- SMA Solar Technology has announced a major expansion of its offering for large-scale battery energy storage and photovoltaic (PV) projects with the launch of its new 40-foot Medium Voltage Power Station (MVPS-9200).
- The turnkey system integrates two high-performance inverters, two transformers and a medium-voltage switchgear into a single compact “skidtainer”, providing EPCs and project developers with double the power output in one unit.
Developed in partnership with Italian firm CEP, which brings additional medium-voltage expertise, the MVPS-9200 is designed to streamline planning, installation and long-term operation.
“Our new 40ft Medium Voltage Power Station brings together advanced engineering, proven inverter technology, and streamlined logistics,” said Florian Bechtold, Executive Vice President for SMA’s Large-Scale Business Division. “It will enable our customers to implement their projects faster and more economically.”
The new system supports 1500 VDC operation for both PV plants and battery energy storage systems (BESS). Its redundant design is intended to boost system availability, reduce operating expenditure and help stabilise long-term revenue. Sunny Central UP inverters are deployed for solar applications, while Sunny Central Storage UP or UP-S inverters serve BESS projects. When equipped with SiC MOSFET technology, the UP-S model further minimises energy losses and lowers long-term OPEX.
Available in power classes from MVPS-5860 to MVPS-9200, the 40ft station offers multiple benefits, including reduced installation effort, simplified maintenance and compatibility with modern 5+ MWh BESS containers in both two- and four-hour configurations.
SMA says the solution builds on global experience with its 20-foot MVPS designs, offering a scalable, cost-efficient option for future-proof plant development.
Altenso launches African subsidiary to support regional clean energy growth
In a parallel development, SMA Altenso, a subsidiary of SMA Technology AG, has strengthened its international presence with the establishment of Altenso Africa (Pty) Ltd. in South Africa. The move forms part of the company’s wider strategy to expand its large-scale energy solutions across Sub-Saharan Africa.
Altenso specialises in utility-scale system integration, including BESS and green hydrogen technologies. Leveraging more than four decades of SMA inverter expertise, the company has already delivered or is executing over 1.5 GW of energy storage capacity and more than 1 GW of hydrogen-related power projects globally. It also develops and trades clean-energy assets within Europe.
From its new African base, Altenso plans to support industrial and utility-scale clean-energy initiatives, offering system integration, project development and bespoke solutions for markets affected by grid instability and surging electricity demand.
“Altenso Africa marks a key milestone in the Altenso journey, paving the way for further growth in our BESS and hydrogen businesses,” said Managing Directors Burkhard Söhngen and Dr-Ing Enrique Garralaga. “We are excited to collaborate with local partners and actively contribute to a sustainable energy future in these regions.”
The company intends to prioritise battery storage deployment and the piloting of advanced grid-support technologies, including grid-forming capabilities, inertia provision and black-start functionality.
For more information on the MVPS-9200, visit the SMA product page.
Author: Bryan Groenendaal
