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SMA Solar Technology expands partnership with CEP for U.S. solar and storage integration
The companies will enable domestic assembly of SMA's utility-scale solar and storage solutions in Arkansas.
Jan. 28, 2026 at 9:39am
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SMA Solar Technology AG is strengthening its global-to-local strategy by expanding its long-standing partnership with the Italian manufacturer CEP. Under the initiative, SMA will manufacture inverters in Germany, which will then be integrated at CEP's new facility in Little Rock, Arkansas with an American-made medium-voltage transformer and monitoring equipment to form a complete skid. This approach accelerates project timelines, simplifies logistics, and supports increasing U.S.-based content as domestic capacity ramps up.
Why it matters
The United States is SMA's most important market and remains one of the fastest-evolving clean energy markets in the world. Establishing local integration capabilities is a strategic step that strengthens SMA's supply chain, supports its customers, and advances clean energy deployment in the U.S.
The details
SMA and CEP have worked together for nearly two decades, with CEP serving as SMA's partner for MVPS integration and logistics. To support U.S. demand and shorten delivery timelines, CEP has opened a new facility in Little Rock, Arkansas dedicated to domestic integration. Initial integration started in January, with a major customer project scheduled to be delivered by the end of February 2026. Increasing availability of U.S.-based content is planned as domestic capacity ramps up.
- Initial integration started in January 2026.
- A major customer project is scheduled to be delivered by the end of February 2026.
The players
SMA Solar Technology AG
A leading global specialist in photovoltaic and storage system technology, setting standards for the decentralized and renewable energy supply of the future.
CEP
An Italian company with more than 30 years of experience in design, construction, and turn-key delivery of prefabricated substations. CEP is SMA's partner for MVPS integration and logistics.
Florian Bechtold
Executive Vice President Large Scale at SMA.
Mario Melodia
Chief Executive Officer of CEP.
What they’re saying
“The United States is our most important market and remains one of the fastest-evolving clean energy markets in the world. Establishing local integration capabilities is a strategic step that strengthens our supply chain, supports our customers, and advances clean energy deployment.”
— Florian Bechtold, Executive Vice President Large Scale at SMA
“CEP is proud to deepen our partnership with SMA as we bring MVPS integration to the United States. This investment positions us to support faster delivery, local expertise and the growing needs of utility-scale projects across the country.”
— Mario Melodia, Chief Executive Officer of CEP
What’s next
Initial integration started in January 2026, with a major customer project scheduled to be delivered by the end of February 2026. Increasing availability of U.S.-based content is planned as domestic capacity ramps up.
The takeaway
This partnership between SMA and CEP demonstrates how global solar technology leaders are strategically investing in domestic integration capabilities to better serve the rapidly growing U.S. utility-scale solar and storage market.
