Light for its output, short guarantee
The Hounen Solar HNM7-SHDB 108 series is a compact photovoltaic panel based on the PERC bifacial technology, which stands out with its ability to absorb solar radiation from both the front and back sides - resulting in a significantly higher energy yield throughout the day. The use of half-cut cells in a 108-cell configuration effectively reduces resistive losses and significantly improves tolerance to partial shading - the panel does not experience a sudden drop in performance when part of its surface is obscured by trees or chimneys. Due to the smaller number of cells compared to 144- or 156-cell models, the 108-cell series offers compact dimensions ideal for smaller roof areas and residential prosumer installations. The PERC technology with an additional reflective layer on the back of the cell increases light absorption and stabilizes performance under high temperatures. The bifacial design is particularly well-suited for ground-mounted and roof-mounted installations with light-colored surfaces, where reflected light further powers the back surface of the panel. The manufacturer offers a 12-year product warranty and 25-year power warranty, making this series a reliable and long-term choice for both private and commercial investors.
Ranking
Signals from the data
Residential, commercial and shaded-installations.
Owners who want a long output guarantee and hot climates.
Top 23% of the 315-515 W band, against a median of 53.1.
Bottom 18% of the 315-515 W band, against a median of 30 yrs.
Bottom 22% of the 315-515 W band, against a median of -0.300.
The 108 half-cut cell layout reduces resistive losses by up to 75% compared to full-cell modules and significantly improves shade tolerance. In practice, this delivers more stable energy output in residential prosumer installations where chimneys, antennas, or dormers partially shade the array.
The highest-power variant reaches 21.51% module efficiency — equal to Solarspace SS8-54HSB (21.51%) and virtually level with GCL-M10/54H (21.50%). Phono Solar TWINPLUS tops out at 20.98%, placing this series among the most efficient compact 108-cell modules available in its class.
Fewer cells (108 vs. 144–156 in full-size modules) result in ~1,724×1,134 mm dimensions and lower weight, simplifying installation on small residential rooftops without requiring rafter modifications or a redesigned racking system.
Hounen Solar guarantees at least 84.8% of rated power output after 25 years — consistent with the Tier-1 market standard (JA Solar, Trina Solar) — backed by a 12-year product warranty, providing full lifecycle protection for residential and commercial investors alike.
The HNM7-SHDB 108 series is listed as discontinued: replacement modules may be unavailable, manufacturer technical support is limited, and expanding an existing installation with identical panels will be difficult. This presents meaningful operational risk for projects that may require individual panel replacement over a 10–15 year horizon.
Hounen Solar does not appear on the BNEF Tier 1 list (Q1 2026), which may restrict access to bank financing for projects exceeding 10 MW and reduce perceived bankability among institutional investors. Direct peer comparables GCL and Phono Solar both hold Tier-1 status.
As of 2025, N-type TOPCon accounts for approximately 75% of new Chinese PV manufacturing capacity, offering a lower degradation rate (~0.4%/yr vs. ~0.7%/yr for PERC) and better high-temperature performance. Newer 108-cell TOPCon modules already deliver 430–450 W at comparable dimensions, making PERC a technologically trailing standard in the current market.
- At 21.2% efficiency, this panel is 0.6pp below the database median of 21.8%
- Power density of 212.5 W/m² is 5.6 W/m² below database median (218.1 W/m²) - needs more roof space
- At -0.35%/°C, loses 0.05pp more power per degree than database median (-0.30%/°C)
- 20.5 kg weight - 6.0 kg lighter than database median (26.5 kg), reducing installation effort
- In the top 64% for efficiency among all N-type panels
Specifications
Simulations
Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.
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