--- title: "Centro Energy CE-545HM 545W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Centro Energy CE-545HM 545W solar panel. Specs: 21.10% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/centro-energy-ce-545hm" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Centro Energy CE-545HM Light for its output, short guarantee 706 panels in the segment PERC 500-550 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Centro Energy - **Model:** CE-545HM - **Series:** CE-530/535/540/545/550HM - **Rated power:** 545 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) | 545 W | 535 W | Strong - top 12% | | | Module efficiency | 21.10% | 20.90% | Strong - top 20% | 9,297 | | Power density | 210.9 | 209.0 | Typical | 9,399 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,419 | | Weight (kg) | 27.2 kg | 28.4 kg | Strong - top 14% | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 23% | 9,798 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 21.10% | 20.90% | Strong - top 20% | 9,297 | | Power density | 210.9 | 209.0 | Typical | 9,399 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,419 | | Weight per kWp | 49.9 | 53.0 | Strong - top 14% | 3,285 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 23% | 9,798 | ### Strengths - **49.9 kg per kWp** - Top 14% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 53.0. - **21.10% module efficiency** - Top 20% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 20.90%. ### Watch out for - **25 year performance warranty** - Bottom 23% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 30 yrs. - **Best for:** Residential, commercial and shaded-installations. - **Not ideal for:** Owners who want a long output guarantee. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 545 W - **Efficiency:** 21.10 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 41.15 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 13.24 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 49.67 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 13.93 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.350 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.270 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.048 %/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:** 27.2 kg - **Area:** 2.58 m2 - **Power density:** 210.9 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 80.0 % - **First-year degradation:** 2.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.45 % - **Output after 30 years:** 463 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 9297 of 14005 | | Power density | 9399 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 10419 of 14005 | | Weight | 3285 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Efficiency up to 21.3% – top of segment** - The highest-output variant, CE-550HM, achieves 21.3% module efficiency, matching peer-comparable products such as Goldi Solar GS10-B144-TF (21.3%) and S-Energy SL65-72BGJ (21.3%), and approaching the IBC Solar 182M Half Cell (21.28%). The series therefore ranks at the top of the PERC half-cut 530–550 Wp segment, directly translating into maximum energy yield from constrained roof area. - **Half-cut cells – meaningful resilience to partial shading** - Splitting each cell in half reduces operating current by approximately 50%, lowering resistive losses (which scale with I²) and limiting the impact of localized shading on the entire string. In typical Polish residential installations with chimneys, dormers, or nearby trees, the benefit is measurable: shading losses affect only the shaded half-cell rather than the full series string. - **Positive power tolerance of 0/+5 W** - Every module is guaranteed to deliver at least its rated output power, eliminating the risk of system undersizing caused by negative tolerances. This simplifies precise string balancing and MPPT calculations, which is particularly important when configuring systems with inverters that have narrow voltage operating windows. - **Five power variants within a single series (530–550 Wp)** - The availability of models in 5 Wp increments across the 530–550 Wp range allows installers to fine-tune string configurations to inverter specifications without changing suppliers. This streamlines warehouse logistics and shortens design time for projects with varying system capacities. - **IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 certifications** - The series meets the requirements of both leading industry standards — IEC 61215 (performance and durability) and IEC 61730 (safety) — as verified by independent test laboratories. These certifications are a mandatory prerequisite for residential and commercial installations in Poland and a condition for warranty recognition by insurers. ## Cons - **No BNEF Tier 1 bankable manufacturer status** - Centro Energy does not appear on the Bloomberg NEF Tier 1 bankable manufacturers list (data as of end of H1 2026). For projects financed on a non-recourse basis by banks or institutions that require manufacturer bankability, this is a genuine barrier. Peer-comparable IBC Solar — a brand with decades of presence in the European market — does not face this issue. Selecting Centro Energy may complicate lender due diligence for projects exceeding 100 kWp. - **PERC technology – higher LID and faster degradation than N-type** - P-type PERC cells experience Light-Induced Degradation (LID) of 1–3% on initial light exposure, and typical annual degradation for PERC is 0.6–0.8% versus approximately 0.4% for TOPCon (N-type). In 2024, TOPCon surpassed 66% of global module production (per industry data), positioning PERC as a maturing technology — new manufacturing lines are transitioning to N-type, which may limit the availability of compatible replacement modules and spare parts over a 10–15 year horizon. - **12-year product warranty – gap versus 25-year power output warranty** - The product warranty expires after 12 years, while the linear power output warranty runs for 25 years. This means that any mechanical failure or latent manufacturing defect manifesting between year 12 and year 25 of system operation will not be covered under the product warranty, and enforcing a power output warranty claim against a non-Tier-1 manufacturer is practically difficult. By comparison, Q Cells and SunPower offer aligned