Skip to main content
Astronergy CHSM72M-HC-550
Astronergy Brand review

CHSM72M-HC-550

550 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Light for its output, short guarantee

Rank 7,994 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
550
Weak · bottom 15%
Efficiency (%)
21.30
Typical · median 21.29%
Density (Wp/m²)
212.9
Typical · median 212.9
Temp (%/°C)
-0.340
Typical · median -0.350
Weight (kg)
26.9
Strong · 3.9 kg below median
Warranty (yrs)
25
Weak · bottom 24%

Astronergy ASTRO 5 Semi CHSM72M-HC photovoltaic panels are an advanced solution based on M10 cell technology and a Half-Cut structure, redefining efficiency standards in large-scale installations. Thanks to the use of larger silicon wafers and an innovative multi-busbar design, this series effectively minimizes energy losses resulting from internal resistance and improves current flow. A key advantage of these modules is their excellent resistance to LID and LeTID degradation, which guarantees stable energy production for decades. The use of half-cell architecture allows the panels to perform exceptionally well in partial shading conditions, solving the common problem of efficiency drops in less favorable locations. Models in this series feature a low temperature coefficient, which translates into higher yields on hot days compared to standard solutions. This product is primarily dedicated to commercial investors and solar farm developers seeking LCOE cost optimization and maximum utilization of the available area. Compared to the competition, the ASTRO 5 Semi stands out with rigorous quality control and a perfect balance between high unit power and mechanical durability, making it a solid foundation for a profitable energy business.

Ranking

589 panels in the segment PERC 550-600 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 21.30% 21.29% Typical 8,519
Power density 212.9 212.9 Typical 8,497
Temperature coefficient -0.340 -0.350 Typical 8,778
Weight per kWp 48.9 52.7 Strong · top 11% 2,586
Performance warranty 25 yrs 27 yrs Weak · bottom 24% 9,798
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

5 positive · 4 caution
Best for

Commercial, utility-scale, shaded-installations and hot-climate.

Not ideal for

Owners who want a long output guarantee.

Strengths
48.9 kg per kWp

Top 11% of the PERC 550-600 W segment, against a median of 52.7.

Watch-outs
25 year performance warranty

Bottom 24% of the PERC 550-600 W segment, against a median of 27 yrs.

What owners get
Tier 1, Top 6 according to BNEF's 2023 ranking

Astronergy was ranked among the Top 6 PV module manufacturers in the BNEF PV Module Bankability Report 2023, maintaining its Tier-1 status. This facilitates the financing of commercial projects and meets the due diligence requirements of banks and infrastructure funds.

Half-cut M10 with multibusbar – 21.7% efficiency

M10 cells (182×182 mm) with a half-cut design and a multi-layer architecture reduce series resistance and heat loss under partial shading. The maximum efficiency of 21.7% is comparable to direct equivalents – Exiom EX540-560M(B) and Goldi Solar GS10-B144-GF – also at 21.7%.

Resistance to LID and LeTID

The SuperPERC+ technology reduces degradation caused by light (LID) and temperature (LeTID), which stabilizes energy production throughout the lifespan of the installation – particularly important for PV farms with long-term financing horizons.

Linear power guarantee for 25 years, ≤0.55%/year

After the first year (≤2.0% degradation), the manufacturer guarantees an annual power drop of no more than 0.55% over the following 24 years – a standard accepted by most engineering banks for commercial and utility-scale installations.

Trade-offs
This product line has been discontinued (End of Life - 2023)

The series was discontinued in 2023 after only two years of production. This limited market availability, posed a risk of supply disruptions during expansions, and potentially created difficulties in fulfilling product warranties (12 years) through distribution channels that had depleted their stock.

P-type PERC – a technology being discontinued by the manufacturer itself.

The company's own ASTRO N TOPCon (N-type) series achieves an initial degradation rate of 0.66%, compared to the guaranteed ≤2.0% for this PERC series. Since 2023, N-type has accounted for >80% of the manufacturer's portfolio; choosing the 2021 PERC series means starting with a technologically inferior level throughout the 25-year lifespan.

No dual-sided version available

At least two of the directly comparable series offer bifacial functionality: Premier Energies 144 HC PERC Bifacial Dual Glass and Exiom EX540-560M(B). Ground-mounted installations with a light-colored surface can generate an additional 5–15% of energy from albedo, which the ASTRO 5 Semi, as a monofacial module, completely ignores.

