--- title: "Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/80H-400 400W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/80H-400 400W solar panel. Specs: 20.80% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-80h-400" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/80H-400 Middle of its segment, modest efficiency 1,218 panels in the segment TOPCon 400-450 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Hiwatt Solar - **Model:** HW-M12/80H-400 - **Series:** HW-M12/80H(385-405) - **Rated power:** 400 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 400-450 W (1218 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 400 W | 435 W | Weak - bottom 1% | | | Module efficiency | 20.80% | 22.00% | Weak - bottom 3% | 10,457 | | Power density | 208.1 | 220.2 | Weak - bottom 4% | 10,466 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.340 | -0.290 | Weak - bottom 5% | 8,778 | | Weight (kg) | 21.0 kg | 22.0 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 7% | 9,798 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 20.80% | 22.00% | Weak - bottom 3% | 10,457 | | Power density | 208.1 | 220.2 | Weak - bottom 4% | 10,466 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.340 | -0.290 | Weak - bottom 5% | 8,778 | | Weight per kWp | 52.5 | 51.4 | Typical | 6,043 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 7% | 9,798 | ### Watch out for - **20.80% module efficiency** - Bottom 3% of the TOPCon 400-450 W segment, against a median of 22.00%. Ranked 10,457th in the whole database. - **208.1 watts per square metre** - Bottom 4% of the TOPCon 400-450 W segment, against a median of 220.2. Ranked 10,466th in the whole database. - **-0.340 %/°C temperature coefficient** - Bottom 5% of the TOPCon 400-450 W segment, against a median of -0.290. Ranked 8,778th in the whole database. - **Best for:** Residential, commercial, shaded-installations and hot-climate. - **Not ideal for:** Tight roof space, roofs where every square metre has to count and hot climates. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 400 W - **Efficiency:** 20.80 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 34.20 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 11.70 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 41.20 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 12.28 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:** TOPCon - **Cell count:** 120 ### Physical - **Length:** 1754 mm - **Width:** 1096 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 21.0 kg - **Area:** 1.92 m2 - **Power density:** 208.1 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:** 328 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 10457 of 14005 | | Power density | 10466 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 8778 of 14005 | | Weight | 6043 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **N-type TOPCon cell technology** - N-type cells exhibit a lower annual degradation rate (typically \< 0.40%/year) compared to PERC (~0.55%/year) and a better temperature coefficient (~−0.30%/°C vs. −0.35%/°C for PERC), resulting in measurably higher cumulative energy yield over the system's lifetime. - **Half-cut 108-cell layout** - Splitting cells in half reduces resistive losses and improves partial-shading tolerance — a key advantage on rooftops with chimneys, dormers, or HVAC equipment. The design also lowers the risk of hot-spot formation. - **Up to 21.1% efficiency — above peer set** - The top 405 Wp variant reaches 21.1% module efficiency, outperforming direct comparables: EGing PV STAR (20.74%), VSUN 405-108BMH-DG (20.74%), and Goldi Solar GS10-M108-BF (20.66%). The +0.4 pp advantage at identical peak power translates to a smaller required roof area. - **Strong PID resistance** - N-type architecture is inherently more resistant to potential-induced degradation (PID) than P-type PERC, enabling safe operation in high-voltage DC systems (> 1000 V) without the risk of accelerated power loss over time. ## Cons - **Discontinued series** - The HW-M12/80H(385-405) series was released in 2021 and is now discontinued. This limits the availability of replacement modules, shortens post-sales support, and makes it difficult to expand an existing installation with identical panels in the future. - **Not BNEF Tier-1 bankable** - Hiwatt Solar does not appear on the BNEF Bankable Tier-1 Manufacturer list, unlike market peers such as Trina Solar, JA Solar, or LONGi. This can be a formal barrier for projects requiring bank financing or institutional investment guarantees. - **12-year product warranty** - The manufacturer provides a 12-year product warranty, while Tier-1 producers (LONGi, Trina Solar, Canadian Solar) standardly offer 15 years. The 3-year gap may matter when replacing a damaged module outside the warranty period. - **Monofacial-only design** - The module is strictly monofacial — unlike direct peer Goldi Solar GS10-M108-BF, which in bifacial configuration typically yields 5–15% additional energy by leveraging ground albedo. This limits energy harvest potential in ground-mount installations with light-colored surfaces. ## About this series The Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/80H(385-405) series is a range of premium monocrystalline modules designed for stable energy production over many years in real-world conditions. The use of **N-type cells in a half-cut configuration** helps minimize losses at connections and better withstand partial shading, which is particularly important on roofs with chimneys, skylights, or HVAC systems. The manufacturer also emphasizes **high PID resistance**, ensuring that the modules maintain their performance parameters in demanding environments and at high system voltages. An additional advantage is **optimized temperature performance** - during hot days, energy yield drops are less significant, leading to more predictable self-consumption and a faster return on investment. The design, focused on **reducing the risk of hot spots**, enhances the safety and longevity of the installation. This is a good choice for single-family homes, small businesses, and rooftop farms, where reliability, high-quality workmanship, and a reasonable energy cost throughout the installation's lifespan are key considerations. