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JA Solar Brand review

MY5M72-200

200 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, heavy for its output

Rank 13,762 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
200
Weak · bottom 11%
Efficiency (%)
15.70
Weak · bottom 19%
Density (Wp/m²)
156.7
Weak · bottom 18%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.370
Typical · median -0.370
Weight (kg)
15.1
Weak · bottom 8%
Warranty (yrs)
25
Typical · median 25 yrs

The JA Solar 5M series consists of modules designed to maximize energy yield under real-world conditions, including lower sunlight, cloudy weather, and variable weather. The use of advanced n-type silicon cells in a TOPCon architecture, along with a refined connection design, allows the panels to efficiently utilize light and operate stably in demanding installations. In practice, this translates to higher energy production from the same roof or ground area, as well as improved investment payback over the entire lifespan of the installation.

Compared to many competing solutions, the 5M series offers low power degradation, which facilitates long-term cost savings and ensures high yields for years to come. Furthermore, thoughtful material and construction solutions support high durability and reliability in operating conditions.

This series is particularly well-suited for premium residential, commercial, and industrial installations, as well as PV farms, where every percentage point of energy yield and predictability is crucial.

Ranking

57 panels in the segment PERC 200-250 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 15.70% 16.80% Weak · bottom 19% 13,685
Power density 156.7 168.0 Weak · bottom 18% 13,681
Temperature coefficient -0.370 -0.370 Typical 13,081
Weight per kWp 75.5 62.5 Weak · bottom 8% 13,625
Performance warranty 25 yrs 25 yrs Typical 9,798
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

4 positive · 7 caution
Best for

Residential and commercial.

Not ideal for

Weight-limited structures, roofs where every square metre has to count and tight roof space.

Watch-outs
75.5 kg per kWp

Bottom 8% of the PERC 200-250 W segment, against a median of 62.5. Ranked 13,625th in the whole database.

156.7 watts per square metre

Bottom 18% of the PERC 200-250 W segment, against a median of 168.0.

15.70% module efficiency

Bottom 19% of the PERC 200-250 W segment, against a median of 16.80%.

What owners get
Tier-1 Manufacturer (Bloomberg NEF)

JA Solar has held Bloomberg NEF Tier-1 bankable status for over a decade and has been operating since 2005. This ensures warranty enforceability — including the 25-year power output guarantee — backed by a financially stable, globally recognized manufacturer.

25-Year Linear Power Warranty

Despite a short 12-year product warranty, the manufacturer guarantees a defined minimum power output level for 25 years of operation — in line with Tier-1 industry practice for modules in this power class (195–215 Wp).

5 Power Variants, 195–215 Wp

The series offers five wattage steps across the 195–215 Wp range, enabling precise module selection for a given roof geometry or energy balance requirement without mixing series or string configurations.

PERC Technology — Advanced for Its Release Year

At its 2009 launch, PERC cells represented a genuine commercial breakthrough. The rear-surface passivation dielectric layer delivered measurably higher energy yield versus the standard BSF cells that dominated mass production at the time.

Trade-offs
Discontinued Series (EOL 2012)

The 5M series was manufactured only between 2009 and 2012 and is officially discontinued. New modules for system expansion are unavailable, after-sales service support is limited, and obtaining updated certifications or documentation for new permits may be difficult.

Low Efficiency vs. Available Alternatives

The 15.3–16.8% efficiency range is significantly below peer comparables: MY Solar M6 reaches 19.55%, and IBC Solar 210M Split Cell hits 20.83%. Even TPL Solar P-48 (16.42%) outperforms the lower 5M variants. This translates to roughly 15–25% more roof or ground area required to achieve the same installed capacity.

Short Product Warranty — 12 Years

The product workmanship warranty is only 12 years, compared to the current Tier-1 industry standard of 25 years (including newer JA Solar series). Any mechanical failure, delamination, or frame defect occurring after year 12 carries no manufacturer warranty coverage.

Legacy p-Type PERC vs. n-Type TOPCon/HJT

The p-type PERC cells used in 2009–2012 production exhibit higher LID (Light-Induced Degradation) and weaker low-irradiance performance compared to modern n-type TOPCon or HJT cells. For systems already operating for over a decade, this results in a meaningfully lower annual energy yield than current-generation alternatives.

