--- title: "GCL NT12R/48GDF-460W 460W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "GCL NT12R/48GDF-460W 460W solar panel. Specs: 23.02% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-nt12r-48gdf-460w" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # GCL NT12R/48GDF-460W Efficiency leader, no clear weak spot 1,089 panels in the segment TOPCon 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** GCL - **Model:** NT12R/48GDF-460W - **Series:** NT12R/48GDF - **Rated power:** 460 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 450-500 W (1089 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 460 W | 465 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 23.02% | 22.52% | Strong - top 17% | 1,797 | | Power density | 230.2 | 225.2 | Strong - top 20% | 1,876 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,165 | | Weight (kg) | 24.5 kg | 24.0 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 23.02% | 22.52% | Strong - top 17% | 1,797 | | Power density | 230.2 | 225.2 | Strong - top 20% | 1,876 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,165 | | Weight per kWp | 53.3 | 52.2 | Typical | 7,102 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Strengths - **23.02% module efficiency** - Top 17% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 22.52%. - **230.2 watts per square metre** - Top 20% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 225.2. - **Best for:** Residential and commercial. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 460 W - **Efficiency:** 23.02 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 30.13 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 15.27 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 35.55 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 16.05 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.290 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.250 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.045 %/degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Cell count:** 96 - **Bifacial:** yes ### Physical - **Length:** 1762 mm - **Width:** 1134 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 24.5 kg - **Area:** 2.00 m2 - **Power density:** 230.2 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 87.4 % - **First-year degradation:** 1.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.40 % - **Output after 30 years:** 402 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 1797 of 14005 | | Power density | 1876 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 2165 of 14005 | | Weight | 7102 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## Pros - **22.02–23.27% Efficiency – Segment Leader** - The NT12R/48GDF series achieves up to 23.27% efficiency, outperforming direct competitors: Jinko Solar JS182MHC120 (21.48%) by ~1.8 pp and Vikram Solar SOMERA (20.91%) by ~2.4 pp. For the same roof area, this translates to meaningfully higher energy yield with no additional installation cost. - **Low Degradation Rate with N-type TOPCon (~0.25%/year)** - N-type TOPCon cells degrade at ~0.25%/year compared to 0.5–0.8%/year for the P-type PERC technology common in comparable segment models. The absence of LID (light-induced degradation) further protects yield during the first weeks of operation, resulting in higher cumulative energy output over the full 30-year lifetime. - **30-Year Linear Power Warranty** - GCL guarantees ≥87.4% of nominal power output after 30 years of operation. The comparable Vikram Solar SOMERA offers a standard 25-year warranty, and many Tier-2 PERC models are limited to 80–83% after 25 years. A longer warranty with a higher end-of-life power floor directly reduces project financial risk and improves the LCOE. - **Bifacial Glass-Glass Construction** - Dual-side energy generation from reflected irradiance delivers an additional 5–30% energy yield gain depending on ground albedo (snow, light-colored surfaces, gravel). The glass-glass module also exhibits higher mechanical strength and lower risk of cell microcracks compared to a glass-backsheet construction. - **GCL BNEF Tier 1, Manufacturer Since 1990** - GCL System Integration is listed among BNEF Tier 1 bankable manufacturers (Q1 2026), enabling project financing through independent commercial banks. Over 35 years of manufacturing history and global scale ensure supply chain stability, after-sales support, and component availability throughout the entire warranty period. ## Cons - **Higher Module Weight (Glass-Glass)** - The dual-glass NT12R/48GDF module weighs approximately 21.5 kg (1762×1134 mm format), roughly 10–15% more than equivalent glass-backsheet modules (~18–19 kg) in the same power class. On older buildings or rooftops with limited load-bearing capacity, this may require a structural engineering assessment and additional mounting points, adding to the balance-of-system (BoS) installation cost. ## About this series The GCL NT12R/48GDF panel series introduces a new level of quality to prosumer and commercial installations, utilizing an innovative rectangular cell format that optimizes the module surface area. A key element of this design is **advanced N-type TopCon technology**, which minimizes energy losses and ensures significantly lower degradation over time compared to traditional solutions. Thanks to the bifacial glass-glass construction, these modules exhibit **increased resistance to micro-cracks** and extreme weather conditions, which translates into long-term, trouble-free operation. The use of bifacial technology allows for the generation of additional energy from reflected radiation, which is particularly important in Polish solar conditions. Models from this series solve the problem of limited installation space, offering **maximum power density** while maintaining compact dimensions. It is an ideal solution for investors looking for the lowest cost of energy (LCOE) and stable yields for decades. What sets them apart from the competition is the precise matching of voltage parameters to modern inverters, leading to **higher efficiency of the entire photovoltaic system**. These panels are designed for both modern single-family homes and demanding business projects, where reliability and a quick return on investment are paramount. