Digital traffic on the Internet consumes as much CO2 as air traffic. I was very surprised to learn this. After all, we are always hearing that digitalization is helping us use resources more efficiently. So is digitalization more sustainable or not?

Optimize energy yields in PV systems intelligently, but safely. When it comes to additional module electronics versus lean system design with modern inverter technology, Hannes Knopf is in his element. The expert in modern string inverter features knows why module optimizers are a safety risk. He explains how operators and installers can benefit from greater efficiency and safety over the entire system life with the integrated SMA ShadeFix software.

#suddenlyremote: Due to the coronavirus pandemic, most SMA employees are working from home. New territory for many, a challenge for everybody. But also an opportunity to learn something new and to eliminate prejudices. Julia Wieland, an expert in digital collaboration, shares her ideas on how collaborating also works well in digital form.

The Coronavirus poses a big challenge for people and the economy around the world. It’s on each and every one of us now to observe the necessary precautions and in particular to keep our distance from each other. At the same time, however, we should all stand together in order to minimize the impact of the virus and contain its spread. 

Last year, SMA sold more than 10 gigawatts of inverter output for the first time ever and significantly improved sales and earnings. The figures show that the measures implemented to reduce costs and to increase sales after a difficult 2018 were successful. We will continue to follow this path in 2020.

The world of renewable energies is truly fascinating. Our new Sonnenallee magazine presents compelling stories about the people, ideas and projects. Sonnenallee takes a broader view, clears up misconceptions, and seeks to change minds and make readers think.

The 25th World Climate Change Conference in Madrid ended without significant results. A great disappointment and a setback for climate protection. Nevertheless, we must not be discouraged now and must work together at all levels and across all borders.

Today, millions of people around the world are once again taking to the streets to call on international politicians to finally implement effective measures for greater climate protection. This sends an important message to the UN Climate Change Conference COP25 that begins in Madrid on Monday.

Less than USD 25 per megawatt-hour of solar power — these kinds of prices are not uncommon any more in sunny regions. Thanks to its continuously falling costs, photovoltaics is on the right track to becoming the world’s most cost-effective source of energy. It thus totally makes environmental and financial sense to build new PV systems rather than continue to rely on conventional power plants.

The strategy consultancy Oliver Wyman states in a study that the coal phase-out could lead to an enormous increase in electricity prices and endanger the security of supply. For economic reasons, gas-fired power plants must now be increasingly used. Is it a coincidence that this so closely supports the opinion of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy that natural gas is vital?