SMA to launch Sunny Tripower inverter in Australia

SMA Technology AG is looking to launch its Sunny Tripower 3.0-6.0 in Australia, its first inverter to directly integrate TS4-R module-level power electronics (MLPE) communication for more cost effectiveness as well as for easier commissioning and online monitoring.

The new three-phase string inverter is SMA’s latest product in its portfolio for residential solutions, which is said to be lighter and more compact than all previous three-phase SMA inverters and able to cut installation time by roughly 30%.

With the new product, the company will be looking to further establish its foothold in the Aussie market. SMA has been present Down Under for 20 years, and earlier this year it announced its partnership with Melbourne’s Wilson Transformer Company to develop a central inverter solution specifically for Australian utility scale projects.

“Australia has become one of the key PV markets for SMA. We have seen the increasing market demand for products and solutions with more power, lower cost as well as easier installation and commissioning,” said Nick Morbach, executive vice president of SMA’s Residential and Commercial business unit.

While SMA is positive about Australia, globally things aren’t so rosy. The German power electronics specialist has announced it would not achieve its sales and earnings targets this year, citing the market downturn in China as the reason behind “enormous excess capacity”.

As reported here, the company lowered its sales and earnings guidance from €900 million to €1 billion, to €800 million to €850 million, and announced structural changes, which are expected to impact its EBITDA, resulting in either a break-even, or slightly negative, figure, down from an earlier projected €90 million to €100 million.

SMA has, therefore, confirmed it will introduce product innovations to the world’s major PV markets in the coming months, and next year, which, according to CEO Pierre-Pascal Urbon, will allow the company “to counter the increasing price pressure in the components business.”

When it comes to the Australian market, SMA is bringing its Sunny Tripower 3.0-6.0 to the All Energy show next week, where it will also showcase the Data Manager M powered by ennexOS and the new Sunny Highpower PEAK1, a 75kW string inverter for commercial applications.

“In such a dynamic environment, like the Australian solar market, SMA sees it as essential to forge ahead with innovation as a critical business driver,” said Michael Rutt, managing director of SMA Australia. “This approach is not only limited to innovation in products or solutions, but also in other areas such as engagement in the regulatory process, market strategy and business models in maintaining market share, revenue and profitability.”