--- title: "LinkSol LKS-5M-160 160W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "LinkSol LKS-5M-160 160W solar panel. Specs: 15.90% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/linksol-lks-5m-160" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # LinkSol LKS-5M-160 Solid all-round for its segment 356 panels in the 60-260 W band, all technologies ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** LinkSol - **Model:** LKS-5M-160 - **Series:** LKS-5M-150-180W - **Rated power:** 160 W - **Cell technology:** Monocrystalline ## How it compares Compared against 60-260 W band, all technologies (356 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 160 W | 180 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 15.90% | 15.91% | Typical | 13,662 | | Power density | 159.0 | 159.1 | Typical | 13,660 | | Temperature coefficient | - | -0.370 | | | | Weight (kg) | 11.5 kg | 12.5 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | - | 25 yrs | | | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 15.90% | 15.91% | Typical | 13,662 | | Power density | 159.0 | 159.1 | Typical | 13,660 | | Temperature coefficient | - | -0.370 | | | | Weight per kWp | 71.9 | 70.0 | Typical | 13,488 | | Performance warranty | - | 25 yrs | | | ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 160 W - **Efficiency:** 15.90 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 18.20 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 8.80 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 21.80 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 9.51 A ### Temperature ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell count:** 36 ### Physical - **Length:** 1480 mm - **Width:** 680 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 11.5 kg - **Area:** 1.01 m2 - **Power density:** 159.0 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 13662 of 14005 | | Power density | 13660 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 13924 of 14005 | | Weight | 13488 of 14005 | | Warranty | 13880 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Higher efficiency than SpolarPV BIPV peer** - The series' upper efficiency bound (17.9%) exceeds the comparable SpolarPV Building Integrated PV Solutions series (16.84% at the same 180 Wp max power), placing LKS-5M ahead of part of the competition in the compact off-grid module segment. - **Compact format for mobile niche applications** - The 150-180 Wp power range and small footprint address the specific needs of campers, yachts, and autonomous street lighting and monitoring systems, where standard 400+ Wp modules don't fit due to limited mounting space. - **Reinforced frame construction** - The manufacturer states enhanced mechanical resistance to wind and snow load, which matters for mobile and hard-to-access installations where regular maintenance is limited. - **Anti-reflective coating for low irradiance** - An additional coating is designed to improve absorption under diffuse light conditions, which is relevant in the Polish climate zone with a high number of overcast days per year. - **Cell interconnection technology limiting microcracks** - Advanced cell interconnection is meant to increase resistance to microcracks from transport and vibration, particularly relevant for mobile applications such as campers and yachts. ## Cons - **Efficiency below Centro Energy CE-180M60** - Maximum efficiency of 17.9% is notably lower than the comparably rated (180 Wp) Centro Energy CE-180M60 series, which reaches 20.51% - a gap of about 2.6 pp meaning lower power density per panel area. - **No BNEF Tier 1 status** - LinkSol does not appear on the current BloombergNEF Tier 1 manufacturer list, which may complicate project financing through banks and leasing companies that require confirmed supplier bankability. - **Lack of transparent warranty and certification data** - Descriptive materials refer generically to a 'longevity guarantee' without specifying a linear power warranty duration in years or IEC 61215/61730 certification numbers, making direct comparison with competitors publishing full datasheets difficult. ## About this series The LinkSol LKS-5M-150-180W panel series redefines the approach to compact power systems, offering exceptional **high efficiency of monocrystalline cells** in a format perfectly suited to the specific needs of mobile and stationary off-grid installations. This solution effectively eliminates the problem of limited installation space, providing stable power where traditional, large-scale modules cannot be used. Thanks to the use of advanced cell interconnection technology, these panels exhibit **increased resistance to micro-cracks** and excellent performance characteristics under low sunlight conditions, which is crucial in the Polish climate zone. The product is primarily dedicated to owners of campers and yachts, as well as for powering autonomous street lighting and monitoring systems. What sets the LKS-5M series apart from the competition is its **reinforced frame construction** and a special anti-reflective coating that maximizes solar absorption in all conditions. By choosing these modules, the user receives a **guarantee of longevity in difficult weather conditions**, such as strong wind or snow loads. Investing in this series ensures full energy independence and a clear minimization of operating costs thanks to failure-free operation for many years, making it one of the most cost-effective choices in the low-power system segment. