SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1 STP 50-41 Solar Inverter

Overview

The SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1 (type designation STP 50-41) is a 50 kW three-phase string inverter that SMA describes as the world’s first free-standing string inverter for decentralized rooftop and ground-mounted PV systems and for covered parking structures. Instead of hanging on a wall or rack, the SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1 stands on its own mounting feet, so it can be placed directly on a roof membrane, a concrete plinth or under a carport canopy close to the PV strings it serves. SMA positions it as the third generation of the Sunny Tripower family, designed to cut logistics, labour, material and service effort on commercial PV projects.

Seven Star LLC supplies the SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1 to EPC contractors, facility owners and industrial users in Oman and across the GCC, with engineering support in Muscat. Commercial buyers searching for a solar inverter in Muscat often need a proven 50 kW building block for warehouse roofs, factory sheds, schools, malls and car-park shading structures, and our team helps match string design, monitoring and accessories to each site. Note that SMA now lists the Sunny Tripower X 60 as the successor model on its product page, so we also help customers who are extending or maintaining existing CORE1 plants.

Operating Principle of the SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1

As general background, a grid-tied string inverter converts the direct current produced by series-connected PV modules into three-phase alternating current that is synchronised to the utility grid. Maximum power point tracking (MPPT) continuously adjusts the operating voltage of each string group so that the array delivers the most power available under the current irradiance and temperature. The SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1 has six independent MPP trackers with two string inputs each, giving twelve direct string inputs, which lets designers mix roof orientations or string lengths without the losses that occur when unlike strings share one tracker.

On the DC side, the datasheet gives a maximum input voltage of 1000 V, an MPP voltage range of 500 V to 800 V at nominal power, a rated input voltage of 670 V and a full MPP range of 150 V to 1000 V, with a start input voltage of 188 V. Each tracker accepts up to 20 A operating current and 30 A short-circuit current, for a maximum operating input current of 120 A in total. The transformerless topology of the SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1, with SMA OptiCool cooling, reaches a maximum efficiency of 98.1 % and a European efficiency of 97.8 %, and the inverter supports a DC:AC ratio of up to 150 %, with a maximum generator power of 75000 Wp at STC.

Engineering Design of the SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1

Physically, the SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1 measures 569 mm wide, 733 mm high and 621 mm deep without feet or DC load-break switch, and weighs 84 kg. The enclosure is rated IP65 to IEC 60529, climatic category 4K4H to IEC 60721-3-4, and is specified for operating temperatures from −25 °C to +60 °C with up to 100 % non-condensing relative humidity. Typical noise emission is below 65 dB(A) and night-time self-consumption is 4.8 W. Connection areas are fully accessible, DC strings land on SUNCLIX connectors, the AC side uses screw terminals, and an integrated DC disconnector removes the need for separate DC isolators at the inverter. SMA notes that no DC fuses are required.

On the AC side, the SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1 delivers 50000 W rated power and 50000 VA rated and maximum apparent power at 230 V, 50 Hz, with rated output current of 72.5 A and a 3-(N)-PE connection. Nominal grid voltages of 220/380 V, 230/400 V and 240/415 V are supported over a 202 V to 305 V range, at 50 Hz or 60 Hz. The power factor is adjustable from 0.0 leading to 0.0 lagging and THD stays below 3 %. Communication on the SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1 is handled through two Ethernet ports, WLAN and optional RS485, with SMA Modbus, SunSpec Modbus, Speedwire and Webconnect data protocols, a multi-function relay and two expansion module slots.

Key Features

The main engineering features of the SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1, as stated by SMA, are summarised below.

• A free-standing design on mounting feet allows the inverter to be installed on the ground or a roof without a wall, rack or mounting structure.
• Six MPP trackers with two strings each provide twelve direct string inputs, reducing combiner boxes and cabling on large roofs.
• An integrated arc-fault circuit interrupter (AFCI) and I-V generator diagnosis are included as standard on the current version.
• SMA ShadeFix shade management increases yield on partly shaded arrays without extra hardware.
• Integrated Wi-Fi access lets installers commission the unit from any mobile device using the built-in web interface.
• Integrated Plant Control and Q on Demand 24/7 support reactive power requirements from grid operators, including at night.
• Optional type 2 or type 1/2 AC and DC surge protection modules can be fitted inside the enclosure.
• The inverter is off-grid capable and compatible with the SMA Fuel Save Controller for PV-diesel hybrid sites.

Industrial Applications

The SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1 suits decentralized commercial PV where several 50 kW blocks are spread across a site: logistics warehouses in the Khazaen and Rusayl areas, factory roofs in the Sohar industrial estate, cold stores, hotels, shopping centres and university campuses. Its free-standing format is particularly practical on flat roofs and in car-park shade structures, which are common across Muscat because covered parking already provides a steel frame for modules. Because the SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1 is rated for operation up to +60 °C and carries IP65 protection, it can be installed outdoors in the shade of the array, which is a sensible arrangement in the Omani summer.

For remote and off-grid sites such as pumping stations, telecom compounds or construction camps that rely on diesel generators, the off-grid capability and compatibility with the SMA Fuel Save Controller allow the SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1 to be part of a PV-diesel hybrid that reduces fuel use. Seven Star LLC supplies the inverter, communication modules and surge protection kits for such projects, and our engineering team in Muscat supports string sizing, monitoring layout and document packages for consultants and utilities in Oman and the wider GCC.

Technical Specifications

The following data for the SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1 is taken from the SMA datasheet for the STP 50-41.

Related Products

Customers planning PV and backup power projects also review the Schneider Electric Conext SW solar inverter, the EnerSys PowerSafe SBS EON VRLA battery for DC standby systems and the EnerSys PowerSafe DU battery for substation and utility duty.

How to Order

To request a formal quotation for the SMA Sunny Tripower CORE1, send your project details, array size, roof or carport layout and grid connection requirements to Seven Star LLC. The SMA datasheet is available for download on this page, and our power and instrumentation team in Muscat can advise on accessories such as RS485, I/O and sensor modules and surge protection kits. Seven Star LLC supplies SMA equipment with engineering support across Oman and the GCC.