SMA Sunny Highpower PEAK3 180kW (SHP 180-21)180kW 1500V three-phase utility-scale PV inverter

Overview

The SHP 180-21 is the most powerful Sunny Highpower PEAK3: 180kW at 690V AC, up to 360kWp of PV at 1500V, and a single MPP tracker from 1012 to 1450V with 180A input current. Maximum efficiency is 99.2% and European efficiency 98.9%, with harmonic distortion below 0.5%. It requires a suitable medium-voltage transformer and external PV array junction boxes with DC load-break switches, and supports Integrated Plant Control and Q on Demand 24/7.

• 100, 150, 172 and 180kW models
• 1100V (SHP 100-21) or 1500V DC
• Up to 99.2% max. efficiency
• Single MPPT, 180A input, 1 or 2 DC inputs
• Monitored type II AC/DC surge arresters
• Rack mounting, IP65, 99kg

How it works

Sunny Highpower PEAK3 is a transformerless PV inverter for large plants built on a decentralised design: PV strings are combined in external PV array junction boxes, which feed one or two DC inputs of the inverter's single MPP tracker at up to 180A. The SHP 100-21 works at 1100V DC and 400V AC; the 150, 172 and 180kW models use 1500V DC and 600, 660 or 690V AC. All models deliver a maximum of 151A on a 3-PE connection.

Key features

Maximum efficiency ranges from 98.8% on the SHP 100-21 to 99.2% on the SHP 172-21 and SHP 180-21, with European efficiency up to 98.9% and current distortion below 0.5%. Monitored type II surge arresters are installed on both AC and DC side, alongside ground fault monitoring, reverse polarity protection and an all-pole-sensitive residual current monitoring unit. OptiCool active cooling with speed-controlled fans allows operation from -25 to +60°C in an IP65 enclosure of 770×830×462mm and 99kg.

Installation and compatibility

The inverter is rack mounted on profile rails, indoors or outdoors, and is intended for industrial environments. Except for the SHP 100-21, which can feed directly into a low-voltage grid where local rules allow, operation requires a suitable medium-voltage transformer whose low-voltage side is star-connected with a grounded neutral. An external DC load-break switch, for example in the PV junction box, must be installed between PV array and inverter. DC cables connect with terminal lugs up to 300mm², AC with screw terminals up to 150mm².

Monitoring and grid codes

Two Ethernet ports carry SMA Modbus, SunSpec Modbus and Speedwire, and plants are normally configured through a System Manager such as SMA Data Manager. OptiTrac MPP tracking, Integrated Plant Control and Q on Demand 24/7 for night-time reactive power are included, and the inverter is off-grid capable and compatible with the SMA Fuel Save Controller. The datasheet lists IEC 62109-1/-2, VDE-AR-N 4110/4120, EN 50549, C10/11, CEI 0-16, G99/1, PO 12.3 and IEC 62116, and SMA publishes EN 50549 and VDE-AR-N 4110/4120 certificates. Warranty extends from 5 up to 25 years.

Questions and answers