Founded in 1981 by Werner Kleinkauf, Günther Cramer, Peter Drews, and Reiner Wettlaufer, SMA Solar Technology AG (originally System, Mess and Anlagentechnik) began as a spin-off from the University of Kassel in Germany.

Initially focused on railway engineering and industrial computers, SMA shifted its focus to solar energy in the early 2000s, rebranding itself as SMA Solar Technology AG in 2008 to emphasise its commitment to solar technology.

It has consistently been a big player in the solar inverter market since the boom of residential solar PV systems in the UK, with consistent sales and growth across the 2010s and into the 2020s. They were the largest inverter manufacturer by revenue in 2016, with a 20% leading market share. However in 2024, they saw a significant drop in residential sales compared to 2023, with an approximate 65% decrease, and the sixth largest firm in the world, according to Wood Mackenzie.

However, in an ever-growing competitive market, SMA have struggled to retain their lead, even with their inverter quality never diminishing. Their lack of development within the hybrid inverter production may be one reason for this recent decline in market standing.

They announced in September 2024 they were planning a company-wide restructure, cutting up to 1,100 jobs and looking to reduce costs by between $158 million - $210 million. SMA said the decline was due to lower sales and price levels.

Their solar inverter, the SMA Sunny Boy, was a favourite in the UK residential market, as a preferred inverter for solar installers, with their reputation for long lifespans of over 10 years. Their distinctive red covers were seen in many households during the upsurge of residential solar installations over the last 10-12 years.

SMA Sunny Boy models:

• SMA Sunny Boy 3000TL

• SMASunny Boy 3600TL

• SMA Sunny Boy 4000TL

• SMA Sunny Boy 5000TL

• SMA Sunny Boy 1.5

• SMA Sunny Boy 2.5

• SMA Sunny Boy 3.0-1AV-41

• SMA Sunny Boy 3.6-1AV-41

• SMA Sunny Boy 4.0-1AV-41

• SMA Sunny Boy 5.0-1AV-41

SMA Sunny Boy Error Codes:

Some common error codes include:

• 101, 102, 103 - the mains voltage is too high

• 202, 203, 204, 205 - the mains voltage is too low

• 301 - the mains voltage is too high

• 401, 402, 403, 404 - fluctuations in the grid connection

• 501 - fluctuations in the mains frequency (alternating current or AC)

• 601 - high proportion of direct current (DC) and has disconnected from the grid

• 701 - fluctuations in the mains frequency (alternating current or AC)

• 801 - failure in the fuse / general power failure

• 901 - error in the grounding conductor

• 3301, 3302, 3303 - not enough power at the DC input - can be caused by snow or insufficient sunlight

• 3401, 3402 - DC input voltage is too high

• 3501 - detection of an earth fault in the PV array and has disconnected

• 3601 - leakage in the current is too high due to an earth fault or device malfunction

• 6001 - 6438 - there is an internal device fault

• 6501, 6502 - the inverter has overheated internally

• 6603, 6604 - the inverter has detected an internal overload

• 6701, 6702 - the inverter has detected a fault in the internal communication but will continue feeding into the electricity grid

• 7001, 7002 - a temperature sensor in the inverter is faulty

• 7508 - the fan is clogged or defective and may reduce power output due to overheating, but will continue feeding into the electricity grid

• 7701, 7702, 7703 - internal device fault

What do I do if I have an error code?

SMA Sunny Boy Inverters come with a standard five-year warranty with an option to extend. If you purchased your SMA Sunny Boy Inverter before 2019, you most likely will be out of warranty. This means if there is any defect or malfunction as a result of the error code that requires further repair work or replacement of parts, you will have to cover the cost yourself.

If you have an older model of the SMA Sunny Boy, this will be more difficult to repair, as replacement parts will not be easy to source. The older an inverter gets, the more the components will be subject to degradation and wear.

Should I look at a replacement inverter instead?

From a cost-benefit perspective, replacing your inverter may be the best solution. According to a report from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), between 2010 and 2019, the cost of Solar Photovoltaic Systems dropped globally by 82%. The cost of sourcing spare parts and additional labour costs may add up to more than the cost and installation of a new solar inverter, not to mention the additional time your solar system isn't generating power.

Another benefit of an inverter replacement is the advance in the technology, with inverters now including features such as online monitoring, and the ability to combine with power optimisers, allowing each panel’s power to be regulated. This allows panels, even in shaded areas, to achieve maximum power.

Which replacement inverter should I choose?

There is an array of different solar inverter manufacturers today, providing equipment to the UK solar customer. Some of these include;

• GivEnergy

• SolarEdge

• Enphase

• Solis

• Fronius

Which inverter you choose is dependent on your current solar PV system and your electrical consumption habits. Atlantic Renewables will provide expert advice to ensure the most appropriate inverter is supplied to suit your system specifications and budget.

