SMA Sunny Boy Review: Pricing, Specs, Pros and Cons (2021 Edition)
The SMA Sunny Boy costs less than other grid-tie inverters, but it only works if you build your system in full sunlight and face all your panels in the same direction.
The Sunny Boy is our preferred choice if you don’t need panel-level power optimization. But if you face issues with panel layout or shading, you’ll be better served by the SolarEdge HD-Wave or Enphase micro-inverters.
SMA has long been regarded as one of the most reliable string inverter manufacturers in the solar industry. In this article, we’ll review the SMA Sunny Boy, our pick for best inverter for “standard” grid-tied solar systems.
The Sunny Boy shines in systems that won’t be affected by shading, panel orientation, or other concerns that would impact production from your panels.
It’s not the most versatile, high-tech inverter around. But if you’re building a typical fixed-mount system that will receive full sunlight year-round, the Sunny Boy gives you more bang for your buck than any other grid-tied inverter on the market.
SMA Sunny Boy Pricing
SMA offers a range of Sunny Boy models from 3 kW to 7.7 kW for residential grid-tie systems. Please note that the published here are current as of 1/2/20, but are subject to change in the future. Click the product links to view current pricing in our shop.
| Model | Price | Cost Per Watt |
| Sunny Boy 3.0kW | 1,261 | 42 cents/watt |
| Sunny Boy 3.8kW | 1,245 | 32 cents/watt |
| Sunny Boy 5.0kW | 1,325 | 27 cents/watt |
| Sunny Boy 6.0kW | 1,525 | 25 cents/watt |
| Sunny Boy 7.0kW | 1,659 | 23 cents/watt |
| Sunny Boy 7.7kW | 1,920 | 25 cents/watt |
SMA Sunny Boy 7.7 kW Specs
Here’s a quick look at the specs for our most popular Sunny Boy model, the 7.7 kW configuration. It’s worth noting that the 3.0 and 3.8 kW models have 2 string inputs (instead of 3), but other specs like efficiency, warranty and voltages are the same for all the residential models listed in the table above.
- Model: Sunny Boy 7.7 kW
- Wattage: 7700 watts
- Peak Efficiency: 97.5%
- Warranty: 10 years
- Input voltage: 600V DC
- Output voltage: 240V AC
- String Inputs: 3
Ideal Application For The SMA Sunny Boy
It’s important to understand the limitations of string inverters to help decide whether they are the right choice for your project.
A panel string is a group of panels that is wired into a single input on the inverter. Because the panels are wired in series, the production of every panel in the string is linked together.
If one panel suffers a drop in production, every panel in the string drops to match the output of the weakest panel.
You may own a string of 330W panels, but if a single panel in the string falls to 250W production, every panel in that string is going to produce 250W of power. That’s an 800W production loss over a 10-panel string—nearly a 25% loss in output.
For this reason, the Sunny Boy only makes sense when you can build your panels in a location that is fully exposed to sunlight year-round.
If trees, chimneys or other obstructions throw shade on a panel, it will cripple the production of a string, which affects your entire system.
It’s also not ideal if your panels face different directions—if you need to spread them across an unusually-shaped roof, for example. Panels work best when they face directly into the sun (ideally, you want to point them toward the Equator, which means a South-facing array is ideal for systems built in the US).
If some panels in a string face South and some panels face East, the East-facing panels will produce less power because they don’t point directly into the sun. The entire string will drop to match the output of the East-facing panels, sacrificing the extra output from those that face South.
Different strings can have different orientations, but all panels in a string should face the same direction.
To mitigate these issues, you would be better served by an inverter system with panel-level optimization like the SolarEdge HD-Wave or Enphase IQ7 micro-inverters.
However, if you don’t need to worry about shade or panel orientation, Sunny Boy systems are extremely reliable and efficient at a price that is 15-25% less than alternative options. It’s the best value you can find on an inverter, assuming you meet these ideal build requirements.
Compare your options with our video review of the best grid-tie inverters on the market:
Pros of the SMA Sunny Boy
Best Value Inverter on the Market (In Ideal Conditions)
The Sunny Boy is the most cost-effective grid-tied inverter you can buy, provided your system meets a few criteria:
- Built in full sunlight (not blocked by trees, chimneys or other obstructions)
- Panels face the same direction
- Large enough to meet minimum string sizing requirements (at least 4-6 panels depending on the panel and inverter models you choose)
Let’s compare two systems that would produce 906 kWh per month, enough to offset the national average energy usage for American households. (are current as of 1/2/20.)
