SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA) is now the first manufacturer to publish the efficiency data for storage systems with SMA components on the basis of energy efficiency guidelines for PV storage systems.
“We are the first manufacturer of photovoltaics and battery inverters to take this step. The measurements have been carried out by an independent testing laboratory,” said Martin Rothert, head of the Residential & Commercial product group in the Off-Grid & Storage business unit at SMA. “It is particularly important to us that precise statements about the actual efficiency of storage systems can be made beforehand. Installers and end users can compare different systems equally only when other system providers also publish this data. Thus, we would very much welcome it if other manufacturers were to follow our example,” said Rothert. “There are enormous variations in the efficiency of different systems. Projections for the next 20 years suggest that through this, users can save up to €5,000 if they use the system that is most efficient for their application. Transparency is therefore an absolute necessity.”
“With the publication of efficiency data, SMA is the first manufacturer to follow through on its voluntary commitment to make measurement results carried out in accordance with efficiency guidelines accessible to the public,” said Urban Windelen from the Bundesverband Energiespeicher (BVES). “We assume that other companies will shortly be taking this welcome step by publishing efficiency data and, in doing so, providing more transparency for customers, planners, and installers. The BVES is calling for tests on storage systems in accordance with efficiency guidelines to become the rule.”
Background to Efficiency Guidelines for PV Storage Systems
The guidelines describe the testing procedure for characterizing the efficiency, standby consumption and regulation efficiency of stationary battery storage systems and are intended to increase transparency in the market for energy storage. The Bundesverband Energiespeicher (BVES) has taken on this goal together with the German Solar Industry Association (BSW-Solar) and a series of manufacturers and testing and research institutes and has established efficiency guidelines for PV storage systems within the space of nine months.