SMA Solar Technology AG—press release SMA holds more than 1,500 patents – protection of intellectual property is becoming increasingly important Niestetal, February 20, 2020 – For almost 40 years, SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA) has been developing innovative technologies that make a crucial contribution to promoting the global expansion of photovoltaics and the transition to a safe, sustainable and cost-effective supply based on renewable energies. More than 1,500 patents and utility models granted worldwide and some 450 pending patent applications are testament to the company’s strong innovative prowess. In a field where competition is fierce, it is becoming increasingly important to innovative companies like SMA to protect their intellectual property. “SMA was recently granted its 1,500th patent,” said SMA CEO Jürgen Reinert. “This underlines our leading position among innovators of photovoltaic system technology. None of our competitors holds anywhere near as many patents in this field as we do. Our innovative strength is a major factor behind SMA’s success. Unfortunately, in the highly competitive environment of our industry, it is becoming increasingly common for competitors to use our patent-protected technology unlawfully. Any infringement of patent rights is theft of intellectual property and thus a serious breach of the rules of fair competition. We do, of course, take measures to protect ourselves through highly professional and effective intellectual property management. SMA is also continuously investing in new innovations, with annual research and development expenses exceeding €60 million.” SMA has so far won all legal proceedings In order to protect the company's intellectual property, SMA does not shy away from lengthy legal disputes. In addition to patent infringements by competitors, attempts by patent exploiters to assert unjustified claims against SMA are gaining in importance. To date, SMA has won all legal disputes both with competitors and with patent exploiters. The most recent cases include patent infringement proceedings against a competitor, in which SMA was granted full rights in the first instance by the Düsseldorf Regional Court in December, as well as two cases against patent exploiters before the Federal Patent Court and in the USA, which were both decided in favor of SMA in January. About SMA As a leading global specialist in photovoltaic system technology, the SMA Group is setting the standards today for the decentralized and renewable energy supply of tomorrow. SMA’s portfolio contains a wide range of efficient PV inverters, holistic system solutions for PV systems of all power classes, intelligent energy management systems and battery-storage solutions as well as complete solutions for PV diesel hybrid applications. Digital energy services as well as extensive services up to and including operation and maintenance services for PV power plants round off SMA’s range. SMA inverters with a total output of around 85 gigawatts have been installed in more than 190 countries worldwide. SMA’s multi-award-winning technology is protected by more than 1,500 patents and utility models. 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 is listed in the SDAX index. SMA Solar Technology AG Sonnenallee 1 34266 Niestetal Germany Head of Corporate Communications: Anja Jasper Tel. +49 561 9522-2805 Presse@SMA.de Press Contact: Susanne Henkel Manager Corporate Press Tel. +49 561 9522-1124 Presse@SMA.de Disclaimer: This press release serves only as information and does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for, acquire, hold or sell any securities of SMA Solar Technology AG (the “Company”) or any present or future subsidiary of the Company (together with the Company, the “SMA Group”) nor should it form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any contract to purchase or subscribe for any securities in the Company or any member of the SMA Group or commitment whatsoever. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended. This press release can contain future-oriented statements. Future-oriented statements are statements which do not describe facts of the past. They also include statements about our assumptions and expectations. These statements are based on plans, estimations and forecasts which the Managing Board of SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA or company) has available at this time. Future-oriented statements are therefore only valid on the day on which they are made. Future-oriented statements by nature contain risks and elements of uncertainty. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors can lead to considerable differences between the actual results, the financial position, the development or the performance of the corporation and the estimates given here. These factors include those which SMA has discussed in published reports. These reports are available on the SMA website at www.SMA.de. The company accepts no obligation whatsoever to update these future-oriented statements or to adjust them to future events or developments.