SMA Solar Technology AG and Create Energy have signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to advance localized clean energy solutions for the U.S. market. The agreement marks the beginning of a strategic collaboration between two global industry leaders, both committed to accelerating the renewable energy transition through innovation, manufacturing and next generation inverter and skid products.
SMA and Create Energy will work together to manufacture both the Sunny Highpower PEAK3 and the fully-integrated PowerSkid solution in the United States. The new PowerSkid will feature a maximum performance of more than 2 MW per block and is engineered for utility-scale performance with a turnkey solution.
Manufacturing is targeted to begin in Q1 2026 at Create Energy’s flagship facility in Portland, Tennessee. SMA’s PEAK3 line of string inverters offers high-performance, scalable solutions for large-scale PV systems. This marks a meaningful milestone as the first inverter SMA Solar Technology AG has manufactured in the United States in more than a decade.
“This collaboration underscores SMA’s long-term commitment to the U.S. market,” said Jay Arghestani, managing director of large-scale sales, technology and marketing for SMA America. “We are proud to join forces with a company that shares our vision for a sustainable energy future and understands the importance of smart, scalable solutions for the U.S. market. Partnering with Dean Solon—a key player in the renewable energy space—is an incredible honor. With Create, we’re poised to drive unprecedented growth and spark innovation across the inverter market.”
The partnership delivers clear benefits for customers, localization of supply chains, reduced lead times and enhanced service and support. These advantages reflect both companies’ belief that the energy transition must be paired with increased manufacturing resilience and responsiveness within the U.S.
The MOU also outlines plans for joint sales and business development activities, reinforcing both partners’ commitment to delivering clean energy products that support long-term economic growth and energy independence.
“SMA and I have a long history,” said Dean Solon, founder and chief executive officer of Create Energy. “They are not only industry leaders but also a strong team to work with. 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.”
About SMA Solar Technology
As a leading global specialist in photovoltaic and storage system technology, the SMA Group is setting the standards today for the decentralized and renewable energy supply of tomorrow. SMA’s portfolio contains a wide range of efficient PV and battery inverters, holistic system solutions for PV and battery storage systems of all power classes, intelligent energy management systems and charging solutions for electric vehicles and power-to-gas applications. Digital energy services as well as extensive services round off SMA’s range. SMA inverters installed throughout the world within the last 20 years with a total output of approximately 144 GW help avoid the emission of more than 64 million tons of CO2. SMA’s multi-award-winning technology is protected by more than 1,600 patents and utility models. Since 2008, the Group’s parent company, SMA Solar Technology AG, has been listed on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (S92) and is listed on the SDAX index.
About Create Energy
Create is redefining the future of energy with bold, innovative solutions that empower IPPs, developers, utilities, communities, and businesses to achieve true energy independence and resiliency. From advanced solar and battery storage to cutting-edge EV charging systems, Create delivers high-performance technology designed to disrupt the status quo and accelerate the energy transition.
At the heart of this approach is OnTrack—a complete, one-stop-shop solution that allows customers to purchase everything they need directly from Create. By streamlining design, procurement, and installation, OnTrack eliminates unnecessary complexity and delivers a fully integrated path from panel to power. With OnTrack, customers gain simplicity, reliability, and cost savings in a single package—backed by Create’s engineering expertise and long-term support.
Headquartered in Portland, TN, and founded by visionary CEO and President Dean Solon, Create combines technical excellence with a fearless approach to problem-solving—pushing past conventional limits to design systems that are simpler, safer, and more resilient. Every solution is built with the customer in mind: easy to deploy, dependable in performance, and crafted to unlock lasting value.
At Create, we believe energy should be abundant, affordable, and sustainable for all. Our mission is clear: to create a world powered by possibility.
Media Contacts:
SMA
Trish Moratto
Senior Communications Manager
Patricia.moratto@sma-america.com
916-251-6418
Create Energy
Joseph P. Fahrney
Chief of Staff - Create Energy
Email: Joe@Create.Energy