--- title: "KIOTO Solar KPV 450 Wp HC NE 450W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "KIOTO Solar KPV 450 Wp HC NE 450W solar panel. Specs: 22.52% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/kioto-solar-kpv-450-wp-hc-ne" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # KIOTO Solar KPV 450 Wp HC NE Middle of its segment, short guarantee 1,089 panels in the segment TOPCon 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** KIOTO Solar - **Model:** KPV 450 Wp HC NE - **Series:** KPV - **Rated power:** 450 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 450-500 W (1089 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 450 W | 465 W | Weak - bottom 9% | | | Module efficiency | 22.52% | 22.52% | Typical | 4,108 | | Power density | 225.2 | 225.2 | Typical | 4,225 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.300 | -0.290 | Weak - bottom 20% | 6,093 | | Weight (kg) | 25.5 kg | 24.0 kg | Weak - bottom 6% | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 3% | 9,798 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 22.52% | 22.52% | Typical | 4,108 | | Power density | 225.2 | 225.2 | Typical | 4,225 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.300 | -0.290 | Weak - bottom 20% | 6,093 | | Weight per kWp | 56.7 | 52.2 | Weak - bottom 6% | 10,792 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 3% | 9,798 | ### Watch out for - **25 year performance warranty** - Bottom 3% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 30 yrs. Ranked 9,798th in the whole database. - **56.7 kg per kWp** - Bottom 6% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of 52.2. Ranked 10,792nd in the whole database. - **-0.300 %/°C temperature coefficient** - Bottom 20% of the TOPCon 450-500 W segment, against a median of -0.290. - **Best for:** Residential and commercial. - **Not ideal for:** Owners who want a long output guarantee, weight-limited structures and hot climates. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 450 W - **Efficiency:** 22.52 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 29.14 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 15.54 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 35.14 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 16.01 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.300 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.250 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.046 %/degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Cell count:** 96 - **Bifacial:** yes ### Physical - **Length:** 1762 mm - **Width:** 1134 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 25.5 kg - **Area:** 2.00 m2 - **Power density:** 225.2 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years - **First-year degradation:** 3.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.70 % - **Output after 30 years:** 345 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 4108 of 14005 | | Power density | 4225 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 6093 of 14005 | | Weight | 10792 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **TOPCon N-type: low temperature coefficient** - N-type TOPCon cells deliver a temperature coefficient of Pmpp at -0.30 %/K, outperforming standard PERC cells (-0.35 to -0.38 %/K). In Central European climates where module temperatures regularly exceed 60°C in summer, this advantage translates to a real 1–2% higher annual energy yield compared to previous-generation PERC. - **European manufacturing, 35 years of experience** - Modules are produced exclusively at the St. Veit an der Glan plant in Carinthia, Austria — the company has operated since 1991, with PV module production since 2005. European origin ensures a shorter supply chain, stable CE certification, and zero exposure to import tariffs affecting Asian manufacturers. - **Bifacial glass-glass construction + HW3 hail resistance** - The glass-glass design with 2 mm tempered glass on both sides eliminates EVA yellowing and extends module service life. HW3 certification confirms resistance to 35 mm hailstones at 27 m/s impact speed — a requirement increasingly mandated by property insurers for rooftop and ground-mount PV systems. - **Positive power tolerance +5W / 0W** - The manufacturer guarantees a strictly positive power tolerance (+5 W / 0 W). At a nominal 450 Wp, every module delivers at least the rated power, simplifying system design and eliminating the risk of MPPT string under-loading. - **Bifacial rear-side energy gains** - The bifacial module with partial ceramic print on the rear glass captures diffuse reflected irradiance from the ground. In ground-mounted installations (albedo 0.2–0.4), real-world rear-side gains of 5–15% are achievable, lowering the LCOE compared to a monofacial module of equivalent front-side wattage. ## Cons - **Not on BNEF Tier-1 bankable list** - KIOTO Solar does not appear on BloombergNEF's bankable manufacturer list (Q1 2026). For large commercial projects seeking non-recourse project finance through banks, the absence of Tier-1 status can block or complicate financing approval — most lender term sheets require Tier-1 or an equivalent bankability rating. - **Efficiency 0.52 pp below best-in-class peer** - Module efficiency is 22.52%, while comparable peer SunKean/Sunket SKT450M10-108D5 reaches 23.04%. The 0.52 percentage point gap corresponds to approximately 2.3% less power from the same roof area — a meaningful constraint for space-limited residential rooftop installations. - **12-year product warranty — below Tier-1 standard** - The manufacturer provides a 12-year product (workmanship) warranty, while leading Tier-1 manufacturers (LONGi, Jinko Solar, Trina Solar) standardly offer 