{"id":219239,"date":"2025-01-10T19:27:13","date_gmt":"2025-01-10T18:27:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/?p=219239"},"modified":"2025-01-10T19:29:38","modified_gmt":"2025-01-10T18:29:38","slug":"why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/","title":{"rendered":"Why SMA String Inverters Shine Even in the Shade"},"content":{"rendered":"

When it comes to solar module performance in shaded conditions, the findings of the International Energy Agency (IEA)<\/a> speak volumes: \u201cDetailed performance analyses have shown that with partially shaded PV generators, conventional string inverters sometimes even achieve better performance in these applications than the market-dominating optimizers.\u201d This revelation challenges the long-held misconception that module-level power electronics (MLPE) always outperform string inverters in such scenarios.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This paper highlights technology choices that can increase the benefit of string inverter architecture over MLPE architecture, the primary one being including more bypass diodes in modules as their power and size increase. Another arises in the section where the paper discusses results showing particular DC optimizers that are not tracking the actual maximum power point for the module they are attached to when one or more of the bypass diodes is active. If these module devices are not fulfilling the manufacturer\u2019s claim to always maximize the output of their module, even in partial shade, one of their main selling points is negated.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Another point the paper highlights is that MLPE efficiency is often significantly overestimated on datasheets and within modelling tools. Until real-world efficiency data is accurately employed in modeling tools, the claims of additional yield when using MLPE devices should be closely scrutinized.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

SMA\u2019s string inverters outperform MLPE in most shaded environments, providing additional advantages that make them the superior choice for reliability, efficiency, cost and overall system performance. <\/span>Spoiler alert: the secret lies in simplicity and superior engineering.<\/span><\/i>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Why Choose SMA?<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

    \n
  1. Proven Leadership in Technology<\/span><\/b>: SMA’s advanced inverter technology aligns with standards, ensuring compliance with emerging requirements while delivering unparalleled reliability.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  2. Excellence in Modeling and Validation<\/span><\/b>: SMA\u2019s inverters undergo rigorous testing to ensure they meet the highest standards, setting a benchmark for the industry.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n
  3. Future-Ready Solutions<\/span><\/b>: SMA is uniquely positioned to support the integration of hybrid systems, leveraging its expertise in both renewable energy and battery storage.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n

    SMA\u2019s dedication to the clean energy transition goes beyond compliance. The organization actively participates in shaping industry standards and provides solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. As highlighted in the panel, robust partnerships and innovative technologies are critical to unlocking the full potential of IBRs\u2014areas where SMA excels.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n

