SMA Solar opens CO2-neutral inverter factory; takes capacity to 4GW

SMA Solar Technology AG has inaugurated its new 18,000 square meter solar inverter factory, which takes its annual production capacity to 4GW. The facility is also claimed to be the first of its kind to be CO2 neutral. The electricity and heat demand is covered by renewable energy sources that include a 1.1MW integrated PV system and a combined heat and power plant fueled with bio-gas generates CO2-neutral electricity. The company obtains additional power for the facility from other renewable sources.

"The inverters being the heart of every photovoltaic system already significantly contribute to an emission-free energy supply," Günther Cramer, Chief Executive Officer of SMA Solar Technology AG, explains. "With our CO2-neutral inverter production we even go one step further. Today we can show that an advanced production on industrial level can be done with a minimal environmental footprint. As the worldwide leading producer of solar inverters we now intend to initiate a trend towards CO2-neutral factories."

SMA Solar also said that the process steps for production in the new facility have been completely redesigned in terms of efficiency. All production lines have been designed for maximum product production flexibility in ‘just-in-time’ procedures, negating warehouse requirements.

Efficiency measures throughout the facility in include the use of natural lighting and intelligent ventilation as well as the use of storage units for heating and cooling.

Approximately 500 guests attended the inauguration ceremony, including Silke Lautenschläger, the Hessian Minister for Environment, Energy, Agriculture and Consumer Protection.