Inverters

Alpha ESS SMILE-G3 T

5–20 kW · 2 versions · best for three phase homes adding a battery now or later

8.8Excellent#13 of 59 inverter series we rank · EnergyUpgrade Score out of 10

Type: Hybrid
Phase: Three phase
Efficiency: 98.0%

Get quotes for this Datasheet Manufacturer's copy

Why it scores 8.8.

Rated on SMILE-G3 T15 / T20, its best home version. Each part comes from the datasheet with a published rule; anything not stated scores zero.

How we rate inverters

Efficiency
6.7 · 30%
Every point of efficiency is solar you keep, every day for 10+ years.
Rule: Maximum efficiency on the datasheet: 96% scores 0, 99% scores 10.
MPPTs for split roofs
10.0 · 20%
Each MPPT runs one roof face independently, so east and west panels don't drag each other down.
Rule: Number of MPPT trackers: 1 scores 0, 2 scores 5, 3 or more scores 10.
Heat tolerance
10.0 · 20%
Inverters on hot walls throttle or fail early. A higher operating limit means more headroom.
Rule: Highest operating temperature: 45°C scores 0, 60°C scores 10.
Room for more panels
10.0 · 15%
How much panel capacity the inverter accepts, so you can oversize for winter and cloudy days.
Rule: Maximum PV input divided by rated AC output: 1.2x scores 0, 1.5x or more scores 10. Rebate rules allow panels up to 133% of the inverter, so more than 150% adds little.
Weather sealing
9.0 · 15%
Most Australian inverters live outdoors.
Rule: IP66 or better scores 10, IP65 9, IP55 4, lower 0.

Full specifications.

For SMILE-G3 T15 / T20, the version we rate. 4 approved models · Australian datasheet

Sizes: 15–20 kW
Type: Hybrid
Phase: Three phase
Takes a battery: Yes
Maximum efficiency: 98%
Panel headroom (max PV ÷ rated AC): 175%
MPPT trackers: 3
Backup output: 15000 VA
IP rating: IP65
Highest operating temperature: 60°C
Weight: 39 kg
Warranty (as printed): 10 Years Product Warranty
Compatible batteries: SMILE-G3-BAT-9.3S (9.3 kWh LFP module, 2 ~ 6 in series)

Every version (2).

Same series in different sizes, finishes or generations. Check which version is on your quote.

SMILE-G3 T15 / T20
15–20 kW · the version we rate
8.8
Type: HybridPhase: Three phaseEfficiency: 98.0% Datasheet
SMILE-G3 T5 / T10
5–9.99 kW
8.6
Type: HybridPhase: Three phaseEfficiency: 97.8% Datasheet

About the brand

Alpha ESS inverters

Capable hybrid systems at a low price, with a local office. Owner feedback on support is mixed, and it doesn't feature in installer votes or the installation rankings.

Read the Alpha ESS review

6.3

Brand rating#8 of 9 brands for inverters