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 15.9% is 5.9pp below the \*\*database\*\* median (21.8%) - At 159.0 W/m², this panel generates 59.1 W/m² less per unit area than \*\*database\*\* median (218.1 W/m²) - Weight of 11.5 kg (15.0 kg below \*\*database\*\* median of 26.5 kg) allows easier transport and roof mounting - In the top 98% for efficiency among all N-type panels ## Questions ### Are LinkSol LKS-5M panels suitable for RV or boat installation? Yes, the LKS-5M 150–180W series is designed for mobile applications. The compact form factor and reinforced aluminum frame simplify mounting on an RV roof or yacht cabin. The modules are resistant to vibration and moisture, which is critical in marine and road environments. At up to 180 Wp, a single panel can power lighting, USB chargers, and small electronics without any grid connection. ### What cell technology does the LKS-5M series use, and how does it compare to polycrystalline? The LKS-5M series uses monocrystalline cells, which deliver higher efficiency than conventional polycrystalline cells — typically 18–21% vs. 15–17%. The advanced cell interconnection technology used in this series reduces the risk of microcracks during transport and operation. This results in more stable long-term output and better performance under partial shading, which is common in mobile and urban off-grid installations. ### Do LinkSol LKS-5M panels perform well under the overcast skies typical of Central Europe? Yes. The LKS-5M series features a special anti-reflective coating that boosts light absorption under diffuse irradiance. In Poland, where overcast conditions dominate much of the year, this characteristic is especially valuable. Monocrystalline cells maintain useful output from approximately 200 W/m² irradiance, meaning the panels generate power even on cloudy days — a factor the manufacturer explicitly addresses for the Polish climate. ### What warranty does LinkSol offer on the LKS-5M 150–180W series? Exact warranty terms should be confirmed with your distributor or directly with LinkSol, as a full public datasheet is not available. For monocrystalline modules in this class, the industry standard is a 10–12-year product warranty covering manufacturing defects, paired with a 25-year linear power warranty guaranteeing at least 80% of rated output at end of life. ### Can LinkSol LKS-5M panels withstand heavy snow loads and strong winds in Polish conditions? The LKS-5M series features a reinforced aluminum frame, which the manufacturer highlights as a key differentiator. Monocrystalline modules in this class typically handle snow loads of 2400–5400 Pa and wind pressure up to 2400 Pa. For fixed installations, verify the exact static load ratings in the manufacturer's datasheet or through an authorized distributor before finalizing the mounting design. ### What off-grid system can a single LinkSol LKS-5M 180W panel realistically power? A 180 Wp panel generates approximately 170–200 Wh per day in Polish summers and 50–80 Wh in winter. This is sufficient to run an IP surveillance system, a standalone LED street light rated 30–50 W, a Wi-Fi router, or a weather station paired with a 100–150 Ah buffer battery. Powering larger loads or charging EVs requires connecting multiple modules from this series via an MPPT charge controller. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/off-grid-modules-data-sheet-7-57d4718a289a.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M150W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m150w) | 150 W | -10 W, lighter, +7.1 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M160W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m160w) | 160 W | Lighter, +7.1 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M180W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m180w) | 180 W | +20 W, lighter, +7.1 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M200W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m200w) | 200 W | +40 W, lighter, +7.1 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M120W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m120w) | 120 W | -40 W, lighter, +7.1 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M135W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m135w) | 135 W | -25 W, lighter, +7.1 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M110W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m110w) | 110 W | -50 W, lighter, +7.1 pp | | [JA Solar NS-210MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-ns-210mh-80) | 210 W | +50 W, lighter, +5.2 pp | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-210MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-210mh-80) | 210 W | +50 W, lighter, +5.2 pp | | [Centro Energy CE-180M60](https://comparepv.com/panel/centro-energy-ce-180m60) | 180 W | +20 W, lighter, +4.6 pp | | [LinkSol LKS-5M-150](https://comparepv.com/panel/linksol-lks-5m-150) | 150 W | -10 W, -0.9 pp | | [LinkSol LKS-5M-155](https://comparepv.com/panel/linksol-lks-5m-155) | 155 W | -0.4 pp | | [LinkSol LKS-5M-165](https://comparepv.com/panel/linksol-lks-5m-165) | 165 W | +0.5 pp | | [LinkSol LKS-5M-170](https://comparepv.com/panel/linksol-lks-5m-170) | 170 W | +10 W, +1.0 pp | | [LinkSol LKS-5M-175](https://comparepv.com/panel/linksol-lks-5m-175) | 175 W | +15 W, +1.5 pp | | [LinkSol LKS-5M-180](https://comparepv.com/panel/linksol-lks-5m-180) | 180 W | +20 W, +2.0 pp | | [Heckert Solar ZEUS 1.2 FullBlack 280W](https://comparepv.com/panel/heckert-solar-zeus-1-2-fullblack-280w) | 280 W | +120 W, heavier, +7.4 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/linksol-lks-5m-160 Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.