--- title: "JS Solar JS385M 385W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "JS Solar JS385M 385W solar panel. Specs: 19.43% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/js-solar-js385m" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # JS Solar JS385M Middle of its segment, weak in heat 6,059 panels in the 285-485 W band, all technologies ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** JS Solar - **Model:** JS385M - **Series:** 72 SERIES - **Rated power:** 385 W - **Cell technology:** Monocrystalline ## How it compares Compared against 285-485 W band, all technologies (6059 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 385 W | 430 W | Weak - bottom 19% | | | Module efficiency | 19.43% | 21.25% | Weak - bottom 14% | 12,724 | | Power density | 194.2 | 212.5 | Weak - bottom 14% | 12,715 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.370 | -0.300 | Weak - bottom 7% | 13,081 | | Weight (kg) | 23.5 kg | 22.0 kg | Weak - bottom 14% | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 20% | 9,798 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 19.43% | 21.25% | Weak - bottom 14% | 12,724 | | Power density | 194.2 | 212.5 | Weak - bottom 14% | 12,715 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.370 | -0.300 | Weak - bottom 7% | 13,081 | | Weight per kWp | 61.0 | 53.3 | Weak - bottom 14% | 12,578 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 20% | 9,798 | ### Watch out for - **-0.370 %/°C temperature coefficient** - Bottom 7% of the 285-485 W band, against a median of -0.300. Ranked 13,081st in the whole database. - **194.2 watts per square metre** - Bottom 14% of the 285-485 W band, against a median of 212.5. - **19.43% module efficiency** - Bottom 14% of the 285-485 W band, against a median of 21.25%. - **Not ideal for:** Hot climates, roofs where every square metre has to count and tight roof space. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 385 W - **Efficiency:** 19.43 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 39.30 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 9.80 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 47.06 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 10.20 A ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.370 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.340 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.060 %/degC - **NOCT:** 42 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell count:** 72 ### Physical - **Length:** 1979 mm - **Width:** 1002 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 23.5 kg - **Area:** 1.98 m2 - **Power density:** 194.2 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 10 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 80.2 % - **First-year degradation:** 3.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.70 % - **Output after 30 years:** 295 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 12724 of 14005 | | Power density | 12715 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 13081 of 14005 | | Weight | 12578 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Half-Cut PERC – shading tolerance** - Half-Cut technology splits cells into 144 elements, halving operating current and reducing resistive losses by approx. 75%. This delivers measurably higher energy yield under partial shading and a lower hot-spot risk — critical for utility-scale installations with non-uniform irradiance. - **25-year linear power warranty** - The manufacturer guarantees linear power retention over 25 years, meeting the minimum threshold required by project finance lenders for commercial PV assets. This warranty limits the investor's exposure to unforeseeable energy production losses over the long operational horizon. - **PID resistance for high-voltage systems** - Built-in PID (potential-induced degradation) resistance is essential for systems operating above 1,000V DC — standard in commercial rooftop and utility-scale PV plants — where unprotected modules can suffer several percent of annual power loss. - **72-cell format reduces BoS costs** - The larger 72-cell (144 half-cut) module means fewer modules per MW of installed capacity, directly lowering Balance of System (BoS) costs: fewer cables, MC4 connectors, mounting clamps, and installation labor-hours per MW compared to standard 60-cell modules. - **Robust frame for harsh environments** - The aluminum alloy frame is engineered for high mechanical loads (snow load, wind load), ensuring structural integrity on industrial rooftops and ground-mount farms exposed to heavy snowfall or high winds, minimizing the risk of mechanical damage throughout the system's lifetime. ## Cons - **Not on BNEF Tier-1 Bankable list** - JS Solar does not appear on the BNEF Tier-1 bankable manufacturers list (Q1 2026). For projects seeking non-recourse project financing, absence from this list can be a blocking criterion for lenders or materially increase the cost of debt, limiting the series' suitability for large utility-scale farms requiring external financing. - **Lowest efficiency among peer comparables** - Module efficiency of 19.18–19.43% is the lowest across all peer comparables at the same 385 Wp peak power: Solarwatt Panel vision GM 3.0 pure (20.7%), JA Solar JAM60D20 (20.6%), and MY Solar M2 series (19.84%). The gap vs. JA Solar is approx. 1.2–1.5 percentage points, directly reducing energy yield per m² of available roof or land area. - **Legacy P-type PERC technology** - P-type PERC cells exhibit LID (light-induced degradation) losses of 1–3% in the first hours of field exposure and a higher temperature coefficient (typically ~-0.37%/°C) compared to modern N-type TOPCon (~-0.30%/°C) or HJT (~-0.24%/°C). The premium PV market in 2025–2026 is transitioning to N-type as the new standard, leaving PERC increasingly behind the technology curve. - **Short 10-year product warranty** - The product warranty covers only 10 years, compared to 12 years from JA Solar (a direct peer comparable) and 30 years from Solarwatt Panel vision GM 3.0 pure. The shorter coverage increases the investor's exposure to out-of-warranty repair and replacement costs, particularly relevant for installations with a planned 25-year operational life. ## About this series JS Solar 72 SERIES photovoltaic panels are advanced modules based on 72 silicon cells, designed with maximizing yields from limited mounting space in mind. Thanks to the use of **monocrystalline PERC and Half-Cut cell technology**, this series effectively minimizes energy losses resulting from partial shading and the hotspot phenomenon. It is an ideal solution for investors seeking **high efficiency in utility-scale installations** and large commercial facilities, where a fast return on investment is crucial. The robust frame construction provides exceptional resistance