Middle of its segment, weak in heat
The Centro Energy CE-650/655/660/665/670M series is an advanced solution for demanding investments, offering powerful unit power based on large-format 210 mm cells. Thanks to the use of half-cut cell technology and multi-busbar MBB connections, these modules effectively minimize resistive losses and significantly improve current flow, which translates into higher efficiency even in difficult lighting conditions. It is an ideal proposition for large-scale projects and large commercial roofs, where lowering BOS system costs and maximizing yield from the available area are key. These panels solve the problem of limited space, delivering more energy with fewer modules and mounting structures needed. They stand out with a low temperature coefficient and increased resistance to PID and LID phenomena, guaranteeing stable energy production for decades. The use of monocrystalline PERC technology combined with an innovative cell layout allows this series to distance itself from the competition in terms of power density and mechanical strength. By choosing these modules, investors can be certain of a faster return on investment thanks to full compatibility with modern high-current inverters and optimized operating parameters in full sun.
Ranking
Signals from the data
Commercial, utility-scale and shaded-installations.
Hot climates, roofs where every square metre has to count and tight roof space.
Bottom 1% of the PERC 650-700 W segment, against a median of -0.340. Ranked 13,674th in the whole database.
Bottom 7% of the PERC 650-700 W segment, against a median of 212.5. Ranked 10,011th in the whole database.
Bottom 9% of the PERC 650-700 W segment, against a median of 21.25%. Ranked 10,014th in the whole database.
Large-format 210 mm cells deliver 650–670 Wp per module, which at a 1 MWp installation translates to approximately 350–380 fewer modules compared to 400 Wp panels. This directly cuts mounting structure, wiring, and labor costs (BoS), a critical advantage for commercial and utility-scale projects.
The top-performing CE-670M variant achieves 21.57% efficiency, placing it on equal footing with the ZNShine ZXM8-TP132 (21.57%) and Techwise Summit (21.57%), and only 0.03 percentage points below the Hiwatt HW-M12/132H (21.6%). In practice, the energy yield difference between these models is negligible.
The manufacturer provides a 30-year performance warranty, exceeding the 25-year standard offered by many smaller suppliers. The extended warranty horizon reduces investment risk and strengthens financial models for long-term projects.
The combination of half-cut cell architecture and multi-busbar (MBB) interconnection reduces resistive losses and mitigates the impact of partial shading. The standard 132-cell configuration in a 2×66 layout preserves approximately 50% of module output when the lower half is shaded.
Centro Energy does not appear on the BloombergNEF Tier 1 list (Q1 2026). For projects financed by banks or infrastructure funds, the lack of bankability may complicate or prevent access to debt financing, effectively limiting the series to equity-financed projects or smaller commercial installations.
The product warranty covers only 12 years, while Tier-1 manufacturers such as JA Solar, Canadian Solar, and Trina Solar standardly offer 15–25 years of product warranty coverage. Any defect arising after year 12 leaves the investor without manufacturer protection, significantly increasing operational risk over a 30-year project lifecycle.
PERC cells exhibit higher light-induced degradation (LID) rates and a less favorable temperature coefficient than modern N-type TOPCon cells (typically -0.30%/°C vs. -0.35%/°C for PERC). In the 650–670 Wp segment, an increasing number of manufacturers are transitioning to TOPCon; opting for PERC in 2025/2026 means the series is not at the technological forefront of the market.
The CE-650/670M series is monofacial, whereas competitors in this power class — including the Hiwatt HW-M12/132H and ZNShine ZXM8-TP132 — offer bifacial variants capable of harvesting an additional 5–15% of energy from ground albedo. For ground-mounted installations with light-colored ground surfaces or white roofing membranes, the absence of a bifacial option represents a tangible yield loss.
- Efficiency of 20.9% matches the PERC 650-700W median
- At 209.2 W/m², this panel generates 3.2 W/m² less per unit area than PERC 650-700W median (212.5 W/m²)
- Temperature coefficient of -0.40%/°C is 0.06pp worse than PERC 650-700W median (-0.34%/°C) - higher losses in summer heat
- Ranked #10014 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database
Specifications
Simulations
Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.
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