SMA Energy Management: intelligent energy management with energy planner and energy maximizer

SMA Energy Management introduces new opportunities for intelligent energy management in photovoltaic systems through SMA Energy Planner and SMA Energy Maximizer. From self-consumption optimization and peak load reduction to automated dynamic electricity tariff management, SMA provides solutions designed to improve energy utilization and reduce electricity costs.

Built on the SMA ennexOS platform, these solutions enable coordinated management of PV generation, battery energy storage systems and electrical loads, adapting energy management strategies to system characteristics and individual energy requirements.

SMA Energy Planner: essential and flexible energy management

SMA Energy Planner is designed to manage essential energy functions, providing an effective solution for PV systems requiring self-consumption optimization and direct control over energy usage.

Integrated into the ennexOS ecosystem, Energy Planner offers standard features enabled by default, including:

• 24/7 self-consumption optimization, to maximize the use of self-generated solar energy.
• Peak Load Shaving, with configurable limits to reduce peak power demand from the grid.
• Manual battery scheduling, allowing users to define charging and discharging strategies according to their energy requirements.

SMA Energy Planner is particularly suitable for installations without dynamic electricity tariffs, configurations featuring a single battery storage system with no additional controlled loads, and applications requiring offline operation.

It is also suitable for commercial installations where peak demand limits may vary depending on time-of-use periods.

SMA Energy Maximizer: advanced and automated energy management

SMA Energy Maximizer extends energy management capabilities by introducing automated optimization strategies based on forecasts of PV generation, electricity consumption and energy prices.

The solution is designed to reduce energy costs, optimize battery storage operation and coordinate electrical loads, including electric vehicle charging.

Through integration with SMA ennexOS, Energy Maximizer automates three key energy management strategies.

Forecast-Based Self-Consumption Optimization

SMA Energy Maximizer uses PV generation and consumption forecasts to automatically schedule the operation of connected devices.

The system coordinates battery charging, electric vehicle charging and other controllable loads, prioritizing the use of available solar energy.

This approach enables users to:

• increase PV self-consumption;
• optimize energy storage even when inverter power limitations apply;
• manage battery charging while supporting long-term battery performance;
• prioritize renewable energy consumption during periods of high solar generation.

Predictive Peak Shaving: reducing peak power demand

The forecast-based Peak Load Shaving function helps limit peak power demand from the electricity grid.

By analyzing expected consumption, forecast PV generation and available grid capacity, Energy Maximizer schedules battery storage operation and controllable loads to maintain demand within predefined power limits.

This functionality is particularly relevant for Commercial & Industrial (C&I) applications, where peak demand management can help:

• reduce maximum grid power demand;
• lower demand-related electricity charges, depending on the applicable tariff structure;
• make more efficient use of existing grid connection capacity;
• integrate additional electrical loads without necessarily increasing contracted grid capacity.

Dynamic electricity tariff optimization

One of the advanced features of SMA Energy Maximizer is its ability to optimize energy management according to dynamic electricity tariffs.

The system considers forecast electricity prices, updated every 15 minutes, to automatically schedule battery operation and connected electrical loads.

The objective is to consume, store or purchase electricity at the most economically advantageous times, including periods when PV generation is insufficient.

Energy Maximizer can therefore schedule electricity purchases during low-price periods and, where supported by the system configuration and contractual conditions, optimize the export of surplus electricity when market prices are more favorable.

The system also considers negative electricity price scenarios, adjusting consumption, storage and PV generation to improve the overall economic performance of the installation.

SMA Energy Planner vs. energy maximizer: key differences

The two solutions address different energy management requirements.

Feature	Energy Planner	Energy Maximizer
Self-consumption optimization	Basic, 24/7	Predictive and automated
Peak Load Shaving	Configurable power limits	Forecast-based management
Battery management	Manual scheduling	Automated scheduling
Dynamic electricity tariffs	Not supported	Automated optimization
EV charging management	Not included in the described features	Integrated management of compatible loads
Operating mode	Greater manual control	Advanced automation

SMA Energy Planner is designed for users seeking simplicity and flexibility in system management, while SMA Energy Maximizer targets applications requiring more advanced energy optimization strategies and a higher level of automation.

SMA ennexOS: integrated energy management and simplified configuration

The SMA Energy Management architecture is built on ennexOS, SMA’s platform for energy monitoring and management.

For compatible devices, integrated energy management functions help reduce the need for additional hardware components.

Energy Maximizer is designed to simplify initial setup, enabling activation in just a few steps and ongoing management through the SMA app ecosystem.

Key benefits include:

• coordinated management of PV generation, battery storage and electrical loads;
• automated energy optimization strategies;
• simplified system configuration;
• support for battery lifetime optimization;
• flexible energy management tailored to specific system requirements.

SMA Energy Maximizer: compatibility and system requirements

SMA Energy Maximizer requires an ennexOS-compatible device and an active SMA Premium subscription to access its advanced energy management features.

SMA products identified as supporting the new solution include:

• SMA Sunny Tripower Hybrid X
• SMA Sunny Boy Smart Energy
• SMA Storage XL Package

ennexOS support for the designated devices is scheduled to become available from Q3 2026, while the introduction of the SMA Entry-level Controller is planned for Q2 2027.

Actual compatibility, available functions and software requirements should be verified according to the specific device and installed firmware version.

Intelligent Energy Management: new opportunities for PV installations

The evolution of energy management systems enables increasingly integrated control of solar generation, energy storage and electricity consumption.

With SMA Energy Planner and Energy Maximizer, SMA offers two levels of energy management, ranging from essential self-consumption optimization to predictive strategies for reducing peak demand and taking advantage of dynamic electricity tariffs.

For installers, system designers and EPC contractors, these capabilities create new opportunities to develop more flexible and efficient PV installations, ready for the integration of battery storage systems and additional electrical loads.

VP Solar, a B2B distributor of photovoltaic and energy storage solutions, supports solar energy professionals in selecting the most suitable SMA technologies for different installation requirements.