SMA Sunny Boy SB 3800-US-10 3.8kW Grid-Tie Solar Inverter 240VAC For Parts

SMA Sunny Boy SB 3800-US-10 3.8kW Grid-Tie Solar Inverter 240VAC For Parts

The SMA Sunny Boy SB 3800-US-10 is a 3.8kW single-phase grid-tie solar inverter designed for residential photovoltaic systems. It converts DC power from a solar array into 240VAC 60Hz output for utility grid connection. This unit is being sold AS-IS for parts or repair — a green plug connector has detached from the main control board, as clearly visible in the interior photos.

Specifications & What's Included

• Model: SMA Sunny Boy SB 3800-US-10
• Max Continuous Output Power: 3800 W AC
• AC Output Voltage: 240VAC
• Output Frequency: 60 Hz
• DC Input Voltage Range: 250–480 VDC
• Max Open Circuit Input Voltage (Voc): 600 VDC
• Max Operating Output Current: 16A
• Phase: Single Phase
• Manufacture Date: 06/2012
• Internal Transformer: DTW 4000PTB1775, rated 168V / 240V / 4000VA
• Electrolytic Capacitors: EPCOS B43601-S977, 770µF, 400V (bank of 12+, date code 09.11 S2)
• Film Capacitors: WIMA MKS4, 0.33µF, 630V
• Communication Module: XBee PRO 825 wireless module on main PCB
• Front Panel: LCD display, LED indicators
• Enclosure: Wall-mount outdoor-rated gray enclosure with hinged door
• Certifications: UL Listed, FCC
• Known Fault: Green plug connector detached from main control board (clearly visible in photos)
• Includes: Wiring/configuration diagram card (208/240VAC grid connection and GFDI fuse configuration)
• SolarCity photovoltaic DC disconnect warning label affixed to front panel

Applications

The SMA Sunny Boy series is one of the most widely deployed residential grid-tie solar inverter lines in North America, and the SB 3800-US-10 was a standard unit in SolarCity (now Tesla Energy) residential PV installations during the early 2010s. Grid-tie inverters like this one sit between the DC solar array and the utility grid, performing maximum power point tracking (MPPT) to extract maximum energy from the panels while synchronizing the AC output to the grid's voltage and frequency. The SB 3800 series uses a low-frequency internal transformer (the DTW 4000PTB1775 visible inside) for galvanic isolation — a design that was common in US residential inverters of this era before transformerless designs became predominant. The XBee PRO 825 wireless module provides monitoring communications. Units like this remain in service in many residential installations; the internal components — transformer, capacitor bank, relay board, inductors, and communication module — are sought for repair of other SB 3800-series units. This unit is suitable for parts salvage or repair by a qualified solar technician or inverter repair shop.