SMA has released its new Sunny Island 4548-US and 6048-US off-grid solar inverters for the North American market. Expanding upon the proven technology of the Sunny Island 5048-US, these devices reach a new maximum efficiency of 96 percent and CEC-weighted efficiencies up to 94.5 percent, as well as up to a 20 percent increase in power output for the Sunny Island 6048-US. The Sunny Island 4548-US and 6048-US can be paired with SMA's Multicluster Box, making them ideal for three through 100 kW off-grid PV systems.

“We continually look for ways to advance the performance of off-grid systems,” said Jurgen Krehnke, president and general manager of SMA America and president of SMA Canada. “These new Sunny Island inverters not only offer complete off-grid and back up management, but they also save on diesel costs when utilized as stand-alone power while enabling a wider range of system dimensioning.”

Additional features of the Sunny Island 4548-US and 6048-US include intelligent battery management for maximum battery life, state-of-charge calculation and AC and DC coupling. Applicable for single- and three-phase PV systems, they also offer parallel connection and modular expansion. Their robust surge capability is ideal for starting large loads and their durability is enhanced with SMA’s patented OptiCool™ active temperature management system.

Installers can utilize SMA’s advanced data collection and communication devices such as the Sunny WebBox data logger to help track system performance. Data can be transmitted by cable to the SMA Sunny Portal, the world’s largest Web platform for monitoring, managing and presenting photovoltaic systems.

SMA’s Multicluster Box for the Sunny Island 4548-US and 6048-US is the ideal solution for the easy installation of island and hybrid systems up to 100 kW. It allows two, three or four three-phase clusters, each consisting of three Sunny Island inverters, to be connected in parallel. Pre-wired and equipped with a main connection for PV or wind energy systems, the Multicluster Box includes all communication cables necessary for installation.

About SMA
The SMA Group generated sales of €1.7 billion in 2011 and is the global market leader for solar inverters, a key component of all PV plants. It is headquartered in Niestetal, near Kassel, Germany, and is represented in 20 countries on four continents. The Group employs more than 5,500 people worldwide, plus a number of temporary employees that varies on a seasonal basis. SMA’s broad product portfolio includes a compatible inverter for every type of module on the market and for all PV plant sizes. The product range includes inverters both for grid-connected PV plants and for off-grid systems. SMA can therefore provide an ideal inverter solution for all plant sizes and types. 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 also in the TecDAX index. In recent years, SMA has received numerous awards for excellence as an employer and in 2011 and 2012 achieved first place in Germany’s nationwide Great Place to Work® competition. www.SMA-America.com/www.SMA-Canada.ca

"We continually look for ways to advance the performance of off-grid systems," said Jurgen Krehnke, president and general manager of SMA America and president of SMA Canada. "These new Sunny Island inverters not only offer complete off-grid and back up management, but they also save on diesel costs when utilized as stand-alone power while enabling a wider range of system dimensioning."