SMA introduces a new solution for hybrid power plants. Solar PV, energy storage systems, and grid support in one integrated system

The growing number of renewable energy installations is creating new challenges for grid operators and investors. Increasingly, it is no longer just about generating solar power, but also about storing it, managing it flexibly, and ensuring stable operation of the power system. SMA Solar Technology AG is addressing these needs with its latest solution, which combines PV installations, energy storage systems, and grid-forming functions in a single platform designed for utility-scale projects.

Hybrid power plants are gaining importance

In recent years, investors developing solar farms have increasingly opted to integrate energy storage systems. The reason is simple: they allow better use of generated energy, reduce losses caused by grid congestion, and improve project profitability.

SMA argues that the next step is to combine these elements with technologies that support grid stability. This is the purpose of the new Stability Enhanced DC Coupled Hybrid Solution, designed for next-generation hybrid power plants.

“With the new Stability Enhanced DC Coupled Hybrid Solution, we enable our customers to deliver more resilient, efficient, future-proof, and bankable projects. As market requirements evolve, hybrid solutions are becoming key to ensuring long-term profitability and stable revenues,” says Florian Bechtold, Executive Vice President Large Scale & Project Solutions at SMA.

Less loss, higher efficiency

The new solution uses a DC-coupled architecture, which enables direct cooperation between the photovoltaic installation and the energy storage system on the DC side.

This approach reduces the number of energy conversion steps, thereby lowering losses and increasing overall system efficiency. Energy produced by the PV plant can be sent more quickly into storage and used when it is most needed or when market prices are highest.

For investors, this means better utilization of energy that might otherwise be curtailed by the grid operator under so-called curtailment conditions.

SiC MOSFET technology enables up to 99.5% efficiency

One of the most important elements of the new platform is the use of silicon carbide (SiC MOSFET) semiconductors. This technology is implemented both in the Sunny Central Storage UP-S battery inverter and the Sunny Central FLEX DCDC Skid unit.

According to the manufacturer, this technology enables conversion efficiency of up to 99.5%, while also reducing thermal stress on devices and improving performance during grid disturbances.

In practice, this translates into higher energy efficiency and greater overall system reliability.

Grid-forming becomes crucial for the energy transition

A key feature of the new solution is its grid-forming capability. These technologies allow renewable energy sources to actively support the power system.

The SMA system can provide synthetic inertia, fast frequency support, dynamic regulation of grid parameters, and voltage control during transient conditions.

The importance of such functions will grow as the share of renewables in the energy mix increases. In many European countries, grid operators already expect new installations to actively support grid stability.

Intelligent power plant management

The coordination of all components is handled by the SMA Power Plant Manager platform. It manages the interaction between the solar farm and the energy storage system, adapting operation to grid conditions and market signals.

The solution is also supported by SMA engineering services covering planning, modelling, and grid integration. The manufacturer emphasizes that this helps simplify plant design and improve long-term profitability.

“With the new solution, we enable our customers to implement more resilient, efficient, and future-oriented projects. As the energy market evolves, hybrid systems are becoming a key element in building stable revenue streams and increasing investment value,” says Florian Bechtold, Executive Vice President Large Scale & Project Solutions at SMA.

Poland included in next rollout phase

Requests for offers for the new solution are expected to start at the end of July 2026. In the first phase, the system will be available in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Australia.

SMA also plans to gradually expand its offering to other European markets. Poland is among the countries expected to receive the solution in later stages.

The platform is being launched at Intersolar Europe 2026, where energy storage systems and hybrid power plants are among the key topics of this year’s event.