SMA Solar Technology AG has launched its new SMA ‘Cluster Controller,' which is designed to support the monitoring and control of decentralised PV power plants in connection with its string inverters up to the megawatt range. The larger the PV plant, undiscovered faults or yield issues even on a small level can quickly become a major financial issue for plant owners. Accurate and comprehensive monitoring of plants has become an essential part of operations, which can reduce costs and improve yield.

The SMA Cluster Controller is claimed to offer reliable monitoring and control of up to 75 string inverters due to the Ethernet-based Speedwire fieldbus and use of a dual-core microprocessor. The 100 Mbit/s bus system provides plant operators with optimum data transmission rates for plant monitoring and fast processing of measured values, status updates, and plant control commands. Different connection options for the sensors enable plant operators to evaluate nominal plant power more precisely, according to the company.

In addition to the status updates, the nominal plant power can be viewed using SMA's Sunny Portal.