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SMA Solar STP 20-US-50 (Sunny Tripower X-US 20)

SMA Solar STP 20-US-50 (Sunny Tripower X-US 20)

20 kW Grid-tie Three-phase
Compare with closest alternative Datasheet PDF
Rated AC (kW)
20.00
Typical for its class
Euro eff. (%)
-
Not published
MPPT
3
Strong · top 23%
Max DC (V)
1000
Typical · median 1000 V
Weight (kg)
35.0
Typical · median 35.0 kg
Warranty (yrs)
10
Strong · top 21%

SMA Solar Technology's Sunny Tripower X series is a three-phase grid-tie inverter designed for large residential installations and the commercial segment, where project flexibility and fast service matter. Its key advantage is the integrated System Manager, which simplifies installation monitoring and enables centralized operation and management of multiple devices within a single network. Thanks to three MPPTs, it’s easier to connect strings with different roof orientations, lengths, or sun exposure conditions, improving performance even under partial shading.

High European efficiency means more energy in real-world operating conditions typical for Poland - not just in the lab, but with variable temperatures and dynamic loads. Monitoring and communication are ready for modern implementations - via Ethernet and the Sunny Portal (ennexOS) ecosystem, and WiFi is especially useful during configuration. Additional safety features, such as arc fault detection (AFCI), enhance installation protection. The series is certified to meet connection requirements (including EN 50549), and the standard warranty is extendable.

Ranking

227 inverters from 12 to 30 kW
Metric This inverter Median Position in class Rank in class
European efficiency - 98.0% Not published -
MPPT trackers 3 2 Strong · top 23% 22
Max DC input voltage 1000 V 1000 V Typical 101
Weight per kW 1.8 1.6 Typical 128
Warranty 10 yrs 5 yrs Strong · top 21% 5
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Price offers

1 from shops we track
Shop Country Price Per kW Stock Offer updated Link to shop
ussolarsupplier.com United States 3 856 $ net 192.80 $/kW In stock 4h ago Visit shop

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Rated AC power 20 kW Continuous output
Max apparent power 20.00 kVA
Phases Three-phase
Nominal AC voltage 480 V 244 V ... 305 V
Max AC current 24.0 A
Grid frequency 60 Hz Range -6 Hz ... +6 Hz
Power factor 1 at rated power; adjustable 0.8 leading ... 0.8 lagging
Harmonic distortion (THD) 3.0 %
Max DC input power 30.00 kW DC/AC ratio 1.50
Max DC voltage 1000 V Caps the string length
MPPT voltage range 150 to 1000 V
Start-up voltage 188 V
MPPT trackers 3 2 strings each
Max input current per MPPT 24.0 A Must exceed the panel's Imp
Max short-circuit current per MPPT 37.5 A Must exceed the panel's Isc
CEC efficiency 97.5 % California Energy Commission weighting
Dimensions 762 × 728 × 266 mm Height × width × depth
Weight 35.0 kg 1.8 kg per kW
Enclosure Type 4X (UL 50E)
Cooling forced-air
Noise 59 dB
Operating temperature -25 to 60 °C
Max humidity 100 %
Interfaces Wi-FiEthernet
Protocols SMA ModbusSunSpec ModbusSpeedwire
Protection AFCIDC switch
Warranty 10 years Standard manufacturer cover
Certifications UL 62109-1UL 1699B Ed. 1CAN/CSA 22.2 No. 62109-1:16CAN/CSA 22.2 No. 62109-2:16PV Rapid Shutdown System Equipment in accordance with UL1741:2021UL 3741FCC Part 15 Class AUL 1741 SBIEEE 1547:2018CA Rule 21HECO Rule 14HISO-NE

Pros and cons

5 positive · 2 caution
What owners get
3 MPPT + ShadeFix Without Module Optimizers

Three independent MPPT trackers operating across a 150-800 V DC input range allow strings of different orientations and lengths to be combined within a single inverter. SMA's ShadeFix algorithm performs partial-shading optimization directly inside the inverter, eliminating the need for expensive module-level power electronics such as those required by SolarEdge solutions.

Up to 98% Efficiency (CEC/Peak)

The STP 25-50 achieves a peak efficiency of 98% (CEC rating for the US variant, confirmed in SMA's official datasheet), while the STP 20-50 reaches 97.9%. These figures place the series among the top-performing three-phase grid-tied string inverters in the premium segment - on par with the Fronius Symo GEN24 at 98.0-98.1% - translating into measurable energy yield gains under the partial-load conditions typical of Polish irradiation profiles.

Integrated System Manager (ennexOS)

The inverter simultaneously acts as a system hub: it centrally manages up to five SMA Speedwire devices, supports dynamic active and reactive power control (SMA Dynamic Power Control), and provides direct access to Sunny Portal - with no additional data logger or communication gateway required.

Built-In AFCI (SMA ArcFix)

DC arc-fault circuit interruption is included as a standard feature across the series at no extra cost. The functionality meets applicable safety standards including IEC 63027 and reduces the risk of installation fires - a critical consideration for rooftop commercial installations where insurers are increasingly mandating certified AFCI protection.

