---
title: "Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132H-650 650W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV"
description: "Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132H-650 650W solar panel. Specs: 20.90% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient."
source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-132h-650"
updated: 2026-09-11
---

# Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132H-650

Middle of its segment, modest efficiency

320 panels in the segment PERC 650-700 W


## Identity

- **Manufacturer:** Hiwatt Solar
- **Model:** HW-M12/132H-650
- **Series:** HW-M12/132H
- **Rated power:** 650 W
- **Cell technology:** PERC


## How it compares

Compared against segment PERC 650-700 W (320 panels).


| Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Power (Wp) | 650 W | 660 W | Weak - bottom 7% |  |
| Module efficiency | 20.90% | 21.25% | Weak - bottom 3% | 10,072 |
| Power density | 209.2 | 212.5 | Weak - bottom 7% | 10,011 |
| Temperature coefficient | -0.340 | -0.340 | Typical | 8,778 |
| Weight (kg) | 35.7 kg | 34.5 kg | Typical |  |
| Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 21% | 9,798 |


### Full peer table


| Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Module efficiency | 20.90% | 21.25% | Weak - bottom 3% | 10,072 |
| Power density | 209.2 | 212.5 | Weak - bottom 7% | 10,011 |
| Temperature coefficient | -0.340 | -0.340 | Typical | 8,778 |
| Weight per kWp | 54.9 | 52.3 | Typical | 9,308 |
| Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 21% | 9,798 |


### Watch out for

- **20.90% module efficiency** - Bottom 3% of the PERC 650-700 W segment, against a median of 21.25%. Ranked 10,072nd in the whole database.
- **209.2 watts per square metre** - Bottom 7% of the PERC 650-700 W segment, against a median of 212.5. Ranked 10,011th in the whole database.
- **25 year performance warranty** - Bottom 21% of the PERC 650-700 W segment, against a median of 30 yrs.

- **Not ideal for:** Tight roof space, roofs where every square metre has to count and owners who want a long output guarantee.


## Specification


### Electrical

- **Rated power (Pmax):** 650 W
- **Efficiency:** 20.90 %
- **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 37.40 V
- **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 17.39 A
- **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 45.30 V
- **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 18.44 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:** 132


### Physical

- **Length:** 2384 mm
- **Width:** 1303 mm
- **Thickness:** 35 mm
- **Weight:** 35.7 kg
- **Area:** 3.11 m2
- **Power density:** 209.2 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:** 533 W


## Rank in the whole catalogue


| Measure | Position |
| --- | --- |
| Efficiency | 10072 of 14005 |
| Power density | 10011 of 14005 |
| Temperature coefficient | 8778 of 14005 |
| Weight | 9308 of 14005 |
| Warranty | 9798 of 14005 |


## Pros

- **M12 half-cut cells with MBB technology** - 132 half-cut 210 mm cells with 12-busbar multi-busbar (MBB) architecture shorten the current path, cutting resistive losses by approximately 1.5–2% compared to standard full-cell modules. Under partial shading, splitting each cell into two independent sub-circuits limits the shading impact to half the panel rather than the entire string.
- **High unit power output – up to 670 Wp** - A peak power of 670 Wp reduces the module count on a PV farm, directly lowering BoS costs (cabling, racking, labor) by an estimated 8–12% versus the 550 Wp class dominant just three years ago. The series is well suited for utility-scale projects and large industrial rooftops.
- **21.6% efficiency – on par with direct competitors** - Maximum efficiency of 21.6% is virtually identical to direct PERC M12 peers: Techwise Solar Summit Series (21.57%) and ZNShine ZXM8-TP132 Series (21.57%). The series does not underperform against comparables based on the same PERC M12 platform.
- **25-year linear power warranty** - The manufacturer provides a 25-year linear power output warranty, meeting segment standards and supporting LCOE financial models over a standard 25-year analysis horizon. Linear degradation coverage reduces investment risk for plant owners.
- **IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 certification** - The series carries IEC 61215 (electrical performance) and IEC 61730 (module safety) certifications, satisfying the minimum requirements for lender due diligence and public tenders. Comparable Hiwatt modules are rated for wind loads ≥2,400 Pa and snow loads ≥5,400 Pa.


## Cons

- **PERC technology – gap vs. N-type ABC** - PERC cells exhibit higher light-induced degradation (LID) than N-type cells, resulting in lower long-term annual yield. The direct peer comparable AIKO Comet 2U (AIKO-G-MCH72Mw, same 670 W power class) achieves 24.8% efficiency via ABC technology — 3.2 percentage points above the 21.6% maximum of this series. For the same installed capacity, AIKO requires approximately 13% less roof or ground area.
- **No BNEF Tier 1 status – bankability risk** - Hiwatt Solar does not appear on the BloombergNEF Tier 1 module manufacturer list (confirmed as of Q1 2026). For projects requiring project finance or institutional lending, the absence of a Tier 1 / bankable rating complicates securing favorable credit terms and may be disqualifying in tenders that mandate a bankable manufacturer.
- **12-year product warranty** - The product workmanship warranty covers 12 years, whereas leading Tier 1 manufacturers in this power class (JA Solar, Jinko Solar, LONGi) routinely offer 15 years. The 3-year gap means manufacturing defects discovered between years 12 and 15 of operation fall outside the manufacturer's warranty, creating unhedged risk for the plant operator.


