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Solar inverters
PV and solar inverters are essential components of PV systems. They convert the direct current (DC) generated by PV modules into alternating current (AC). PV inverters by SMA are compatible with the inverter solar panels of nearly all leading manufacturers. We offer the right device for each application: for all module types, for grid-connection and feeding into stand-alone grids, for small house systems and commercial systems in the Megawatt range. Learn more about our innovative technology here.
Solar inverters by SMA
SMA Home Energy Solution, String Inverters
Sunny Boy Smart Energy 3.8-US / 4.8-US / 5.8-US / 7.7-US / 9.6-US / 11.5-US
At the heart of the SMA Home Energy Solution is the new, ground-breaking Sunny Boy Smart Energy hybrid inverter for today’s smart home.
SMA Commercial Energy Solution, String Inverters
Sunny Tripower X 20-US / 25-US / 30-US
Integrated intelligence for future-proof system design
SMA Large Scale Energy Solutions, String Inverters
Sunny Highpower PEAK3 1500 VDC, 125/150/165/172 kW and FLEX
Your Distributed Generation Inverter. Ideal for Community Solar, Agrivoltaics, Floating PV, Small Utility, Data Centers and Repowering projects.
Sunny Highpower PEAK3 125 kW 125 kW @ 480 VAC
The only 1,500 VDC inverter with the ability to connect to the grid at 480 VAC, delivering a cost-effective, high energy production solution - perfect for large ground mount projects.
SMA Large Scale Energy Solutions, Central Inverters
SMA Large Scale Energy Solutions, Related Products
What are solar inverters?
While the utility grid supplies alternating current (AC) that most domestic appliances, equipment and machinery use to run, the solar panels generate direct current (DC). This direct current must be converted into alternating current (AC) for everyday use. Otherwise, it is not possible to use the self-produced energy or to feed into the utility grid. This is why every PV system requires at least one PV inverter.
Solar inverters explained
PV inverters are often described as the "heart" of a PV system because they play a central role in converting the direct current generated into usable alternating current. Without an inverter, efficient and reliable use of the solar power generated by the PV system would not be possible. PV inverters are therefore the link between the inverter solar panels on your roof and firstly your personal electricity supply within your home and secondly the utility grid.
Types of solar inverters
PV inverters are available in a number of versions for a variety of uses. The following inverters are those used most frequently:
Micro solar inverters / Module Inverter
These micro inverters for PV systems are connected directly to the micro inverter solar panels: you will find a PV inverter on every micro inverter solar panel. These PV inverters are often used for small PV systems, such as PV systems on balconies.
String solar inverters
With larger PV systems, the individual inverter solar panels are connected one after another in a string formation. Rather than fitting a separate PV inverter for each inverter solar panel, this setup uses what are known as string solar inverters. These convert all the direct current (DC) produced by the group of modules into alternating current which can then be used and fed into the utility grid. A multi-string solar inverter combines the energy flow of several inverter solar panel strings and converts the energy produced from direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC).
Central solar inverters
Large ground-based PV systems, also known as PV farms, generally comprise hundreds of inverter solar panels. Central solar inverters are used here to consolidate the strings of all inverter solar panels and to convert the direct current (DC) that they produce into alternating current (AC). The central solar inverter is often located in a separate engineering room.
Battery solar inverters
Battery inverters are devices that are used in PV systems with battery storage systems to convert the direct current (DC), which is stored in the batteries, into alternating current (AC). This conversion process allows the energy stored in the batteries to be made available for use in a home or to be fed into the utility grid.
Hybrid solar inverters
SMA hybrid solar inverters combine the functions of a PV inverter with those of a battery inverter in one device.
How do solar inverters work?
PV inverters have an important job to do in PV systems: the solar radiation strikes the solar panels, which convert the energy into direct current (DC). However this can be neither used in the home nor fed into the utility grid. So every PV system needs a PV inverter:
The direct current (DC) generated by the PV system is fed to the PV inverter via a cable.
The PV inverter converts the direct current (DC) into alternating current (AC).
Alternating current can be consumed straightaway in a home or business with a solar inverter, or it can be fed into the local utility grid.
Photovoltaic inverter converts direct current into alternating current
Alternating current is supplied to consumers
Direct current is generated by inverter solar panels
Alternating current is fed into or drawn from the utility grid
Additional functions of SMA solar inverters
In addition to this main function, an SMA photovoltaic inverter handles lots of other tasks too. The most important functions include the following:
Yield and system monitoring performed by solar inverters
Monitoring of the PV system and checking the yields achieved don't have to be complicated tasks. SMA PV inverters with a Home Management System can be controlled very easily via a smartphone or tablet. And you can view all the yield data conveniently and concisely in the Sunny Portal and SMA Energy App.
Grid monitoring performed by solar inverters
SMA PV inverters ensure that the voltage and frequency remain constant as the self-generated energy is fed into the household grid.
