6511 on a SMA Solar Technology AG Sunny Boy Smart Energy: An overtemperature has been detected in the choke area
Short answer
On a SMA Solar Technology AG inverter, 6511 means: An overtemperature has been detected in the choke area. The inverter stops until the fault clears or is reset. An engineer is needed to fix the cause.
Reviewed 24 September 2026 · 1 source
What it means
The manual says: An overtemperature has been detected in the choke area.
Part involved: inverter overtemperature.
When it shows: An overtemperature has been detected in the choke area.
Likely causes:
- SMA corrective measures: Clean the cooling fins on the rear of the enclosure and the air ducts on the top using a soft brush. Ensure that the inverter has sufficient ventilation.
Is it safe?
| Does the inverter stop? | Yes |
|---|---|
| Severity | Fault — clears by itself when the condition goes |
| Engineer needed? | Yes |
The inverter stops until the fault clears or is reset.
Resetting itself: yes.
Manual reset: Automatic when condition clears.
What you can check
- Read the event number and message in the SMA Energy app / Sunny Portal (ennexOS) or the inverter's web interface and note the date/time for your installer. A red LED on the inverter means an event has occurred.
- Check nothing is stacked against, covering or boxing in the inverter and that it is not in direct sun in an enclosed space; keep the area around it clear.
- If it happens once and the inverter resumes feeding in on its own, no action is needed; if the event keeps recurring, contact your installer.
What the engineer will check
- Clean cooling fins and air ducts with a soft brush; verify clearances, ventilation, shading from direct sun and max ambient temperature.
Who to ask for: PV installer.
Certification: Qualified electrician (BS 7671; MCS-certified PV installer for work on the PV array/DC side).
What you might notice
Sources
- Operating manual SUNNY BOY SMART ENERGY 3.6/4.0/5.0/6.0/8.0/9.9 ↗ · SBSExx-50-BE-en-12 Version 1.2 · page 93 · Reviewed 24 September 2026
A code explains what the controller detected, not a confirmed root cause.
Reviewed: 24 September 2026