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 23.0% matches the \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median - Power density of 230.2 W/m² packs 5.0 W/m² more into the same footprint vs \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median (225.2 W/m²) - Temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C matches the \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median - 80% bifaciality enables rear-side power generation, boosting yield by 4-12% on reflective surfaces - In the top 13% for efficiency among all TOPCon panels ## Questions ### What warranty applies to GCL NT12R/48GDF panels and what exactly does it cover? The GCL NT12R/48GDF 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 manufacturer guarantees that the module will maintain a specified performance level throughout three decades of operation. N-type TOPCon technology exhibits an exceptionally low annual degradation rate, making this one of the most credible warranties on the market for panels in this class. ### Do GCL NT12R/48GDF bifacial panels make sense under Polish climatic conditions? Yes, the dual-sided bifacial cells in the NT12R/48GDF series generate additional energy from irradiance reflected off the ground, rooftop, or surrounding surfaces. In Poland, the greatest benefit occurs during winter months when snow reflects sunlight, as well as in installations over light-colored surfaces. The energy gain from the rear side of the module typically ranges from 5–15%, depending on tilt angle and ground albedo, which meaningfully reduces the levelized cost of energy (LCOE) over the full system lifetime. ### Is the GCL NT12R/48GDF 465 W panel suitable for a pitched roof on a single-family home? Yes, the NT12R/48GDF module — measuring 1762×1134×30 mm and weighing 21.5 kg — is well suited for pitched-roof installations. Its compact format, based on rectangular G12R cells, allows maximum power density on a limited roof area. The glass-glass construction provides high mechanical resistance, and the voltage parameters have been optimized for compatibility with the single-phase and three-phase inverters commonly used in prosumer installations. ### How does N-type TOPCon technology differ from standard PERC panels, and is the price premium worth it? The N-type TOPCon cells used in the NT12R/48GDF series deliver higher module efficiency (above 23%) and significantly lower annual degradation compared to mainstream P-type PERC panels. This translates into more energy from the same roof area and higher yields over the full 30-year service life. For the investor, this means a lower levelized cost of energy (LCOE) and a faster return on investment, making the technology financially attractive from a long-term perspective. ### What is the degradation rate of GCL NT12R/48GDF panels, and how much power will I lose after 25 years? N-type TOPCon modules in the NT12R/48GDF series exhibit a first-year degradation of approximately 1%, followed by subsequent annual degradation below 0.4%. As a result, after 25–30 years of operation the panel typically retains more than 87–88% of its original rated power. This represents a significant advantage over P-type PERC panels, which degrade faster — particularly due to the Light-Induced Degradation (LID) effect, to which N-type cells are virtually immune. ### Is GCL a reliable manufacturer, and can I realistically expect warranty claims to be honored over 30 years? GCL (GCL System Integration) is a Chinese manufacturer classified as Tier 1 by BloombergNEF, reflecting the highest rating for financial stability and manufacturing credibility in the photovoltaic industry. The company ranks among the world's largest PV module producers and maintains an extensive service network. Tier 1 status is a key criterion for banks financing renewable energy projects and provides a solid basis for expecting warranty obligations to be fulfilled throughout the full 30-year term. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/EN-NT12R48GDF_20-J2-26d7ad605c18.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +50 W, cooler, +2.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | +35 W, lighter, +1.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | +45 W, cooler, +1.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | +30 W, lighter, +1.5 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | +40 W, cooler, +1.5 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | +40 W, lighter, +1.5 pp | | [GCL GCL-NT12R/48BGDF-430](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-nt12r-48bgdf-430) | 430 W | -30 W, lighter, -1.5 pp | | [GCL GCL-NT12R/48BGDF-435](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-nt12r-48bgdf-435) | 435 W | -25 W, lighter, -1.2 pp | | [GCL NT12R/48GDF-440W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-nt12r-48gdf-440w) | 440 W | -20 W, -1.0 pp | | [GCL NT12R/48GDF-445W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-nt12r-48gdf-445w) | 445 W | -15 W, -0.8 pp | | [GCL NT12R/48GDF-450W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-nt12r-48gdf-450w) | 450 W | -10 W, -0.5 pp | | [GCL NT12R/48GDF-455W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-nt12r-48gdf-455w) | 455 W | -0.2 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-nt12r-48gdf-460w Not in this file, on the page: the I-V and temperature curves lifted from the manufacturer's datasheet, a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.