Don’t miss the Main Event – SMA at SPI 2014

In a city that knows how to host a prize fight with all the requisite glitz and glamour that it deserves, SMA’s presence at Solar Power International 2014 promises to be nothing short of this year’s Main Event. The lights of the Las Vegas strip will shine bright for the solar industry’s most prominent trade show and expo in late October, but none will be brighter than the SMA America booth, and the special SMA surprise waiting to greet attendees as they enter the South Exhibition Hall.

The MLX 60, ready for its Las Vegas debut in booth #524.

Ringside space will be available for the crowds to gather for in-booth presentations by SMA’s team of solar experts, discussing everything from residential, commercial and utility-scale PV inverters to the indispensable role of O&M for plant operators.

The Championship Belt

Every champ gets a flashy belt; yours comes wrapped around the official SPI event guide. However, this belt is more than good looks.

Flip over the belt and correctly answer the three questions on the back to be entered to win the grand prize: a Muhammad Ali autographed boxing glove mounted in a shadow-box, complete with a photo and certificate of authenticity.

Speaking events

SPI has invited SMA to lend its expertise to multiple speaking opportunities and educational poster presentations as a way to help drive discussion on some of the most important issues facing the solar industry.

• Panel Discussion: Advanced Inverters and Deployment
  • Wednesday, Oct. 22 from 1-2:30 p.m.
  • Room 224
  • Brett Henning, Manager of Application Engineering
• Educational Poster Presentations, Wednesday from 4:30–6p.m., Room 5100
  • Navigating the Changing Requirements of PV Interconnection, Operation and Metering
    • Josh Hickman, Global Product Manager, Residential
  • Optimization of Utility-Scale PV Systems
    • Ken Christensen, Global Product Manager, Utility-Scale and Hybrid Solutions
  • Walking Session: Getting the Most Out of Your System: Storage/Inverters
    • Thursday, Oct. 23 from 9 -10 a.m.
    • Room 224
    • Josh Hickman, Global Product Manager, Residential

The Utility Power System will be on display at SPI, Oct. 20-23.

Product showcases

We’ve spared nothing in showcasing our best talent at the main event. Products of every size, from lightweight to heavyweight, will be on display with their championship belts.

• Lightweight Champion: The Sunny Boy TL-US with Secure Power Supply will show the world just how strong a residential inverter can be.
• Welterweight Champion: The Sunny Tripower will be on hand to defend its championship title as the best commercial string inverter, featuring unmatched functionality and a bevy of powerful accessories and services that truly make it a holistic solution.
• Middleweight Champion: The newest fighter on Team SMA, the MLX 60 makes its debut to show the power of a central inverter and the flexibility and agility of a string inverter all in one device. Watch out!
• Heavyweight Champion: The Utility Power System will make its Heavyweight debut, showcasing its full capabilities for the utility-scale PV market, which includes providing the best long term value in the business
• Every champ needs a good cornerman; SMA’s O&M package is just that. It offers everything you need to stay in the fight and make every move count.

Nothing says Vegas like the welcome sign, now powered by Sunny Boys.

Solar Sprinter

Be sure to stop by the Solar Sprinter van when entering and exiting the show floor. Parked just outside the main doors (South Hall), the Solar Sprinter features a fully functional AC-coupled microgrid for demonstrations. Need a quick cell phone charge? Stop by, we can do that for you. Looking to beat the crowds inside and get some cold water and a snack? We’re powering a mini-fridge and a popcorn maker, too. Did we mention those items will be powered by SPS?

Solar Power World’s Top 400 Gala

If you’re part of the lucky Top 400 installers recognized by Solar Power World, we have a few tricks up our sleeves for Monday night’s gala event. Sunny Bear has been hired to hand-deliver the awards all the way from California; hopefully nothing distracts him along the way.