SMA Australia launches inverter for large-scale power systems

SMA Australia has showcased its latest addition to the battery energy storage system (BESS) market — the Sunny Central Storage UP-S battery inverter — at this year’s All Energy Australia event. The launch is exclusive to Australia, with the product likely to be available in other countries in the first quarter of 2025.

Designed for large-scale power plants, the battery inverter offers enhanced power efficiency, longer system life and increased profitability, according to the company.

“The Sunny Central Storage UP-S is a true game changer for large-scale power systems,” said John Alexander, SMA Australia Vice-President Large-Scale.

“It eliminates the trade-off between energy arbitrage and grid-forming services, allowing operators to fully capitalise on both opportunities without compromising system reliability or efficiency. Importantly, the Sunny Central Storage UP-S achieves this with greater capital efficiency.”

SMA Australia highlighted the product’s advanced SiC MOSFET semiconductor stack, which it said delivers superior power conversion efficiency, reduced thermal loads and the ability to operate at full capacity even during grid-forming operations. These innovations translate to higher power output and increased profitability for developers and power plant operators, while also minimising infrastructure and maintenance costs, the company said.

Designed with advanced grid forming capability, the Sunny Central Storage UP-S provides capability in inverter-based inertia and improved short-circuit ratios, supporting reliable power delivery even during critical disturbances. Its black start capability allows for decentralised grid restoration, offering a rapid response to outages and safeguarding the energy supply.

With ancillary services support — including frequency and voltage regulation — the inverter helps maintain grid stability while generating additional revenue streams for operators. It also supports islanded operation, allowing the system to function independently from the main grid — a feature that suits critical infrastructure and remote areas.

“At SMA Australia, our focus is on developing technology that not only meets current market demands but also anticipates future needs,” Alexander said.

“The Sunny Central Storage UP-S, with its unprecedented efficiency, reliability and profitability, truly represents the next step in grid stability and energy storage innovation.”

The launch of the Sunny Central Storage UP-S coincided with the news that SMA has achieved ISO 27001 certification for its Sunny Portal PV system monitor. ISO 27001 is the leading international standard dedicated to information security; the company’s successful certification is the result of an extensive evaluation process in which all aspects of SMA’s information security management were assessed by external auditors.

With inverters playing an integral role in any PV system, the technology has become a target for hackers worldwide. By achieving ISO certification, SMA has demonstrated robust protection against potentially devastating cyberthreats.

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