Backup options with Sunny Boy Storage

Daniel Chungby Daniel Chung (guest post), , 62 Comments

With the Sunny Boy Storage 3.6/5.0/6.0 range, you can have backup power for your home when there is a blackout. In this blog, we will discuss how to use the Secure Power Supply function included in your Sunny Boy Storage and alternatively how you can have automated backup of your household with the optional Automatic Backup Unit.

Comparing your backup options

Secure Power Supply Full Backup
Requirements · Sunny Boy Storage 3.6/5.0/6.0 · Sunny Boy Storage 3.6/5.0/6.0

· Automatic Backup Unit (optional add-on)
Max Load (230Vac) 3.7 kW Sunny Boy Storage Rating + up to 7.7kW from PV
Power Source Batteries Batteries + PV
Operation Activated by manual switch Automatically switched on after blackout

Simplest option: Secure Power Supply (included)

The Secure Power Supply function, which comes standard with the Sunny Boy Storage 3.7/5.0/6.0, can be used to power dedicated circuits in your home. Using a 3-way switch, the homeowner can manually changeover from grid power to battery power after a blackout. Even though the Secure Power Supply is limited to 3700 W, the 3-way switch can be wired to specific circuits in the home that can be powered within this limit. For e.g. in a typical home, you could expect to power your LED/CFL lights, TV and several small electrical devices like computers, modems and possibly refrigerators depending on their startup demand. Check your home appliances to see their power usage value in Watts (W).

The figure below shows how you can use the 3-way switch in a typical house. In this example, we power one of the circuits and the lighting circuit. The homeowner only needs to move the switch over when they notice a blackout. When grid power is restored, the homeowner needs to switch back the 3-way switch to the original position.

Automatic Backup Power

The homeowner may want the Sunny Boy Storage to automatically power their household circuits when there is a blackout. By installing the optional Automatic Backup Unit, the household loads are automatically disconnected from the grid and the loads may continue to be supplied from the battery storage system and the PV system. In this setup, additional power is available from the PV inverter, which allows a greater number of appliances to be powered simultaneously, and a longer period of autonomy from the grid.

Conclusion

Backup power from your battery system is possible when using the Sunny Boy Storage battery inverter. The already included Secure Power Supply feature provides an economical way to achieve manual backup during a blackout. Alternatively, automatic backup to your full home during a blackout is possible with the optional Automatic Backup Unit.

 

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62 Comments
    • Christiane Keim
      Christiane Keim says:

      Hello Brad,

      Please contact our SMA Service for further advice, thank you.
      More technical details concerning your plant (serial number etc.) would be appreciated.

      Sunny regards
      Christiane

      Reply
  2. BN
    BN says:

    Is the “Secure Power Supply” outlet still supported with just the inverter, no Storage, in the USA / California?

    Reply
  3. James B
    James B says:

    Do the sunny boy storage solutions only work with li-ion? I was just about to buy the SBS 5.0 and noticed this in the brochure. I have agm batteries and would love to use the SBS with them, is this possible? I looked at the user manual and there was no “battery type change” in any of the references for the GUI or software package, is this possible? Also, I noticed that the brochure also mentions that it auto switches now, does that mean since 2019 the ASU has now been integrated?

    Reply
    • Christiane Keim
      Christiane Keim says:

      Hello Anil,

      Thanks for your kind request.
      Please get back to our colleagues from SMA America.
      The local Academy team has initiated this video.

      Sunny regards
      Christiane

      Reply
  5. Rod
    Rod says:

    Hi,

    I have sunny Island 8.0H off grid system with 2x 5kw sunny boys and generator connected to ac2(Grid/gen) connection.

    I want to put sunny boy storage 3.7 with LG highvoltage battery and one 5kw sunnboy as separate off grid system approx 40m from sunny island system.

    My question is, Can I use sunny island ac1 side (with sunny boys) as the grid connect to the sunnyboy storage sytem with SMA energy meter 2.0?

    Would I then be able to transfer excess solar from the sunny boy 5kw (On the sunny boy storage 3.7 ac side) through the sunny boy storage 3.7 grid connection, to the sunny island ac1 side?

