--- title: "SMA Solar SBSE4.0-50 Hybrid Inverter: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "SMA Solar SBSE4.0-50 4 kW hybrid inverter. Specs: 96.8% European efficiency, 3 MPPT, 600 V max DC input, 17.5 kg, 5 yrs warranty." source: "https://comparepv.com/inverter/sma-solar-sbse4-0-50" updated: 2026-01-16 --- # SMA Solar SBSE4.0-50 ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** SMA Solar - **Model:** SBSE4.0-50 - **Series:** Sunny Boy Smart Energy - **Rated AC power:** 4 kW - **Type:** Hybrid - **Phases:** Single-phase - **Battery port:** yes ## How it compares Compared against 362 inverters from 3 to 6 kW. Ranks are within that class. | Measure | This inverter | Class median | Standing | Rank in class | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | European efficiency | 96.8% | 97.2% | Weak - bottom 17% | 205 | | MPPT trackers | 3 | 2 | Strong - top 2% | 1 | | Max DC input voltage | 600 V | 600 V | Typical | 94 | | Weight per kW | 4.4 | 3.3 | Typical | 253 | | Warranty | 5 yrs | 5 yrs | Typical | 34 | ## Specification ### AC output - **Rated AC power:** 4 kW - **Max apparent power:** 4.00 kVA - **Phases:** Single-phase - **Nominal AC voltage:** 230 V - **Max AC current:** 20.0 A - **Grid frequency:** 50 Hz - **Power factor:** 1 at rated power; adjustable displacement PF 0 overexcited to 0 underexcited ### PV input - **Max DC input power:** 8.00 kW - **Max DC voltage:** 600 V - **MPPT voltage range:** 60 to 480 V - **Start-up voltage:** 66 V - **MPPT trackers:** 3 - **Max input current per MPPT:** 15.0 A - **Max short-circuit current per MPPT:** 30.0 A ### Efficiency - **European efficiency:** 96.8 % - **Max efficiency:** 97.8 % ### Battery - **Battery port:** Yes - **Battery voltage:** 90 V to 500 V - **Max charge current:** 30.0 A - **Max discharge current:** 30.0 A - **Backup power:** 7.30 kW - **Grid-forming:** Yes ### Physical - **Dimensions:** 586 × 500 × 236 mm - **Weight:** 17.5 kg - **Enclosure:** IP65 - **Cooling:** natural - **Noise:** 35 dB - **Operating temperature:** -25 to 60 °C - **Max humidity:** 100 % ### Connectivity and protection - **Interfaces:** Wi-Fi, Ethernet - **Protocols:** Modbus (SMA, Sunspec), Speedwire/Webconnect, SMA Battery Interface, MODBUS RTU, WLAN/WiFi, Ethernet, RS-485, BAT-CAN - **Protection:** AFCI, DC switch ### Warranty and certificates - **Warranty:** 5 years - **Certifications:** AS4777-2, C10/11, CEI0-21, EN50549-1, IEC 62109-1, IEC 62109-2, TED749, VDE-AR-N4105 ### Pros - **3-4 Independent MPPT Inputs** - The 3.6-6.0 kW models feature 3 independent MPPT trackers, while the higher-power 8.0 and 9.9 kW variants include 4 MPPTs. On multi-pitch roofs or under partial shading conditions, each string operates at its own optimal power point, eliminating the cross-section losses associated with a shared tracker. Most single-phase hybrids in this price segment offer only 1-2 MPPTs. - **SMA ShadeFix With No Additional Hardware** - The ShadeFix algorithm optimizes the power point under shading conditions at the inverter level - without the need to install physical module-level power optimizers or power routers. This reduces both installation cost and the number of potential failure points compared to optimizer-dependent solutions such as SolarEdge. - **Three Backup Power Modes** - The inverter offers Secure Power Supply (an AC outlet delivering up to ~1,920 W without a battery), single-phase whole-home backup, and optional three-phase backup via SMA Energy Manager - a level of flexibility rarely found in single-phase hybrid inverters at the prosumer level. All backup functions operate both with and without a connected energy storage system. - **Integrated AFCI Arc-Fault Protection (SMA ArcFix)** - ArcFix detects arc faults in DC strings and automatically disconnects power before a fire can develop. The feature is built into the device as standard - many competing hybrid inverters (Huawei SUN2000-L1, Solax X-Hybrid) do not include AFCI as a standard feature in their European variants. - **Mature Monitoring and Service Ecosystem** - Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity, combined with integration into Sunny Portal and the SMA Energy App, enable remote monitoring and self-consumption management. The SMA 360° App shortens initial commissioning and diagnostic time. The SMA ecosystem has been in continuous development for over 15 years, ensuring long-term support continuity for installers and end users alike. ### Cons - **~15-20% Price Premium Over Market Alternatives** - According to Polish distributors (virtech.pl, 2024-2025), the 3.6 kW model is priced at approximately PLN 4,886 net (PLN 5,601 gross), and the 5.0 kW model at approximately PLN 6,268 net. Industry reviews (akademia-fotowoltaiki.pl, fotowoltaikaonline.pl) consistently indicate that SMA is priced 15-20% higher than comparable Tier-1 hybrid inverters (Fronius GEN24, Huawei SUN2000-L1), which may represent a meaningful barrier for smaller prosumer installations. - **Single-Phase Topology Only Across the Entire Series** - The Sunny Boy Smart Energy is available exclusively in a single-phase topology (up to 9.9 kW). Properties with a three-phase grid connection (3×25 A) and PV system sizes above 6.9 kW require either a different product (e.g., SMA Sunny Tripower Smart Energy) or the use of multiple single-phase inverters, both of which add complexity to system design and ongoing maintenance. ## About this series The SMA Sunny Boy Smart Energy series comprises single-phase hybrid inverters (**grid-tie with energy storage capability**), designed for residential installations where