Expert Tips for Internal Community Management

With Yammer, we have launched an enterprise social network (ESN) at SMA. This means that we use not only e-mail, chat functions and the telephone but also communities to discuss job-related issues within the company. A workshop with our Yammer admins and community manager Katharina Krentz from Bosch identified additional potential for lively communities.

Julia Wielandby Julia Wieland (guest post), , 0 Comments

Intersolar 2019: The New Energy Solutions from SMA

Last summer, we basked in unprecedented levels of sunshine — and PV systems have never produced so much energy. The costs for solar technology are falling, investments and new installations are increasing, while new business models are encouraging substantial growth. If you’re not already using solar power, now is the time to reconsider. At Intersolar Europe 2019, SMA will be showing how easy it is to install and expand PV and storage solutions for a diverse array of applications. Below is a sneak preview of what’s coming up.

The Trend is Toward Growth in America

The U.S. is one of SMA's most important sales markets and, in the estimation of the Managing Board, will make a significant contribution to the expected increase in sales and earnings in the second half of the year. This assessment was reinforced by my visit to the U.S. in mid-April.

Large Projects and Positive Trends

The implementation of measures to reduce costs and increase sales is proceeding according to plan, and order intake is developing positively. The Managing Board believes that SMA is well on the way to achieving its revenue and earnings targets for 2019.

Power up in Down Under

Australia is one of the world’s most exciting and promising photovoltaic markets, which was once again confirmed in the course of a number of conversations with customers during my visit last week. In all probability, after its record year in 2018, the Australian PV market will significantly grow again to 4.4 gigawatts this year. In addition to photovoltaics, storage systems are becoming ever more important, not only for independent electricity supplies for homes but also, in particular, for the power plant segment.

Fridays for Future—Homework for Politics

Sixteen-year-old Greta Thunberg from Sweden has initiated a worldwide movement with Fridays for Future, which each week reminds us adults anew that we finally have to act to prevent climate change and leave behind a planet for future generations that offers them a livelihood.

Renewable Electricity Supply for Nigeria

Plenty of oil, but little electricity. Nigeria may be rich in raw materials, however, electricity supply leaves much to be desired. SMA supports the energy transition in Nigeria’s commercial and rural energy supply with a range of intelligent solar solutions and local training programs. Solar micro- and stand-alone grids ensure sustainable economic development in this Sunbelt nation.