    Hope that makes sense. In my head I see no reason why this wouldn’t work but I would like a second opinion.

    Thanks in advance,

    Rod

    Reply
  6. Andrew
    Andrew says:

    Hi I have a 5.76kw solar panel system with anaphase s270 inverters and a LG RESU10H battery and sbs2.5 with a manual three way switch and a yamaha 7200 generator how can I incorporate all this with a automatic backup unit..

    Reply
  7. Gary Fray
    Gary Fray says:

    I have a unique grid form which is 115/230 volts split phase. I am interested in the SBS storage inverter and would like to use the ABU which i understand is made for 120/240 volts 60hz only. Can you advise of the possible effect if this unit was put into a 50 hz grid with voltage of 115/230. If it cannot work does SMA offer an ABU with 230 volts L-N. We could use a transformer in this event.

    Reply
  8. Dave Chapman
    Dave Chapman says:

    Hi Moderator,

    Well. This is just rude. Please stop removing my messages without letting me know how I can get support for my question. I’m happy to go elsewhere if this isn’t the right place to do it but I’ve asked politely yet my message has yet again been deleted.
    Once more – could you help me here please rather than just delete my messages?
    Again – the query I have is:
    “Hi folks,
    I’m in Sydney Australia with a PV array on the roof, Tesla PW1 and an SMA model SBS2.5-1 VL-10 inverter. Could you tell me upgrade options to have backup capability availability so the battery can still power the house in the event that the grid power goes out in a blackout?
    Thanks, Dave”
    Thanks in advance for your advice.
    Regards, Dave

    Reply
  9. Dave Chapman
    Dave Chapman says:

    Dear Moderator,
    I’ve posted two messages here in the past week or so to see if I could get some advice with my SMA system but they keep disappearing without an answer. I can only think this is because you’re removing them?
    Could you advise please if I’m posting in the wrong place or the subject matter is inappropriate, in which case I’ll try elsewhere if you could suggest where else I might put this? The message I sent this morning that’s now unavailable was:
    “Hi folks,
    I’m in Sydney Australia with a PV array on the roof, Tesla PW1 and an SMA model SBS2.5-1 VL-10 inverter. Could you tell me upgrade options to have backup capability availability so the battery can still power the house in the event that the grid power goes out in a blackout?
    Thanks, Dave”
    Thanks in advance for your advice.
    Regards, Dave

    Reply
  10. Dave Chapman
    Dave Chapman says:

    Hi folks,
    I’m in Sydney Australia with a PV array on the roof, Tesla PW1 and an SMA model SBS2.5-1 VL-10 inverter. Could you tell me upgrade options to have backup capability availability so the battery can still power the house in the event that the grid power goes out in a blackout?
    Thanks, Dave

    Reply
    • Christiane Keim
      Christiane Keim says:

      Hello Dave,

      First of all: Please be assured that no post ever on this blog will be deleted.

      The Sunny Boy Storage 2.5 does not have an option for the expansion of a backup power system or a switchover device.
      Therefore, if you go for this function, you need a Sunny Boy Storage 3.7/5.0/6.0.

      But above all consider that the Tesla Powerwall 1 battery is no longer compatible with the Sunny Boy Storage types 3.7/5.0/6.0.
      Therefore, the solution you have in mind is no favorable option.
      In summary: If you absolutely decide to go for a system with backup power function, you will need the Sunny Boy Storage 3.7/5.0/6.0 and one of the compatible batteries listed in the attached document.

      Best regards
      C. Keim

      Reply
  11. Dave Chapman
    Dave Chapman says:

    Hi folks,
    I have a Sunny Boy inverter model SBS2.5-a VL-10 according to the label on the side of the box. PV on the roof of course and a Telsa PW1. I gather from the article above I need a 3.6, 5.0 or 6.0 model to be able to have power (switchable or automated) backup for the house during a blackout? Could someone advise please:
    – Can my current inverter actually support this? If so, what’s required to make that happen?
    – If not, what’s the best upgrade option? I’d prefer to change as little as possible as it’s all working really well (apart from in a blackout!) and cost is always a consideration but happy to consider whatever’s needed
    Thanks in advance for any advice!