The systems are identical aside from the inverter equipment, and the Sunny Boy system costs nearly 1,600 less than the HD-Wave. You can save quite a bit of money if your system is built in full sunlight and you don’t need the power optimizers featured in the HD-Wave system.
Secure Power Supply
A feature unique to SMA inverters is the Secure Power Supply (SPS). The SPS provides source of backup power in case of emergencies.
If your power goes out, you can plug into the SPS, a 2000-watt power source that draws backup power from your panels even if the grid is down. This is a nice failsafe to power critical appliances during an outage.
One caveat is that your panels must be exposed to sunlight and producing power for this to work, since the SPS draws electricity in real-time from the panels to make this feature work. At night or during heavy storms, the SPS is not a reliable substitute for a fully-equipped grid-tie system with energy storage.
Optimizers Are Optional
The SolarEdge HD-Wave comes with mandatory power optimizers—the system won’t work without them. With the Sunny Boy, the optimizers are an optional add-on.
This gives you the flexibility to start with the base Sunny Boy package, then retrofit optimizers on to the panels if you think they’re necessary.
For example, your system might be fully exposed to sunlight in the summer, but then you find that your house casts a longer shadow in the winter and covers part of your array. You can go back and add optimizers to the shaded panels to bring their production back up to par.
There is a trade-off, though. When you add optimizers, the Sunny Boy loses its Secure Power Supply functionality. This is a design oversight that we hope to see corrected in future models.
Nevertheless, it’s nice to have the flexibility to retrofit your panels with power optimizers should the need arise.
Great Customer Support
SMA has some of the best customer support in the industry. Their customer-facing tech team is knowledgeable and has great response time via phone and email. They also produce detailed product documentation to help people install, program and troubleshoot their equipment.
As a distributor, we’ve found them to be fair and responsive working with us to troubleshoot faulty equipment and process return claims.
In an ideal world, great support should come standard, but unfortunately that’s not always the case. Some solar manufacturers don’t even offer direct-to-consumer support, instead forcing the distributor to mediate technical issues and return claims.
Not SMA, though: their support team is one of the most accessible and competent in the business.
Cons of the SMA Sunny Boy
System Design Limitations
As mentioned above, the Sunny Boy works best if all your panel strings face the same direction and you can build your array in full sunlight.
If you don’t meet these requirements, production will drop fairly dramatically, and the Sunny Boy is no longer the most cost-effective option.
While the Sunny Boy shines in its wheelhouse, it’s not the most versatile inverter on the market. The SolarEdge HD-Wave is more fully-featured and tends to be the better pick when you need panel-level power optimization.
Rapid Shutdown Limitations
The newest electrical codes (NEC 2017) require Rapid shutdown for PV systems installed on buildings.
For Sunny Boy systems, that requires adding optimizers, which means you lose the SPS feature—and the cost advantage over other inverters. A Sunny Boy with optimizers costs about the same as a SolarEdge HD-Wave system.
If you know you need optimizer technology from the start, you’re better off with a SolarEdge or Enphase system, which are built from the ground up for that purpose. SMA’s optimizers are an add-on to the Sunny Boy, which wasn’t originally designed with power optimization in mind.
Rapid shutdown requirements only apply in certain areas, and only when the system is installed on a building. Roof-mount systems often require optimizers to comply, but in many cases ground-mount systems are exempt.
Harder to Install
Larger Sunny Boy models weigh 57 pounds. They can be pretty hard to manage when you’re trying to lift and mount the inverter on your wall.
(Believe it or not, older models were heavier because they ran on transformers, while the latest Sunny Boy line is transformerless. Still, the Sunny Boy 7700 weighs more than twice as much as the 26.2-pound HD-Wave 7600).
It’s the largest and heaviest inverter we stock, and can be a bit challenging to mount if you are installing your own system without any outside help.
Short Warranty
The standard 10-year warranty is shorter than SolarEdge’s 12-year warranty on the HD-Wave, and much shorter than the 25-year warranty on Enphase IQ7 micro-inverters.
You should expect to replace your Sunny Boy at least once, and possibly twice, over the life of your system.