Power optimisation of solar inverters
SMA ShadeFix allows SMA PV inverters to always get the most out of inverter solar panels – even if they are dirty or shaded. SMA ShadeFix uses MPP trackers to do this. MPP tracking stands for "Maximum Power Point Tracking". This means that SMA PV inverters adjust the electrical load in each PV cell and/or in each inverter solar panel such that each cell can supply the greatest amount of power possible.
Safety of solar inverters
Safety is a priority for SMA in the design and sale of its PV inverters. Our concept for the safe operation of PV systems relies on various components that perfectly complement each other:
Lean PV systems with high-quality devices
Intelligent and innovative software functions
Extensive testing and quality inspections
40 years of global experience in PV technology development
Hands-on training for first-time PV owners and professionals
How do you choose a suitable solar inverter?
Choosing the right PV inverter depends on a number of factors and is therefore usually best left to specialists. Here's an overview of the key steps:
First the maximum power output that the PV system can produce under ideal conditions is determined. Then a PV inverter that supports this level of direct current power is selected.
If surplus current is to be fed into the utility grid, a grid-tie solar inverter is needed. If no grid feed-in is planned, an off-grid PV inverter for stand-alone mode is the right choice.
Next, the efficiency of the models under consideration is compared. The more efficient the PV inverter, the higher the energy yield and the lower the losses.
The compatibility of the desired PV inverter with the installed or planned PV modules should also be checked.
And the installation site should be taken into account in the choice of PV inverter. Do solar inverters get hot? Yes, they do. Not all PV inverter models are suited to all temperature ranges (e.g. the heat at the base of the roof in summer) or moisture levels (e.g. when installed outdoors).
Ease of use and software features also play an important role in the selection process. SMA PV inverters are intuitive to operate and optimise the performance of PV systems by means of intelligent control.
How to connect solar panel to inverter
The installation of a solar inverter should be planned well and the work should always be carried out by suitable professionals. When making the connection, note all the instructions in the valid operating manuals for your device. The following points are particularly important:
Ideally, the PV inverter is positioned in a dry, well-ventilated location, which is free of frost and protected from irradiation.
Placement of the PV inverter close to the building's main circuit reduces the amount of work involved and cost of connection.
Special PV cables must be used for the wiring. These can withstand the high electrical currents which the solar cells generate during high levels of irradiation.
Using as short a length of cable as possible with as wide a cross-section as possible ensures that the power of the inverter solar panels can be fully utilised.
Frequently asked questions about solar inverters
What kind of cable runs between the PV system and inverter?
Only certified cables with an appropriate cross-section that have abrasion-resistant and flame-retardant coating must be used between the PV system and the PV inverter. The cable requirements are listed in the valid operating manuals for the respective inverter.
How long do solar inverters last in a PV system, i.e. what is the solar inverter lifespan?
Depending on the model, the PV inverters of SMA are designed for an operating period of roughly 25 years.
How much current does a PV inverter consume?
The power consumption of a PV inverter depends on its power rating and model. During the day, the device draws its energy from the PV system. So what does this mean in terms of the cost of a solar inverter? This means that electricity costs will only be incurred if it runs in idle mode during the night. But its power consumption is very low; our Sunny Tripower X, for example, uses less than 5 watts.
How do I size my PV inverter?
The number of PV modules that can be connected to a solar or hybrid inverter depends on the power of the individual PV modules and the power class of the inverter. For example: If the PV system consists of 10 modules with a power of 300 W each that are connected in series, the maximum power is 3 kW peak. An inverter with a power of up to 3 kW should be used for such a system.
The PV system does not produce its full power for a majority of the time, as the sun does not shine steadily at all times and the modules might be shaded. Even though SMA ShadeFix optimizes the power, full power cannot always be achieved. For this reason, the system can be overdimensioned compared to the inverter. This means that an inverter with a power of 2 kW may be sufficient for a system with a peak output of 3 kW. An overdimensioned PV generator is especially useful for hybrid inverters. This allows more surplus power to be loaded into the battery without getting lost.
The optimum power class of the inverter depends on the specific characteristics of the PV system. PV installers can make more exact calculations using tools such as Sunny Design.
Can a PV system also be operated without an inverter? Why do solar panels need an inverter?
In theory, you can connect up a PV system without any PV inverters. This is standard practice for small module systems, e.g. for caravans. These transportable modules supply the on-board battery with direct current. If you were to run PV systems in your own home without an inverter, you would however have to switch your entire home over to consumers running on direct current (DC). This would require a huge amount of work.
What is the difference between the different types of inverters, such as those that feed into the grid and off-grid PV inverters?
Off-grid inverters are not connected to the utility grid; the solar power generated on the roof is solely intended for self-consumption. PV inverters that feed into the grid, on the other hand, feed unused solar power into the utility grid. Owners of these kinds of systems receive a feed-in tariff for this power.
For home owners
Find expert installers to power up your home with an SMA solar inverter.
For companies & large scale power plants
We will be happy to advise you on your PV projects.
