SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA) is celebrating 45 years of company history today. In 1981, Günther Cramer, Peter Drews and Reiner Wettlaufer, scientists at the University of Kassel, took a bold step alongside their mentor, Prof. Werner Kleinkauf to transform the global energy supply: They founded SMA with the conviction that electricity can be generated in a decentralized, renewable, and independent manner. With this pioneering idea, SMA has evolved into a leading global specialist in photovoltaic and storage system technology, with approximately 3,500 employees in 19 countries today.
Today, this mission is more relevant than ever. In 2026, SMA stands for integrated solutions that combine photovoltaics, battery storage, e-mobility, energy management, and grid-supporting functions into a smart, comprehensive system – and unlike electricity from fossil fuels or nuclear power, these solutions will be much more affordable. Renewable energy can thus be predictable, affordable, and reliably used for private households as well as for industry, municipalities, and energy suppliers.
“For 45 years, SMA has stood for courage, technological excellence, and the ability to constantly push the boundaries of energy innovation,” says SMA CEO Dr. Jürgen Reinert. “But the energy transition will only succeed if it is economically viable, grid-stable, and digitally secure. SMA delivers solutions that make all this possible – today and in the future. Now we need political courage as well. Especially in times of crises, the economy and society have to rely on stable frameworks.”
Solar energy as economic backbone
Geopolitical uncertainties and fossil fuel price shocks highlight the importance of predictability and affordability. By intelligently integrating photovoltaics, storage, and energy management, SMA delivers precisely on these prerequisites for energy supply. Solar power is available for decades without fuel costs, price spikes can be mitigated, and both households and industry benefit from reliable operating costs.
“Battery storage and smart energy systems not only stabilize the grid but also markets and investments,” emphasizes CFO Dr. Kaveh Rouhi. “They reduce energy costs, increase the competitiveness of industry, and form the basis for sustainable growth.”
Stability in a renewable energy system
As the share of renewable energy grows, so do the demands on system stability. SMA addresses these with grid-forming power electronics, innovative storage solutions, and black start capability. These technologies keep grids stable, balance out fluctuations, and enable reliable operation even in weak grid structures. At the same time, decentralized structures strengthen the resilience of energy supply systems and reduce dependencies on global markets.
Digital security as a prerequisite
The increasing digitalization of the energy industry makes cybersecurity a critical factor. SMA therefore focuses on transparent and independent system architectures as well as the highest international certification standards right from the development stage. This prevents tampering, clearly regulates access, and reliably protects customer data – a significant contribution to the stability of the overall system.
“The energy transition stands or falls on trust,” says COO/CTrO Olaf Heyden. “This trust can only be built if digital security is consistently ensured – from the individual system to the entire energy ecosystem.”
Looking ahead
The ongoing restructuring marks a challenging phase for SMA. But the core of the company remains unchanged: SMA is consistently looking ahead. The transformation is not only a necessary step toward strengthening the company but also a key building block for the future. SMA aims to remain a company in the coming decades that not only accompanies change but actively shapes it – and thus sets the course for an energy system that will sustain generations to come.
About SMA
As a leading global specialist in photovoltaic and storage system technology, the SMA Group is setting the standards today for the decentralized and renewable energy supply of tomorrow. SMA’s portfolio contains a wide range of efficient PV and battery inverters, holistic system solutions for PV and battery-storage systems of all power classes, intelligent energy management systems and charging solutions for electric vehicles and power-to-gas applications. Digital energy services as well as extensive services round off SMA’s range. The SMA PV inverters sold around the world since 2006, with a total output of approximately 156 GW, have helped to avoid greenhouse gas emissions of more than 69 million metric tons of CO2e. This corresponds to avoided environmental costs of approximately €21 billion. SMA’s multi-award-winning technology is protected by more than 1,600 patents and utility models. Since 2008, the Group’s parent company, SMA Solar Technology AG, has been listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (S92) and is listed on the SDAX and TecDAX indices.
SMA Solar Technology AG
Sonnenallee 1
34266 Niestetal
Germany
Press Contact:
Nina McDonagh
Tel. +49 561 9522 42 5911
Presse@SMA.de
Disclaimer:
This press release serves only as information and does not constitute an offer or invitation to subscribe for, acquire, hold or sell any securities of SMA Solar Technology AG (the “Company”) or any present or future subsidiary of the Company (together with the Company, the “SMA Group”) nor should it form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any contract to purchase or subscribe for any securities in the Company or any member of the SMA Group or commitment whatsoever. Securities may not be offered or sold in the United States of America absent registration or an exemption from registration under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended.
This press release can contain future-oriented statements. Future-oriented statements are statements which do not describe facts of the past. They also include statements about our assumptions and expectations. These statements are based on plans, estimations and forecasts which the Managing Board of SMA Solar Technology AG (SMA or company) has available at this time. Future-oriented statements are therefore only valid on the day on which they are made. Future-oriented statements by nature contain risks and elements of uncertainty. Various known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors can lead to considerable differences between the actual results, the financial position, the development or the performance of the corporation and the estimates given here. These factors include those which SMA has discussed in published reports. These reports are available on the SMA website at www.SMA.de. The company accepts no obligation whatsoever to update these future-oriented statements or to adjust them to future events or developments.