SMA Returns to U.S. Production with Tennessee Inverter Plant in 2026
SMA, a leading global solar inverter manufacturer, is set to resume production in the United States. The company has partnered with Create Energy in Tennessee to manufacture inverters, with operations expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026.
SMA previously produced inverters in Denver until 2016, when it moved production overseas due to pricing pressures. Now, SMA will serve as the designer, while Create Energy will handle manufacturing. Dean Solon, founder and CEO of Create Energy, has a history of partnerships with SMA, having previously founded Shoals Technologies.
The inverters produced in Tennessee will be U.S.-based but may contain components manufactured in Germany. SMA is considering the development of inverters for the upcoming 2000 V transition in the solar industry. The initial plans include manufacturing the Sunny Highpower PEAK3 and the new fully-integrated PowerSkid at the Tennessee facility. The production size is yet to be determined, with initial plans to start at 3.5 GW per year.
SMA and Create Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding for joint sales and business development activities. This partnership signals SMA's commitment to the U.S. solar market and its plans to contribute to the industry's growth and innovation.
