Hybrid Inverter SMA Tripower Hybrid X 20 kW 3-Phase
SMA Sunny Tripower Hybrid X 20 (STPH20-70): 20 kW three-phase hybrid inverter with 4 MPPTs at 32 A and two strings each, up to 30 kWp, high-voltage battery 120-800 V with charging up to 30 kW.
First model of SMA's new platform for commercial and agricultural sites. Preliminary datasheet 05/2026: check that your country's grid code certificate is available before ordering.
The SMA Sunny Tripower Hybrid X 20 (STPH20-70) is the 20 kW three-phase hybrid inverter that opens the larger platform of the SMA Hybrid X family, designed for businesses, farms and large homes. Compared with the models up to 15 kW, the architecture changes: 4 MPPTs with two strings each, batteries up to 800 V, charging up to 30 kW and active cooling.
Four 32 A inputs: built for today's modules
Each MPPT accepts 32 A usable and 45 A short-circuit current across two parallel strings. Large-format TOPCon and bifacial modules run at around 13-14 A, with extra current from the rear side; with two strings per input they stay within the limit and avoid clipping losses, a common problem on inverters rated at 12.5-16 A per MPPT.
Eight strings on four independent trackers make it easy to handle roofs with several faces and orientations, or to keep a carport separate from the roof, without external combiner boxes. Rated power is reached from 300 V MPP voltage and the start voltage is 180 V.
Technical specifications STPH20-70
| Rated AC power | 20,000 W (20,000 VA), 230/400 V, 3/N/PE |
| Rated / max. output current | 29.0 A / 30.4 A |
| Max. connectable PV power | 30,000 Wp |
| Max. / rated / start input voltage | 1,000 V / 620 V / 180 V |
| MPP range / at rated power | 180-850 V / 300-850 V |
| MPPTs | 4, two strings per input; 32 A usable and 45 A short-circuit current per input |
| Battery | High voltage 120-800 V, 50 A charge and discharge; charging up to 29,990 W, discharging up to 20,000 W |
| Approved batteries | SMA Storage M (12.3-49.1 kWh), SMA Home Storage (6.5-19.6 kWh) |
| SPS emergency outlet | 3,680 W single-phase, manual switching |
| Off-grid operation | Up to 20,000 VA, automatic switching; peak currents and switchover time "tbd" in the datasheet |
| Max. / European efficiency | 98.2% / 97.7% (preliminary values) |
| Protection | AFCI (SMA ArcFix), RCMU, grid and ground-fault monitoring, SPD AC type 2 and PV type 1+2 |
| Protection rating / temperature | IP65, -25 °C to +60 °C with derating |
| Cooling | Active (noise and night consumption not yet declared) |
| AC connection | Screw terminals 10-25 mm² |
| Interfaces and management | 2 Ethernet, Wi-Fi, BAT-CAN, 6 digital inputs, 2 multifunction relays (the second with a later firmware); System Manager for up to 10 devices (max. 5 inverters) |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) / weight | 780 x 618 x 270 mm / 45 kg |
| Warranty | 5 years; 10 with product registration; 15 optional |
| Certificates | CE, IEC 62109-1/-2, EN 50549-1, VDE-AR-N 4105, VDE-AR-E 2510-2, TOR Type A, C10/C11 and others (preliminary datasheet 05/2026) |
Sizing the battery for 20 kW
The inverter discharges at up to 20 kW, but only if the battery can deliver it. According to SMA's approved battery table, SMA Storage M needs at least 7 modules (28.7 kWh) for 20 kW of discharge; 6 modules stop at 19.1 kW and 3 at 9.5 kW. Charging reaches 30 kW from 10 modules upwards, which is useful to absorb the midday peaks of a 30 kWp array instead of exporting them. SMA Home Storage reaches 20 kW only in its largest configuration of 19.6 kWh.
BYD batteries, approved on the models up to 15 kW, are not listed for this platform. And because the datasheet is still preliminary, values such as noise, night consumption, backup peak currents and switchover time are marked "tbd": anyone designing an installation today should base backup sizing on confirmed data only.
Above a certain power, many grid operators require an external interface protection and specific test reports. At 20 kW this is often the case: check the connection rules of your network operator during the design stage.
Frequently asked questions
How many strings can I connect?
Eight: two on each of the 4 MPPTs, with 32 A usable per input. The voltage limit is 1,000 V open-circuit at the site's minimum temperature; rated power is reached from 300 V.
How many Storage M modules do I need for the full 20 kW?
At least seven, i.e. 28.7 kWh, to discharge at 20 kW. The maximum is 12 modules (49.1 kWh). With SMA Home Storage, 20 kW is only available with the 19.6 kWh configuration.
Can I use a BYD battery?
No. In SMA's approved battery table the 20 to 30 kW models are paired only with SMA Storage M and SMA Home Storage. For BYD you need to stay with the 15 kW model.
Is the datasheet final?
Not yet. The current version (05/2026) is marked preliminary, with some values still to be defined. Ask for the latest document and the grid code certificate for your country before ordering.
How noisy is it and where should it be installed?
It is actively cooled and the preliminary datasheet does not yet state its noise level. At 45 kg and 780 x 618 mm, a plant room or an outside wall away from bedrooms and offices is the better choice.