    Reply
  12. Jake
    Jake says:

    May I ask if SBS 5.0 will work with 3pcs of LG Chem Resu10H with maximum charge/discharge of 10.7A@467V / 11.7A@427V? Thank you

    Reply
  13. Gary Stone
    Gary Stone says:

    I have a 6.7kw solar array and 3 Sunny Boy 5k inverters. My question is “Can all three of my inverters be connected to Sunny Boy Storage so that in the event of a grid shut down they can all contribute to an automatic backup system during day light hours”

    Reply
  14. Danielle S Merancio
    Danielle S Merancio says:

    Does the Sunny Boy Storage have a generator input or can you use a generator transfer switch in order to incorporate a generator source?

    Reply
  15. David K Campion
    David K Campion says:

    Are there any options for using the ABU with lower voltage/higher amp batteries? Designing a system that will use 6x5kw (in parallel) 48v/100ah Lithium Iron Titanate batteries. The Sunny Boy Storage is incompatible with these batteries. Is there an option to make this work?

    Reply
  16. SunnyDay No Power
    SunnyDay No Power says:

    Here we are with a Bright Sun the day after a big storm and No Power!
    Sunnyboy Storage with LG batteries and ABU. First power outage and the system powered the home all night no problem, then during the day System shutdown. Both batteries showing Fault. After resetting the batteries and black starting the SBS there is no indication of any errors. The system supplies power for about 1 minute then the system shutsdown the output. Wait for 15min still no power. No errors Nothing. Dead in the water. Bright Sunny Day and No Power. No SMA support. Not a good situation. Sunny Islands were rock solid. Very disappointed.

    Reply
  17. Scott McVey
    Scott McVey says:

    Can multiple SBS storage inverters/battery combos be slaved together? I am interesting in installing a multi-battery system capable of providing more power than a single SBS 6.0 can provide. I need to supply about 7.5kW to shave on-peak demand. I am considering two LG Chem RESU10 batteries, each rated at 5kW.

    Reply
  18. LORING VOGEL
    LORING VOGEL says:

    i have a Sunny Boy 6.0-US inverter. I would like to add a battery and automatic backup to it to be able to power my well pump and a refrigerator and an on demand gas hot water heater in the event of a power outage. I would also like to be able to shift the time my system supplies power if possible as my utility offers better rates after the sun goes down here. can you help? I live in usa california 95472

    Reply
  19. Silvio
    Silvio says:

    Hello,
    I have a new construction project planned with 8kW of grid-tie solar. I would like to future proof it by installing an automatic backup unit (SBS-AU-200-US) now. We will install the storage in the future. Is that backup unit inverter agnostic?
    Thanks,
    Silvio

    Reply
    • Carolyn Schlosser
      Carolyn Schlosser says:

      Hi Silvio,

      Not really sure, what here the meaning of “agnostic” in conjunction with inverter is (Agnostic is more a religion subject). If it is more a question about the communication interface of the SBS, the answer would be that our devices have an open Modbus interface via Ethernet/TCP, which can be connected to other Modbus systems and exchange monitoring data and parameter settings.

      Sunny regards,
      Carolyn

      Reply
      • Silvio Lopez
        Silvio Lopez says:

        Hi Carolyn,
        Put simply, can I use the SBS-AU-200-US with Enphase IQ7+ microinverters for the PV?

        Thanks,
        Silvio

      • Carolyn Schlosser
        Carolyn Schlosser says:

        Hi Silvio,

        A Sunny Boy Storage System can also be used in combination with a non SMA inverter, if no dynamic active power limitation at the connection point must be realized (needs the communication between SBS and inverter). To set up a backup system a Sunny Boy Storage and the SBS-AU-200-US is necessary. Only the SBS-AU-200 is not enough (it is only the automatic switch box).

