If there is one thing we are certain of when it comes to the future of energy, it is that the quest for energy independence has never been so evident. This is because the cost of electricity is increasingly expensive, and many countries are also facing instability in their networks. This is where greater possibilities arise for the generation of clean energy, with good storage and intelligent use. That is why we are constantly seeing new developments in this sector, and the latest invention is in the solar energy sector.
Solar energy and its challenges
Currently, the main challenge with solar energy is how to control, store, and use this energy efficiently. To better understand this, let’s look at a practical example: in many residential systems, the excess energy generated ends up being returned to the power grid, and the consumer is then left dependent on an external supply at night or on cloudy days. In other words, your home produces energy, but still faces difficulties such as being vulnerable to blackouts and cost variations.
Another current challenge is in storage systems, because many batteries are still expensive, complex to install, or have a short lifespan. And even with advanced technologies, the combination of solar generation, storage, and consumption management requires several pieces of equipment, interfaces, and professionals – in other words, it is a laborious, difficult, and expensive process.
This is where integrated solutions come into play, because they will allow us to capture the maximum amount of available solar energy with a single piece of equipment, store it intelligently, and ensure the home operates even without a power grid. And there is already a company doing this: we are talking about SMA.
The invention that changes our solar energy generation
In 2023, during Intersolar South America, the German company SMA launched the Sunny Boy Smart Energy in Brazil, which is nothing more than a single-phase hybrid inverter created to offer greater residential energy autonomy for those who are invested in solar energy (it seems that we are in a new era of solar energy). Let’s understand why this equipment is different:
- It integrates two MPP trackers, which optimize generation even on partially shaded roofs.
- It has its technology called ShadeFix, which maximizes the use of sunlight in somewhat difficult conditions.
- It also has a low starting voltage, allowing the system to start operating earlier and until later in the day.
However, even with these innovative features, what stands out the most in all of this are the power backup features and compatibility with high-voltage batteries. What does this mean? If there is a power outage in your home, the inverter can keep your home running normally, because its fast charging capability ensures that the battery is always ready for use. And that’s not all; installation is also much easier, it was designed to make life easier for professionals and end users, who will be able to monitor everything via the SMA Energy App.
New scenarios for solar energy
What SMA has done goes far beyond this new inverter, because the company arrived at the event with a full menu of options, which includes everything from chargers for electric vehicles, storage systems, and even commercial solutions. According to SMA:
“Software is increasingly gaining prominence in the industry. And proof of this are the four SMA apps that will be featured at the stand. They are the SMA Energy App, SMA Sunny Design, SMA SunnyPortal and, the latest of all, the MVPS 3D app.”
That’s right, solar energy is reinventing itself more and more. In addition to this inverter, a new creation allows you some measure of free and unlimited energy wherever you go. As the world develops innovative clean power devices, it’s expected that costs will drop as well. Devices such as this go a long way towards making this possible.
