SMA America's 21.6 kW solar array on their California headquarters. Image: SMA America

"What better way to show our dedication and enthusiasm towards a solar energy future."

- Sam Vanderhoof, SMA America's Director of Sales and Marketing.

Grass Valley, California - February 23, 2004 [SolarAccess.com] Demonstrating their commitment to solar energy, and practicing what they preach, solar inverter company SMA America recently completed the installation of a 21.6 kW photovoltaic (PV) system on their headquarters in Grass Valley, California. The grid-tied solar system produces approximately the same amount of power as SMA America uses, making the firm a zero energy business or energy neutral. "What better way to show our dedication and enthusiasm towards a solar energy future," said Sam Vanderhoof, SMA America's Director of Sales and Marketing. SMA America's system took only three weeks from conception to installation, including submitting the paperwork for the California rebate. The system is comprised of twelve 1800U SMA America Sunny Boy inverters and 192 solar modules. Local installers APS from Grass Valley installed the system on the two-story building's standing seam roof. Beyond providing electricity, SMA America staff is using the system as a training aid for their dealer/installer program. "Our system is a great tool for demonstration of our Sunny Boy inverters, communication and metering products," said John Berdner, SMA America's President. System production may be viewed online at the company's link below. SMA America said they are the number one installed inverter manufacturer in the United States, in terms of installed capacity.