Interview

SALES HEAD HOME & COMMERCIAL BUSINESS | SMA SOLAR INDIA PVT. LTD.

MR. ABHIJEET MORE

Q. Please tell us why one should choose SMA India in this competitive landscape of renewables, what gives an edge to your brand!

Choosing SMA India in the competitive landscape of renewables means partnering with a brand that combines global expertise with deep local understanding. Here’s why SMA India stands out:

Proven Track Record: SMA has over 40 years of global experience in solar technology, and SMA India leverages this vast knowledge to deliver reliable and innovative solutions tailored to the Indian market.

Advanced Technology: SMA is known for its cuttingedge technology, including high-efficiency inverters, intelligent energy management systems, and robust energy storage solutions. These innovations ensure optimal performance, longevity, and return on investment for customers.

Local Expertise and Support: SMA India offers unparalleled local support, with a dedicated team of experts who understand the unique challenges and opportunities of the Indian renewable energy market. This ensures faster response times and solutions that are perfectly suited to local conditions.

Sustainability Commitment: SMA is deeply committed to sustainability, both in its operations and in the solutions it provides. Choosing SMA means contributing to a cleaner, greener future, aligning with global and national goals for reducing carbon emissions.

Comprehensive Service Portfolio: Beyond providing world-class products, SMA India offers a comprehensive range of services, including system design, technical support, and after-sales service. This end-to-end approach ensures that customers receive the best possible experience and outcomes.

Strong Partnerships: SMA India has established strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government bodies, IPPs, and EPC contractors. These partnerships enhance the company’s ability to deliver large-scale projects efficiently and effectively. In essence, SMA India offers a unique blend of global innovation, local expertise, and unwavering commitment to sustainability, making it the preferred choice for anyone looking to invest in the future of renewable energy.

 

Q. What is the current manufacturing capacity of and how is it going to expand in the upcoming five years?

As of 2023, SMA Solar Technology AG has an annual manufacturing capacity of 21 GW at its production site in Niestetal, Germany. To support the growing global demand for renewable energy solutions, SMA is actively expanding its manufacturing capacity. In the next five years, SMA plans to significantly enhance its production capabilities. The most notable expansion is the construction of the new GIGAWATT FACTORY, which is expected to double the company’s production capacity to 40 GW. This factory, which began construction in April 2023, is set to become operational by 2025 and will serve as a key hub for producing innovative system solutions for large-scale PV power plants. These expansions reflect SMA’s commitment to scaling up its operations to meet the increasing demand for renewable energy solutions and to support the global energy transition.

 

Q. Please take us through the unique specifications and innovative services of your brand like - The New Sunny Tripower CORE2, Sunny High Power PEAK3, & SMA SafeSolar!

Here’s an overview of the unique specifications and innovative services of some of SMA’s flagship products:

1.Sunny Tripower CORE2 The Sunny Tripower CORE2 is a powerful, flexible, and easy-to-install string inverter designed for large commercial and industrial PV systems.

Unique Specifications:

High Efficiency: The CORE2 delivers up to 110 kW of output power with maximum efficiency, making it one of the most powerful inverters in its class.

24 Strings for Maximum Flexibility: It features24 string inputs, allowing for a high degree of flexibility in system design and ensuring optimal energy yields even in challenging conditions.

Integrated System Solutions: The CORE2 is equipped with an integrated System Manager and supports advanced grid management services. It’s also compatible with SMA’s ennexOS, a crosssector energy management platform.

Enhanced Safety: The inverter includes comprehensive safety features such as Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI) ensuring high safety standards.

Innovative Services: SMA ShadeFix: This intelligent inverter software optimizes power output in partially shaded systems without the need for additional hardware.

SMA Smart Connected: A proactive monitoring service that automatically detects and diagnoses faults, minimizing downtime and ensuring maximum system availability.

2.Sunny Highpower PEAK The Sunny Highpower PEAK3 is a high-performance inverter designed for large-scale PV power plants, offering maximum energy yields and flexibility in system design.

Unique Specifications: Scalable Design: The PEAK3 inverter is highly scalable, with a modular design that allows for easy expansion of PV power plants.

High Power Density: It delivers up to 150 kW of power in a compact design, making it ideal for largescale projects where space efficiency is crucial.

Integrated DC Combiner: The PEAK3 comes with an integrated DC combiner, reducing the need for external combiner boxes and simplifying system design and installation.