    \n \n
    \n \n
    \n
    \n \n\n
    <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n \n\n
    <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n \n\n
    <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n \n\n
    <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n \n\n
    <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n \n
    \n
    \n \n\n
    <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n \n\n
    <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n \n\n
    <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n \n\n
    <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    \n \n\n
    <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n \n\n
    \n 1.6\/5 - (17 votes) <\/div>\n <\/div>\n
    <\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    When it comes to solar module performance in shaded conditions, the findings of the International Energy Agency (IEA) speak volumes:…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":63,"featured_media":219241,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1715,1324,1312],"tags":[1445,1659,2130,1647],"class_list":["post-219239","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-solutions","category-technology","category-uncategorized-us","tag-inverter","tag-mlpe","tag-shade-fix","tag-string-inverters"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nWhy SMA String Inverters Shine Even in the Shade - Sunny. SMA Corporate Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Discover why SMA's string inverters outperform MLPE in shaded conditions, offering unmatched efficiency, reliability, and simplicity. Learn how advanced technology and superior engineering drive better solar system performance\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why SMA String Inverters Shine Even in the Shade - Sunny. SMA Corporate Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Discover why SMA's string inverters outperform MLPE in shaded conditions, offering unmatched efficiency, reliability, and simplicity. Learn how advanced technology and superior engineering drive better solar system performance\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Sunny. SMA Corporate Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/SMASolarTechnology\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2025-01-10T18:27:13+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2025-01-10T18:29:38+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/CORE1_ShadeFix_Xray_Centered.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"2020\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"1440\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Trish Moratto\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@SMAsolar\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@SMAsolar\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Trish Moratto\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"2 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/\",\"name\":\"Why SMA String Inverters Shine Even in the Shade - Sunny. SMA Corporate Blog\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/CORE1_ShadeFix_Xray_Centered.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2025-01-10T18:27:13+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2025-01-10T18:29:38+00:00\",\"author\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/#\/schema\/person\/9ee0619f32a2058dda939960fb22c748\"},\"description\":\"Discover why SMA's string inverters outperform MLPE in shaded conditions, offering unmatched efficiency, reliability, and simplicity. Learn how advanced technology and superior engineering drive better solar system performance\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/CORE1_ShadeFix_Xray_Centered.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/CORE1_ShadeFix_Xray_Centered.jpg\",\"width\":2020,\"height\":1440},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Startseite\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Why SMA String Inverters Shine Even in the Shade\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/\",\"name\":\"Sunny. SMA Corporate Blog\",\"description\":\"\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/#\/schema\/person\/9ee0619f32a2058dda939960fb22c748\",\"name\":\"Trish Moratto\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/TrishHeadshotBlur-180x180.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/TrishHeadshotBlur-180x180.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Trish Moratto\"},\"description\":\"Former Marketing Program Manager at SMA America\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/author\/alexandra-alejandro\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Why SMA String Inverters Shine Even in the Shade - Sunny. SMA Corporate Blog","description":"Discover why SMA's string inverters outperform MLPE in shaded conditions, offering unmatched efficiency, reliability, and simplicity. Learn how advanced technology and superior engineering drive better solar system performance","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Why SMA String Inverters Shine Even in the Shade - Sunny. SMA Corporate Blog","og_description":"Discover why SMA's string inverters outperform MLPE in shaded conditions, offering unmatched efficiency, reliability, and simplicity. Learn how advanced technology and superior engineering drive better solar system performance","og_url":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/","og_site_name":"Sunny. SMA Corporate Blog","article_publisher":"https:\/\/facebook.com\/SMASolarTechnology","article_published_time":"2025-01-10T18:27:13+00:00","article_modified_time":"2025-01-10T18:29:38+00:00","og_image":[{"width":2020,"height":1440,"url":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/CORE1_ShadeFix_Xray_Centered.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Trish Moratto","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@SMAsolar","twitter_site":"@SMAsolar","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Trish Moratto","Est. reading time":"2 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/","url":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/","name":"Why SMA String Inverters Shine Even in the Shade - Sunny. SMA Corporate Blog","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/CORE1_ShadeFix_Xray_Centered.jpg","datePublished":"2025-01-10T18:27:13+00:00","dateModified":"2025-01-10T18:29:38+00:00","author":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/#\/schema\/person\/9ee0619f32a2058dda939960fb22c748"},"description":"Discover why SMA's string inverters outperform MLPE in shaded conditions, offering unmatched efficiency, reliability, and simplicity. Learn how advanced technology and superior engineering drive better solar system performance","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/CORE1_ShadeFix_Xray_Centered.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/CORE1_ShadeFix_Xray_Centered.jpg","width":2020,"height":1440},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/why-sma-string-inverters-shine-even-in-the-shade\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Startseite","item":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Why SMA String Inverters Shine Even in the Shade"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/","name":"Sunny. SMA Corporate Blog","description":"","potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/#\/schema\/person\/9ee0619f32a2058dda939960fb22c748","name":"Trish Moratto","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/TrishHeadshotBlur-180x180.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/01\/TrishHeadshotBlur-180x180.jpg","caption":"Trish Moratto"},"description":"Former Marketing Program Manager at SMA America","url":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/author\/alexandra-alejandro\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/219239","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/63"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=219239"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/219239\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/219241"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=219239"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=219239"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sma-sunny.com\/us\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=219239"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}