--- title: "SOMI SP540M-72HB 540W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "SOMI SP540M-72HB 540W solar panel. Specs: 20.90% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/somi-sp540m-72hb" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # SOMI SP540M-72HB Solid all-round for its segment 706 panels in the segment PERC 500-550 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** SOMI - **Model:** SP540M-72HB - **Series:** SP525–550M-72HB (Black) - **Rated power:** 540 W - **Cell technology:** PERC ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 500-550 W (706 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 540 W | 535 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 20.90% | 20.90% | Typical | 10,072 | | Power density | 208.9 | 209.0 | Typical | 10,202 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,419 | | Weight (kg) | 28.6 kg | 28.4 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 20.90% | 20.90% | Typical | 10,072 | | Power density | 208.9 | 209.0 | Typical | 10,202 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,419 | | Weight per kWp | 53.0 | 53.0 | Typical | 6,682 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | - **Best for:** Residential, commercial and shaded-installations. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 540 W - **Efficiency:** 20.90 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 41.64 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 12.97 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 49.60 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 13.86 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.350 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.275 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.045 %/degC - **NOCT:** 45 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 144 ### Physical - **Length:** 2279 mm - **Width:** 1134 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 28.6 kg - **Area:** 2.58 m2 - **Power density:** 208.9 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 80.7 % - **First-year degradation:** 2.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.55 % - **Output after 30 years:** 443 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 10072 of 14005 | | Power density | 10202 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 10419 of 14005 | | Weight | 6682 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## About this series The SOMI SP525-550M-72HB (Black) series consists of all-black modules designed for installations where both high power density and a consistent, dark aesthetic are important. The use of **monocrystalline cells** and **half-cut construction** helps minimize losses in partially shaded conditions and improves stability in real rooftop environments, leading to more predictable annual energy yields. The modules also feature **positive power tolerance**, making it easier to meet design specifications without the risk of power shortages from the generator side. This is a good choice for single-family homes, commercial buildings, and PV farms, especially where maximizing available space and a clean appearance are important. In comparison to many competing series, the 72HB model stands out for its combination of **large module format** with a refined, black design, which makes premium installations easier to implement without compromising performance. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 20.9% matches the \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* median - Power density of 208.9 W/m² matches the \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* median - Temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C matches the \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* median - In the top 72% for efficiency among all PERC panels ## Questions ### Is the SOMI SP525–550M-72HB (Black) series still available for purchase? The SOMI SP525–550M-72HB (Black) series has been discontinued and is no longer part of regular distribution. Remaining stock may still be found with some distributors, but for new installations it is advisable to consider currently manufactured modules with comparable specs to ensure long-term availability of matching panels for system expansion or replacement. ### What warranty does the SOMI SP525–550M-72HB (Black) come with? The SOMI SP525–550M-72HB (Black) series carries a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, along with a 30-year linear power output warranty. The power warranty guarantees that the module retains a specified percentage of its rated output over three decades. Check with your distributor for the exact power retention thresholds at each warranty milestone. ### What are the real-world benefits of half-cut PERC cell technology in the SOMI SP525–550M-72HB modules? PERC combined with half-cut cell architecture delivers measurable gains under real rooftop conditions. Half-cut cells reduce resistive losses and limit the impact of partial shading — from chimneys, dormers, or adjacent panels — on overall string output. PERC technology adds a rear reflective layer that boosts light absorption. The combined effect is more stable generation under cloud cover and better performance at elevated operating temperatures. ### Are the SOMI SP525–550M-72HB (Black) modules bifacial? No, the SOMI SP525–550M-72HB (Black) is a monofacial module — it captures light from the front side only. The all-black rear backsheet makes bifacial generation impossible, as no light passes through. This is not a drawback for rooftop installations, where ground albedo is low anyway. Bifacial gains are most relevant for ground-mounted systems or flat roofs with highly reflective surfaces. ### How do the SOMI SP525–550M-72HB (Black) panels look on a dark roof — will the seams between modules be visible? The SP525–550M-72HB (Black) is a true all-black module — black frame, black backsheet, and black cells create a visually uniform panel surface. This makes it ideal for premium installations where aesthetics matter. The narrow gaps between modules blend into a dark tile or slate roof, resulting in a clean, low-profile appearance that satisfies even design-conscious homeowners. ### What types of installations is the SOMI SP525–550M-72HB (Black) series best suited for, and does it work for residential use? At up to 550 Wp per module, the SP525–550M-72HB (Black) is a large-format panel suited for residential rooftops with sufficient area, commercial buildings, and small-scale PV farms. Fewer modules are needed to reach a target system capacity, which simplifies BoS wiring and can reduce installation labor costs. The positive power tolerance ensures each module meets or exceeds its nameplate rating — eliminating generator-side shortfalls at system commissioning. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/somi-2023-SP525-550M-72HB-cz-02-web-8c9e359f8d54.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.6 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.6 pp | | [SOMI SP525M-72HB](https://comparepv.com/panel/somi-sp525m-72hb) | 525 W | -15 W, -0.6 pp | | [SOMI SP530M-72HB](https://comparepv.com/panel/somi-sp530m-72hb) | 530 W | -10 W, -0.4 pp | | [SOMI SP535M-72HB](https://comparepv.com/panel/somi-sp535m-72hb) | 535 W | Very close match | | [SOMI SP545M-72HB](https://comparepv.com/panel/somi-sp545m-72hb) | 545 W | +0.2 pp | | [SOMI SP550M-72HB](https://comparepv.com/panel/somi-sp550m-72hb) | 550 W | +10 W, +0.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | +110 W, cooler, +4.3 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | +105 W, cooler, +4.1 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a640-mae72mw) | 640 W | +100 W, cooler, +3.9 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a635-mae72mw) | 635 W | +95 W, cooler, +3.7 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/somi-sp540m-72hb Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.