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GCL-NT12R/48BGDF-430

430 Wp TOPCon Bifacial 80%
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, modest efficiency

Rank 10,352 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
430
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
21.52
Weak · bottom 23%
Density (Wp/m²)
215.2
Weak · bottom 23%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.290
Typical · median -0.290
Weight (kg)
21.5
Typical · median 22.0 kg
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

GCL NT12R/48BGDF modules are an advanced solution based on N-type TOPCon cell technology, setting new standards for efficiency in modern commercial and industrial installations. The use of innovative, rectangular silicon wafers allows for maximum utilization of the available mounting area, which directly translates into significantly higher power generated per square meter. A key feature of this series is the bifacial glass-glass design, which provides not only additional energy yield from reflected radiation but also extreme resistance to harsh weather conditions and chemical degradation processes. These panels effectively eliminate the problem of efficiency loss in low-light conditions, offering stable and predictable operation even under heavy cloud cover. Thanks to exceptionally low annual degradation, investors gain a guarantee of long-term profits and a faster return on investment compared to standard P-type modules. The NT12R series is primarily dedicated to investors building solar farms and large-scale roofs, where maximum power density and component longevity are crucial. Compared to the competition, the product stands out with an excellent temperature coefficient, ensuring the system works with high efficiency during summer heatwaves and optimizing the total cost of energy LCOE for the entire project.

Ranking

1,218 panels in the segment TOPCon 400-450 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 21.52% 22.00% Weak · bottom 23% 7,853
Power density 215.2 220.2 Weak · bottom 23% 7,816
Temperature coefficient -0.290 -0.290 Typical 2,165
Weight per kWp 50.0 51.4 Typical 3,317
Performance warranty 30 yrs 30 yrs Typical 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

5 positive · 4 caution
Best for

Commercial and hot-climate.

Not ideal for

Tight roof space and roofs where every square metre has to count.

Watch-outs
21.52% module efficiency

Bottom 23% of the TOPCon 400-450 W segment, against a median of 22.00%.

215.2 watts per square metre

Bottom 23% of the TOPCon 400-450 W segment, against a median of 220.2.

What owners get
Low Degradation with N-type TOPCon Cells

N-type TOPCon technology eliminates the Light-Induced Degradation (LID) effect inherent to P-type cells. For the NT12R series, declared first-year degradation is up to 2.5%, followed by ~0.4%/year — compared to the typical 0.55%/year for PERC modules — resulting in meaningfully higher cumulative energy yield over 20+ years of operation.

Bifacial Glass-Glass Construction

The dual-glass bifacial design delivers up to 15–20% additional energy yield from reflected irradiance when installed over high-albedo surfaces (white TPO membrane, gravel, concrete). The glass rear sheet, replacing a conventional backsheet, also enhances mechanical and chemical resistance, extending module service life beyond the rated 30 years.

Favorable Temperature Coefficient

The N-type GCL cells in this series carry a temperature coefficient of Pmax of approximately -0.29%/°C, versus -0.35%/°C for standard PERC modules. At typical Polish summer module operating temperatures of around 65°C, this translates to roughly 2.5% higher energy yield compared to an equivalent PERC module in the same system.

BNEF Tier-1 Manufacturer — Ranked #2 Globally

GCL System Integration (GCL-SI) holds BNEF Tier-1 (bankable manufacturer) status and has historically ranked 2nd worldwide by annual production capacity. Bankability streamlines project finance and leasing for commercial and industrial installations, eliminating the need for additional due diligence requirements.

30-Year Linear Power Warranty

The NT12R/48BGDF series carries a 30-year linear power output warranty (issued in 2024), exceeding the 25-year standard prevalent among PERC modules. For investors developing utility-scale PV plants, the extended warranty directly reduces LCOE and simplifies cash-flow modeling across the full project lifetime.

Trade-offs
Efficiency Below Best-in-Class Peer Comparables

The series reaches a maximum efficiency of 22.52%, while peer comparables such as the SunKean/Sunket SKT430~450M10-108D5 achieve 23.04% within the same 430–450 Wp power class. The 0.52 percentage-point gap translates to approximately 2.3% lower power density per m², which on constrained roof areas may necessitate the installation of 1–2 additional modules per 100 kWp of system capacity.

12-Year Product Warranty

The product warranty stands at 12 years, whereas leading competitors (Jinko, JA Solar, LONGi) in the premium TOPCon segment standardly offer 15 years. For EPC projects with O&M service agreements extending beyond 15 years, this shortfall may require a separate insurance policy or negotiation of supplementary warranty terms with the distributor.

