SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1 50kW (STP 50-41)50kW three-phase commercial string inverter, 6 MPPT

Overview

The STP 50-41 is SMA's Sunny Tripower CORE1, a 50kW three-phase inverter for commercial PV systems that stands on its own feet rather than hanging on a wall. Six MPP trackers with two string inputs each take up to 75kWp of PV at 1000V, which means 12 strings connect directly without combiner boxes. It delivers 72.5A per phase at 98.1% maximum efficiency, integrates arc-fault detection and I-V diagnostics, and weighs 84kg. Typical sites are flat roofs, carports and ground mounts.

• 50kW, 3-(N)-PE, 72.5A output
• Six MPP trackers, two strings each, 1000V max.
• Free-standing on mounting feet or profile rails
• AFCI and I-V generator diagnostics
• OptiCool active cooling, IP65
• CEI 0-16/0-21, VDE-AR-N 4105 and 4110

How it works

Sunny Tripower CORE1 is a transformerless three-phase PV inverter with six independent MPP trackers, each accepting two strings. It accepts up to 75kWp of PV at up to 1000V, with an MPP range at nominal power of 500–800V and an overall tracking range of 150–1000V. Each tracker takes 20A operating current, 120A in total, with 30A short-circuit current per tracker and string input. Rated output is 50kW at 72.5A on a 3-(N)-PE connection.

Key features

Unlike wall-mounted string inverters, CORE1 stands on its own: it ships with mounting feet and can also be fixed on profile rails, on a support surface with less than 3° inclination. OptiCool active cooling, IP65 protection and a -25 to +60°C range allow outdoor use, and night consumption is 4.8W. An arc-fault circuit interrupter with I-V generator diagnostics is integrated; with AFCI active and only one input per tracker in use, each input is limited to 16A. Type 2 or type 1/2 AC/DC surge arresters are optional.

Installation and compatibility

DC strings connect directly to the inverter with SUNCLIX connectors, so no separate DC combiner box is needed, and AC uses screw terminals. If a residual current device is required locally, SMA specifies type B with a rated residual current of 300mA or more, one per inverter. The inverter weighs 84kg and measures 569×733×621mm without feet or DC switch. It is also listed as off-grid capable and compatible with the SMA Fuel Save Controller for PV-diesel systems.

Monitoring and grid codes

Two Ethernet ports, optional WLAN and RS485, and SMA Modbus, SunSpec Modbus, Speedwire and Webconnect connect the inverter to Sunny Portal and plant controllers. A multifunction relay and two expansion slots are available. Integrated Plant Control and Q on Demand 24/7 supply reactive power control. Listed approvals include CEI 0-16/0-21:2020, VDE-AR-N 4105 and 4110, EN 50549-1/-2 and -10, C10/11:2019, G99, TOR Erzeuger and RD 1699/413. SMA names Sunny Tripower X 60 as successor.

Questions and answers