Who is SMA Solar?
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.