## About this series

The Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132H solar panel series utilizes the potential of large-format **M12 monocrystalline cells** with a 210 mm side, which forms the foundation of their technological advantage on the market. Thanks to the use of advanced **multi-busbar (MBB)** technology, these modules offer a shorter current flow path, which effectively minimizes resistive losses and increases the overall efficiency of solar energy conversion. The design based on 132 **half-cut** cells ensures that the panels perform excellently in partial shading conditions, eliminating the problem of a sudden drop in the performance of the entire installation. This solution is dedicated primarily to demanding **industrial installations and photovoltaic farms**, where the priority is to optimize cabling and mounting structure costs while maintaining the highest yields per square meter. What sets this series apart from competing solutions is its exceptional **mechanical resistance to extreme weather** conditions, such as strong winds or heavy snow, which, combined with a low temperature coefficient, guarantees stable power production even during summer heatwaves. HW-M12/132H resolves the dilemma between high unit power and component durability, delivering a product ready for the challenges of modern energy, ensuring a fast return on investment by minimizing the cell degradation effect in the long term.


## Notable figures

- Efficiency of 20.9% matches the \*\*PERC 650-700W\*\* median
- Power density of 209.2 W/m² is 3.2 W/m² below \*\*PERC 650-700W\*\* median (212.5 W/m²) - needs more roof space
- Temperature coefficient of -0.34%/°C matches the \*\*PERC 650-700W\*\* median
- At 35.7 kg (1.2 kg above \*\*PERC 650-700W\*\* median of 34.5 kg), requires checking roof load capacity
- Ranked #10072 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database


## Questions


### What warranty does Hiwatt Solar offer on the HW-M12/132H series?

The HW-M12/132H series comes with a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year linear power output warranty. This means the manufacturer guarantees a defined minimum yield threshold for a quarter of a century. It is worth reviewing the full warranty terms with your distributor, as Hiwatt Solar is not listed in the Bloomberg NEF Tier 1 ranking, which may be relevant when filing long-term warranty claims.


### Do Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132H panels handle partial shading well on a solar farm?

Yes, the HW-M12/132H series is well suited for partially shaded environments. The 132 half-cut cell design splits each cell into two independent halves, so shading on one portion of the module does not trigger a steep power drop across the entire string. This is particularly valuable on large solar farms where shadows from power lines, trees, or nearby structures can locally reduce irradiance on individual modules.


### What is PERC technology and why is it used in the HW-M12/132H series?

PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) adds a passivation layer to the rear surface of each cell, reflecting unabsorbed photons back into the silicon base and reducing carrier recombination. In practice, this delivers higher conversion efficiency compared to standard BSF cells. The HW-M12/132H combines PERC with large-format M12 210 mm wafers and multi-busbar (MBB) interconnection to reach a peak power of 670 Wp while keeping manufacturing costs competitive.


### Are 670 Wp HW-M12/132H modules a good fit for a commercial or utility-scale PV installation?

Yes, this series is designed primarily for industrial rooftop and utility-scale ground-mount projects. The high unit power of 670 Wp reduces the total module count needed to reach a given installed capacity, directly cutting BoS costs for cabling, racking, and labor. The large M12 210 mm cells and a robust frame handle high wind and snow loads well, which is critical for the long module rows typical of ground-mounted arrays.


### How do Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132H panels perform during hot summer weather?

The HW-M12/132H series features a low temperature coefficient, meaning that module temperature rising above 25°C causes a relatively small power output drop compared to older cell technologies. The half-cut cell architecture further reduces resistive losses generated by heat. As a result, the installation maintains stable power production on hot days when conventional modules experience a more pronounced efficiency decline.


### Is it worth buying Hiwatt Solar panels if the brand is not Tier 1?

Hiwatt Solar is not classified as a Tier 1 manufacturer by Bloomberg NEF, which is a relevant risk factor when considering long-term warranty enforcement 15 to 20 years down the line. That said, the HW-M12/132H series uses well-proven PERC, MBB, and half-cut technologies, carries a 25-year power warranty, and may offer an attractive price-to-performance ratio. The key is to verify the credibility of your local distributor and confirm that after-sales service is available in your market.


## Datasheet

[Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/HW-M12-132H-650-670-88f0e025ccf9.pdf)


## Alternatives


| Panel | Power | How it differs |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.3 pp |
| [AIKO AIKO-A680-MDE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a680-mde72mw) | 680 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.3 pp |
| [AIKO AIKO-A675-MDE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a675-mde72mw) | 675 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp |
| [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp |
| [AIKO AIKO-A700-MAE78Dw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a700-mae78dw) | 700 W | +50 W, cooler, +4.1 pp |
| [AIKO AIKO-A695-MAE78Dw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a695-mae78dw) | 695 W | Cooler, +4.0 pp, +5 yr warranty |
| [AIKO AIKO-G670-MCH72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-g670-mch72mw) | 670 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp |
| [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132H-655](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-132h-655) | 655 W | +0.2 pp |
| [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132H-660](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-132h-660) | 660 W | +10 W, +0.3 pp |
| [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132H-665](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-132h-665) | 665 W | +15 W, +0.5 pp |
| [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132H-670](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-132h-670) | 670 W | +20 W, +0.7 pp |
| [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132G-710](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-132g-710) | 710 W | +60 W, heavier, +2.0 pp |
| [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132G-715](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-132g-715) | 715 W | +65 W, heavier, +2.1 pp |
| [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132G-720](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-132g-720) | 720 W | +70 W, heavier, +2.3 pp |
| [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132G-725](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-132g-725) | 725 W | +75 W, heavier, +2.4 pp |
| [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/132G-730](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-132g-730) | 730 W | +80 W, heavier, +2.6 pp |
| [AIKO AIKO-A805-GRH78Dw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a805-grh78dw) | 805 W | +155 W, cooler, +4.2 pp |


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Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-132h-650

Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.