15 years. The shorter product warranty window increases exposure to out-of-pocket service costs during years 13–15, when modules are still in peak productive use. ## About this series The **KIOTO Solar KPV** series is a line of photovoltaic modules manufactured in Austria, characterized by exceptionally strict quality control and a European pedigree. Depending on the model, KPV panels utilize **monocrystalline PERC** cells, which, thanks to the passivation of the cell's rear surface, achieve higher efficiency under weaker sunlight - making them particularly attractive in the Polish climate. The series includes several product lines, from classic Power and Pure modules, to Smart modules with PERC cells, to specialized design variations, allowing you to choose a panel that suits your specific installation. A key advantage is the **anti-PID technology**, which protects against degradation caused by electrical potential, as well as precise sorting of cells with a tolerance of 0.1 A, which minimizes losses due to mismatch. Cells laminated with EVA film on both sides provide long-term sealing of the module. The panels also offer **hail and salt corrosion resistance**, making them suitable for both residential and commercial installations in more challenging atmospheric conditions. The manufacturer guarantees **25-year linear power warranty**, which translates into predictable returns on investment throughout the lifespan of the installation. ## Notable figures - At 22.5% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* modules - Power density of 225.2 W/m² matches the \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median - At -0.30%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* panels - At 25.5 kg, this panel is 1.5 kg heavier than the \*\*TOPCon 450-500W\*\* median (24.0 kg) - more demanding for installation crews - 70% bifaciality enables rear-side power generation, boosting yield by 4-10% on reflective surfaces ## Questions ### What cell technology does the KIOTO Solar KPV series use, and how does TOPCon differ from PERC? KIOTO Solar KPV modules use TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) cells based on N-type silicon. Compared to PERC, TOPCon delivers higher efficiency (above 22%), a lower temperature coefficient, and better performance under diffuse light conditions. This translates to more energy output not only on sunny days but also under cloudy skies — a meaningful advantage in Central European climates. ### Are KIOTO Solar KPV panels bifacial, and how much extra energy can I expect from the rear side? Yes, the KPV series is bifacial — the rear surface also generates electricity by absorbing light reflected from the ground (albedo effect). With a bright substrate such as gravel, white roofing membrane, or snow, rear-side gain typically adds 5–15% of additional output. The bifacial effect is most pronounced in ground-mount installations and on bright flat roofs. ### What warranty does KIOTO Solar offer on KPV panels? KIOTO Solar provides a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, along with a 25-year linear power warranty guaranteeing at least 80.2% of rated output at the end of that period. The linear structure means degradation is distributed evenly year over year, with no steep drop-off after the first few years as seen in stepped warranties. ### What is the maximum power output of a KIOTO Solar KPV panel, and what types of installations is it suited for? The top variant in the KPV series reaches 450 Wp. This output level is well suited for both residential rooftop installations and commercial-scale projects. Higher per-panel wattage reduces the total number of modules required to meet a target system size, lowering balance-of-system (BoS) costs including racking and cabling. ### Are KIOTO Solar KPV panels suitable for harsh weather conditions such as hail and salt mist? Yes, KPV panels have passed certified hail resistance tests (55 mm ball at 120.6 km/h) as well as salt spray and ammonia resistance certification. Dual-sided EVA lamination protects cells against moisture ingress, and built-in anti-PID technology limits potential-induced degradation. These features make the series a solid choice for coastal and mountain installations. ### Is KIOTO Solar a Tier 1 manufacturer, and is the brand trustworthy? KIOTO Solar is not currently listed as a Tier 1 manufacturer by Bloomberg NEF; however, it is one of the very few solar panel manufacturers with both headquarters and production facilities in Austria (St. Veit/Glan). Its European origin, strict quality control, cell sorting precision to 0.1 A, and decades of market presence since the 1990s position the brand firmly in the quality segment rather than the high-volume commodity market. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/Technische_Details450GG2RNE-75271eee2fc3.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | +45 W, +2.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Lighter, +2.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | +50 W, cooler, +2.0 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | +50 W, +2.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Gokin GK-3-54HGb-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/gokin-gk-3-54hgb-500m) | 500 W | +50 W, +2.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [GCL GCL-NR10R/54BGDF](https://comparepv.com/panel/gcl-gcl-nr10r-54bgdf) | 500 W | +50 W, +2.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +60 W, cooler, +2.5 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | +55 W, cooler, +2.2 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/kioto-solar-kpv-450-wp-hc-ne Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.