--- title: "SMA Solar Sunny Highpower Storage SHPS 180-21 Grid-tie Inverter: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "SMA Solar Sunny Highpower Storage SHPS 180-21 180 kW grid-tie inverter. Specs: 98.9% European efficiency, 1500 V max DC input, 99.0 kg, 5 yrs warranty." source: "https://comparepv.com/inverter/sma-solar-sunny-highpower-storage-shps-180-21" updated: 2026-01-16 --- # SMA Solar Sunny Highpower Storage SHPS 180-21 ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** SMA Solar - **Model:** Sunny Highpower Storage SHPS 180-21 - **Series:** Sunny Highpower Storage - **Rated AC power:** 180 kW - **Type:** Grid-tie - **Phases:** Three-phase - **Battery port:** yes ## How it compares Compared against 95 inverters from 100 to 500 kW. Ranks are within that class. | Measure | This inverter | Class median | Standing | Rank in class | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | European efficiency | 98.9% | 98.6% | Strong - top 3% | 1 | | MPPT trackers | - | 10 | | | | Max DC input voltage | 1500 V | 1100 V | Strong - top 24% | 1 | | Weight per kW | 0.6 | 0.6 | Typical | 41 | | Warranty | 5 yrs | 5 yrs | Typical | 2 | ## Specification ### AC output - **Rated AC power:** 180 kW - **Max apparent power:** 180.00 kVA - **Phases:** Three-phase - **Max AC current:** 151.0 A - **Grid frequency:** 50 Hz - **Power factor:** 1 at rated power / adjustable displacement PF: 0 overexcited to 0 underexcited - **Harmonic distortion (THD):** 0.5 % ### PV input - **Max DC voltage:** 1500 V ### Efficiency - **European efficiency:** 98.9 % - **Max efficiency:** 99.2 % ### Battery - **Battery port:** Yes - **Battery voltage:** See per-model DC battery voltage range (590–1500 V; 880–1500 V; 968–1500 V; 1012–1500 V) - **Max charge current:** 180.0 A - **Max discharge current:** 180.0 A ### Physical - **Dimensions:** 830 × 770 × 462 mm - **Weight:** 99.0 kg - **Enclosure:** IP65 - **Cooling:** forced-air - **Noise:** 69 dB - **Operating temperature:** -25 to 60 °C - **Max humidity:** 100 % ### Connectivity and protection - **Interfaces:** Ethernet, Display - **Protocols:** SMA Modbus, SunSpec Modbus, Speedwire, Ethernet (Modbus) battery interface - **Protection:** Surge protection ### Warranty and certificates - **Warranty:** 5 years - **Certifications:** IEC/EN 62109-1, IEC/EN 62109-2, VDE-AR-N 4110, VDE-AR-N 4120, IEC 62116, IEC 61727, EN 50549, C10/11, CEI 0-16, G99/1 (>16A), PO 12.3, ABNT NBR 16149 ### Pros - **Modularity: up to 14 units in parallel** - Inverters can be connected in parallel (AC and DC), scaling a project from 1 to 5 MW and from 5 to over 40 MWh without replacing the transformer. This enables phased capacity expansion and repowering of existing PV installations without costly grid infrastructure overhauls - a unique capability in the string battery inverter segment. - **~98.5% efficiency with 1500 VDC architecture** - The 1500 VDC architecture reduces conduction losses compared to 1000 VDC systems, with peak inverter efficiency reaching approximately 98.5%. For storage assets operating on a daily dispatch cycle (frequency regulation, peak shaving), this translates directly into lower round-trip losses and higher ancillary services revenue over the full project lifetime. - **OptiCool: full rated power up to ~50°C with no derating** - The OptiCool™ intelligent air-cooling system maintains full nameplate output at ambient temperatures up to approximately 50°C (122°F) with no power derating. This is a clear advantage over many competing inverters that begin derating above 40-45°C, and is particularly significant for projects in hot climates or containerized deployments with limited cooling capacity. - **Cybersecurity compliant with IEC 62443-4-1** - SMA has implemented a secure product development lifecycle (SDLC) based on IEC 62443-4-1, ISO 27001, and NERC CIP, with a documented Product Security Incident Response (PSIR) process. In the string battery inverter segment for critical infrastructure, this product is among the most broadly certified for cybersecurity - a key differentiator in public tenders and projects subject to regulatory requirements. - **Native EMS/SCADA integration via Modbus TCP** - Modbus TCP and Ethernet communication are supported natively, with no additional conversion gateways required, reducing commissioning time for integration with upstream systems (EMS, SCADA, DERMS). A unified protocol standard across the entire SMA product line simplifies hybrid PV+ESS projects and streamlines multi-phase capacity additions. ### Cons - **Premium pricing vs. Asian manufacturers** - As a European Tier-1 manufacturer, SMA positions the series above the price point of comparable solutions from Sungrow (e.g., ST2752UX) and Huawei FusionSolar in the utility segment - a gap estimated by independent industry reviews (Clean Energy Reviews, SolarQuotes) at 10-20% at the unit cost level. In utility-scale projects where CAPEX drives LCOE, the higher upfront cost requires additional justification in the financial model. ## About this series Sunny Highpower Storage is a series of industrial-grade battery inverters (grid-tie) designed for large-scale energy storage systems and hybrid PV+ESS power plants, where availability, rapid scalability, and stable operation under challenging conditions are paramount. A key advantage is the **modular architecture**-devices can be connected in parallel and projects can be scaled in stages without reconfiguring the entire infrastructure. This is particularly practical during modernization efforts, when adding a storage system to an existing