        Sunny regards,
        Carolyn

  20. Susan Phillips
    Susan Phillips says:

    Hi- I have a 7year old SMA system with SB4000 and 2 Sunny Island 5048U.
    The Sunny Island slave has failed and now I am looking into possibly a different combo set-up including a generator that will be on demand for 240 use so that I don’t overload the Sunny Islands. I would appreciate a dialogue about the options

    Reply
    • Annika Linke
      Annika Linke says:

      Hi, Susan,
      it would be great if you first asked this technical question to your installer. He knows your system best. If he can’t help, please contact my colleagues at the Service Line for this specific case. Thank you very much. Kind regards, Annika

      Reply
    • Anke Baars
      Anke Baars says:

      Hi Ray,
      Best way would be to talk to an installer close to you. He can advise and plan a storage installation. In the meantime you might find some useful information about storage systems in this post.
      Kind regards,
      Anke

      Reply
  22. Donald
    Donald says:

    Does this backup system interact with Sunny Boy inverters to regulate the PV production during backup operation? If so, what models, what accessories and configuration, how does it work?

    Last I read, the latest crop of SMA Sunny Boy inverters can be used for grid-tie, or can be used for off-grid. But, they can NOT be used for grid backup. I think this is because they are commissioned either with grid-interactive parameters, or to respond to frequency shift as a way to control power production. But, they have no communication mechanism to be told when the backup system has disconnected from the grid and operating mode should change. Unlike earlier Sunny Boy models. (Asking primarily regarding California installations.)

    Thanks.

    Reply
  23. Solar One
    Solar One says:

    I have been looking into the Sunny Boy Storage SBS6.0-US-10 and after reading all the installation manuals and data sheets watching all available SMA install videos I still have some unanswered questions about the system.

    1) Will the SBS6.0-US-10 work with older Sunny Boy Solar Inverters (SMA 4000TL-US) in an AC coupled Autobackup configuration? I.E. Switch them to Off-Grid operation via the RS-485 Bus and then control their production output via Frequency shift?

    2) There is reference to 3rd Party Backup in some of the Sunny Boy Storage literature or Press releases. What are the 3rd Party Backup solutions that the Sunny Boy Storage supports? Will it support a generic Generator Transfer switch (with modifications) as a service disconnect?

    3) SBS6.0-US-10 Literature indicates the SBS has three (3) battery inputs and can support three (3) different types of batteries yet as delivered it can only support two (2) different types of batteries as inputs A/B are wired in parallel. The manual does not address the connection of Two (2) 20A batteries such as the RESU10H (Type-C). Or how three (3) batteries of different types can be connected. It appears that a different configuration of the RESU10H (Type-C) is required to parallel the outputs if the SBS can’t support three (3) isolated units.

    4)What is the actual backup procedure? On loss of AC Grid power does the SBS Autobackup house power go down, then disconnect the AC Grid, then re-start the house grid? Is there a delay in the Sunny Boy Inverters coming back on-line? On restore does the house power go back down and then the AC Grid power is reconnected? Or are any of the transfers seamless?

    SMA AutoBackup Unit
    1) Is the Automatic Backup Unit Service Rated? I.E. Does it have a 200A OCP device? It appear not to be service rated and thus requires an additional Service Disconnect between it and the service meter.

    2) This is a very Large device can the individual units inside the AutoBackup Unit be purchased separately? Specifically the Backup Controller , Energy Monitor, and the grid disconnect switch?

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Anke Baars
      Anke Baars says:

      Hi,
      Thanks for your interest in our battery inverter Sunny Boy Storage.
      I forwarded your technical questions to my colleague, who will contact you directly.
      Kind regards,
      Anke

      Reply
    • Solar One
      Solar One says:

      Never got a a response back but from SMA but will post some answers for others.
      1) Not by RS-485 but maybe by Speedwire. No positive verification on this yet.
      2) None, only the SMA ABU is supported. This unit has the backup controller that is needed for the ABU functionality.
      3) See updated Install Manual V1.2
      4) According to the SBS manual when a grid power failure happens there is a delay (of unknown time) and then backup power is supplied by the SBS. When grip power returns, it is unclear how power is transferred back to the gird, but it appears it is an Open Delay type transfer in both directions so it would be advised to use Delay On Make timers on all motor loads.

      ABU
      1) NOT service rated. Requires an OCP disconnect before the ABU. Keep this in mind as space and wiring for another large service disconnect enclosure must be planned for in addition to the massive ABU.
      2) No but SBS-ABU-xx-US-10-RM-en-10.pdf details a replacement components kit for the ABU which appears to include the Backup Controller, Main Contactor, Autoformer Contactor, and Energy Meter.

