--- title: "SMA Solar STP 20000TL-30 Grid-tie Inverter: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "SMA Solar STP 20000TL-30 20 kW grid-tie inverter. Specs: 98.0% European efficiency, 2 MPPT, 1000 V max DC input, 61.0 kg, 5 yrs warranty." source: "https://comparepv.com/inverter/sma-solar-stp-20000tl-30" updated: 2026-01-16 --- # SMA Solar STP 20000TL-30 ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** SMA Solar - **Model:** STP 20000TL-30 - **Series:** SUNNY TRIPOWER - **Rated AC power:** 20 kW - **Type:** Grid-tie - **Phases:** Three-phase ## How it compares Compared against 227 inverters from 12 to 30 kW. Ranks are within that class. | Measure | This inverter | Class median | Standing | Rank in class | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | European efficiency | 98.0% | 98.0% | Typical | 77 | | MPPT trackers | 2 | 2 | Typical | 53 | | Max DC input voltage | 1000 V | 1000 V | Typical | 101 | | Weight per kW | 3.0 | 1.6 | Weak - bottom 7% | 207 | | Warranty | 5 yrs | 5 yrs | Typical | 25 | ## Specification ### AC output - **Rated AC power:** 20 kW - **Max apparent power:** 20.00 kVA - **Phases:** Three-phase - **Nominal AC voltage:** 400 V - **Max AC current:** 29.0 A - **Grid frequency:** 50 Hz - **Power factor:** 1 at rated power; adjustable displacement PF: 0 overexcited to 0 underexcited - **Harmonic distortion (THD):** 3.0 % ### PV input - **Max DC input power:** 36.00 kW - **Max DC voltage:** 1000 V - **MPPT voltage range:** 240 to 800 V - **Start-up voltage:** 188 V - **MPPT trackers:** 2 - **Max input current per MPPT:** 33.0 A - **Max short-circuit current per MPPT:** 43.0 A ### Efficiency - **European efficiency:** 98.0 % - **Max efficiency:** 98.4 % ### Physical - **Dimensions:** 682 × 661 × 264 mm - **Weight:** 61.0 kg - **Enclosure:** IP65 - **Cooling:** forced-air - **Noise:** 51 dB - **Operating temperature:** -25 to 60 °C - **Max humidity:** 100 % ### Connectivity and protection - **Interfaces:** Ethernet - **Protocols:** Speedwire/Webconnect, RS485 (optional via accessory), SMA Modbus, SunSpec Modbus - **Protection:** DC switch, Surge protection ### Warranty and certificates - **Warranty:** 5 years - **Certifications:** AS 4777, BDEW 2008, C10/11, CE, CEI 0-16, CEI 0-21, CNS 15382, CNS 15426, DEWA 2.0, DK1, DK2, EN 50549-1, EN 50549-2, G99/1, EN 50438:2013\*, IEC 60068-2-x, IEC 61727, IEC 62109-1/2, IEC 62116, IS 16221-1/2, IS 16169, MEA 2013, NBR 16149, NEN EN 50438, NRS 097-2-1, PEA 2013, NTS, PPC, RD 1699/413, RD 661/2007, Res. n°7:2013, RfG compliant, SI4777, TOR generator, UTE C15-712-1, VDE 0126-1-1, VDE-AR-N 4105, VDE-AR-N 4110, VFR 2014 ### Pros - **European Efficiency ≥97.9%** - The Sunny Tripower series achieves a European efficiency of 97.9% (X 20 model) and a peak efficiency of up to 98.3% (3-10 kW models), placing it in the top quartile among Tier-1 three-phase inverters. European efficiency accounts for realistic irradiance profiles rather than the rated operating point alone, translating into meaningfully higher annual energy yield than peak efficiency figures alone would suggest. - **Built-in ShadeFix Without Power Optimizers** - The ShadeFix algorithm performs multi-point I-V curve scanning on each string, minimizing shading losses without requiring a power optimizer on every module. Under typical partial-shading conditions, this reduces energy losses by several percentage points compared to conventional MPPT tracking, while simultaneously eliminating the added cost and failure points associated with string-level optimizers. - **Smart Energy Hybrid Integration** - The Smart Energy variants (5.0-10.0 kW) constitute a complete three-phase hybrid inverter with backup power capability, compatible with certified battery systems from multiple manufacturers (BYD, LG, Varta, AXITEC, IBC, BMZ - compatibility list confirmed by SMA, updated October 2024). Charge/discharge current of up to 30 A, along with native integration with heat pumps and EV chargers, are features not universally available at this power class among Tier-1 competitors. - **Established Tier-1 Standing and Low Failure Rate** - SMA Solar Technology has been operating since 1981 and is consistently rated Tier-1 by independent analysts, including Clean Energy Reviews. Long-running reliability rankings (Solarius, SolarQuotes AU) place SMA alongside Fronius and Sungrow at the top for low warranty claim rates, with a direct positive impact on overall system TCO. - **Wide DC Voltage Range: 150-800 V** - The 150-800 V DC input range, combined with 2-3 independent MPPT inputs (model-dependent), enables flexible string design for modules with varying orientations, azimuths, and roof pitch angles without the need for additional interface equipment. Support for high-power modules (Isc up to 37.5 A) ensures compatibility with modern N-type modules. ### Cons - **No Module-Level Monitoring** - Sunny Portal and the SMA app do not offer native per-module monitoring - adding TS4-R power optimizers or third-party solutions is required to achieve panel-level visibility. SolarEdge provides module-level monitoring as standard (with optimizers included in the system price), giving it a tangible competitive advantage in installations with stringent diagnostic requirements or module-level performance guarantees. - **Smart Energy Capped at 10 kW** - The Smart Energy hybrid line is available only in the 5.0-10.0 kW power range. Commercial or prosumer installations requiring a three-phase hybrid inverter above 10 kW must turn to other SMA series (e.g., Sunny Tripower X with an external BMS) or competing products, adding design complexity and increased costs for larger systems. ## About this series The SMA Sunny Tripower series are three-phase grid-tie inverters