PV farm is desired. Unlike traditional PV inverters, Sunny Highpower Storage does not rely on MPPT (as it does not operate directly with solar panel chains), but rather controls the energy flow between the battery and the grid. The high **European efficiency** means lower losses under typical operating conditions, resulting in more energy delivered to the grid and better profitability for grid services. A significant feature is the **communication and integration** with higher-level systems (including via Ethernet, supporting standards such as Modbus) and **cybersecurity** in utility projects. This series is intended for commercial and industrial installations as well as PV plants with energy storage, where grid connection certificates and industrial-grade warranty conditions are required. ## Questions ### What power ratings are available in the SMA Sunny Highpower Storage series, and what size installations is it suited for? The Sunny Highpower Storage series is available in 125 kVA, 150 kVA, 172 kVA, and 180 kVA variants. Thanks to its modular architecture, units can be connected in parallel, allowing projects to be scaled from 1 to 5 MVA of power output (or 5-40 MWh and beyond of energy storage capacity). The series is primarily intended for small and medium utility-scale installations - PV farms with energy storage and industrial BESS systems. ### What is the efficiency of the SMA Sunny Highpower Storage inverter, and does it decrease at high ambient temperatures? The inverter achieves up to 99% efficiency through 1500 V DC technology, resulting in minimal energy losses during typical storage operation. A significant advantage is the absence of power derating up to an ambient temperature of 50°C - the unit delivers full rated power even on hot days, which is critical for projects operating in harsh climatic conditions or installed inside containers. ### How does the SMA Sunny Highpower Storage differ from a conventional PV inverter such as the Sunny Highpower PEAK3? The Sunny Highpower Storage is a grid-tie battery inverter that does not feature MPPT inputs for PV string connections. Instead of maximum power point tracking, it controls the energy flow between the battery and the grid. The Sunny Highpower PEAK3, by contrast, is a solar inverter designed exclusively for use with PV modules. In a hybrid PV+ESS system, both series can operate together, but they serve distinct roles. ### Does the SMA Sunny Highpower Storage support communication with SCADA and energy management systems (EMS)? Yes, the series is equipped with an Ethernet interface supporting the Modbus protocol (disabled by default, enabled via configuration). This enables integration with higher-level SCADA systems, EMS platforms, and farm management solutions. The inverter also supports grid functions such as active power curtailment - required to comply with grid operator requirements when connecting commercial and industrial installations. ### What battery types is the SMA Sunny Highpower Storage compatible with? The inverter is designed to work with batteries from leading utility-level BESS (Battery Energy Storage System) manufacturers. SMA is not tied to a single cell supplier - the unit communicates with the battery management system (BMS) via dedicated interfaces, allowing the storage system to be matched to the specific requirements of each project. For a detailed list of certified battery pairings, consult the SMA technical documentation. ### What warranty does the SMA Sunny Highpower Storage carry, and what is its designed operational lifetime? The Sunny Highpower Storage series is designed for 25 years of operation and comes with a standard manufacturer's warranty that can be extended to 25 years through SMA service packages. The warranty terms are of industrial grade - the unit maintains full rated power from day one, with no gradual degradation of performance parameters throughout the entire installation lifecycle. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/inverters/shps-21-ds-en-03-48351375ec1b.pdf) ## Alternatives | Inverter | Rated AC | Euro efficiency | MPPT | Weight | Difference | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | [SMA Solar Sunny Highpower PEAK3 SHP 180-21](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sma-solar-sunny-highpower-peak3-shp-180-21) | 180 kW | 98.9% | 1 | 99.0 kg | Similar on paper | | [Growatt MAX 180KTL3-X MV](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-max-180ktl3-x-mv) | 180 kW | | 10 | 93.0 kg | 6.0 kg lighter | | [Growatt MAX 185KTL3-X HV](https://comparepv.com/inverter/growatt-max-185ktl3-x-hv) | 185 kW | 98.7% | | 95.0 kg | +5.0 kW, 4.0 kg lighter | | [Huawei SUN2000-185KTL-H1](https://comparepv.com/inverter/huawei-sun2000-185ktl-h1) | 175 kW | 98.7% | 9 | 84.0 kg | -5.0 kW, 15.0 kg lighter | | [Huawei SUN2000-188KTL-NHH0](https://comparepv.com/inverter/huawei-sun2000-188ktl-nhh0) | 187.5 kW | | 6 | 114.0 kg | +7.5 kW, 15.0 kg heavier | | [SMA Solar Sunny Highpower PEAK3 SHP 172-21](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sma-solar-sunny-highpower-peak3-shp-172-21) | 172 kW | 98.9% | 1 | 99.0 kg | -8.0 kW | | [SMA Solar Sunny Highpower Storage SHPS 172-21](https://comparepv.com/inverter/sma-solar-sunny-highpower-storage-shps-172-21) | 172 kW | 98.9% | | 99.0 kg | -8.0 kW | | [Huawei SUN2000-215KTL-H0](https://comparepv.com/inverter/huawei-sun2000-215ktl-h0) | 200 kW | 98.8% | 9 | 86.0 kg | +20.0 kW, 13.0 kg lighter | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/inverter/sma-solar-sunny-highpower-storage-shps-180-21