The Trend is Toward Growth in America

The U.S. is one of SMA's most important sales markets and, in the estimation of the Managing Board, will make a significant contribution to the expected increase in sales and earnings in the second half of the year. This assessment was reinforced by my visit to the U.S. in mid-April.

Large Projects and Positive Trends

The implementation of measures to reduce costs and increase sales is proceeding according to plan, and order intake is developing positively. The Managing Board believes that SMA is well on the way to achieving its revenue and earnings targets for 2019.

Power up in Down Under

Australia is one of the world’s most exciting and promising photovoltaic markets, which was once again confirmed in the course of a number of conversations with customers during my visit last week. In all probability, after its record year in 2018, the Australian PV market will significantly grow again to 4.4 gigawatts this year. In addition to photovoltaics, storage systems are becoming ever more important, not only for independent electricity supplies for homes but also, in particular, for the power plant segment.

Fridays for Future—Homework for Politics

Sixteen-year-old Greta Thunberg from Sweden has initiated a worldwide movement with Fridays for Future, which each week reminds us adults anew that we finally have to act to prevent climate change and leave behind a planet for future generations that offers them a livelihood.

Renewable Electricity Supply for Nigeria

Plenty of oil, but little electricity. Nigeria may be rich in raw materials, however, electricity supply leaves much to be desired. SMA supports the energy transition in Nigeria’s commercial and rural energy supply with a range of intelligent solar solutions and local training programs. Solar micro- and stand-alone grids ensure sustainable economic development in this Sunbelt nation.

Why maintenance of PV power plants is so important

PV power plants have to reliably provide electrical energy over decades. If the components within the power plant do not work properly, the plant cannot provide maximum energy yield. That is why regular maintenance is indispensable. In regular trainings at SMA, electricians and plant owners can acquire the necessary knowledge.

PV Power Plants: Reducing Investment Costs, Sharing Risk

In the competition with conventional energy carriers, solar power prices are falling dramatically. It is a difficult situation for project developers and investors who install and operate large PV power plants. In tenders and auctions for new power generation capacities, they are awarded contracts only if they guarantee very low prices and high reliability in the supply of electricity. To support them in this, an international team has developed the SMA Profit+ Solution.