SMA does offer an extended warranty plan that allows you to stretch the product warranty up to 20 years. Whether you buy the extended warranty up front or replace the inverter out of later, you’ll incur some additional costs for a replacement at some point. Those costs should be factored into the lifetime ownership cost for your system.
SMA Sunny Boy: The Verdict
Our evaluation of the Sunny Boy is pretty simple. If you can build in full sunlight and don’t have any complicated layout requirements, the Sunny Boy is the best all-around value you can find.
If you need more advanced power optimization for individual panels, are working with an unusual array layout, or simply want a system that is easier to install, the SolarEdge HD-Wave or Enphase IQ7 micro-inverters are going to be better options.
SMA 4000 Inverter; Home / Commercial Solar Panel inverter
- SMA 4000 Grid-Tied Inverter #BP2960022
- The SMA 4000 inverter along with all SMA products are specially designed for countries like America that require UL certification. Automatic grid voltage detection and an built in integrated DC disconnect switch simplifies installation, ensuring safety as well as saving time. The SMA 4000 inverter feature galvanic isolation and can be used with all types of solar crystalline panels as well as thin-film solar. The die-cast aluminum enclosure, with the OptiCool active temperature management system, guarantees the highest yields possible and a long service life, even under extreme conditions.
- Only: Buy Now
SMA Inverter Selection Guide
SMA 4000 Inverter Grid-Tied Home / Commercial Power System
SMA provides one of the most advanced inverter technology for solar arrays today. SMA SunnyBoy 4000 inverter is manufactured in Denver Colorado because SMA realizes the importance of American based manufacturing. Quality is built into every part of the SMA 4000 Inverter, certified to the new UL1741/IEEE 1547 SMA provides a 10 year standard factory warranty. SMA 4000 inverters operate on a very pure, near perfect sinewave shape.
With an integrated load-break rated DC disconnect switch built into the SMA 4000 inverter, it also has a built in integrated fused series string combiner, LCD output display as well as comprehensive SMA communications and data collection options. Maximum Power Point Tracking makes the SMA 4000 inverter ideal for residential or light commercial applications. Durable cast aluminum outdoor rated enclosure this inverter passes the tough requirements for CA renewable energy rebate program. Blue Pacific Solar will provide with a complete system purchase a simple line drawings showing you how you can have a NEC (National Electric Code) compliant home solar system.
What’s In the Box:
SunnyBoy 4000 inverter Systems Do-It-Yourself Home / Business Inverters for Grid Tied Arrays
SMA SunnyBoy 4000 inverter is more efficient, more flexible, and easier to install than comparable inverters on the market, primarily because the SMA SunnyBoy 4000 inverter combines a concept SMA developed 19 years ago and state-of-the-art technology. The SMA 4000 Inverter is especially designed for countries like America that require UL certification. Automatic grid voltage detection and an integrated DC disconnect switch simplifies installation, ensuring safety as well as saving time. The SMA 4000 Inverter feature galvanic isolation and can be used with all types of solar crystalline panels as well as thin-film. The die-cast aluminum enclosure, with the OptiCool active temperature management system, guarantees the highest yields possible and a long service life, even under extreme conditions. The Sunny Boy 4000US is designed for projects with a current limit of 16A.
Compact design makes SMA 4000 Inverter ideal for residential use and the integrated DC disconnect makes installation more cost effective. SMA 4000 Inverter is field-configurable for positive ground systems making the SMA 4000 Inverter more versatile than ever. Increased efficiency means better performance and shorter payback periods. With over 500,000 fielded units, Sunny Boy has become the benchmark for solar inverter performance and reliability throughout the world.
The power electronics compartment of the SMA 4000 Inverter integrates SMA’s new Opticool airflow technology where cool air is drawn in through the bottom of the enclosure by convection, drawn around the power electronics where the air absorbs heat and is then released through a side vent. When required, this process is assisted by a temperature controlled fan. The built in meter of the SMA 4000 Inverter displays system status as well as the solar energy being produced by the power plant and other key information on the LCD screen. Several meter and software options are available from Blue Pacific Solar.