self-consumption, flexible energy management, and readiness for battery expansion are key priorities. These devices combine PV and battery operation in a single housing, with optional backup functions enabling selected circuits to maintain operation during grid outages. They stand out from the competition with **three independent MPPTs**, facilitating the design of rooftop systems with various orientations and minimizing losses during partial shading. High **European efficiency** ensures superior energy production in Poland's real climatic conditions, not just in laboratory settings. Monitoring and communication are thoroughly optimized: WiFi and Ethernet support integration with Sunny Portal and the SMA Energy App, while commissioning and service are simplified using the SMA 360° App. The series is compatible with SMA Home Storage systems and meets grid connection standards (e.g., EN 50549). For investors, the **warranty after registration** is also significant, supporting safe operation for years to come. ## Questions ### What is the warranty period for the SMA Sunny Boy Smart Energy inverter? The standard factory warranty for the SMA Sunny Boy Smart Energy is 5 years. Upon registering the unit with the SMA online service center, the warranty is extended to a total of 10 years. This is one of the longest warranties available in the single-phase hybrid inverter segment and represents a significant factor when evaluating the total cost of ownership of a PV installation. ### Is the SMA Sunny Boy Smart Energy suitable for a roof with multiple sections or varying orientations? Yes, the Sunny Boy Smart Energy series features 3 independent MPPT trackers, allowing separate strings of panels facing south, east, and west to be connected simultaneously. Each MPPT operates independently, so shading or a different orientation on one roof section does not reduce the yield of the others. This is a significant advantage for typical multi-pitch residential roofs. ### Which battery storage systems are compatible with the SMA Sunny Boy Smart Energy? The inverter is compatible with high-voltage battery storage systems including SMA Home Storage, BYD B-Box Premium HVS, and BYD B-Box Premium HVM. In a configuration with SMA Home Storage, between 1 and 4 battery modules can be connected, providing a usable capacity of up to 13.12 kWh. The selection of a specific battery depends on the inverter firmware version, so it is advisable to confirm compatibility with your installer. ### Does the SMA Sunny Boy Smart Energy provide backup power during a grid outage? Yes, the inverter features an SPS (Secure Power Supply) output that enables selected household circuits to be powered during a grid outage. By default, the switchover is manual, meaning power backup does not engage automatically as it does in full backup systems. This solution is well suited to protecting critical loads, but this aspect must be taken into account during the system design phase. ### What power ratings are available in the SMA Sunny Boy Smart Energy series, and which variant should be chosen for a residential installation? The series is available in four power ratings: 3.6 kW, 4.0 kW, 5.0 kW, and 6.0 kW. For a typical single-family home with a PV installation of 5-10 kWp, the 5.0 kW or 6.0 kW model is most commonly selected. For lower energy demand and installations up to 5 kWp, the 3.6 kW or 4.0 kW variant is generally sufficient. The final selection depends on the rated power of the PV array and the anticipated energy consumption. ### How can the operation of the SMA Sunny Boy Smart Energy inverter be monitored on a smartphone? The inverter communicates via Wi-Fi or Ethernet and integrates with the Sunny Portal platform as well as the SMA Energy App for smartphones. Commissioning and diagnostics are facilitated by the dedicated SMA 360° App. These tools allow real-time monitoring of PV production, battery state of charge, self-consumption, and grid export without the need for additional communication gateways. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/inverters/sbse36-60-ds-en-15-43ce91f0c7bd.pdf) ## Alternatives | Inverter | Rated AC | Euro efficiency | MPPT | Weight | Difference | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [SolarEdge SE4000H](https://comparepv.com/inverter/solaredge-se4000h) | 4 kW | 99.0% | | 12.0 kg | +2.2 pp efficiency, 5.5 kg lighter | | [Huawei SUN2000L-4KTL](https://comparepv.com/inverter/huawei-sun2000l-4ktl) | 4 kW | 97.9% | 2 | 10.6 kg | +1.1 pp efficiency, -1 MPPT, 6.9 kg lighter | | [Growatt MOD 4000TL3-HU](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-mod-4000tl3-hu) | 4 kW | 97.8% | 2 | 19.0 kg | +1.0 pp efficiency, -1 MPPT, 1.5 kg heavier | | [Growatt SPM 4000TL-HU](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-spm-4000tl-hu) | 4 kW | 97.6% | 2 | 26.0 kg | +0.8 pp efficiency, -1 MPPT, 8.5 kg heavier | | [Growatt MOD 4000TL3-XH](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-mod-4000tl3-xh) | 4 kW | 97.5% | 2 | 12.5 kg | +0.7 pp efficiency, -1 MPPT, 5.0 kg lighter | | [Huawei SUN2000-4KTL-L1](https://comparepv.com/inverter/huawei-sun2000-4ktl-l1) | 4 kW | 97.5% | 2 | 12.0 kg | +0.7 pp efficiency, -1 MPPT, 5.5 kg lighter | | [SolarEdge SE7K (Three Phase, Delta Grids)](https://comparepv.com/inverter/solaredge-se7k-three-phase-delta-grids) | 4 kW | 97.3% | | 16.4 kg | +0.5 pp efficiency, 1.1 kg lighter | | [SolarEdge SE4K](https://comparepv.com/inverter/solaredge-se4k) | 4 kW | 97.3% | | 16.4 kg | +0.5 pp efficiency, 1.1 kg lighter | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/inverter/sma-solar-sbse4-0-50