Notes from the database
  • At 15.7% efficiency, this panel is 3.8pp below the PERC 0-400W median of 19.4%
  • Power density of 156.7 W/m² is 37.7 W/m² below PERC 0-400W median (194.4 W/m²) - needs more roof space
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.37%/°C matches the PERC 0-400W median
  • Weight of 15.1 kg (5.4 kg below PERC 0-400W median of 20.5 kg) allows easier transport and roof mounting
  • In the top 98% for efficiency among all PERC panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 200 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 15.70 % Weak Segment median 16.80%
Vmpp · Impp 37.60 V · 5.32 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 46.20 V · 5.58 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1000 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1580×808×35 mm · 1.28 m² of roof
Weight 15.1 kg Weak Weak · bottom 8%
Cells 72 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.370 %/°C Typical median -0.370 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.290 · 0.048 %/°C
NOCT 45 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Typical median 25 yrs · median 25 yrs
End-of-warranty output 80.0 % Equals 153 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.50 → 0.73 % 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
-0.370 %/°C against a segment median of -0.370
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
JA Solar MY5M72-200 200 W 15.70% -0.370 15.1 kg You are here
GKA182M150W 150 W 23.00% - 9.0 kg -50 W, lighter, +7.3 pp
GKA182M160W 160 W 23.00% - 9.0 kg Lighter, +7.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA182M180W 180 W 23.00% - 9.0 kg Lighter, +7.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA182M200W 200 W 23.00% - 9.0 kg Lighter, +7.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA182M240W 240 W 23.00% - 10.8 kg Lighter, +7.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
NS-220MH-80 220 W 22.06% -0.290 10.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +6.4 pp
NS-220MH-80 220 W 22.06% -0.290 10.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +6.4 pp
YH250W-16M 250 W 21.22% -0.340 12.4 kg +50 W, +5.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
NS-210MH-80 210 W 21.06% -0.290 10.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +5.4 pp
NS-210MH-80 210 W 21.06% -0.290 10.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +5.4 pp
MY5M72-195 195 W 15.30% -0.370 15.1 kg -0.4 pp
MY5M72-205 205 W 16.10% -0.370 15.1 kg +0.4 pp
MY5M72-210 210 W 16.40% -0.370 15.1 kg +10 W, +0.7 pp
MY5M72-215 215 W 16.80% -0.370 15.1 kg +15 W, +1.1 pp
ZEUS 1.2 FullBlack 280W 280 W 23.31% -0.260 14.3 kg +80 W, cooler, +7.6 pp
GKA182M285W 285 W 23.00% - 10.8 kg +85 W, +7.3 pp, +5 yr warranty

Found 20 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 20 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 35 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 45 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
Is the JA Solar 5M series still available for purchase?
The JA Solar 5M series has been discontinued and is no longer available as a new product through standard distribution channels. Limited quantities may occasionally appear at distributors as existing stock. If you are planning a new installation, it is worth checking stock availability or considering a current JA Solar series based on newer cell technologies with higher wattage output.
What cell technology does the JA Solar 5M series use, and what does it mean in practice?
The JA Solar 5M series uses monocrystalline PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) technology. The passivation layer on the rear side of the cell reduces electron recombination losses and improves light absorption, resulting in higher efficiency compared to older Al-BSF cells. In practice, this means better energy yield from the same roof area, especially noticeable under diffuse light conditions. Maximum module power for this series is 215 Wp.
What warranty does the JA Solar 5M series come with?
JA Solar provides a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, and a 25-year linear power output warranty. The linear power warranty guarantees a gradual, predefined degradation curve rather than a stepwise drop. JA Solar holds Tier 1 status per Bloomberg NEF rankings, which reinforces the credibility of its warranty commitments even for older, discontinued product lines.
Are JA Solar 5M panels suitable for installation on a sloped residential roof?
Yes, the 5M series modules in the 60-cell format (up to 215 Wp) have compact dimensions and moderate weight, making them easier to transport across roof surfaces and mount on standard racking systems. The monofacial design — with no light harvesting from the rear — is the standard for rooftop installations where the back of the panel faces the mounting structure. The series is well-suited for residential prosumer systems and small commercial projects.
How does the JA Solar 5M series perform under overcast skies and variable weather?
The PERC technology in the 5M series delivers better performance under diffuse light compared to older Al-BSF cells, which is particularly relevant in climates with a high share of overcast days. The low power degradation guaranteed by the 25-year linear power warranty ensures that energy yields remain predictable throughout the full operational lifetime of the installation.
How does the JA Solar 5M series differ from the manufacturer's newer modules?
The 5M series is an older product based on PERC technology with a maximum output of 215 Wp, intended primarily for smaller installations. Newer JA Solar product lines — such as Deep Blue 4.0 or the n-type TOPCon series — offer significantly higher per-module wattages (400–600+ Wp), improved module efficiencies, and better temperature coefficients. Since the 5M series is discontinued, it is relevant only for expanding or replacing panels in an existing installation.
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