The SMA Sunny Tripower CORE2 series are three-phase grid-tie inverters designed for large commercial and industrial installations where project flexibility and stable operation under challenging conditions are key. Their key advantage is 12 independent MPPTs, which facilitate optimised energy yield on multiple rooftop strings, different orientations, and partial shading - instead of compromising with one or two trackers, you get more precise string control.
High European efficiency translates into significantly higher energy production under typical operating conditions in Poland, not just at the laboratory maximum. This is complemented by robust communication - built-in Ethernet and support for industrial standards (e.g., Modbus), which facilitates integration with monitoring and building automation systems. CORE2 supports monitoring within the SMA ecosystem (e.g., Sunny Portal) and is available in versions with safety features, such as arc detection.
This is not a hybrid inverter - for energy storage, you need a separate solution. Standard features include the manufacturer's warranty, with an optional extension, and compliance with key standards and grid connection requirements.
Ranking
Specifications
Pros and cons
At 110 kW, the inverter features 12 MPPT trackers with 24 direct string inputs, enabling support for multiple roof faces, azimuths, and tilt angles without sacrificing yield. Competing units in the 100+ kW class (e.g., Fronius Symo 100 kW) typically offer only 6 MPPTs, which forces compromises on non-uniform roof layouts.
The maximum efficiency of 98.6%, confirmed in the official SMA datasheet (STP110-60-AFCI-DS-en-21), surpasses the Fronius Symo Advanced (97.25%) and Symo Lite (97.58%), directly translating into higher annual energy yields in commercial installations operating across a wide load range.
The 12 MPPT × 2 string architecture allows direct connection of up to 24 strings without additional DC combiner boxes, reducing commissioning time and lowering Balance of System (BoS) costs in both rooftop and ground-mounted installations.
The built-in ShadeFix algorithm identifies and compensates for partial shading losses at the MPPT level without requiring hardware optimizers, reducing system cost while delivering higher yield than a conventional P&O algorithm.
The STP110-60-AFCI variant features certified arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) detection, enhancing fire safety on-site. Built-in Ethernet and Modbus TCP/RTU enable integration with SCADA systems and building automation without additional communication gateways.
SMA has officially ended sales of the CORE2 - its successor is the Sunny Tripower 125 (confirmed by SMA Australia and the global sma.de website). This means limited availability of new units, a risk of spare parts shortages, and a potentially shorter service support horizon - a significant consideration given the 20-25-year operational lifespan of commercial PV installations.
Installations exceeding 500 kW require multiple units to be cascaded. Competing inverters offer higher power in a single enclosure - Huawei SUN2000-215KTL-H3 (215 kW) and Sungrow SG250HX (250 kW) - which, on large-scale projects, reduces the number of failure points, simplifies AC wiring, and lowers installation costs.
Alternatives
About the SUNNY TRIPOWER CORE2 series
These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this model's own.