--- title: "Kensol KS405MB5-SBS 405W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Kensol KS405MB5-SBS 405W solar panel. Specs: 20.70% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/kensol-ks405mb5-sbs" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Kensol KS405MB5-SBS Middle of its segment, short guarantee 6,665 panels in the 305-505 W band, all technologies ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Kensol - **Model:** KS405MB5-SBS - **Series:** KS405-410MB5-SBS - **Rated power:** 405 W - **Cell technology:** Monocrystalline ## How it compares Compared against 305-505 W band, all technologies (6665 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 405 W | 435 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 20.70% | 21.30% | Typical | 10,764 | | Power density | 206.7 | 212.8 | Typical | 10,965 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.340 | -0.300 | Typical | 8,778 | | Weight (kg) | 21.0 kg | 22.6 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 18% | 9,798 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 20.70% | 21.30% | Typical | 10,764 | | Power density | 206.7 | 212.8 | Typical | 10,965 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.340 | -0.300 | Typical | 8,778 | | Weight per kWp | 51.9 | 53.2 | Typical | 5,230 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 18% | 9,798 | ### Watch out for - **25 year performance warranty** - Bottom 18% of the 305-505 W band, against a median of 30 yrs. - **Best for:** Residential and shaded-installations. - **Not ideal for:** Owners who want a long output guarantee. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 405 W - **Efficiency:** 20.70 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 38.70 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 10.47 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 46.50 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 11.02 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.340 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.270 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.040 %/degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline ### Physical - **Length:** 1719 mm - **Width:** 1140 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 21.0 kg - **Area:** 1.96 m2 - **Power density:** 206.7 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 25 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:** 332 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 10764 of 14005 | | Power density | 10965 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 8778 of 14005 | | Weight | 5230 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Shingled cell architecture – higher power density** - Overlapping cells (340 cells, 34×10 layout) eliminate busbars and inactive module surface, reducing resistive losses and increasing fill factor. The result is 405–410 W output from a 1719×1140 mm footprint — higher than conventional PERC busbar layouts at the same module geometry. - **Microcrack resistance and partial shading tolerance** - Adhesive cell interconnections replacing soldered busbars eliminate thermomechanical stress — the primary cause of microcracks in conventional modules. Segmented electrical topology results in lower mismatch losses under partial shading compared to standard 6-busbar PERC configurations. - **20.9% efficiency — above VDS Renewable in class** - Peak efficiency of 20.9% outperforms direct peer VDS Renewable VDS-S144/FNH (20.4%) by 0.5 percentage points, translating to approximately 2.5% higher annual energy yield per identical roof area compared to that competitor. - **IEC 61730 Class A certified + 5,400 Pa front load** - Compliance with IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 Class A enables unrestricted rooftop installation on residential buildings. The 5,400 Pa front load rating (~550 kg/m²) meets Polish snow load requirements for climate zones 2 and 3 per PN-EN 1991-1-3. - **All Black SBS aesthetics** - The Super Black Structure delivers uniform deep-black appearance across frame, glass, and cells with no visible busbars. This is a meaningful differentiator in the residential rooftop segment, where aesthetics directly influence purchase decisions on architecturally exposed roof surfaces. ## Cons - **Temperature coefficient Pm: -0.34%/°C** - The -0.34%/°C power temperature coefficient matches typical PERC performance and is inferior to N-type TOPCon modules in the same wattage class — e.g., Luxor Eco Line N-type achieves approximately -0.30%/°C. At a typical summer cell temperature of ~60°C in Poland, the 0.04%/°C gap translates to roughly 0.8–1.0% lower peak power output versus TOPCon peers. - **Not listed on BNEF Tier-1 (Q1–Q2 2026)** - Kensol does not appear on BloombergNEF Tier-1 solar module lists for Q1 or Q2 2026. The absence of Tier-1 status may complicate module acceptance in commercial and utility-scale projects where EPC contracts and bankability clauses typically require a BNEF-listed or equivalent manufacturer for project finance approval. - **Monofacial only — no bifacial option** - The series offers no bifacial variant, while Luxor Solar delivers a glass-glass bifacial N-type TOPCon module at the same power class (410 W) with 21.33% efficiency. On high-albedo surfaces (light paving, gravel), bifacial modules typically generate 5–15% additional energy without increasing rooftop footprint. ## About this series The Kensol KS405-410MB5-SBS series sets new performance standards thanks to the use of advanced **shingled technology**, which completely eliminates gaps between cells. This solution allows for maximum utilization of the available module surface, directly translating into higher energy yields even with limited installation space. A key distinguishing feature of this line is the **Super Black Structure (SBS)**, which ensures a deep, uniform black across the entire panel, meeting the needs of the most demanding architectural projects. By replacing traditional busbars with precise adhesive connections, the modules exhibit **exceptional