SMA to manufacture inverters in U.S. again through new partnership with Create Energy
German technology meets American manufacturing as Create Energy adds SMA string inverters and PowerSkids to its Tennessee hub
For the first time in more than a decade, SMA Solar Technology AG will manufacture inverters in the United States. The German inverter giant has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Create Energy to produce its Sunny Highpower PEAK3 string inverters and fully integrated PowerSkid solutions at Create’s flagship facility in Portland, Tennessee, starting in early 2026.
The new SMA PowerSkid is engineered for utility-scale performance with a maximum block size of more than 2 MW. Manufacturing in Tennessee brings shorter lead times, localized support, and a more resilient supply chain for U.S. developers and EPCs—a central theme as federal policies push for domestic content and market volatility keeps reshuffling global supply chains.
A milestone for SMA and a boost for Create’s “un-Evil Empire”
For SMA, this marks a return to U.S. manufacturing after more than 10 years away. For Create Energy, it’s another major addition to the “un-Evil Empire” that founder Dean Solon has been assembling since his Shoals Technologies exit.
Please read our “Inside the Create Energy un-Evil Empire” for more details. But long story short, Create Energy already spans modules, trackers, transformers, eBOS, storage cabinets, and EPC services—designed to give customers turnkey project solutions without the usual patchwork of suppliers. By adding SMA’s PEAK3 line and PowerSkids to the mix, Create extends that model into one of the most bankable and technically complex parts of the solar stack.
“SMA and I have a long history,” Solon said. “This collaboration will advance renewable energy and deliver American-built inverters and skids. Partnering with SMA brings together complementary strengths, and together we are prepared to drive change in the energy sector.”
Industry context
SMA’s U.S. pipeline already stretches across utility- and large-scale C&I projects, and the PEAK3 string inverters are well established for scalable system design. The PowerSkid integration simplifies utility-scale deployments further, bundling inverters with medium-voltage transformers and switchgear into a turnkey package.
For Create, the deal underscores its broader vision: reducing labor and soft costs by streamlining engineering, procurement, and installation under one roof. The partnership with SMA joins other Create moves such as its ReCreate module JV and partnerships with OMCO Solar and Blink Charging.
“SMA is at the forefront of inverter technology, and Create is pushing boundaries in U.S. manufacturing,” said Jay Arghestani, managing director of large-scale sales, technology and marketing for SMA America. “Together we can deliver smarter, scalable solutions and stronger supply chains for the U.S. market.”
Next steps
Manufacturing is slated to begin in Q1 2026 at Create’s Portland, Tennessee campus, known internally as the “Giga-Shop.” Both companies say the collaboration will extend beyond production, with joint sales and business development planned to accelerate adoption of U.S.-made inverter and skid solutions.
If Solon’s track record with Shoals and Create is any indication, SMA’s return to U.S. manufacturing may be more than a milestone. It could mark the start of an inverter ecosystem designed to plug seamlessly into Create’s broader menu of American-made solar and storage components.
