Three-Phase Inverter Provides Modular Solution for Utility PV Systems

ROCKLIN, Calif., March 2, 2011—SMA America has released its Sunny Tripower 8000TL, 10000TL, 12000TL, 15000TL and 17000TL inverters for applications requiring PV array voltages up to 1,000 VDC. The three-phase, transformerless Sunny Tripower is ideal for large-scale arrays with modular plant topology, thereby simplifying system design.

To create a multi-MW plant, users can connect the AC output of multiple Sunny Tripower devices to a medium-voltage transformer for grid interconnection and feed-in. This modular approach to plant configuration results in decreased installation costs, improved design flexibility, and increased energy production for the life of the PV plant.

The Sunny Tripower is certified to the European standard and currently operates on 60 Hz with a voltage of 400 VAC line-to-line and 230 VAC line-to-neutral. When paired with a transformer, the Sunny Tripower is applicable for behind-the-fence configurations.

"SMA is pleased to offer the modular Sunny Tripower to the North American market," said Jurgen Krehnke, president and general manager of SMA America. "It is a flexible, versatile inverter option that includes the integrated grid-management functions—such as reactive power control, utility interaction management and grid support—that utility-scale system owners require."

Additional features of the Sunny Tripower include 98.1 percent efficiency, data transmission via Bluetooth® wireless technology, an easily accessible connection area, and SMA's patented OptiCool™ temperature management system.

Also integrated is SMA's Optiflex technology, which includes dual MPP inputs and DC input voltage up to 1000 V for custom plant design, and the OptiTrac Global Peak operation management system that ensures the inverter—even in partially shaded plants--can use nearly all of the energy offered by the PV modules.

In addition, the intuitive Optiprotect monitoring technology—with its self-learning string fault detection, electronic string fuse and available DC overvoltage protector (Type II)—ensures maximum uptime. The Sunny Tripower also has a standard 10-year warranty, which can be upgraded to 20 years.

About SMA
The SMA Group generated sales of EUR 934 million in 2009 and is the worldwide market leader for photovoltaic inverters, a key component of all solar power plants. It is headquartered in Niestetal, near Kassel, Germany, and is represented on four continents by 15 foreign subsidiaries. The Group employs a staff of over 5,000 (incl. temporary workers). SMA's product portfolio includes the most comprehensive range of inverters on the market, offering a compatible inverter for every type of photovoltaic module and for all plant sizes. The product range covers both inverters for photovoltaic plants connected to the grid as well as inverters for off-grid systems. Since 2008, the Group's parent company SMA Solar Technology AG has been listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (S92) and also in the TecDAX index. In recent years, SMA has received numerous awards for its excellence as an employer. www.SMA-America.com