SMA Inverters are highly intelligent system managers responsible for controlling the generator, monitoring production and regulating the grid.

Inverters are critical in integrating photovoltaic power into existing power grids for use as electricity.

As an industry pioneer SMA was at the forefront of string technology, which in the early 1990s greatly simplified the installation of solar power systems. This development was a cornerstone in the successful development of the entire solar technology sector.

SMA currently employs more than 500 engineers and its range of inverters have found widespread use in individual household solar systems as well as large-scale commercial solar farms.

Through continued innovation SMA has been able to implement new record-breaking peak efficiencies of 98% into a number of its inverters.

Recent technologies developed at SMA such as H5 topology, have significantly optimized how inverters feed electricity into the grid. These developments higher efficiencies translate to increased yield and shorter payback periods.

From top to bottom: A close-up of an SMA inverter; The data panel on the cover of an SMA inverter supplies a variety of information; SMA's offices in Germany.

Ground-breaking manufacturing facility

SMA undertakes manufacturing in its carbon-neutral production facilities in Kassel, Germany. The facility is an award winning example how world-class, CO₂ neutral industrial production is both possible and economical using today's existing technologies

Power for the facility is sourced from a building-integrated 1.1 MW solar panel system and an on-site biogas plant, the latter providing some of the facility's basic heating requirements.

Additional heat is provided by a local waste incineration facility and excess heat from a compressor is also recycled into the ventilation system.

Cooling is furnished through an absorption refrigerator driven by the excess heat generated by the biogas plant and an electric back-up system.

Compressed air is used as a simple, safe, robust source of power for driving tools and hoisting gear. Electricity and ambient air is used to generate compressed air, and the heat generated during this process is also channelled into the heat reservoir.

The facility began operating in 2009 and is a reflection of SMA's commitment to innovation and excellence.

From top to bottom: SMA's carbon neutral facility in Kassel Germany; A view from inside the high-tech facility.

Milestones & Awards

1990
Introduced the World's first String Inverter the Sunny Boy 700.

2006
Winner of the World Entrepeneur of the Year - Industrial Category.

2008
SMA's Sunny Boy 5000TL multi-string inverter won the highly-regarded Intersolar Award, as well as the iF Design award.

2008
SMA was honoured as one of the Best Workplaces in Europe.

2010
SMA's Sunny Central 800CP won the Intersolar Award at Munich for Maximum Efficiency and Substantially Reduced System Costs.

2010
Sunny Tripower receives the Innovation Award at the 25th Symposium for Photovoltaic Solar Energy in 2010.

From top to bottom: The SMA Sunny Beam presents data collected wirelessly from an inverter, displaying it in a user friendly format and storing this data for further analysis; The Vatican's football field size solar PV system is equipped with SMA solar inverters.

Suntech

Under the leadership of solar pioneer Dr. Zhengrong Shi, Suntech has grown into the leading solar module provider in the world, garnering numerous international awards for excellence in both its operations and product developments. Continue exploring Suntech's story by clicking here.

Hyundai

Heavy industry corporation Hyundai has vast manufacturing experience in the areas of electronics, transport, construction and robotics. Since its initial foray into solar in 2005, Hyundai has swiftly established a significant presence in the industry. To learn more about Hyundai, click here.