200% DC Oversizing and Compatibility with Next-Generation Modules

A permissible DC/AC ratio of up to 200%, combined with support for input currents of up to 24 A Imp / 37.5 A Isc per string, enables system designs using high-power HJT and TOPCon modules (550-700 Wp) without derating constraints - maximizing energy yield while minimizing the total number of inverters required.

Trade-offs
Standard Warranty Only 5 Years

The Sunny Tripower X carries a 5-year standard warranty (confirmed via sma-service.com), compared to SolarEdge's 12-year standard warranty on its three-phase inverters. Extending SMA coverage to 10, 15, or 20 years requires paid registration, increasing the total cost of ownership of the installation.

Significant Price Premium vs. Asian Tier-1 Competitors

The STP X 12 kW retails in Poland at approximately 4,500-5,000 PLN, while comparable models - the Huawei SUN2000-12KTL-M2 and Sungrow SG12RT - are available for 2,500-3,500 PLN, a gap of 40-70%. In commercial-scale projects where inverter count is high, this price disparity places a material burden on overall CAPEX.

Inverter Power Euro eff. MPPT Weight Difference
SMA Solar STP 20-US-50 (Sunny Tripower X-US 20) 20 kW - 3 35.0 kg You are here
MID 20KTL3-X 20 kW 98.6% 2 23.0 kg -1 MPPT, 12.0 kg lighter
Fronius Verto 20.0 20 kW 98.3% 4 35.2 kg +1 MPPT
SG20KTL-M 20 kW 98.3% 2 24.0 kg -1 MPPT, 11.0 kg lighter
SUN2000-20KTL-M2 20 kW 98.3% 2 25.0 kg -1 MPPT, 10.0 kg lighter
SUN2000-20KTL-M0 20 kW 98.3% 2 25.0 kg -1 MPPT, 10.0 kg lighter
SG20T-P2-CN 20 kW 98.3% 2 19.0 kg -1 MPPT, 16.0 kg lighter
SG20RT-20 20 kW 98.2% 2 20.0 kg -1 MPPT, 15.0 kg lighter
SOFAR 20KTLX-G3 20 kW 98.2% 2 22.0 kg -1 MPPT, 13.0 kg lighter

About the Sunny Tripower X series

6 answered

These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this model's own.

What types of installations is the SMA Sunny Tripower X series suited for, and will it work in a residential setting?
The Sunny Tripower X is a three-phase grid-tied inverter available in 12, 15, 20, and 25 kW power ratings, designed primarily for large residential installations (above 10 kW) and commercial facilities. It requires a three-phase grid connection and is therefore not suitable for standard single-phase residential systems. If you have a large building with a three-phase meter and are planning a PV system above 10 kWp, this series represents the optimal choice.
How does SMA ShadeFix improve energy yield under partial shading conditions in a Sunny Tripower X installation?
ShadeFix is a maximum power point tracking algorithm developed by SMA that works in conjunction with three independent MPPT inputs. Unlike conventional optimization approaches, ShadeFix scans the entire DC voltage range to identify the global maximum power point, eliminating the need for external power optimizers. This translates into measurable gains in energy yield for installations affected by chimneys, dormers, or roof sections with varying orientations.
What is the standard warranty on the SMA Sunny Tripower X inverter, and can it be extended?
The standard manufacturer warranty for the Sunny Tripower X series is 5 years. SMA offers the option to extend coverage to 10, 15, or even 20 years through the SMA Smart Connected package or additional service agreements. It is worth noting that purchases made through authorized SMA partners in Poland are subject to the same warranty policy that applies across the rest of Europe.
What does the integrated System Manager in the Sunny Tripower X provide, and do I need a separate monitoring device?
The built-in System Manager enables a single inverter to manage an installation comprising up to five SMA Speedwire devices and one Energy Meter, without the need to purchase a separate data logger. Monitoring is available via the Sunny Portal (ennexOS) platform over Ethernet, while Wi-Fi simplifies configuration during commissioning. For larger systems requiring more advanced energy management, an additional SMA Data Manager M is recommended.
Does the SMA Sunny Tripower X comply with Polish grid connection requirements, and will it receive approval from the distribution system operator?
Yes, the Sunny Tripower X series is certified in accordance with EN 50549 and VDE-AR-N 4105/4110, which form the basis of the grid connection requirements applied by Polish distribution system operators (DSOs). The inverter supports active and reactive power control (SMA Dynamic Power Control), which facilitates compliance with the grid connection conditions issued by operators such as Tauron, Energa, and PGE.
How does the SMA Sunny Tripower X differ from the older Sunny Tripower series (without the X designation), and is the price premium justified?
The key differences include: three MPPT inputs instead of two found in previous Tripower models, a built-in System Manager that eliminates the need for a separate data logger, support for the ennexOS platform in place of the legacy Sunny Portal, and an integrated arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) function - SMA ArcFix - that enhances installation safety. For new installations above 10 kW, the X series represents the current SMA standard and is clearly the superior option compared to the legacy TL models being phased out.
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