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Hiwatt Solar Brand review

HW-M12/80H-405

405 Wp TOPCon
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, weak in heat

Rank 11,721 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
405
Weak · bottom 2%
Efficiency (%)
21.10
Weak · bottom 6%
Density (Wp/m²)
210.7
Weak · bottom 7%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.340
Weak · bottom 5%
Weight (kg)
21.0
Typical · median 22.0 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Weak · bottom 7%

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.

Ranking

1,218 panels in the segment TOPCon 400-450 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 21.10% 22.00% Weak · bottom 6% 9,297
Power density 210.7 220.2 Weak · bottom 7% 9,565
Temperature coefficient -0.340 -0.290 Weak · bottom 5% 8,778
Weight per kWp 51.9 51.4 Typical 5,230
Performance warranty 25 yrs 30 yrs Weak · bottom 7% 9,798
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

4 positive · 7 caution
Best for

Residential, commercial, shaded-installations and hot-climate.

Not ideal for

Hot climates, tight roof space and roofs where every square metre has to count.

Watch-outs
-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.

21.10% module efficiency

Bottom 6% of the TOPCon 400-450 W segment, against a median of 22.00%. Ranked 9,297th in the whole database.

210.7 watts per square metre

Bottom 7% of the TOPCon 400-450 W segment, against a median of 220.2. Ranked 9,565th in the whole database.

What owners get
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.

Trade-offs
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.

Notes from the database
  • At 21.1% efficiency, this panel is 0.9pp below the TOPCon 400-450W median of 22.0%
  • Power density of 210.7 W/m² is 9.5 W/m² below TOPCon 400-450W median (220.2 W/m²) - needs more roof space
  • At -0.34%/°C, loses 0.05pp more power per degree than TOPCon 400-450W median (-0.29%/°C)
  • Weight of 21.0 kg is typical for TOPCon 400-450W panels
  • Ranked #9297 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 405 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 21.10 % Weak Segment median 22.00%
Vmpp · Impp 34.40 V · 11.77 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 41.40 V · 12.34 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1754×1096×30 mm · 1.92 m² of roof
Weight 21.0 kg Typical Typical · median 22.0 kg
Cells 120 · TOPCon Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.340 %/°C Weak bottom 5% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.250 · 0.040 %/°C
NOCT 43 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Weak bottom 7% · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 84.8 % Equals 332 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 → 0.55 % First year, then annual

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
-

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

Heat losses
-0.340 %/°C against a segment median of -0.290
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Hiwatt Solar HW-M12/80H-405 405 W 21.10% -0.340 21.0 kg You are here
AIKO-455-MAH54Db 455 W 23.30% -0.260 24.0 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.2 pp
LR5-54HTH-455M 455 W 23.30% -0.290 20.8 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.2 pp
YL455CF54 e/2 455 W 23.30% -0.290 20.3 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.2 pp
ESM-455T 455 W 23.30% -0.310 21.0 kg +50 W, +2.2 pp, +5 yr warranty
SE5-54HBC-455W 455 W 23.30% -0.290 20.8 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.2 pp
JST-EDMH-(445-465)W-TD (455W class) 455 W 23.30% -0.300 20.5 kg +50 W, +2.2 pp, +5 yr warranty
LX-455M/182R-96+ GG 455 W 23.30% -0.260 23.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.2 pp
HW-M12/80H-385 385 W 20.10% -0.340 21.0 kg -20 W, -1.0 pp
HW-M12/80H-390 390 W 20.30% -0.340 21.0 kg -15 W, -0.8 pp
HW-M12/80H-395 395 W 20.50% -0.340 21.0 kg -10 W, -0.6 pp
HW-M12/80H-400 400 W 20.80% -0.340 21.0 kg -0.3 pp
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +105 W, cooler, +3.9 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg +90 W, cooler, +3.7 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg +100 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg +85 W, cooler, +3.4 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg +95 W, cooler, +3.4 pp

Found 53 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 67 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 3671 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 4169 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
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.
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