRNE HESP48160SH3 handles this with 100% three-phase unbalanced output — each phase can carry over 50% of rated power independently, so a site with heavier single-phase loads on one leg doesn’t trip overload protection the way a strictly balanced three-phase system would.
The unit also supports AC coupling, letting installers add battery storage to an existing grid-tied solar installation without replacing the original inverter, and a smart load function for managing secondary loads through the generator port when no generator is connected.
Scaling power with parallel installation
One SRNE HESP48160SH3 covers 16kW of continuous three-phase load. Paralleling multiple units extends that significantly:
- Up to 9 units in parallel — more than the 6-unit ceiling on SRNE’s smaller HESP and HYP models
- Over 140kW achievable across a fully paralleled bank
- Time-slot charging control, so the system favors mains during off-peak tariff hours and switches to solar or battery during peak-rate periods
This suits larger Kenyan commercial and industrial sites — manufacturing facilities, agri-processing plants, and multi-building commercial complexes — where load requirements exceed what single-phase inverters can practically cover.
Deployment scenarios in Kenya
Manufacturing and processing facilities A single SRNE HESP48160SH3, or several paralleled together, covers three-phase motor loads, processing equipment, and facility lighting through extended KPLC outages, with 10HP motor starting capacity handling large compressors or pumps.
Multi-building commercial complexes The unbalanced three-phase output handles sites where load isn’t evenly split across phases — common in mixed-use commercial buildings with a blend of single-phase office loads and three-phase equipment.
Sites upgrading existing solar installations AC coupling support lets installers add the SRNE HESP48160SH3 and a battery bank to a site with an existing grid-tied solar system, without replacing the original inverter.
Frequently asked questions
How is the SRNE HESP48160SH3 different from the SRNE HESP48120S200-H? The HESP48160SH3 delivers native three-phase output at 16,000W with three MPPT trackers and 300A charging current. The HESP48120S200-H is single-phase at 12,000W with two MPPT trackers and 200A charging current. Choose the HESP48160SH3 for genuine three-phase commercial loads.
How many SRNE HESP48160SH3 units can run in parallel? Up to nine units, more than most other SRNE hybrid models, which typically cap at six.
What battery types work with the SRNE HESP48160SH3? Lithium-ion, lead-acid, or user-defined profiles, rated at 48VDC with an operating range of 40VDC to 60VDC.
What is the maximum solar array size for one SRNE HESP48160SH3? 24,000W total across three MPPT trackers, with each tracker rated up to 1,000VDC open circuit voltage — the highest PV voltage ceiling across SRNE’s HESP range.
Can the SRNE HESP48160SH3 be installed outdoors? Yes. It carries an IP65 protection rating for outdoor installation.