      Reply
      • Ricard
        Ricard says:

        That is the problem with SMA these days, they are focussing on BIG power plants and forget to answer smaller installer/clients with an answer. A pity, because I am a big fan of SMA. But if they do not support the installers, then it is better to look somewhere else. Because it is not only the product, the service sells!!

  24. gmotyka
    gmotyka says:

    Could you please provide more details about the automated backup switch and where it can be purchased from. ( Slovak or Czech Republic ). It is possible buy only backup unit controller ?

    thx

    Reply
  25. Roberto Santucci
    Roberto Santucci says:

    I have 2 x SMA SBS 2.5 and 2 Tesla PW 1s in Adelaide that have no back up. This is a 3 phase system with a PW and an SBS 2.5 on phase A and second one phase C. The PW1s are totally reliable so I would be looking for the automatic backup at a price significantly below buying a new PW2. Would love to talk to your colleagues in Adelaide Many thanks.

    Reply
  26. David Mills
    David Mills says:

    Hi Anke,
    I have 2 x SMA SBS 2.5 and 2 Tesla PW 1s in Sydney that have no back up. This is a 3 phase system with a PW and an SBS 2.5 on two of the phases. IThe PW1s are totally reliable so I would be looking for the automatic backup at a price significantly below buying a new PW2. Would love to talk to your colleagues in Sydney. Many thanks.

    Reply
      • Roberto Santucci
        Roberto Santucci says:

        Can you also Contact me I have the same issue as David.

        I have 2 x SMA SBS 2.5 and 2 Tesla PW 1s in Adelaide that have no back up. This is a 3 phase system with a PW and an SBS 2.5 on phase A and second one phase C. The PW1s are totally reliable so I would be looking for the automatic backup at a price significantly below buying a new PW2. Would love to talk to your colleagues in Adelaide Many thanks.

  27. Nathan Clasohm
    Nathan Clasohm says:

    Hi Anke
    Im interested in installing a SBS 5kw with the LG them HV battery for a customer
    Iv installed a few sunny islands but not your SBS yet
    Im interested in where I can get a change over switch or ABU switch in Adelaide South Australia
    which wholesaler etc

    Also do I need an SMA smart to run the SBS

    Reply
  28. MICHAEL FERRAZ
    MICHAEL FERRAZ says:

    we currently have a 15 KW PV system using two sunny boy 7.7 inverters tied directly to the utility. We ran 6-30 Amp 220V circuits to our main house panels, expecting to install multiple sunny islands to provide battery backup for the entire house, we also have an automatic transfer switch and a 20 KW standby generator. I am now very interested in the new sunny boy storage as a possible option for providing our backup power. Can you have someone contact me to discuss the parts we would need and whether we could use the transfer switch we already have as the ABU switch? Thank you.

    Reply
    • Anke Baars
      Anke Baars says:

      Hi Michael,
      Thanks for your request. Please check your email, my colleague contacted you directly via your email.
      Kind regards,
      Anke

      Reply
  29. Roberto Santucci
    Roberto Santucci says:

    Hi Anne

    Can you provide the name and contact details to a Certified SMA Installer in Adelaide SA. I have 2 x SMA SBS 2.5 and 2 Tesla PW 1s that have no back up or grey out fail.over. I would consider the new SMA SBS 6KW or 8KW with auto back up and connect both Tesla 1 battery packs and posit acquire 1 addition for a total of 21kw in battery back up. Please pass this on to a Certified top SMA Installer please.

    Reply
    • Anke Baars
      Anke Baars says:

      Hi Roberto,
      Thank you for your request. My colleague on site will contact you directly.
      Kind regards,
      Anke

      Reply
  31. Jonathan Holmes
    Jonathan Holmes says:

    Could you please provide more details about the automated backup switch and where it can be purchased from (in NZ). Many thanks.

    Reply
    • Anke Baars
      Anke Baars says:

      Hi Jonathan,
      Sorry for the delay. Thank you for your interest on the automatic backup switch. I referred you to my colleague who will contact you directly.
      Kind regards,
      Anke

      Reply
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