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 20.8% is 1.2pp below the \*\*TOPCon 400-450W\*\* median (22.0%) - At 208.1 W/m², this panel generates 12.1 W/m² less per unit area than \*\*TOPCon 400-450W\*\* median (220.2 W/m²) - At -0.34%/°C, loses 0.05pp more power per degree than \*\*TOPCon 400-450W\*\* median (-0.29%/°C) - At 21.0 kg, weight matches the \*\*TOPCon 400-450W\*\* median - #10457 for efficiency, #8778 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels ## Questions ### Is the Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/80H(385-405) series still available for purchase? The HW-M12/80H(385-405) series has been discontinued and is no longer available through regular distribution channels. Isolated units may still be found with suppliers clearing old stock. If you are planning a new installation, confirm current availability with your distributor or ask about an active replacement model in Hiwatt Solar's current lineup. ### What warranty does the HW-M12/80H(385-405) series carry and how long is the power output guarantee? Hiwatt Solar backed the HW-M12/80H(385-405) series with a 12-year product warranty covering materials and workmanship, plus a 25-year linear power output warranty guaranteeing the module retains a defined percentage of its rated wattage over time. Since the series is now discontinued, it is advisable to clarify with your supplier how warranty claims would be handled in practice before purchasing. ### What is TOPCon technology in the HW-M12/80H series and how does it compare to PERC? TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) is an N-type cell architecture that surpasses conventional PERC (P-type) cells in conversion efficiency, annual degradation rate, and resistance to PID (Potential Induced Degradation). In real-world terms, a TOPCon module delivers greater lifetime energy yield, especially in high-voltage systems and demanding environmental conditions, making it a worthwhile upgrade over older PERC-based products. ### Do the HW-M12/80H(385-405) panels perform well on roofs with chimneys, dormers, or HVAC units that cause partial shading? Yes. The HW-M12/80H(385-405) uses a half-cut cell layout with N-type TOPCon cells, which significantly improves performance under partial shading. Because each cell half operates independently, a shadow cast by a chimney, dormer, or HVAC unit reduces output from only part of the module rather than the entire panel. This is a tangible advantage for residential rooftop installations with typical architectural obstructions. ### How does the HW-M12/80H(385-405) series handle high temperatures during summer? N-type TOPCon cells carry a lower temperature coefficient than standard PERC cells, meaning power losses on hot summer days are less severe. Hiwatt Solar highlights the optimized thermal performance of this series, which keeps energy yield more predictable during peak irradiance hours. For Central European climates, this results in improved self-consumption and a better LCOE over the system's lifetime. ### Who is the HW-M12/80H(385-405) series designed for and is it a good fit for a residential installation? With a peak output of 405 Wp, the HW-M12/80H(385-405) was designed for single-family homes, small businesses, and commercial rooftop arrays where long-term reliability and stable energy production are the priority. Note that Hiwatt Solar is not listed as a Bloomberg NEF Tier 1 manufacturer, which may be relevant when evaluating bankability or securing third-party financing for larger projects. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/HW-M12-80H-385-405-1e9b9f0b0afd.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Luxor Solar LX-440M/182-108+GG](https://comparepv.com/panel/luxor-solar-lx-440m-182-108-gg) | 440 W | Cooler, +2.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Just Solar JST-EDMH-(445-465)W-TD (450W class)](https://comparepv.com/panel/just-solar-jst-edmh-445-465-w-td-450w-class) | 450 W | +50 W, +2.2 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Q-SUN Solar QNN182-HG450-54](https://comparepv.com/panel/qn-solar-pv-limited-qnn182-hg450-54) | 450 W | +50 W, cooler, +2.2 pp | | [Huayao HY440-N108BDD](https://comparepv.com/panel/huayao-hy440-n108bdd) | 450 W | +50 W, +2.2 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [BYD NLBK-27-450](https://comparepv.com/panel/byd-nlbk-27-450) | 450 W | +50 W, +2.2 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Renesola RS41-450NBG-E3](https://comparepv.com/panel/renesola-rs41-450nbg-e3) | 450 W | +50 W, cooler, +2.2 pp | | [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/80H-385](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-80h-385) | 385 W | -15 W, -0.7 pp | | [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/80H-390](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-80h-390) | 390 W | -10 W, -0.5 pp | | [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/80H-395](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-80h-395) | 395 W | -0.3 pp | | [Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/80H-405](https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-80h-405) | 405 W | +0.3 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +110 W, cooler, +4.2 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | +95 W, cooler, +4.0 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | +105 W, cooler, +3.9 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | +90 W, cooler, +3.7 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | +100 W, cooler, +3.7 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | +100 W, cooler, +3.7 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/hiwatt-solar-hw-m12-80h-400 Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.