The Deye SUN-12K-SG04LP3 is a three-phase 12 kW hybrid inverter for 48 V batteries. It brings the grid, batteries and solar panels into one system and switches the house to battery without a flicker. It's one of the most common models for Ukrainian homes with a three-phase supply. Here's what the series can do, who it suits and what to watch for during installation.
What "hybrid" means
A hybrid inverter works with three sources at once:
- the grid, when it's up — powering the house and charging the battery;
- the battery, when the grid is down — the house moves to battery in milliseconds;
- solar panels — covering daytime consumption, with surplus going to the battery or, where allowed, to the grid.
Source priorities are configurable: for example, solar first during the day, grid at night, with the battery held in reserve for outages.
SG04LP3 series specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Models in the series | 5, 6, 8, 10 and 12 kW |
| Phases | three |
| Battery type | low-voltage, 48 V (40–60 V range) |
| Battery chemistry | LiFePO4 with BMS communication, or lead-acid |
| Battery charge/discharge current | up to 240 A (12 kW model) |
| Solar panels | 2 MPPT controllers, up to 1.3× the inverter rating |
| Parallel operation | several inverters for more power |
Values follow manufacturer data; check the datasheet for exact figures of a specific variant (for example, versions with the AM2 suffix) — Deye updates the range regularly.
Who it suits
- Homes with a three-phase supply and three-phase loads: a 400 V pump, a boiler, a workshop.
- Large loads: 12 kW is enough to run a boiler, pump, fridges, lighting and kitchen at the same time.
- Anyone planning solar — the inverter accepts an array about 30 % larger than its rating, so it won't need replacing.
Who it probably doesn't suit
- Apartments and single-phase homes. Deye's single-phase SG03LP1 and SG05LP1 series are made for them — see the brand overview.
- Small loads up to 3–4 kW: a large inverter's self-consumption will eat a noticeable share of a small battery. How to account for it is in how long will your appliances run on a battery.
- Systems of 15–20 kW and above on a single battery — there the high-voltage SG01HP3 series or several inverters in parallel make more sense. Compare in 48 V or high-voltage battery system.
A battery for the SUN-12K
With currents up to 240 A, a 48 V battery has to be chosen so its permitted discharge current covers the inverter's full power. A single 100 Ah module typically delivers 50–100 A, so running at the full 12 kW takes several modules in parallel, sharing the current. A sensible minimum capacity for this inverter is 10–15 kWh; for a calculation based on your appliances, see how to calculate battery capacity.
Important: connect the BMS communication cable and choose battery type "Lithium" with the protocol from the compatibility list. The inverter then takes charge currents and voltages from the battery itself rather than from manual settings. Details in LiFePO4 charge settings.
What to watch for during installation
- Battery cables for 240 A — about 70 mm² or two 35 mm² runs, as short as possible, with a 300 A DC breaker. A table for other power levels is in the wiring guide.
- Backup panel: move essential circuits onto the LOAD output, and leave heavy loads that aren't needed during outages on the grid.
- Phase imbalance: check the maximum load the inverter carries per phase if most of your appliances are on one line.
- Ventilation: a 12 kW inverter gets noticeably warm under load and needs a ventilated room.
Summary
The Deye SUN-12K is a balanced choice for a three-phase home with room to grow: it rides through outages even with a large load, works with affordable 48 V batteries and lets you add solar panels later without replacing the inverter. For a single-phase supply or a small load, look at the smaller series.
