SMA Sunny Tripower 125-70 Inverter

The SMA Sunny Tripower 125-70, reference 3-125-1100-1-70, is a three-phase photovoltaic inverter rated at 125 kW developed for commercial and industrial solar installations and large decentralized photovoltaic power plants. It features 12 independent MPPT trackers with 2 string inputs per MPPT, offering up to 24 inputs for PV strings and high flexibility when designing systems with different orientations, tilts, or irradiance conditions.

The Sunny Tripower 125 combines a maximum efficiency of 98.4% with SMA proprietary technologies such as SMA ShadeFix, SMA ArcFix, and SMA Smart Connected. It also integrates Ethernet and WLAN communications, compatibility with SMA Modbus, SunSpec Modbus, and Speedwire, as well as DC Type I+II and AC Type II surge protection. Its IP65 protection rating allows use in demanding rooftop installations as well as ground-mounted photovoltaic plants.

Key features of the SMA Sunny Tripower 125-70

• Three-phase solar inverter for commercial and industrial photovoltaic installations.
• SMA reference: 3-125-1100-1-70.
• Commercial model: STP 125-70.
• Rated output power: 125 kW.
• Maximum recommended PV generator power: 187,500 Wp STC.
• 12 independent MPPT trackers.
• 2 strings per MPPT tracker, up to 24 string inputs.
• Maximum useful input current per MPPT: 30 A.
• Maximum short-circuit current per MPPT: 40 A.
• Maximum DC input voltage: 1,100 V.
• MPP voltage range: 180 to 1,000 V.
• MPP range at rated power: 450 to 800 V.
• Nominal input voltage: 600 V.
• Maximum efficiency: 98.4%.
• SMA stated efficiency: 98.1%.
• Nominal AC voltage: 230/400 V.
• Three-phase connection 3-N-PE.
• SMA ArcFix arc-fault protection.
• Performance optimization with SMA ShadeFix.
• Monitoring via SMA Smart Connected.
• Integrated string I-V diagnostics.
• DC Type I+II surge protection.
• AC Type II surge protection.
• Ethernet and WLAN interfaces.
• Compatible with SMA Modbus, SunSpec Modbus, and Speedwire.
• IP65 protection rating.
• SMA OptiCool active cooling.
• Wall or frame mounting.

12 MPPT for maximum flexibility in PV design

One of the main strengths of the SMA Sunny Tripower 125 is the inclusion of 12 independent maximum power point trackers. Each MPPT supports two strings, allowing up to 24 PV strings to be connected to the inverter.

This configuration makes it easier to design systems with modules distributed across different orientations, tilts, or roof areas. With multiple independent trackers, each module group can operate more appropriately under its own operating conditions, reducing the impact that irradiance differences between strings can have.

Each MPPT tracker supports a maximum useful input current of 30 A and a maximum short-circuit current of 40 A, making it suitable for modern high-current PV modules.

DC input data

Feature Value Maximum PV generator power 187,500 Wp STC Maximum input voltage 1,100 V MPP voltage range 180 to 1,000 V MPP range at rated power 450 to 800 V Nominal input voltage 600 V Minimum input voltage 180 V Start voltage 200 V Number of MPPTs 12 Strings per MPPT 2 Maximum number of string inputs 24 Maximum useful current per MPPT 30 A Maximum short-circuit current per MPPT 40 A DC connection Sunclix

Three-phase 125 kW power

The Sunny Tripower 125-70 delivers a rated power of 125,000 W at 230 V and 50 Hz, with a rated and maximum apparent power of 125,000 VA. Grid connection is three-phase 3-N-PE and is designed for a nominal voltage of 230/400 V.

Its rated and maximum output current is 181.1 A. The power factor is 1 at rated power and can be adjusted between 0.8 overexcited and 0.8 underexcited, providing flexibility to meet grid and installation requirements.

AC output data

Feature Value Rated power 125,000 W Rated apparent power 125,000 VA Maximum apparent power 125,000 VA Nominal AC voltage 230/400 V AC voltage range 320 to 480 V Nominal frequency 50 Hz Frequency range 45 to 65 Hz Nominal grid voltage 400 V Rated output current 181.1 A Maximum output current 181.1 A Power factor at rated power 1 Adjustable displacement factor 0.8 overexcited to 0.8 underexcited THD harmonics < 3% at rated power Injection phases 3 AC connection 3-N-PE

High energy efficiency

The SMA Sunny Tripower 125 achieves a maximum efficiency of 98.4%, supporting highly efficient conversion of energy generated by the PV modules into usable energy for the installation or for grid export.

The inverter also incorporates SMA ShadeFix, an integrated software solution that optimizes PV string performance under shading conditions. This technology works directly from the inverter without the need to install individual optimizers on each module.