NOTE, IMPORTANT GRID TIED INSTALLATION: (OK, here is the scary legal disclaimer.) It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that all products are installed and operated in accordance with local and national building codes as specific by the NEC (National Electric Code), UBC (Uniform Building Code) or IBC (International Building Code) and local utility company policy. These codes may vary from city to city and county to county. All grid-tied SunnyBoy 4000 inverter solar installations should be permitted and inspected, where required, by the local inspection authority in the same manner as other equivalent electrical systems. One last thing. It is always a good idea to contract with a local licensed electrician to at least do the final electrical connection of your SMA 4000 Inverter system from the AC disconnect to your home utility breaker box. Some local permitting authorities require that a licensed electrician do all the wiring from the rack to the utility interconnect. If you need help with the permitting documents for your SMA 4000 Inverter project, we are here for you. Solar permit service add on is available at checkout.
Additional Safety Instructions; Perform all electrical installations in accordance with all applicable local electrical codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70. Be aware that only qualified personnel should install or replace SunnyBoy 4000 inverter. Do not attempt to repair the SunnyBoy 4000 inverter as it contains no user-serviceable parts. If it fails, please contact SMA. Tampering with the SunnyBoy 4000 inverter will void the warranty. Before installing or using the SunnyBoy 4000 inverter, please read all instructions and cautionary markings in the technical description and on the SunnyBoy 4000 inverter and the solar equipment. Connect the SunnyBoy 4000 inverter to the utility grid only after receiving prior approval from the electrical utility company. To reduce risk of burns, use caution when working with SunnyBoy 4000 inverter. Do NOT disconnect the solar module from the SunnyBoy 4000 inverter without first disconnecting and locking out all DC and AC connections.
© 2018 Blue Pac Solar Corp.® ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Administrative Offices 888.898.5849; 1839 McComb St. Osceola, Iowa 50213
SMA 7000 Inverter; Home / Commercial Solar Panel inverter
- SMA 7000 Grid-Tied Inverter #BP2960032
- The SMA 7000 inverter along with all SMA products are specially designed for countries like America that require UL certification. Automatic grid voltage detection and an built in integrated DC disconnect switch simplifies installation, ensuring safety as well as saving time. The SMA 7000 inverter feature galvanic isolation and can be used with all types of solar crystalline panels as well as thin-film solar. The die-cast aluminum enclosure, with the OptiCool active temperature management system, guarantees the highest yields possible and a long service life, even under extreme conditions.
- Only: Buy Now
SMA Inverter Selection Guide
SMA 7000 Inverter Grid-Tied Home / Commercial Power System
SMA provides one of the most advanced inverter technology for solar arrays today. SMA SunnyBoy 7000 inverter is manufactured in Denver Colorado because SMA realizes the importance of American based manufacturing. Quality is built into every part of the SMA 7000 Inverter, certified to the new UL1741/IEEE 1547 SMA provides a 10 year standard factory warranty. SMA 7000 inverters operate on a very pure, near perfect sinewave shape.
With an integrated load-break rated DC disconnect switch built into the SMA 7000 inverter, it also has a built in integrated fused series string combiner, LCD output display as well as comprehensive SMA communications and data collection options. Maximum Power Point Tracking makes the SMA 7000 inverter ideal for residential or light commercial applications. Durable cast aluminum outdoor rated enclosure this inverter passes the tough requirements for CA renewable energy rebate program. Blue Pacific Solar will provide with a complete system purchase a simple line drawings showing you how you can have a NEC (National Electric Code) compliant home solar system.
What’s In the Box:
SunnyBoy 7000 inverter Systems Do-It-Yourself Home / Business Inverters for Grid Tied Arrays
SMA SunnyBoy 7000 inverter is more efficient, more flexible, and easier to install than comparable inverters on the market, primarily because the SMA SunnyBoy 7000 inverter combines a concept SMA developed 19 years ago and state-of-the-art technology. The SMA 7000 Inverter is especially designed for countries like America that require UL certification. Automatic grid voltage detection and an integrated DC disconnect switch simplifies installation, ensuring safety as well as saving time. The SMA 7000 Inverter feature galvanic isolation and can be used with all types of solar crystalline panels as well as thin-film. The die-cast aluminum enclosure, with the OptiCool active temperature management system, guarantees the highest yields possible and a long service life, even under extreme conditions. The Sunny Boy 7000US is designed for projects with a current limit of 16A.
