SMA Sunny Boy 1.5 (SB1.5-1VL-40)1.5kW single-phase string inverter, 1 MPPT

Overview

The SB1.5-1VL-40 is the smallest Sunny Boy: 1500W single-phase output from a PV string of up to 3000Wp, tracked between 160 and 500V. Rated output current is 6.5A (7A max.), and it reaches 97.2% maximum efficiency. At 9.2kg it is easy to wall-mount, and SMA positions the 1.5–2.5 range for small PV systems with a single string. Monitoring and SMA Smart Connected are available through Sunny Portal.

• 1500, 2000 and 2500W single-phase
• One MPP tracker, 80V start-up, 600V max.
• 9.2kg, 460×357×122mm, IP65
• SMA ShadeFix and SMA Smart Connected
• WLAN and Ethernet, Modbus SMA/SunSpec
• −40…+60°C operating range

How it works

Sunny Boy 1.5, 2.0 and 2.5 are transformerless single-phase PV inverters with one MPP tracker and one string input. They start feeding from 80V and track the maximum power point between 160–260V and 500V depending on size, with 600V maximum input voltage. Up to 3, 4 or 5kWp of PV can be connected, with 10A usable and 18A short-circuit current per string. The integrated SMA ShadeFix software searches for the best operating point under partial shading.

Key features

The 9.2kg enclosure measures 460×357×122mm, so one person can install it, and it is cooled by convection with noise below 25dB. Maximum efficiency is 97.2% on all three models, with European efficiency from 96.1% to 96.7%. An all-pole-sensitive residual current monitoring unit, ground fault and grid monitoring, and a DC-side disconnection point are built in. Night-time consumption is 2W, and the IP65, 4K4H-rated housing operates between -40 and +60°C.

Installation and compatibility

DC connections use SUNCLIX connectors and the grid side a plug-in AC connector for a 220, 230 or 240V single-phase supply. No external RCD is required, but where local rules demand one the inverter is compatible with type A and B devices of 30mA or higher. With an SMA Energy Meter the inverter can limit feed-in dynamically between 0% and 100%, and SMA storage and energy management products can be added later to the same system.

Monitoring and grid codes

Commissioning runs through the integrated web interface over WLAN or Speedwire, and the inverter can be monitored locally or online in Sunny Portal and the SMA Energy App. SMA Smart Connected reports faults to the installer automatically in the listed countries, including Italy. Certificates include CEI 0-21, VDE-AR-N 4105, EN 50549-1, C10/11, G98/G99, NA/EEA-NE7-CH 2020 and IEC 62109-1/-2. Warranty extends from 5 to 10 years free on registration, with 15 years optional.

Questions and answers