to mechanical loads caused by snow and wind, which guarantees **long-term system operation stability** even in harsh weather conditions. They are distinguished from the competition by precise quality control that prevents potential-induced degradation (PID) and an optimal price-to-power ratio. By choosing JS Solar 72 SERIES, you gain **a reduction in LCOE costs** and the certainty that your solar power plant will generate stable profits for decades. It is a professional choice for photovoltaic farms, combining modern materials engineering with real durability, eliminating the low-efficiency problems of standard modules in full sun. ## Notable figures - Module efficiency of 19.4% is 2.4pp below average for \*\*database\*\* panels (median: 21.8%) - Power density of 194.2 W/m² is 23.9 W/m² below \*\*database\*\* median (218.1 W/m²) - needs more roof space - At -0.37%/°C, loses 0.07pp more power per degree than \*\*database\*\* median (-0.30%/°C) - 23.5 kg weight - 3.0 kg lighter than \*\*database\*\* median (26.5 kg), reducing installation effort - #12724 for efficiency, #13081 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels ## Questions ### What cell technology is used in the JS Solar 72 SERIES, and what does it mean in practice? The JS Solar 72 SERIES uses monocrystalline PERC cells in a half-cut configuration, meaning each cell is divided in two, reducing internal resistance and thermal losses. As a result, the module reaches up to 385 Wp and is less susceptible to losses when part of the panel is shaded. For investors, this translates to measurably higher energy yields per square meter compared to older full-cell standard modules. ### What warranty comes with the JS Solar 72 SERIES panels? JS Solar 72 SERIES panels come with a 10-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, plus a 25-year linear power output warranty. This means the manufacturer commits to maintaining a specified performance level for a quarter century. Keep in mind that JS Solar is not a Tier 1 manufacturer, so institutional buyers should verify the supplier's current financial standing before committing to large orders. ### How do JS Solar 72 SERIES panels handle partial shading, for example from a chimney or an adjacent row? Yes, the half-cut cell technology in the 72 SERIES significantly reduces the impact of partial shading. Splitting each cell in half means only a portion of the module loses efficiency when a chimney or adjacent row casts a shadow. This also minimizes the risk of hotspots that can permanently damage cells. Additional protection comes from certified resistance to PID (potential-induced degradation). ### What types of installations are JS Solar 72 SERIES panels best suited for? The 72 SERIES is designed primarily for large-scale installations: solar farms, large commercial buildings, industrial halls, and warehouse facilities. High unit power up to 385 Wp and a robust frame resistant to mechanical loads make it the optimal choice where rapid ROI and low LCOE matter most. For small residential prosumer systems of 3-5 kW, smaller-format modules are generally more practical. ### Can JS Solar 72 SERIES panels withstand heavy snow and wind loads in harsh climates? Yes, the JS Solar 72 SERIES frame is engineered to withstand significant mechanical loads from snow accumulation and strong wind gusts. The reinforced aluminum profile maintains structural integrity even in harsh weather conditions, ensuring stable power generation throughout the module's operating lifetime. Exact allowable load values in kPa should be confirmed in the series datasheet before designing the mounting structure. ### Is JS Solar a Tier 1 manufacturer, and does it matter when purchasing 72 SERIES panels? JS Solar is not classified as a Tier 1 manufacturer under BloombergNEF rankings, meaning the company does not meet the criterion of having projects financed by at least six banks on a non-recourse basis. For private investors and smaller solar farms, this may not be a deciding factor. However, for bankable projects or those co-financed with public funds, Tier 1 status is often formally required by financing institutions and should be verified before signing any agreements. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/JS158M72-400W-34e95a85f2e3.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M340W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m340w) | 340 W | Lighter, +3.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M360W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m360w) | 360 W | Lighter, +3.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M380W (1/4\*4\*38)](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m380w-1-4-4-38) | 380 W | Lighter, +3.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M400W (1/2\*4\*20)](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m400w-1-2-4-20) | 400 W | Lighter, +3.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M400W (1/4\*4\*40)](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m400w-1-4-4-40) | 400 W | Lighter, +3.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA210M380W (1/2\*4\*19)](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka210m380w-1-2-4-19) | 380 W | Lighter, +3.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Luxor Solar LX-435M/182-108+ GG](https://comparepv.com/panel/luxor-solar-lx-435m-182-108-gg-1) | 435 W | +50 W, cooler, +3.4 pp | | [Jetion JT435SYk(B)](https://comparepv.com/panel/jetion-jt435syk-b) | 435 W | +50 W, cooler, +3.3 pp | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX3-430-R](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max3-430-r) | 430 W | Cooler, +3.3 pp, +15 yr warranty | | [Luxor Solar LX-435M/182-108+](https://comparepv.com/panel/luxor-solar-lx-435m-182-108) | 435 W | +50 W, cooler, +3.2 pp | | [JS Solar JS380M](https://comparepv.com/panel/js-solar-js380m) | 380 W | -0.2 pp | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX7-475](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max7-475) | 475 W | Cooler, +4.6 pp, +15 yr warranty | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX7-470](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max7-470) | 470 W | Cooler, +4.3 pp, +15 yr warranty | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX7-465](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max7-465) | 465 W | Cooler, +4.1 pp, +15 yr warranty | | [Lina Energy LEPV 132 ULTRA PREMIUM BLACK 440Wp (LEPV 440)](https://comparepv.com/panel/lina-energy-lepv-132-ultra-premium-black-440wp-lepv-440) | 440 W | +55 W, cooler, +2.9 pp | | [JA Solar NS-420MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-ns-420mh-80) | 420 W | +35 W, cooler, +2.9 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/js-solar-js385m Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.