Notes from the database
  • At 21.5% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical TOPCon 400-450W modules
  • Power density of 215.2 W/m² is 5.0 W/m² below TOPCon 400-450W median (220.2 W/m²) - needs more roof space
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C matches the TOPCon 400-450W median
  • 80% bifaciality enables rear-side power generation, boosting yield by 4-12% on reflective surfaces
  • In the top 56% for efficiency among all TOPCon panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 430 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 21.52 % Weak Segment median 22.00%
Vmpp · Impp 29.27 V · 14.69 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 34.78 V · 15.44 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1762×1134×30 mm · 2.00 m² of roof
Weight 21.5 kg Typical Typical · median 22.0 kg
Cells 96 · TOPCon Monocrystalline
Bifaciality 80 % Rear output as a share of front
Coefficient Pmax -0.290 %/°C Typical median -0.290 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.250 · 0.045 %/°C
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Typical median 30 yrs · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 87.4 % Equals 376 W guaranteed
Degradation 0.40 % Per year after the first

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
-
With bifacial gain
-

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

Heat losses
-0.290 %/°C against a segment median of -0.290
-
Bifacial gain
Rear gain over light concrete: -
-

Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.

Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
GCL GCL-NT12R/48BGDF-430 430 W 21.52% -0.290 21.5 kg You are here
AIKO-A480-MAH54Mw 480 W 24.10% -0.260 21.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.6 pp
GK-5-54HG-480M 480 W 24.10% -0.260 21.0 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.6 pp
JKM480N-48QL6-DB-F2-EU 480 W 24.02% -0.260 24.4 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.5 pp
GKA96N-PRO-480W 480 W 24.02% -0.300 21.0 kg +50 W, hotter, +2.5 pp
GCL-NT12R/48BGDF-435 435 W 21.77% -0.290 21.5 kg +0.2 pp
NT12R/48GDF-440W 440 W 22.02% -0.290 24.5 kg +10 W, heavier, +0.5 pp
NT12R/48GDF-445W 445 W 22.27% -0.290 24.5 kg +15 W, heavier, +0.8 pp
NT12R/48GDF-450W 450 W 22.52% -0.290 24.5 kg +20 W, heavier, +1.0 pp
NT12R/48GDF-455W 455 W 22.77% -0.290 24.5 kg +25 W, heavier, +1.2 pp
NT12R/48GDF-460W 460 W 23.02% -0.290 24.5 kg +30 W, heavier, +1.5 pp
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +80 W, cooler, +3.5 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg +65 W, cooler, +3.3 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg +75 W, cooler, +3.2 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg +60 W, cooler, +3.0 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg +70 W, cooler, +3.0 pp
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg +70 W, cooler, +3.0 pp

Found 1395 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 1425 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 3614 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 3962 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
What warranty is provided for the GCL NT12R/48BGDF panels and what does it cover?
The GCL NT12R/48BGDF series comes with a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, along with a 30-year linear power output warranty. This means the panel maintains the manufacturer-specified performance level for three decades, making this series one of the most financially secure options among commercial-grade modules available on the European market.
What is TOPCon technology and why should I choose it in the GCL NT12R/48BGDF panels over a cheaper PERC alternative?
TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) is an N-type cell technology in which an additional silicon oxide layer minimizes electron recombination losses. In practice, this results in higher module efficiency and significantly lower annual degradation compared to conventional P-type PERC cells. The GCL NT12R/48BGDF panels degrade more slowly over 30 years of operation, which directly reduces the levelized cost of energy (LCOE).
Do the bifacial glass-glass GCL NT12R/48BGDF panels actually generate more energy, and when does it make economic sense?
Yes, the bifacial design allows the rear side of the panel to capture irradiance reflected from the ground surface. The real-world energy gain typically ranges from 5–15%, depending on the albedo of the surface beneath the panels — the best results are achieved with light-colored gravel, white roofing membranes, or snow-covered ground. The glass-glass encapsulation further extends service life and eliminates the risk of backsheet delamination. This configuration is particularly cost-effective in ground-mounted utility-scale systems and large flat-roof installations.
What are the dimensions and weight of the GCL NT12R/48BGDF panel — is it suitable for a typical industrial rooftop?
The module measures 1762 × 1134 × 30 mm and weighs approximately 24.5 kg. Its footprint and mass correspond to the standard 48-cell format, which simplifies installation on racking systems commonly used for industrial buildings and warehouses. Prior to installation, however, the load-bearing capacity of the roofing structure must be verified, especially in high-density array configurations over large surface areas.
Do the GCL NT12R/48BGDF panels perform well in high temperatures or under low-irradiance conditions?
N-type TOPCon cells feature a more favorable temperature coefficient than P-type cells, resulting in lower power output losses during summer heat. The NT12R/48BGDF series also performs well under diffuse light — overcast skies or early morning hours cause less efficiency loss than with PERC modules. This is a significant advantage in the Polish climate, where full irradiance conditions are not the norm.
Is GCL a reliable manufacturer, and do the NT12R/48BGDF panels carry the certifications required for installations in Poland?
GCL (GCL System Integration Technology) is a Chinese manufacturer ranked as Tier 1 by Bloomberg NEF, confirming its financial and production stability. The NT12R/48BGDF modules hold IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 certifications, which are required by Polish distributors and subsidy programs such as those administered by the NFOŚiGW. Sourcing from a Tier 1 manufacturer also provides a realistic basis for enforcing the warranty over a 30-year period.
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