Solutions

Inverters for high-current modules:
the great I_DC max misconception

The PV industry is using high-current modules to combat rising system costs. This type of module consists of M10 or larger PV cells, which can accommodate correspondingly high MPP currents (>12 A). Read on to find out what needs to be taken into account in the choice of inverter and what kind of misconceptions can commonly be encountered, as well as the difference between short-circuit current and maximum input current.

Solutions

Refining the SMA Energy app in line with customer preferences

With the SMA Energy app, system operators always keep constant track of their PV system. They can monitor their system, control loads, or charge their electric car with self-generated electric current from the roof. Now a new update is available.

Solutions

Five great reasons to use the SMA Online Service Centre

Our Online Service Centre is designed to make PV system operators and installers’ lives easier. The intuitive platform makes it easier and quicker to create service requests, report issues, register and manage warranties and access the SMA Knowledge Base – at any time of the night or day. 

Solutions

Five myths about DC power optimizers

When it comes to power electronics at the module level, the world’s photovoltaic markets are divided. While it is very common for solar technology specialists in the U.S. to install power optimizers (MLPE) in PV systems to meet the relevant installation regulations, these devices are the subject of considerable controversy in the rest of the world. Sweden, for example, has even issued a partial ban on the sale and installation of power optimizers from one major manufacturer because they do not meet the applicable electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) requirements.* So what’s the story with MLPE? What is really technically relevant, and what is just clever marketing? We resolve five common myths about power optimizers.

Solutions

SMA EV Charger mobilizes surplus PV power and relieves the utility grid

The first 18 months of field experience with the charging solution SMA EV Charger have shown in Sunny Portal: more than half of the energy used for charging electric vehicles is provided by solar power from your own roof. It is no longer a secret that this allows you to be on the move in a particularly climate-neutral and cost-effective way. But did you know that it means you can even prevent expensive grid expansion and your contribution to the energy transition becomes even more valuable?

Company

At work in Uganda: stable power supply for school and hospital

When Dennis Halpape and Alexander Krug journeyed to East Africa for the first time with Kassel-based association TOGETHER – Hilfe für Uganda [Aid for Uganda]  to install a solar system twelve years ago, there was rarely any light to be found for many kilometers in every direction in the region of Kooki after sunset. Today, when it gets dark, there are significantly more lights on in the houses there.

Solutions

Eco safari: refuel with sunlight instead of diesel fuel

The Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, Africa, is UNESCO World Heritage natural site and tourist magnet. Lions, leopards, elephants, rhinos and buffaloes still live in their natural habitat here. In order to preserve the natural environment, Tanganyika Expeditions has relied on photovoltaics for the operation of its accommodations and on e-mobility for the safaris.

Solutions

From Sunny Portal- to the SMA Energy app: Advantages of switching!

With more than 450,000 downloads, the SMA Energy App is well established in the market. Now after more than one year of parallel operation, the SMA Energy App has replaced the Sunny Portal App. Reason for doing so: After all, PV systems are becoming ever more complex, and the integration of storage and e-mobility is set to become standard. The SMA Energy App combines your private energy transition at home with the change to e-vehicles on the street. We will improve our SMA Energy App following your feedback!

Solutions

How modernizing your PV power plant pays off

When the inverter’s service life suddenly came to an end, low performance was threatening the profitability of Guntram Grieseler’s solar power plant. He decided to modernize his plant with innovative SMA string inverter technology. As a result, Guntram Grieseler’s plant is now producing even more energy than before. Here’s how it was done.

Solutions

SMA helps Hibernia Steel go green

SMA technology has helped Hibernia Steel achieve three major benefits. The company has achieved 40% energy self-sufficiency; cut its annual energy bill by 10,000 EUR; and reduced its CO2 emissions by 50 tonnes per year.