SMA Solar Reports Strong Sales Growth Driven by European Rooftop Solar Demand
European Rooftop Solar Demand Boosts SMA Solar’s Performance
Rising Demand Linked to Geopolitical Tensions
May 13 (Reuters) - SMA Solar said on Thursday demand for residential and commercial solar equipment in Europe has risen since the start of the Iran war, lifting sales at its home and business division.
The German solar inverter maker said first-quarter sales at that unit rose 27% from a year earlier. Rooftop solar demand across Europe has surged since late February as households seek to limit exposure to higher fuel costs.
Energy Security Concerns Drive Rooftop Solar Interest
The update adds to signs Europe's energy security concerns are driving fresh interest in rooftop solar after new installations slowed last year for the first time in nearly a decade. SMA Solar shares have roughly doubled since late February.
Financial Highlights and Market Signals
First Quarter Sales and Forecasts
• SMA Solar posted first quarter sales in its home and business unit of 61 million euros ($71.5 million), compared to 48 million euros during the same period in 2025
• It now expects company-wide sales this year to land in the upper third of its forecast range between 1,475 million and 1,675 million euros
Impact of Geopolitical Tensions
• Geopolitical tensions have led to rising demand and positive market signals for residential and commercial systems, the German company said in an analyst presentation
• "It is not yet foreseeable whether this demand effect will have a sustained impact on the sales development of the home and business solutions division," Chief Financial Officer Kaveh Rouhi said
Trends in European Solar Installations
• The surge in demand comes after the pace of new European solar installations slowed in 2025, according to industry lobby SolarPower Europe
• EMEA region made up around three quarters of residential and commercial sales during the first quarter
($1 = 0.8538 euros)
(Reporting by Danny Callaghan; Editing by Matt Scuffham)