for grid-connected installations - ranging from refined home systems to demanding commercial projects. The emphasis on high-performance operation and stable yields in real-world conditions perfectly reflects **European efficiency** - efficiency calculated for typical solar irradiance profiles, not just ideal operating points. Depending on the variant, the devices feature **multiple MPPT**, facilitating string designs for different roof orientations or partial shading, and additionally supporting an integrated shade management system (without adding optimizers). For monitoring and diagnostics, you use **Sunny Portal** and the app, with communication available via Ethernet or WLAN, depending on the model. Selected Smart Energy variants are **hybrid solutions** - ready for integration with energy storage and self-consumption management. Standardly, you receive the manufacturer's warranty with an extension option, and the entire system is prepared for grid connection requirements and operation in modern energy systems. ## Questions ### What is the difference between the SMA Sunny Tripower Smart Energy and the standard Sunny Tripower? The standard Sunny Tripower is a grid-tie inverter designed exclusively to export energy to the grid. The Smart Energy variant is a hybrid version with a built-in DC battery storage interface - it supports high-voltage batteries from leading manufacturers such as BYD HVS/HVM, with a charging current of up to 30 A. It also enables self-consumption management and allows the system to be integrated with a heat pump or EV charger via Sunny Home Manager. ### What warranty does SMA provide on Sunny Tripower inverters? SMA provides a standard 5-year warranty with an option to extend it. For residential installations in Poland registered after April 1, 2021, SMA offers a free extension to 10 years (5 + 5), provided the device is registered within 12 months of installation. The warranty covers material and manufacturing defects, and service is carried out by authorized SMA partners. ### How many MPPT trackers does the SMA Sunny Tripower have, and is that sufficient under partial shading conditions? Depending on the model, the series features two independent MPPT trackers, enabling strings from different roof sections or with different orientations (e.g., south and east) to be connected separately. In addition, an integrated shade management system operates without the need for additional optimizers - the algorithm independently minimizes losses under partial shading caused by, for example, a chimney or antenna. ### What is European efficiency and why does SMA report this figure instead of peak efficiency? European efficiency (Euro-eta) is a value calculated according to a weighted irradiation profile typical of Central Europe - it accounts for inverter operation at various load levels (5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 50%, and 100% of rated power). The Sunny Tripower achieves a European efficiency exceeding 97%, which reflects real annual energy yields more accurately than peak efficiency, which is measured at only a single operating point. ### Can the SMA Sunny Tripower inverter be installed outdoors? Yes, the Sunny Tripower series carries an IP65 protection rating, meaning it is fully protected against dust ingress and water jets from any direction. The permissible operating temperature range is -25 °C to +60 °C, so the unit will withstand harsh winter conditions without issue. The manufacturer does, however, recommend installing the inverter in a shaded location, away from direct sunlight, in order to prevent power derating caused by overheating. ### How does monitoring work for an SMA Sunny Tripower-based system, and is an additional gateway required? Sunny Tripower inverters communicate via Ethernet or WLAN (depending on the model) and transmit data directly to the Sunny Portal platform, accessible through a web browser and mobile app. For straightforward residential installations, a separate gateway is not required - connecting the inverter to a router is sufficient. In larger commercial systems, the setup can be expanded with Sunny Home Manager, which aggregates data from multiple devices and controls self-consumption. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/inverters/STP15-25TL-30-DS-en-41-3f80ce1b2c92.pdf) ## Alternatives | Inverter | Rated AC | Euro efficiency | MPPT | Weight | Difference | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [Growatt MID 20KTL3-X](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-mid-20ktl3-x) | 20 kW | 98.6% | 2 | 23.0 kg | +0.6 pp efficiency, 38.0 kg lighter | | [Fronius Verto 20.0](https://comparepv.com/inverter/fronius-international-fronius-verto-20-0) | 20 kW | 98.3% | 4 | 35.2 kg | +0.3 pp efficiency, +2 MPPT, 25.8 kg lighter | | [Sungrow SG20KTL-M](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sungrow-sg20ktl-m) | 20 kW | 98.3% | 2 | 24.0 kg | 37.0 kg lighter | | [Huawei SUN2000-20KTL-M2](https://comparepv.com/inverter/huawei-sun2000-20ktl-m2) | 20 kW | 98.3% | 2 | 25.0 kg | 36.0 kg lighter | | [Huawei SUN2000-20KTL-M0](https://comparepv.com/inverter/huawei-sun2000-20ktl-m0) | 20 kW | 98.3% | 2 | 25.0 kg | 36.0 kg lighter | | [Sungrow SG20T-P2-CN](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sungrow-sg20t-p2-cn) | 20 kW | 98.3% | 2 | 19.0 kg | 42.0 kg lighter | | [Sungrow SG20RT-20](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sungrow-sg20rt-20) | 20 kW | 98.2% | 2 | 20.0 kg | 41.0 kg lighter | | [SOFAR 20KTLX-G3](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sofar-solar-sofar-20ktlx-g3) | 20 kW | 98.2% | 2 | 22.0 kg | 39.0 kg lighter | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/inverter/sma-solar-stp-20000tl-30