As a leading global specialist in photovoltaic system technology, SMA is setting the standards today for the decentralized and renewable energy supply of tomorrow. SMA’s multi-award-winning technology is protected by more than 1,500 patents worldwide and supported by 15 GW production capacity. SMA is diversified across all market segments: residential, commercial, utility, and hybrid energy (off-grid/storage).
We exclusively use SMA string inverters for customers and have found them to be highly reliable and configurable. They work well with both Tigo and SMA branded rapid shutdown modules. Plus, the built-in SMA shade fix MPPT string level optimization eliminates the need for optimizer modules on each panel. The reviewers that had issues with their inverters all noted they had panel based optimizer modules. SMA inverters do not need separate optimizers, so I'm not surprised the inverters fought with the optimizer modules. That's just their lack of understanding and experience with the SMA system. I really like that SMA offers free lifetime monitoring via the web and app for both installers and owners with remote diagnostics and management being very straightforward. The few times I've had to contact customer service were fast and efficient with an engineer on the other end that could answer very specific questions with depth. Inverters are highly sophisticated and have developed to the point they are beyond DIY regardless of brand.
Very high quality inverter. Very happy with the system generation and customer service.
I had the exact same experience as pinkard_manaus except worse. My Tigo optimizers stopped showing up on the SMA Sunnyportal or the Tigo Energy websites. Both SMA and Tigo said they could see my data but it did not show on the websites. After many times where my system would go into rapid shutdown and having to put 4-5 panels against my garage wall to get the 125Volts needed to start the system I was extremely frustrated.
Neither SMA nor Tigo Energy wanted to take responsibility for the issue. After more than 8 months SMA finally sent me an external CCA to replace their internal GIB board. After installation I haven't had an issue for going on 10 months.
I only wish customer service would have listened to me and tried to fix the problem. I also had the problem where every time I called I had to basically start the entire process over again.
I managed a technical support desk for 20 years and I would rate SMA as the worst I have ever deal with and I have worked with 100's.
Based on your roof and actual offers in your area
With more than 40 years of experience and over 100 gigawatts installed worldwide, SMA represents the industry’s safest, most stable PV inverter and related technology supplier. Since 1981, SMA has been developing innovative solar technology that makes the installation, operation, and maintenance of photovoltaic power plants simpler, more reliable, safer and more cost effective. SMA is the only inverter company with proven performance history longer than its warranty. Our award-winning technology includes several Intersolar Awards and the IHS Markit #1 Inverter Ranking for 10 years in a row.
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Based on your roof and actual offers in your area
10 year standard warranty with optional extensions to 15 and 20 years
California Solar Energy Industries Association
Smart Electric Power Alliance
Sunspec Alliance
South Carolina Clean Energy Business Alliance
SMA is one of only a handful of manufacturers allowed to perform the inverter approval tests ourselves for the strict American-based Underwriters Laboratories (UL).