With Integrated Storage: SMA Launches the Sunny Boy Smart Energy

SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA) launches the new Sunny Boy Smart Energy in Germany. The first wall-mountable, mass-produced PV inverter with an integrated lithium-ion battery is now available for delivery. This new product was awarded the Product Innovation Prize at Intersolar 2013 and is currently the simplest storage solution available for typical residential PV applications. It can also be used as part of the SMA Integrated Storage System Solution.

Using solar electricity even longer 

With the Sunny Boy Smart Energy, owner-operators can now use solar power even after sunset. The integrated battery has a capacity of approximately 2 kWh and this enables generated PV electricity that is not needed in the home to be stored for later use. This increases self-consumption, which makes a positive contribution to the environment and great sense financially, and therefore creates independence from rising electricity prices. “When combined with the Sunny Home Manager, self-sufficiency quotas of 50% are common on an annual average basis," said Product Manager Thomas Thierschmidt. 

Optimised battery capacity 

The VDE-certified lithium-ion battery integrated in the Sunny Boy Smart Energy has an effective, application-oriented capacity of approximately 2 kWh. This value is crucial because it enables ideal economical operation of the battery. Because the increase in self-consumption levels off with increasing storage capacity, the battery utilisation factor decreases. In addition, the battery allows for virtually all generated PV energy to be used, even with active power limitation. “Our long-standing expertise in storage systems shows us time and again that the small storage battery is not only extremely viable but also affordable,” said Thierschmidt. 

A core component in the SMA Integrated Storage System 

The Sunny Boy Smart Energy, which is available in power ranges of 3.6 kW and 5 kW, is one of the core components of the SMA Integrated Storage System alongside the Sunny Home Manager. As the first wall-mountable, mass-produced PV inverter with an integrated lithium-ion battery, this new product was awarded the Product Innovation Prize at Intersolar 2013 and is currently the simplest storage solution available for typical residential PV applications. 

For greater independence, for the success of the energy transition 

The Sunny Boy Smart Energy fosters greater independence in the scope of the intelligent energy management of SMA Smart Home. It is also perfectly designed to help fuel the energy transition, due to its storage function. “The future Smart Grid for the decentralised and renewable electricity supply must rely on electrical storage systems. To be able to establish a system-appropriate storage capacity within the utility grid capacity, an easy-to-install and affordable product is needed. In this respect, the Sunny Boy Smart Energy supports the energy transition unlike any other device,” said Thierschmidt.