Siemens SM6 solar module: datasheet and specifications

6 Wrated power
15 VVmp
19.5 VVoc
1 kgweight
330 × 175 mmoutline
Siemens SM6 solar module
Siemens SM6: product photograph restored from the original low-resolution picture.

The SM6 is the smallest crystalline module in the range: 6 W from 33 cells in series on a 330 × 175 mm frame that weighs 1.0 kg. Siemens described it as suited to small power requirements in temperate climates. Its maximum system voltage is only 25 V, so two in series (about 39 V open-circuit) would exceed it: this is a single-module or parallel-only part. It is the one to look at if you are trying to identify a palm-sized panel on an old gate opener, fence energizer or telemetry box.

330 mm (13.0 in)175 mm(6.9 in)Depth 35 mm · outline to scale · cell layout as in the module photographPmax point: 15 V, 0.39 AIsc 0.42 AVoc 19.5 V6 W at Pmax■ Current (A)■ Power (W)Voltage (V)

Electrical data

33 cells in series; single-crystal silicon.

ParameterSM6 (12 V)
Rated power Pmax (W)6
Minimum power Pmin (W)5
Current at Pmax, Imp (A)0.39
Voltage at Pmax, Vmp (V)15
Short-circuit current, Isc (A)0.42
Open-circuit voltage, Voc (V)19.5

Derived figures

QuantityValueHow it was obtained
Outer area0.058 m²calculated from length × width
Power per area104 W/m²calculated; Pmax ÷ area at STC
Module efficiency10.4 %calculated on outer dimensions (cell efficiency is higher)
Power per weight6.0 W/kgcalculated
Voc at −20 °C (SM6 (12 V))22.6 Vcalculated with the datasheet Voc coefficient
Vmp with 60 °C cells (SM6 (12 V))12.5 to 13.1 Vapproximate range; see the note below the table
Rough daily energy22 Whcalculated: Pmax × 5 peak-sun-hours × 0.75 system efficiency; a planning figure, not a measurement

With 33 cells in series the Vmp is 15 V at 25 °C. With 60 °C cells it falls to about 12.5 to 13.1 V (the datasheet gives no Vmp coefficient: the lower figure assumes a typical −0.47 %/K, the upper scales the Voc coefficient), a margin of -1.9 to -1.3 V against 14.4 V. The margin is negative or marginal, so on hot days this module may not finish charging a lead-acid battery. In 5 peak-sun-hours the 12 V version adds roughly 1.5 Ah a day to a 12 V battery (Imp × 5 h × 0.75).

Full datasheet tables

Thermal

ParameterUnitValue
Nominal operating cell temperature (NOC)°C45
Change of Isc with temperature+0.15 mA/°C (+0.04 %/K)
Change of Voc with temperature-0.070 V/°C (−0.34 %/K)

Qualification tests

ParameterUnitValue
Temperature cycling range°C−40 to +85
Humidity, freeze, damp heat condition% RH85
Maximum system voltageV25
Wind loading or surface pressureN/m² (PSF)2400 (50)
Maximum distortion (4)degrees1.2
Hailstone impact withstand (diameter @ velocity)mm @ m/s (in @ mph)25 @ 23 (1.0 @ 52)

Physical

ParameterUnitValue
Number of series cellscount33
Lengthmm (in)330 (13.0)
Widthmm (in)175 (6.9)
Depthmm (in)35 (1.4)
Weightkg (lb)1.0 (2.2)

Warranty (5)

ParameterUnitValue
Power ≥ 90 % of minimum poweryears10

Notes from the datasheet. (1) Electrical values at standard test conditions: irradiance 1000 W/m², cell temperature 25 °C, spectrum per ASTM E892 (air mass 1.5). (2) Nominal operating conditions: 800 W/m², ambient 20 °C, wind 1 m/s. (3) Qualification tests per CEC 503. (4) Diagonal lifting of a module corner with three corners fixed. (5) Warranty applies to the original consumer purchaser; see the full limited warranty for conditions. The tier percentages refer to the minimum power rating (Pmin), not the rated power.

The Siemens application pages list this module for: telecom, gas and oil, water delivery, traffic and railroad. See the case files for installations from those categories.

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