Compact design makes SMA 7000 Inverter ideal for residential use and the integrated DC disconnect makes installation more cost effective. SMA 7000 Inverter is field-configurable for positive ground systems making the SMA 7000 Inverter more versatile than ever. Increased efficiency means better performance and shorter payback periods. With over 500,000 fielded units, Sunny Boy has become the benchmark for solar inverter performance and reliability throughout the world.
The power electronics compartment of the SMA 7000 Inverter integrates SMA’s new Opticool airflow technology where cool air is drawn in through the bottom of the enclosure by convection, drawn around the power electronics where the air absorbs heat and is then released through a side vent. When required, this process is assisted by a temperature controlled fan. The built in meter of the SMA 7000 Inverter displays system status as well as the solar energy being produced by the power plant and other key information on the LCD screen. Several meter and software options are available from Blue Pacific Solar.
NOTE, IMPORTANT GRID TIED INSTALLATION: (OK, here is the scary legal disclaimer.) It is the responsibility of the purchaser to ensure that all products are installed and operated in accordance with local and national building codes as specific by the NEC (National Electric Code), UBC (Uniform Building Code) or IBC (International Building Code) and local utility company policy. These codes may vary from city to city and county to county. All grid-tied SunnyBoy 7000 inverter solar installations should be permitted and inspected, where required, by the local inspection authority in the same manner as other equivalent electrical systems. One last thing. It is always a good idea to contract with a local licensed electrician to at least do the final electrical connection of your SMA 7000 Inverter system from the AC disconnect to your home utility breaker box. Some local permitting authorities require that a licensed electrician do all the wiring from the rack to the utility interconnect. If you need help with the permitting documents for your SMA 7000 Inverter project, we are here for you. Solar permit service add on is available at checkout.
Additional Safety Instructions; Perform all electrical installations in accordance with all applicable local electrical codes and the National Electrical Code (NEC), ANSI/NFPA 70. Be aware that only qualified personnel should install or replace SunnyBoy 7000 inverter. Do not attempt to repair the SunnyBoy 7000 inverter as it contains no user-serviceable parts. If it fails, please contact SMA. Tampering with the SunnyBoy 7000 inverter will void the warranty. Before installing or using the SunnyBoy 7000 inverter, please read all instructions and cautionary markings in the technical description and on the SunnyBoy 7000 inverter and the solar equipment. Connect the SunnyBoy 7000 inverter to the utility grid only after receiving prior approval from the electrical utility company. To reduce risk of burns, use caution when working with SunnyBoy 7000 inverter. Do NOT disconnect the solar module from the SunnyBoy 7000 inverter without first disconnecting and locking out all DC and AC connections.
© 2018 Blue Pac Solar Corp.® ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Administrative Offices 888.898.5849; 1839 McComb St. Osceola, Iowa 50213
SMA Inverters. SMA Solar Technologies
SMA Solar Technology was founded in 1981 in order to increase the availability and use of photovoltaics. The German company has since advanced to be the global leader in its field.
SMA develops and manufactures highly efficient PV inverters for all installation sizes and power classes and for any grid specifications worldwide. The innovative technology ensures installation and operation of PC plants is simple, reliable and, above all, cost effective.
SMA is represented in all important photovoltaics markets in 21 countries on four continents. SMA has received numerous awards for its product solutions and corporate culture. In 2011 and 2012, the company achieved first place in the German ‘Great Place to Work®’ competition in the category for companies with over 5 000 employees.
