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SMA Sunny Boy: Reliable Solar Inverters
SMA manufactures a line of residential solar products that include solar inverters marketed under the brand name Sunny Boy.
The company was founded in 1981 by Werner Kleinkauf and Günther Cramer and rebranded as SMA Technologies AG in 2004.
On June 27, 2008 SMA Technologies AG was listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany.
SMA was exceedingly early to the solar marketplace and over the years has established its brand as synonymous with quality. Many competitors have popped up on the world stage since, challenging SMA for market share. As a result of the pressure, for a brief time SMA moved its manufacturing base to China, but in 2019 made the decision to return to Germany.
SMA has brought reliable inverters to the marketplace for many years.
Once upon a time, SMA Sunny Boy inverters came standard with Wi-Fi capabilities, allowing you to monitor the inverter from any smart device.
On the company website, however, an entire page is dedicated to addressing worrisome supply chain issues. In 2023, SMA states it may be unable to produce certain products and/or will ship them with diminished capabilities – particularly as it concerns the Wi-Fi/communication/monitoring functions on these inverters.
“There are delivery bottlenecks for the WLAN modules used by SMA for products from the HOME and BUSINESS portfolio”
The Sunny Boy 3.0-US/3.8-US/5.0-US/6.0-US/7.0-US/7.7-US are the models most likely to be encountered by Texas solar shoppers.
Based on that news, Texas solar buyers considering SunnyBoy products should definitely be clear if they are purchasing inverters with diminished Wi-Fi/monitoring capabilities. If so, they need to ask if they can, they be upgraded to original specifications as components become available.
Below you can find details and company specification sheets for The Sunny Boy 3.0-US/3.8-US/5.0-US/6.0-US/7.0-US/7.7-US inverter models.
Value-Added Improvements
- SunSpec certified technology for cost-effective module-level shutdown
- Advanced AFCI compliant to UL 16998 for arc fault protection
Reduced Labor
- New Installation Assistant with direct access via smartphone minimizes time in the field
- Advanced communication interface with fewer components creates 50% faster setup and commissioning
Optimized Power Production
- Shadefix, SMA's proprietary shade management solution, produces more power than alternatives
- Reduced component count provides maximum system reliability
Trouble-Free Service
- SMA Service Mobile App provides simplified, expedited field service
- Equipped with SMA Smart Connected, a proactive service solution that is integrated into Sunny Portal
Sunny Boy 3.0-US / 3.8-US/5.0-US/6.0-US/7.0-US/7.7-US
Power with a purpose
The residential PV market is changing rapidly. Your bottom line matters more than ever-so we've designed a superior residential solution to help you decrease costs at every stage of your business operations. The Sunny Boy 3.0-US/3.8- US/5.0-US/6.0-US/7.0-US/7.7-US join the SMA lineup of field-proven solar technology backed by the world's #1 service team. This improved residential solution features ShadeFix, SMA's proprietary technology that optimized system performance. ShadeFix also provides superior power production with a reduced component count versus competitors, which provides maximum reliability. No other optimized solution generates more power or is as easy as systems featuring SMA ShadeFix and SunSpec certified devices. Finally, SMA Smart Connected will automatically detect errors and initiate the repair and replacement process so that installers can reduce service calls and save time and money.
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The SMA Energy System Home
The SMA Energy System Home combines legendary SMA inverter performance and SunSpec certified shutdown devices in one cost-effective, comprehensive package. In addition, SMA ShadeFix technology optimizes power production and provides greater reliability than alternatives.
This rapid shutdown solution fulfills UL 1741, NEC 2014, and NEC 2017 requirements and is certified to the power line-based SunSpec Rapid Shutdown communication signal over DC wires, making it the most simple and cost-effective rapid shutdown solution on the market.
- SMA inverters are factory tested prior to being shipped.
- 40 years of manufacturing inverters.
- ShadeFix technology increases energy production in light to medium shading conditions.
- Monitoring – SMA offers a free inverter monitoring service
- Off-Grid Capability, limited – the only other inverter on the market that can provide off-grid power without a battery is the SMA Sunny Boy. Like the IQ8, the Sunny Boy can supply off-grid power and be paired with a battery, but in its battery-less configuration it can supply a maximum of 2,000 watts, even if your solar panels are generating more. This is a limitation that the IQ8 does not have.
The Stats
SMA Sunny Boy 5kW
| German engineered. Manufactured in China | |
|---|---|
| WARRANTY | 10 years parts & labor |
| MAX EFFICIENCY | 97.0% |
| DIMENSIONS | 435 × 470 × 176 mm |
| MAX INPUT (DC) | 600V |
| MAX POWER (AC) | 5000 VA |
| WEIGHT | 38.5 lbs. |
| OPERATING TEMP | ‒25 °C to +60 °C |
| SOUND PRESSURE | 25 dB(A) |
Which one is best for you
Do you have internet service where the inverter will be installed? If Yes – perhaps an SMA inverter is the best fit for you.
SMA inverters are not equipped with a screen on the unit – in order to monitor the system, you will need to use an app on a smart device.
If you do not have a reliable internet connection with an SMA inverter, you won’t be able to see how your system is performing.
If you do NOT have internet, consider the Fronius inverter.
Fronius inverters are equipped with a screen on the front enabling you to see what the system is producing and other data, simply by looking at the inverter.
The screen can show the following data: output data, grid voltage, output current, grid frequency, solar module voltage, the solar module current etc.
No internet connection is needed.
Is potential shading an issue?
If Yes –consider the SMA Sunny Boy.
The SMA Sunny Boy has built-in ShadeFix Technology to optimize power production in semi shaded conditions.
If trees, buildings or nearby structures cast a shadow on the roof, SMA’s ShadeFix Technology may be your solution.
If shading isn't an issue, Both The SMA Sunny Boy and Fronius Primo inverters may be suitable.
Some other things to consider
- Cost. The SMA Sunny Boy has a slightly lower price point, usually within $150 of the Fronius Primo for 5kW model.
- Size. The Fronius Primo comes in a wider range of sizes (3.0 and 8.2kW) compared to the SMA Sunny Boy, which comes in 3.0 and 6.0 kW.
In the end, it really is a matter of personal preference. Each is a high-quality inverter, capable of a long service life.
If you just want to speak with a person about your questions?
We at Solar Home Review are happy to assist if you have questions about solar batteries, and which appliances are capable of being operated on a given battery configuration. Reach out to Solar Home Review.