Grid Support Capabilities: It offers advanced grid support functions such as reactive power control, voltage support, and grid-forming capabilities, ensuring reliable operation in diverse grid environments.

Innovative Services:

SMA Power Plant Manager: This service provides centralized monitoring, control, and data analysis for large-scale PV plants, optimizing performance and ensuring compliance with grid requirements.

SMA Repowering Solutions: The PEAK3 is part of SMA’s comprehensive repowering solutions, enabling the modernization of existing PV systems to increase efficiency and extend their lifespan.

These SMA Energy Solutions and services demonstrate SMA’s commitment to innovation, safety, and efficiency, ensuring that customers receive the highest quality and most reliable solutions in the renewable energy industry.

 

Q. Can you please shed some light on some of the major milestones of SMA India in the last 5 years?

Expansion of Local Operations and Support Establishment of a Dedicated Service Center:

SMA India expanded its local operations by establishing a dedicated service center to provide faster and more efficient support to its customers. This move enhanced the company’s ability to offer comprehensive after-sales service and technical support, solidifying its presence in the Indian market.

Strengthening of Human Resources and Talent Development Establishment of the Global Competence Center:

In 2023, SMA established the Global Competence Center in Bangalore, focusing on engineering services, particularly in grid stability solutions. This center has become a hub for global expertise and knowledge sharing, supporting the development of innovative solutions for renewable energy challenges.

Enhanced Training Programs: SMA India launched several training and development programs aimed at upskilling its workforce and partners, ensuring that they are equipped with the latest knowledge and expertise in solar technology and energy management from the SMA Solar Academy based out in Thane.

Sustainability Initiatives: Commitment to Sustainability: Over the past five years, SMA India has deepened its commitment to sustainability, both in its operations and through its products. The company has actively contributed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy solutions, aligning with India’s renewable energy goals.

Deployment of the Commercial and LargeScale Solution: SMA India successfully launched the Sunny Tripower CORE2 inverters, catering to the commercial and industrial segments. These solutions have been widely adopted across various sectors, contributing to the rapid growth of solar energy adoption in India.

 

Q. How India’s Renewable Energy sector can unlock the era to net zero emissions? 

India’s renewable energy sector can unlock the era of net zero emissions by rapidly scaling up solar power, investing in energy storage, modernizing the grid, and enhancing energy efficiency. Supportive policies, financial incentives, and green financing will attract investments, while promoting clean energy technologies will decarbonize key sectors. Public awareness, skill development, and international collaboration are also crucial in driving the transition to a low-carbon economy and achieving net zero emissions.

 

Q. What is the core philosophy of SMA group and please tell us more about the ‘’Sharing Knowledge. Creating the future” theme of SMA’s solar portfolio?

The core philosophy of the SMA Group is centered around sustainability, innovation, and customercentricity. SMA is committed to pioneering renewable energy solutions that empower people and businesses to generate, manage, and use energy sustainably. The company believes in driving the global energy transition through cuttingedge technology, reliable products, and a deep commitment to environmental responsibility. SMA’s approach is rooted in creating long-term value for its customers, partners, and the planet, ensuring a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. “Sharing Knowledge. Creating the Future.” Theme The theme “Sharing Knowledge. Creating the Future.” reflects SMA’s commitment to fostering collaboration, innovation, and education within the renewable energy sector. SMA believes that by sharing expertise and knowledge, it can help drive the development of more advanced, efficient, and sustainable solar solutions. This theme emphasizes the importance of collective efforts in overcoming challenges in the energy industry and shaping a future where renewable energy is the primary source of power.

Collaborative Innovation: SMA works closely with its partners, customers, and stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that meet the evolving needs of the energy market. This collaboration ensures that the latest technological advancements are shared and implemented across the industry.

Education and Empowerment: SMA is dedicated to educating its customers and partners about the benefits and best practices of renewable energy. Through training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing initiatives, SMA empowers others to contribute to the global energy transition.

Future-Oriented Solutions: The focus on creating the future highlights SMA’s commitment to developing forward-looking technologies that not only meet today’s energy needs but also anticipate and address the challenges of tomorrow. SMA’s solar portfolio is designed to be flexible, scalable, and sustainable, ensuring that it remains relevant and valuable as the energy landscape evolves. In essence, the theme “Sharing Knowledge. Creating the Future.” encapsulates SMA’s vision of leading the way in the renewable energy sector through collaboration, education, and innovation, with the ultimate goal of creating a sustainable energy future for all