Notes from the database
  • At 21.3% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical PERC 550-600W modules
  • Power density of 212.9 W/m² matches the PERC 550-600W median
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.34%/°C matches the PERC 550-600W median
  • At 26.9 kg, this panel is 3.9 kg lighter than PERC 550-600W median (30.8 kg) - easier handling during installation
  • In the top 61% for efficiency among all PERC panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 550 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 21.30 % Typical Segment median 21.29%
Vmpp · Impp 42.10 V · 13.06 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 50.10 V · 13.90 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2278×1134×35 mm · 2.58 m² of roof
Weight 26.9 kg Strong Strong · 3.9 kg below median
Cells 144 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.340 %/°C Typical median -0.350 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.250 · 0.040 %/°C
NOCT 41 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Weak bottom 24% · median 27 yrs
End-of-warranty output 84.8 % Equals 451 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 → 0.55 % First year, then annual

Simulations

Live - change any input
Lifetime output & value
30 years at 1200 kWh/kWp/year and €0.50 per kWh
Power in year 30
-
Lifetime energy
-
Energy value
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.340 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Astronergy CHSM72M-HC-550 550 W 21.30% -0.340 26.9 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +3.7 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, +3.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, +3.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg -50 W, cooler, +3.2 pp
CHSM72M-HC-545 545 W 21.10% -0.340 26.9 kg Very close match
CHSM72M-HC-555 555 W 21.50% -0.340 26.9 kg Very close match
CHSM72M-HC-560 560 W 21.70% -0.340 26.9 kg +10 W, +0.4 pp
CHSM72N-HC-565 565 W 21.90% -0.290 26.9 kg Cooler, +0.6 pp, +5 yr warranty
CHSM72N-HC-570 570 W 22.10% -0.290 26.9 kg Cooler, +0.8 pp, +5 yr warranty
CHSM72N-HC-575 575 W 22.30% -0.290 26.9 kg Cooler, +1.0 pp, +5 yr warranty
CHSM72N-HC-580 580 W 22.50% -0.290 26.9 kg Cooler, +1.2 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw 650 W 25.20% -0.260 27.0 kg +100 W, cooler, +3.9 pp
AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw 645 W 25.00% -0.260 27.0 kg +95 W, cooler, +3.7 pp
AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw 640 W 24.80% -0.260 27.0 kg +90 W, cooler, +3.5 pp
AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw 635 W 24.60% -0.260 27.0 kg +85 W, cooler, +3.3 pp

Found 2326 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 2368 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 2382 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 2547 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
Is the Astronergy ASTRO 5 Semi CHSM72M-HC series still available for purchase?
The ASTRO 5 Semi CHSM72M-HC series has been discontinued by Astronergy. This means that new shipments directly from the manufacturer are no longer available, although individual units may still be found through distributors with existing stock. If you are planning a larger installation, it is advisable to consider the newer generation of Astronergy panels, which offer comparable or superior specifications along with full availability and up-to-date warranties.
What warranty does Astronergy offer on the ASTRO 5 Semi CHSM72M-HC panels?
The manufacturer provides a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, as well as a 25-year linear power output warranty. The power warranty guarantees that the panel will generate energy in accordance with a specified degradation schedule for a quarter of a century. Astronergy is a recognized Tier 1 manufacturer, which enhances confidence in the long-term fulfillment of warranty commitments.
Do the ASTRO 5 Semi CHSM72M-HC panels perform well under partial shading conditions?
Yes, the Half-Cut cell architecture significantly improves module performance under partial shading conditions. By splitting each cell into two halves, shade falling on a portion of the panel limits power losses only to the shaded cells, without blocking the entire module. This is an important advantage in utility-scale PV plants, where inter-row shading and shading from infrastructure elements is unavoidable.
What is the maximum power output of the Astronergy ASTRO 5 Semi CHSM72M-HC panel, and is it sufficient for a large-scale PV plant?
The top model in the series achieves a power output of 560 Wp. At this rating and in the 72-cell format (M10 Half-Cut), the module is optimized for utility-scale and commercial PV installations. The high unit power output reduces the number of modules required to reach the target plant capacity, which directly lowers structural, cabling, and labor costs, thereby reducing the overall LCOE.
Does the PERC technology in the ASTRO 5 Semi series protect against LID and LeTID degradation?
Yes, Astronergy claims enhanced resistance to Light Induced Degradation (LID) and Light and elevated Temperature Induced Degradation (LeTID) for this series. This is particularly significant in installations operating over decades, as both phenomena can cause permanent, irreversible power loss in PERC cells. Effective mitigation of these effects translates into a more stable energy production curve throughout the entire power output warranty period.
Are the Astronergy ASTRO 5 Semi CHSM72M-HC panels bifacial?
No, the ASTRO 5 Semi CHSM72M-HC series consists of monofacial modules. Energy is collected exclusively from the front side of the panel. This configuration is fully adequate for typical ground-mounted and rooftop installations where the rear of the module is not exposed to reflected irradiance. The manufacturer offers separate bifacial panel lines for projects that require additional energy yield from ground albedo reflection.
Add to compare