--- title: "Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/100H-485 485W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/100H-485 485W solar panel. Specs: 20.20% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-100h-485" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/100H-485 Strong in heat, modest efficiency 449 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Hiwatt Solar - **Model:** HW-M12/100H-485 - **Series:** HW-M12/100H - **Rated power:** 485 W - **Cell technology:** PERC ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 450-500 W (449 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 485 W | 460 W | Strong - top 24% | | | Module efficiency | 20.20% | 20.82% | Weak - bottom 5% | 11,956 | | Power density | 202.2 | 208.5 | Weak - bottom 6% | 11,962 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.340 | -0.350 | Strong - top 19% | 8,778 | | Weight (kg) | 26.5 kg | 24.5 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 25 yrs | Typical | 9,798 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 20.20% | 20.82% | Weak - bottom 5% | 11,956 | | Power density | 202.2 | 208.5 | Weak - bottom 6% | 11,962 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.340 | -0.350 | Strong - top 19% | 8,778 | | Weight per kWp | 54.6 | 53.1 | Typical | 9,004 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 25 yrs | Typical | 9,798 | ### Strengths - **-0.340 %/°C temperature coefficient** - Top 19% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of -0.350. ### Watch out for - **20.20% module efficiency** - Bottom 5% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 20.82%. Ranked 11,956th in the whole database. - **202.2 watts per square metre** - Bottom 6% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 208.5. Ranked 11,962nd in the whole database. - **Best for:** Residential, commercial and shaded-installations. - **Not ideal for:** Tight roof space and roofs where every square metre has to count. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 485 W - **Efficiency:** 20.20 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 28.20 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 17.19 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 33.90 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 18.31 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.340 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.250 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.040 %/degC - **NOCT:** 43 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 100 ### Physical - **Length:** 2185 mm - **Width:** 1098 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 26.5 kg - **Area:** 2.40 m2 - **Power density:** 202.2 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 84.8 % - **First-year degradation:** 2.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.55 % - **Output after 30 years:** 398 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 11956 of 14005 | | Power density | 11962 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 8778 of 14005 | | Weight | 9004 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Multi-busbar + half-cut on M12 wafer** - The combination of half-cut cells with Multi-busbar (MBB) technology on the M12 (210 mm) format reduces internal resistance and splits the module into two independent electrical sections. This results in lower shading-related losses and a reduced risk of hotspot formation compared to full-cell modules on older formats. - **PERC and TOPCon variants within one series** - The HW-M12/100H series spans 5 variants across both PERC and TOPCon cell technologies, giving installers the flexibility to match module selection to budget and project requirements. TOPCon variants deliver a lower LID/LeTID degradation rate and better high-temperature performance (typical temp. coeff. -0.30%/°C vs. -0.35%/°C for PERC). - **Strong anti-PID and shading resistance** - The manufacturer declares excellent resistance to potential-induced degradation (anti-PID), validated under IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 guidelines. The half-cut architecture limits partial shading impact on the full string, which is particularly relevant for residential roof installations with obstructions such as chimneys, dormers, or HVAC equipment. - **25-year linear power warranty** - The standard 25-year power output warranty is consistent with the level offered by leading segment manufacturers, ensuring predictable energy yield over the full system lifetime. This is a key parameter when calculating LCOE and ROI for prosumer installations. ## Cons - **Not BNEF Tier-1 – non-bankable manufacturer** - Hiwatt Solar does not appear on Bloomberg NEF Tier-1 solar module manufacturer lists (verified Q1 2026). This creates elevated risk for commercial or utility-scale projects where lenders require bankable manufacturer backing. For residential prosumer installations the risk is lower but still warrants additional due diligence on the supplier's financial stability. - **Max efficiency 21% vs. 22.7% in direct peer comparables** - The top variant of the series reaches 21% efficiency, while comparably powered modules — Sunova Tangra M Pro HD and Q-SUN Solar Qrystal N10 — achieve 22.7%, a gap of 1.7 percentage points. In practice, on a fixed roof area (e.g. 30 m²), an HW-M12/100H-based system will generate approximately 8% less energy than those competing products. For space-constrained installations, this directly affects annual yield and LCOE. - **12-year product warranty – below segment leaders** - The workmanship warranty covers 12 years, whereas leading 500 W+ segment manufacturers (JA Solar, Trina Solar, LONGi) routinely offer 15 years. Against a 25-year power warranty backdrop, a 12-year product coverage means the system owner could bear replacement costs for any manufacturing defects occurring in years 13–25. ## About this series The HW-M12/100H series from Hiwatt Solar is an advanced design based on **large-format M12 silicon wafers**, allowing for maximum power density while maintaining optimal module dimensions. Thanks to the use of **innovative Multi-busbar technology**, these cells effectively minimize energy losses resulting from internal resistance and improve current flow, which directly translates into