SMA ArcFix and string I-V diagnostics

To improve photovoltaic system safety, the STP 125-70 includes the SMA ArcFix arc-fault protection function as standard, in accordance with IEC 63027. This function is designed to detect anomalies associated with electrical arcs on the DC side and help reduce the risk linked to this type of fault.

It also features string I-V diagnostics, a function intended to check PV generator behavior and help identify possible anomalies, supporting operational safety and plant performance.

Integrated electrical protections

The inverter integrates different protection functions to simplify system design and increase photovoltaic system safety.

• Disconnect point on the input side.
• Ground-fault monitoring.
• Grid monitoring.
• Reverse DC polarity protection.
• AC short-circuit resistance.
• Residual current monitoring on all poles.
• SMA ArcFix AFCI arc-fault protection.
• String I-V diagnostics.
• DC Type I+II surge arresters.
• AC Type II surge arresters.

According to IEC 62109-1, the equipment has protection class I, with overvoltage category III on AC and category II on DC.

Communications and integration into energy management systems

The Sunny Tripower 125 is ready to integrate into commercial and industrial plant management and monitoring systems. It includes two Ethernet ports and WLAN connectivity, enabling both communication within the installation network and wireless access for commissioning and diagnostics.

It is compatible with the SMA Modbus, SunSpec Modbus, and Speedwire protocols, facilitating integration with SMA solutions and compatible third-party monitoring and control systems.

The unit can be integrated into SMA Commercial Energy Solution and combined with industrial storage systems, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, and energy management systems.

SMA Smart Connected

The inverter is compatible with SMA Smart Connected, SMA’s automatic monitoring service designed to detect possible operating errors at an early stage. This supervision helps improve system availability and simplifies maintenance management.

Digital inputs and multifunction relay

The Sunny Tripower 125 features 4 digital inputs for power limitation and 2 inputs for rapid shutdown. It also includes a multifunction relay with a potential-free changeover contact.

These connections allow the unit to be integrated into control, power management, or safety systems for larger photovoltaic installations.

SMA OptiCool cooling

The inverter uses the SMA OptiCool cooling system to maintain suitable thermal conditions during operation. Its operating temperature range is -25 °C to +60 °C, allowing it to work across a wide range of environmental conditions.

The inverter topology is transformerless, and its maximum sound emission at a distance of 1 meter is below 71.1 dB(A).

IP65 protection for demanding installations

The Sunny Tripower 125 has an IP65 protection rating according to IEC 60529. Its enclosure is designed to protect against dust ingress and water jets, making it suitable for commercial and industrial photovoltaic installations where the inverter may be exposed to demanding environmental conditions.

It can be installed by wall mounting or frame mounting, offering flexibility to adapt its location to the characteristics of each project.

Dimensions and weight

Feature Value Width 1,020 mm Height 795 mm Depth 360 mm Approximate weight 96 kg Operating temperature range -25 °C to +60 °C Maximum sound emission at 1 m < 71.1 dB(A) Protection rating IP65 Topology Transformerless Cooling system SMA OptiCool

Connections of the SMA Sunny Tripower 125

On the DC side, the inverter uses Sunclix connections. For the AC output, it features cable terminal connection, supporting conductor cross-sections of up to 240 mm² according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

The unit includes LED indicators to provide information on operating status, possible errors, and inverter communication.

Recommended applications

With its 125 kW power, 12 MPPTs, and high integration capability, the SMA Sunny Tripower 125-70 is especially suited to large photovoltaic installations in commercial and industrial environments.

• Photovoltaic installations in industrial buildings.
• Large commercial and logistics rooftops.
• Ground-mounted solar PV plants.
• Installations with multiple orientations or shaded areas.
• Decentralized photovoltaic projects in the megawatt range.
• Installations integrated with industrial energy storage.
• Projects combined with electric vehicle charging infrastructure.
• Systems monitored via SMA Data Manager and Sunny Portal powered by ennexOS.

Standards and certifications

The manufacturer declares compatibility and certifications according to various international and European standards, including IEC 62109-1/-2, EN 50549-1/-2:2018, EN 50549-10:2022, G99, CEI 0-21/CEI 0-16, and VDE-AR-N 4105/4110/4120:2018, among other approvals available depending on market and configuration.

Warranty

The Sunny Tripower 125 comes with a 5-year standard warranty. SMA offers extension options to 10, 15, or 20 years, subject to the manufacturer’s terms and availability.

With its 125 kW power, 12 MPPTs, up to 24 strings, 98.4% maximum efficiency, IP65 protection, and SMA ShadeFix, ArcFix, and Smart Connected technologies, the SMA Sunny Tripower 125-70 offers a high-performance and highly flexible solution for commercial, industrial, and large decentralized photovoltaic plants.