resistance to micro-cracks** and the negative impact of variable temperatures. This series effectively solves the problem of power drops caused by partial shading, offering significantly better performance characteristics in difficult lighting conditions than classic panels. It is an ideal choice for private investors who value **uncompromising All Black aesthetics** and long-term system reliability. By choosing these modules, you gain the certainty of stable installation operation for decades, which clearly distinguishes them from standard alternatives prone to mechanical degradation. The innovative design guarantees not only higher efficiency but also maximum resistance to extreme snow and wind loads, ensuring the safety of the entire investment. ## Notable figures - At 20.7% efficiency, this panel is 1.1pp below the \*\*database\*\* median of 21.8% - At 206.7 W/m², this panel generates 11.4 W/m² less per unit area than \*\*database\*\* median (218.1 W/m²) - At -0.34%/°C, loses 0.04pp more power per degree than \*\*database\*\* median (-0.30%/°C) - Weight of 21.0 kg (5.5 kg below \*\*database\*\* median of 26.5 kg) allows easier transport and roof mounting - In the top 77% for efficiency among all N-type panels ## Questions ### How does the shingled cell technology in the Kensol KS405-410MB5-SBS series differ from conventional solar panels? Shingled technology overlaps cells like roof tiles and bonds them with conductive adhesive, eliminating busbars entirely. This allows more active cell area per module surface. The Kensol KS405-410MB5-SBS achieves up to 410 Wp and shows significantly higher resistance to microcracks compared to standard mono busbar panels. The result is more stable long-term power output throughout the system's lifetime. ### What warranty does the Kensol KS405-410MB5-SBS series come with and what exactly does it cover? The Kensol KS405-410MB5-SBS series comes with a 25-year product warranty covering manufacturing defects and physical failures, plus a 25-year power output warranty guaranteeing a defined minimum energy yield over that period. This dual 25-year coverage is among the most competitive in the market and reflects the manufacturer's confidence in the module's long-term reliability. ### Will the Kensol KS405-410MB5-SBS panels perform well under partial shading from a chimney or nearby trees? Yes, the shingled cell architecture used in the KS405-410MB5-SBS series handles partial shading considerably better than conventional full-cell or even standard half-cut modules. Without busbars, current paths are more distributed, limiting the power loss caused by shadows falling on one part of the panel. This is a key advantage for rooftop installations with chimneys, dormers, or nearby vegetation. ### What does the SBS designation in Kensol KS405-410MB5-SBS mean and why does it matter when choosing panels? SBS stands for Super Black Structure, a design that gives the entire module, including the frame and backsheet, a deep, uniform black appearance. The KS405-410MB5-SBS is an all-black panel intended for projects where aesthetics matter, such as street-facing rooftops or installations subject to architectural guidelines. The all-black look is achieved without sacrificing efficiency or power output. ### Can the Kensol KS405-410MB5-SBS series handle harsh weather conditions like heavy snow loads or strong winds common in Central Europe? The KS405-410MB5-SBS series is engineered for high mechanical durability. The adhesive shingled construction eliminates stress points that typically cause microcracks during freeze-thaw cycles, making it well suited to continental climates. Modules meet standard mechanical load tests for both snow and wind pressure, providing reliable performance through Polish and Central European weather conditions. ### Is Kensol a Polish manufacturer and why does that matter for buyers? Yes, Kensol is headquartered in Poland. This translates to a shorter supply chain, easier warranty claims handled domestically, and technical support without overseas communication delays. For installers and prosumers, it means faster response times for any issues, locally available documentation, and greater accountability compared to sourcing modules from distant manufacturers with no European presence. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/Karta_katalogowa_PL-848858a7e3c1.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [AIKO AIKO-455-MAH54Db](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-455-mah54db) | 455 W | +50 W, cooler, +2.6 pp | | [Longi Solar LR5-54HTH-455M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr5-54hth-455m) | 455 W | +50 W, cooler, +2.6 pp | | [Yingli YL455CF54 e/2](https://comparepv.com/panel/yingli-yl455cf54-e-2) | 455 W | +50 W, cooler, +2.6 pp | | [Einnova Solarline ESM-455T](https://comparepv.com/panel/einnova-solarline-esm-455t) | 455 W | +50 W, +2.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [SunEvo Solar SE5-54HBC-455W](https://comparepv.com/panel/sunevo-solar-se5-54hbc-455w) | 455 W | +50 W, cooler, +2.6 pp | | [Just Solar JST-EDMH-(445-465)W-TD (455W class)](https://comparepv.com/panel/just-solar-jst-edmh-445-465-w-td-455w-class) | 455 W | +50 W, +2.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Luxor Solar LX-455M/182R-96+ GG](https://comparepv.com/panel/luxor-lx-455m-182r-96-gg) | 455 W | +50 W, cooler, +2.6 pp | | [Kensol KS410MB5-SBS](https://comparepv.com/panel/kensol-ks410mb5-sbs) | 410 W | Very close match | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +105 W, cooler, +4.3 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | +90 W, cooler, +4.1 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | +100 W, cooler, +4.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | +85 W, cooler, +3.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | +95 W, cooler, +3.8 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | +95 W, cooler, +3.8 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/kensol-ks405mb5-sbs Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.