SMA Sunny Boy 1.5VL. 1500W. 97.2% Max Efficiency A perfect inverter for small PV systems (~ 6 panels). System data monitoring possible on all Smart phones, tablets, laptops or PCs. [INV-SB1.5-VL-40]
SMA Sunny Boy 2.5VL. 2500W. 97.2% Max Efficiency A perfect inverter for small PV systems (~ 8-10 panels). System data monitoring possible on all Smart phones, tablets, laptops or PCs. [INV-SB2.5-VL-40]
Sunny Boy 3.0 Solar Inverter. SMA Smart Connected Small and light 3kW solar inverter with built-in Wi-Fi, audible earth fault alarm. Can be monitored in local network or via Sunny Portal. [INV-SB3.0-1AV-41]
Sunny Boy 4.0 Solar Inverter. SMA Smart Connected Small and light 4kW solar inverter with built-in Wi-Fi, audible earth fault alarm. Can be monitored in local network or via Sunny Portal. [INV-SB4.0-1AV-41]
Sunny Boy 5.0 Solar Inverter. SMA Smart Connected Small and light 5kW solar inverter with built-in Wi-Fi, audible earth fault alarm. Can be monitored in local network or via Sunny Portal. [INV-SB5.0-1AV-41]
Sunny Boy 6.0 Solar Inverter. SMA Smart Connected Small and light 6kW solar inverter with built-in Wi-Fi, audible earth fault alarm. Can be monitored in local network or via Sunny Portal. [INV-SB6.0-1AV-41]
SMA Sunny Island 4.4M Inverter/Charger. 48V 3.3kW. WLAN SMA’s complete load and energy management system for on and off grid battery systems. 3300W continuous AC power, 10 year warrany. [INV-SI4.4M-13]
SMA Sunny Island 6.0H Inverter/Charger. 48V 4.6kW. WLAN SMA’s complete load and energy management system for on and off grid battery systems. 4600W continuous AC power, 10 year warrany. [INV-SI6.0H-13]
SMA Sunny Island 8.0H Inverter/Charger. 48V 6kW. WLAN SMA’s complete load and energy management system for on and off grid battery systems. 6000W continuous AC power, 10 year warranty. [INV-SI8.0H-13]
SMA Sunny TriPower 10.0. 3 Phase 10,000 Watts SMA Sunny TriPower 10.0 ensures maximum energy yields for private homes. Integrated SMA Smart Connected service and web interface. [INV-STP10.0-3AV-40]
Sunny TriPower. 3 Phase 20,000W Grid Interactive Inverter Three-phase 20kW inverter from SMA for large-scale commercial and industrial plants. 2 independent MPP inputs, 3 strings each. [INV-STP20000TL-30]
Sunny TriPower. 3 Phase 25,000W Grid Interactive Inverter Three-phase 25kW inverter from SMA for large-scale commercial and industrial plants. 2 independent MPP inputs, 3 strings each. [INV-STP25000TL-30]
SMA Sunny TriPower 5.0. 5000W Solar Inverter. 3 Phase Maximum energy yields for private homes. Compact, light and future-proof. meaning energy management solutions can be added. [INV-STP5.0-3AV-40]
Sunny TriPower Core1. Commercial Solar Inverter. 50kW Three-phase 50kW inverter from SMA for big commercial and industrial plants. 6 independent MPP inputs, 2 strings each. [INV-STP50-41]
SMA Sunny TriPower 8.0. 3 Phase 8000 Watts SMA Sunny TriPower 8.0 ensures maximum energy yields for private homes. Integrated SMA Smart Connected service and web interface. [INV-STP8.0-3AV-40]
Sunny Home Manager 2.0. Smart Energy Management by SMA SMA’s intelligent energy manager enables the most efficient use of solar energy. It optimises self-consumption and reduces electricity costs. [INX-SB08-2]
Current Transformer Clamp. SMA Sunny Home Manager 2.0 If your property’s electricity connection exceeds 63A you will need one of these CTs per phase. Rated to 100A. [INX-SB08-3]
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We install solar systems in Northern NSW and Southern QLD.
QLD:Gold Coast (from Coolangatta to Southport), Nerang and Hinterland (Beaudesert) and out West (Warwick, Stanthorpe, Killarney)
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We also have sales agents inGrafton:contact Andy Wilkinson directly on 0409 508 144, andTenterfield:contact Diamond J Legend directly on 0425 769 444.
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SMA solar inverters reviews
The views expressed by reviewers are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect those of Peacock Media Group, which makes no representations as to the accuracy of the reviews. For our full disclaimer and further information, see our Terms of Use and our Review Guidelines.
About SMA, Solar Inverters
SMA Customer Service: 1800 762 287
SMA are the big granddaddy of inverter manufacturers. Founded way back in 1981, the company is based in Germany, turns over billions annually and employs around 3,500 people.
SMA solar inverters were originally only produced in German factories, but the firm went through a period in 2017-2018 where they manufactured their Sunny Boy inverters, which are used extensively in home solar installations, in China.
Then in December 2018, the company announced it intended to move manufacturing out of China. However, in May 2020 we were informed SMA will continue to partly manufacture their Sunny Boy inverters in China and partly in Germany for the foreseeable future. What is manufactured where isn’t clear.