warranty periods — up to 25-year product warranties or 15-year product warranties in the premium segment. ## About this series The Centro Energy CE-530/535/540/545/550HM series is designed to maximize energy production from a given surface area - making it ideal for locations where every square meter of roof space or limited construction area is valuable. The modules utilize a **half-cut technology** that minimizes internal losses and improves performance under partial shading - a real advantage in residential settings, on roofs with dormers, chimneys, or tree-mounted installations. The use of **monocrystalline cells** supports high efficiency and stable energy production in the diverse weather conditions of Poland. An additional advantage is **positive power tolerance**, which simplifies the design of installations with predictable energy yields, as well as **compatibility with 1500 V systems**, which is highly valued in larger commercial installations. This makes it a sensible choice for installers and investors who want to combine high power density, good performance in shaded conditions, and parameters compatible with modern inverters. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 21.1% matches the \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* median - At 210.9 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* panels - At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* panels - At 27.2 kg, this panel is 1.2 kg lighter than \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* median (28.4 kg) - easier handling during installation - Ranked #9297 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database ## Questions ### What warranty applies to Centro Energy CE-530/535/540/545/550HM panels? The manufacturer provides a 12-year product warranty (covering material and workmanship defects) and a 25-year power output warranty for the CE-530/535/540/545/550HM series. The power warranty guarantees that the panel will retain a specified percentage of its nominal efficiency over a quarter century. This represents a standard warranty level for the mid-range segment, sufficient for residential prosumer installations and smaller commercial systems. ### Are the CE-530/535/540/545/550HM panels suitable for roofs with chimneys or dormers? Yes, the CE-530/535/540/545/550HM series is a strong choice for roofs with obstructions. Half-cut cell technology splits each cell in two, so partial shading from a chimney, dormer, or antenna affects only a portion of the module rather than the entire string. In practice, this results in lower yield losses in a typical single-family residential setting compared to conventional full-size cell modules. ### What does positive power tolerance mean for the Centro Energy CE-550HM panels, and does it matter? Positive power tolerance means the panel delivers at least the wattage stated on the label — and typically somewhat more. For the CE-530/535/540/545/550HM series, this simplifies system design: the installer can plan annual energy yield more precisely without having to build in a buffer for power underdelivery. For the investor, this translates into a more predictable return on investment. ### Are the CE-530/535/540/545/550HM modules compatible with 1500 V inverters? Yes, the CE-530/535/540/545/550HM series supports systems with DC voltages up to 1500 V. This allows longer strings to be configured with fewer inverters, reducing wiring and switchgear costs. This is particularly relevant in commercial installations on industrial buildings, warehouses, or large flat rooftops, where optimizing balance-of-system (BoS) costs is a key design consideration. ### Is Centro Energy a Tier 1 manufacturer, and should that matter when purchasing CE-550HM panels? Centro Energy does not appear on the Bloomberg NEF Tier 1 list, which evaluates manufacturer bankability — not module quality. The CE-530/535/540/545/550HM series is built on proven PERC half-cut cell technology and comes with standard warranty terms (12-year product warranty, 25-year power warranty). For residential prosumer and smaller commercial installations, the absence of Tier 1 status is not necessarily a dealbreaker; however, it is advisable to purchase through an authorized distributor that provides local warranty support and claims handling. ### What is the difference between the CE-530HM and CE-550HM panels within the same series? The only difference is nominal power output: ranging from 530 Wp to 550 Wp in 5 Wp increments. All variants of the CE-530/535/540/545/550HM series share identical construction, dimensions, and monocrystalline PERC half-cut cell technology. The choice of a specific variant depends on distributor availability and on how much usable roof area is available to accommodate the optimal number of modules for the target system capacity. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/ce-530-550hm-f56820b92eb9.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, +3.9 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.7 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | Cooler, +3.7 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, +3.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | Cooler, +3.5 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Centro Energy CE-530HM](https://comparepv.com/panel/centro-energy-ce-530hm) | 530 W | -15 W, -0.6 pp | | [Centro Energy CE-535HM](https://comparepv.com/panel/centro-energy-ce-535hm) | 535 W | -10 W, -0.4 pp | | [Centro Energy CE-540HM](https://comparepv.com/panel/centro-energy-ce-540hm) | 540 W | -0.2 pp | | [Centro Energy CE-550HM](https://comparepv.com/panel/centro-energy-ce-550hm) | 550 W | Very close match | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | +105 W, cooler, +4.1 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | +100 W, cooler, +3.9 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a640-mae72mw) | 640 W | +95 W, cooler, +3.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a635-mae72mw) | 635 W | +90 W, cooler, +3.5 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A630-MAH72Dw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a630-mah72dw) | 630 W | +85 W, cooler, +3.3 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/centro-energy-ce-545hm Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.