Atlantic Renewables has supplied solar systems, inverter maintenance and inverter replacement services since 2011. We can advise which inverter would be the most beneficial for you based on your existing array, your budget, and your current electrical consumption habits, giving you peace of mind that you have made the right choice.

We supply and install a range of different manufacturers, models and capacities, ensuring you get the perfect inverter replacement, and that your solar system is back up and running at maximum efficiency.

Get in touch with Atlantic Renewables today on 0161 207 4044 and receive expert advice on your existing system, and what the next steps should be for your inverter.

Samil Power Co., Ltd. is a subsidiary of the Samil Group, which was founded in Korea in 1992. Initially focusing on variable speed drives and lift controllers, the company expanded into the solar inverter market in 2008. The Samil Group has a strong history in manufacturing variable speed drivers and lift controllers.

Specialising in research and development, production, sales, marketing, and service, Samil Power rapidly emerged as a global leader in the solar inverter industry. At their peak, they employed a workforce of over 700 employees worldwide and the company offered a comprehensive product portfolio catering to diverse solar power applications.

ABB is a Swiss-Swedish multinational corporation that has been a significant player in the energy sector since the 20th century.

ABB's roots trace back to the merger of two electrical equipment manufacturers, Allmänna Svenska Elektriska Aktiebolaget (Asea) from Sweden and Brown, Boveri & Cie (BBC) from Switzerland in 1988. Whilst it was mainly focused on the robotics industry in the 1990s, ABB turned to renewable energy in the 2000s after selling its boiler and fossil fuel operations.

As the world shifts towards sustainable energy sources, the UK has been at the forefront of implementing policies and incentives to encourage renewable energy adoption. With the election in July bringing in a new government, the future of renewable energy in the country is still being determined. The Department of Energy Security and Net Zero have appointed leading industry and academic experts to their Clean Power 2030 Advisory Commission to accelerate their mission for clean power by 2030. They have also assembled a ‘solar taskforce’ to boost solar energy’s role in the clean power mission, with a new solar roadmap set for release soon.

Congratulations on buying a property with an installed Solar PV system! This installation means you can harness the power of the sun to generate a portion of your electricity. Embracing solar energy not only helps you reduce your carbon footprint but also saves you money in the long run.

Solar energy guarantees you lower electricity bills than you pay now, or even no cost at all. And you always have the opportunity to sell any unused electricity to the Grid to earn money back from your system.

Below we will guide you through how solar PV works, how your system will function and how you can benefit.

Birds can be a significant nuisance for homeowners with solar panels. Not only can they leave unsightly droppings on your roof and panels, but their nesting materials and activities can also damage your system.

Pigeons can damage the exterior and interior of solar panels, including the surface and wiring. Pigeon droppings or ‘guano’, contain high levels of acidity and ammonia that can erode wires and damage the surface of solar panels. This can lead to reduced efficiency, increased maintenance costs, and even potential safety hazards such as damaged or corroded cables and/or wiring connections, which can lead to short circuits or total electrical failure.

The energy price cap in the UK is set to increase by 10% from 1 October 2024, resulting in higher annual bills for households. This means that the average dual-fuel household paying by direct debit can expect to see their bills rise to an average price of £1,717 per year. The Price Cap applies to ‘default’ tariffs, or standard variable tariffs (SVT’s), which is around 85% of households due to the recent energy crisis.

The UK government’s Laying Hen Housing for Health and Welfare Grant Round 1 was released in June, and has introduced a significant opportunity for poultry farmers to enhance sustainability and profitability through solar power integration. By offering financial incentives for upgrading hen housing, the scheme is not only promoting animal welfare but also accelerating the adoption of renewable energy within the agricultural sector.

‘Agrivoltaic’ systems have proven to be a viable and efficient method of land utilisation, successfully integrating food production and energy generation. These systems have demonstrated the potential to increase land productivity by 35-73%.

As the world increasingly shifts towards sustainable solutions for energy consumption, solar energy stands out as a leading option for homeowners and businesses alike. In Macclesfield, the adoption of a solar panel installation not only promotes energy efficiency but also offers significant cost savings. Surrounded by picturesque countryside and the Peak District, it's no wonder Macclesfield residents want to contribute to a cleaner and green environment.

According to MCS data, solar panel installations doubled in the Macclesfield area between 2020 and 2022, and they have only risen since. Environmental groups in the area such as Macctastic, a group of volunteers interested in sustainability and transition to a low-carbon economy in Macclesfield. Let's explore the benefits of solar installation in this charming market town and how it contributes to a greener future.