Innovative, Powerful MLPE Solution Reduces Cost and Risk, Delivers Speed and Performance

ROCKLIN, Calif. — As residential PV becomes a bigger part of the energy landscape, both consumers and solar professionals are demanding more from their solar technology. To meet the growing demand for fast, cost-effective and high-performing solar solutions, SMA America has launched its new Power+ Solution. Combining the proven Sunny Boy US inverter with the TS4-R Module Level Power Electronics (MLPE), the new SMA solution cost-effectively optimizes residential PV systems and ensures higher energy yields.

Now available for ordering, the SMA Power+ Solution will redefine what it means to optimize a residential PV system using MLPE. SMAs solution can be applied per module for operational simplicity or selectively for faster installation.

"Every solar PV project has unique challenges and objectives, and a one-size-fits-all approach does not meet the needs of todays solar landscape," said Sven Schreiber, executive vice president of the Residential business unit at SMA. "With the Power+ Solution, integrators can choose to apply the technology in a way that optimizes ROI for their individual business model."

The TS4-R module components of the SMA Power+ Solution can be used like traditional MLPEs and satisfy all of the challenges that incumbent solutions address. But unlike traditional optimization, which requires MLPEs on every module even when its not needed, the Power+ Solution can also be applied selectively. This reduces installation time, service risk, and ultimately cost. Selectively deploying TS4-R can save up to 90 minutes of installation time per residential system while realizing greater energy production and roof usage, and providing a higher ROI.

Selective deployment is also ideal when it comes to service and O&M. Fewer components mean fewer potential points of failure and less risk, and when service is required, it is simpler.

For integrators opting for full deployment, installation can still achieve significant time saving.

The module-based DC technology is supplied by the universal TS4 platform, which offers various levels of plug-and-play functionality. The TS4 is available as a factory integrated component through leading module suppliers. It is also available as an add-on, retrofit option exclusively through SMA, and makes any system instantly smarter and more powerful. Benefits of the TS4 line include module-level monitoring, shutdown code compliance, shade mitigation and increased string lengths.

The TS4 works seamlessly with the Sunny Boy US inverter, the fastest PV inverter to install. This allows installers and distributors to realize additional cost savings by reducing the total number of products they must carry. Now, integrators can carry one line of inverters for MLPE and non-MLPE applications, which reduces warehouse space while also improving flexibility when installation requirements change at the last minute.

For data monitoring, module-level diagnostics can be viewed through Sunny Portal - the worlds largest monitoring repository for PV systems.

About SMA
The SMA Group with anticipated sales of about €1 billion in 2016 is the global market leader for solar inverters, a key component of all PV plants, and offers innovative key technologies for future power supply structures. It is headquartered in Niestetal, near Kassel, Germany, and is represented in 20 countries. The Group employs more than 3,000 people worldwide. SMA has an extensive range of products, which offers the right inverters for all module types and plant sizes; for small residential systems as well as large-scale plants, grid-connected photovoltaic systems as well as off-grid and hybrid systems. Moreover, SMA offers system technology for various battery technologies and system sizes and collaborates with renowned battery manufacturers and companies from the automotive industry. The SMA technology is protected by about 700 patents and utility models worldwide. The range of services is supplemented by comprehensive services and operational management of large-scale PV power plants. Since 2008, the Groups parent company, SMA Solar Technology AG, has been listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (S92) and is currently the only company in the solar industry that is listed in the TecDAX index.