SMA Inverters. Core Products
Regardless of country of manufacture, if you want a safe bet, you can’t go wrong with an SMA inverter. The only downside is that you tend to pay a premium for them.
The Sunny Boy (single-phase) and Sunny Tripower (three-phase) product lines form the core of SMA’s home and commercial offerings. SMA also manufacture a battery inverter for off-grid applications called the Sunny Island.
Beyond home and commercial products, the company also produces thumping great central inverters for solar farms.
You can compare specifications and estimated pricing of SMA residential solar products available in Australia with models from a bunch of other brands on the SolarQuotes inverter comparison table.
SMA A Solar Battler
The company has faced its share of challenges over the years from increasing competition and thinning margins (hence its China fling), but appeared to be turning things around as evidenced by its inverter shipments in recent years.
- 2022: 8,700 MW (January. September).
- 2021: 13,584 MW
- 2020: 14,415 MW
- 2019: 11,409 MW
- 2018: 8,449 MW
- 2017: 8,538 MW
The 2021 result was a little disappointing, attributed in part to a shortage of electronic components that restricted the company’s delivery capacity rather than a lack of orders. And the jury is still out on 2022’s performance; which proved to be another challenging year. although SMA have indicated the second half was better than the first.
Challenges Persisted For SMA In 2022
In the first quarter of 2022, SMA sold 2.8 GW of inverter output, down on Q1 2021’s result of 3.4 GW. But this wasn’t due to a lack of ready buyers.
The company again said it was attributable to the continued tight situation with the supply of electronic chips. and it isn’t the only inverter manufacturer experiencing similar issues. SMA said it had a very high order intake during the quarter (the highest in a decade) and a very high backlog.
Looking past supply chain issues, SMA sees sunnier days ahead and is planning to close-to-double production capacity at its headquarters in Germany from 21 GW currently to almost 40 GW by 2024.
According to the company, more than 750,000 SMA inverters had been installed across Australia by the end of 2020; so they’ve certainly been popular here and remain so. both among Australian households and installers.
Overall, SMA has shipped more than 110 GW of solar inverter capacity globally to date.
SMA Inverter Warranty Notes
SMA Sunny Boy and Tripower inverters come with a standard 5 year warranty. But from 1 October 2021, all home inverters commissioned in Australia receive an extra 5 years of full warranty upon product registration. so a total of 10 years.
SMA have a strong local presence in Australia. first established way back in 2007. in the rare event you experience an issue requiring technical or warranty support.
The contact number for SMA support is 1800 SMA AUS (1800 762 287). Note that the initial voice message encourages SMA inverter owners to first contact their installer. But if you stay on the line and choose the appropriate menu option, you’ll find the SMA team to be very helpful in answering technical and warranty related questions.
If you’re looking to find an SMA-certified installer to assist you with an existing SMA installation, you can use SMA’s Power Up online service here.
As you’ll see from the SMA inverter reviews below, complaints about SMA inverter performance or reliability pretty rare, which is why the brand is one of the most popular in Australia. and part of the reason why the company is currently listed as an SQ recommended inverter brand.
If you’re an Australian owner of an SMA inverter, feel free to contribute your review and rating.
Bradley
The SMA app had problems when I first got the system, however after those rough 1-2 months the app has been rock solid and any outages they let you know when they will happen and for how long and what is affected as a notice inside the app. Honestly, the best way they could let users know. Outages of the app are only typically an hour or 2 twice a month, nothing major.
As for the inverter itself, fantastic it just works. In-fact I forgot the whole system is even installed, just dramatically lowered power bills.
The SMA app could do better to be 100% honest the information it provides is very basic. It a little frustrating they only account for flat rate priced electricity, not peak/off peak. So they need to improve that, however on the other hand they haven’t locked the inverter down so even if SMA was to go out of business and the app shutdown you can still get a lot of information from the inverter and applications like Home Assistant integrate with the inverter (without an internet connection required!!) to get your stats and present it in a different way. So while I think SMA has some work to do on the app, they have allowed others to come in and develop their own apps. Bought From: Expert Electrical TAS Show additional information
Chando
The computer interface only shows the solar energy production but doesn’t show how much I am using on site and how much is being exported to grid. This is information I want and expected. Bought From: Expert Electrical TAS Show additional information