Middle of its segment, modest efficiency
AIKO Neostar 1U+ (Dual-Glass Module 655W-680W) is designed for maximum yield from the same installation surface, while simultaneously simplifying the system design. The application of XBC technology with a front without classical busbars improves light usage and reduces shading losses, which is appreciated by investors in roof systems with seasonal shading elements. The dual-glass construction increases resistance to external conditions and operational stability over the long term, translating to lower warranty claim risks and smoother operation.
In practice, this series helps reduce equipment costs - thanks to the high power of a single module, it is easier to build an installation with the target power using fewer panels, thus requiring fewer connectors and terminals. For installers, resistance to micro-cracking is also important, as it minimizes losses during transportation and installation. Neostar 1U+ is a good choice for utility-scale PV farms, large commercial rooftops, and projects where low BOS (Balance of System) and predictable, long-term energy production are key.
Ranking
Signals from the data
Utility-scale, commercial and shaded-installations.
Tight roof space, roofs where every square metre has to count and weight-limited structures.
Bottom 1% of the Back Contact 650-700 W segment, against a median of 24.40%. Ranked 882nd in the whole database.
Bottom 1% of the Back Contact 650-700 W segment, against a median of 244.3. Ranked 857th in the whole database.
Bottom 1% of the Back Contact 650-700 W segment, against a median of 49.7. Ranked 6,694th in the whole database.
Maximum efficiency of 24.3% exceeds direct competitors by more than 2.4 percentage points: SpolarPV SPV680 and Solaria SPVxxx achieve 21.92%, while Vikram Solar PARADEA achieves 21.89%. This translates to a real increase in energy generation from the same roof area or PV field.
The N-type ABC technology offers degradation of ≤1% in the first year and ≤0.35%/year in years 2–30. According to AIKO data, this represents a reduction of approximately 1.5% in power loss after 30 years compared to TOPCon modules (≈0.40–0.45%/year), which directly translates into higher cumulative energy yield throughout the entire lifespan of the installation.
Moving all the electrodes to the back side of the cell eliminates losses due to shading by rails and improves performance under diffuse light conditions. This is particularly important in roof-mounted systems with partial shading (chimneys, antennas, neighboring sections), where PERC and TOPCon technologies experience proportionally greater power losses.
The double-layer glass provides greater resistance to moisture, UV radiation, and corrosion compared to a backsheet film, which justifies the manufacturer's 30-year linear warranty. For comparison, most modules with backsheet film offer a 25-year warranty with a decrease to 84.8% in power; the Neostar 1U+ maintains ≥87% after 30 years.
The peak power of 680 W per module (2465×1134 mm format, 132 cells) allows for the construction of a system with the desired power output using fewer modules than comparable systems with the same maximum power, thereby reducing the number of MC4 connectors, mounting terminals, and assembly hours – which lowers the overall system cost (Balance of System).
In back-contact architecture, the rear surface of the cell is occupied by an electrode grid, which structurally limits bifaciality to approximately 65-70% (compared to approximately 80-85% for standard bifacial TOPCon N-type modules). In ground-mounted and flat-roof installations with a light-colored surface, the gain from the surface albedo will be lower than that of TOPCon modules with similar power output.
The glass-glass construction with 78 cells results in a module weight of approximately 35–38 kg, compared to 28–31 kg for comparable 680 Wp single-glass modules. This could be a limitation for roofs with low load-bearing capacity (e.g., old sheds, lightweight steel structures) or increase installation costs, as it requires two installers.
- Efficiency of 23.4% is 1.0pp below the Back Contact 650-700W median (24.4%)
- Power density of 234.3 W/m² is 10.0 W/m² below Back Contact 650-700W median (244.3 W/m²) - needs more roof space
- At -0.26%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for Back Contact 650-700W panels
- Weight of 34.7 kg is 2.2 kg above Back Contact 650-700W median (32.5 kg) - verify structural support
- 70% bifaciality enables rear-side power generation, boosting yield by 4-10% on reflective surfaces
Specifications
Datasheet charts
Measured curves published by AIKO in this model's datasheet. A chart carrying a wattage was measured on that variant alone - only the ones that describe 655 Wp appear here. The rest cover the whole series.
Simulations
Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.
Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.
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