higher yields in challenging lighting conditions. These panels solve the problem of limited installation space by offering high efficiency from every square meter of the roof, making them an ideal choice for both modern home installations and extensive commercial projects. The use of **Half-Cut cells** significantly reduces the risk of hot spots and increases resistance to partial shading, ensuring stable operation of the entire system for decades. The series stands out from the competition with its excellent balance between price and efficiency, as well as its **high resistance to potential-induced degradation**. By choosing these modules, investors gain a guarantee of reliability and a faster return on investment, which is crucial in the dynamically developing Polish PV market. The robust frame construction additionally ensures full durability against extreme snow and wind loads, eliminating concerns about mechanical safety in the Polish climate. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 20.2% is 0.6pp below the \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median (20.8%) - 202.2 W/m² power density is 6.3 W/m² below \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median (208.5 W/m²) - requires larger installation area - At -0.34%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* panels - At 26.5 kg (2.0 kg above \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median of 24.5 kg), requires checking roof load capacity - #11956 for efficiency, #8778 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels ## Questions ### What product and power warranties does the Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/100H series come with? The HW-M12/100H series includes a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, plus a 25-year linear power output warranty. The power warranty guarantees the module maintains a defined minimum efficiency over a quarter century. For the end investor, this combination delivers long-term reliability and predictable returns, which is especially important in a fast-growing prosumer PV market. ### What is TOPCon technology and what advantages does it offer in the HW-M12/100H series? TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) uses N-type silicon cells with a thin tunnel oxide layer that significantly reduces electron recombination. Compared to standard PERC cells, this means higher conversion efficiency and a lower annual degradation rate. The HW-M12/100H modules also deliver better performance at elevated temperatures and under diffuse light, which is particularly valuable in Central European climate conditions. ### Are the Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/100H modules suitable for a standard sloped residential roof? Yes, the HW-M12/100H series is designed for both residential rooftop prosumer installations and larger commercial projects. The large-format M12 wafers allow up to 505 Wp per module, reducing the total panel count needed for a given system size. The robust aluminum frame is engineered to withstand heavy snow loads and wind pressure typical of Polish and Central European weather conditions. ### How do the half-cut cells in the HW-M12/100H series affect performance under partial shading? Half-cut cell technology splits each cell in two, reducing operating current and resistive losses. When part of the module is shaded — by a chimney or dormer window, for example — only a portion of the active surface is affected while the rest continues generating power normally. This results in significantly lower power loss compared to modules using full-size cells under the same shading conditions. ### Are the HW-M12/100H panels resistant to potential-induced degradation (PID)? Yes, the HW-M12/100H series features excellent anti-PID performance, achieved through optimized materials and a tightly controlled manufacturing process. PID is a gradual power loss caused by stray current leaking through the module frame, and it is especially problematic in large multi-string configurations. The series' PID resistance ensures stable output throughout the entire 25-year power warranty period. ### What is the maximum power output of a single HW-M12/100H module and how many panels are needed for a typical home system? Each module in the HW-M12/100H series reaches up to 505 Wp. For a typical 10 kWp residential system, you would need only 20 panels. The high power density enabled by the M12 wafer format is particularly useful when roof space is limited, helping homeowners meet growing household energy demands without requiring a large installation footprint. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/HW-M12-100H-485-505-461f9d73ebdd.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, +4.8 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.6 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, +4.5 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.3 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, +4.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.3 pp | | [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/100H-490](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-100h-490) | 490 W | Very close match | | [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/100H-495](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-100h-495) | 495 W | +10 W, +0.4 pp | | [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/100H-500](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-100h-500) | 500 W | +15 W, +0.6 pp | | [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/100H-505](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-100h-505) | 505 W | +20 W, +0.8 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | +165 W, cooler, +5.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | +160 W, cooler, +4.8 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a640-mae72mw) | 640 W | +155 W, cooler, +4.6 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a635-mae72mw) | 635 W | +150 W, cooler, +4.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A630-MAH72Dw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a630-mah72dw) | 630 W | +145 W, cooler, +4.2 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-100h-485 Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.