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Phono Solar Brand review

NS-480MH-120

480 Wp N-type
ComparePV verdict

Light for its output, short guarantee

Rank 8,738 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
480
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
22.19
Weak · bottom 23%
Density (Wp/m²)
222.0
Weak · bottom 23%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.290
Typical · median -0.290
Weight (kg)
21.5
Strong · 2.2 kg below median
Warranty (yrs)
25
Weak · bottom 7%

The Phono Solar Monocrystalline 120 series is designed for high energy production in locations where every square meter of roof space counts. The use of PERC monocrystalline cells allows for more effective utilization of solar radiation, even in less sunny conditions, while the half-cut design (120 cut cells) minimizes internal losses and improves module performance under partial shading. This is a real advantage in Polish conditions, where chimneys, skylights, antennas, or trees can cause shading.

Another key feature of this series is increased resistance to PID degradation, which helps maintain the stability of the system's performance over time. Aesthetics are also important for investors - the fully black finish options complement modern roofs and facades without creating a "grid effect".

The Phono Solar Monocrystalline 120 is a good choice for single-family homes, small businesses, and installations where reliability, predictable performance in varying conditions, and high-quality workmanship are important, all of which can be appreciated from the initial installation stage.

Ranking

302 panels in the segment N-type 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 22.19% 22.52% Weak · bottom 23% 5,989
Power density 222.0 225.3 Weak · bottom 23% 5,918
Temperature coefficient -0.290 -0.290 Typical 2,220
Weight per kWp 44.8 49.7 Strong · top 10% 535
Performance warranty 25 yrs 30 yrs Weak · bottom 7% 9,912
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

6 positive · 6 caution
Best for

Residential, commercial and shaded-installations.

Not ideal for

Owners who want a long output guarantee, tight roof space and roofs where every square metre has to count.

Strengths
44.8 kg per kWp

Top 10% of the N-type 450-500 W segment, against a median of 49.7. Ranked 535th in the whole database.

Watch-outs
25 year performance warranty

Bottom 7% of the N-type 450-500 W segment, against a median of 30 yrs. Ranked 9,912th in the whole database.

22.19% module efficiency

Bottom 23% of the N-type 450-500 W segment, against a median of 22.52%.

222.0 watts per square metre

Bottom 23% of the N-type 450-500 W segment, against a median of 225.3.

What owners get
N-type cells with lower degradation

N-type cells exhibit a lower LID/LeTID degradation rate than older P-type/PERC technology and better performance retention at high module operating temperatures, translating into higher real-world energy yield during summer months.

120 half-cut cell layout

The 120 half-cut cell configuration reduces resistive losses and improves module performance under partial shading - a significant advantage given typical Polish rooftop obstructions such as chimneys, dormers, or antennas.

Enhanced PID resistance

Improved PID (Potential Induced Degradation) resistance helps maintain stable power output over the long-term operating life of the installation, lowering the risk of premature efficiency loss.

Tier-1 BNEF status since 2014

Phono Solar has held Tier-1 status on the Bloomberg New Energy Finance list continuously since 2014, backed by the Sumec Group and parent company Sinomach (Fortune 500), supporting strong project bankability for installations using these modules.

Aesthetic full-black variants

Full-black finish variants (frame, backsheet, ribbons) eliminate the visible grid pattern of standard modules, a meaningful benefit for installations on prominent roofs and facades of modern buildings.

Trade-offs
Discontinued production (2018-2023)

The Monocrystalline 120 series was manufactured from 2018 to 2023 and has since been discontinued. This means limited availability of matching modules for system expansion and potentially longer turnaround times for service claims.

Efficiency below segment leaders

Maximum efficiency of 22.42% trails comparable 485 Wp peer modules such as the Gokin GK-5-54HGb (24.3%) and Solar-Fabrik Mono S4 Quartercut Premium DE (24.27%), meaning more roof area is required to achieve the same power output.

Warranty typical for its release era

The 15-year product and 25-year power warranty were standard for series launched in 2018, whereas current N-type/TOPCon modules now commonly offer 25-30 years of product warranty, making this series less competitive against today's offerings.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 22.2% matches the N-type 450-500W median
  • 222.0 W/m² power density is 3.3 W/m² below N-type 450-500W median (225.3 W/m²) - requires larger installation area
  • At -0.29%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for N-type 450-500W panels
  • At 21.5 kg, this panel is 2.2 kg lighter than N-type 450-500W median (23.7 kg) - easier handling during installation
  • In the top 42% for efficiency among all N-type panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 480 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 22.19 % Weak Segment median 22.52%
Vmpp · Impp 35.62 V · 13.48 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 42.63 V · 14.43 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1907×1134×30 mm · 2.16 m² of roof
Weight 21.5 kg Strong Strong · 2.2 kg below median
Cells 120 · N-type Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.290 %/°C Typical median -0.290 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.250 · 0.045 %/°C
NOCT 45 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 15 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Weak bottom 7% · median 30 yrs

Datasheet charts

Open datasheet PDF

Measured curves published by Phono Solar in this model's datasheet. A chart carrying a wattage was measured on that variant alone - only the ones that describe 480 Wp appear here. The rest cover the whole series.

Additional value from Polycrown Solar's linear warranty (25 years) Additional value from Polycrown Solar's linear warranty (25 years) Whole series Voltage current curve at different temperatures Voltage current curve at different temperatures Whole series

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
-0.290 %/°C against a segment median of -0.290
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Phono Solar NS-480MH-120 480 W 22.19% -0.290 21.5 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +2.8 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, +2.6 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +2.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
WST-505BKX54-A2 505 W 24.70% -0.260 25.0 kg Heavier, +2.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, +2.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +2.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg Cooler, +2.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
PS440M6-20/UH 440 W 20.33% -0.330 23.5 kg -40 W, hotter, -1.9 pp
PS445M6-20/UH 445 W 20.56% -0.330 23.5 kg -35 W, hotter, -1.6 pp
PS450M6-20/UH 450 W 20.79% -0.330 23.5 kg -30 W, hotter, -1.4 pp
NS-450MH-120 450 W 20.80% -0.290 21.5 kg -30 W, -1.4 pp
PS455M6-20/UH 455 W 21.02% -0.330 23.5 kg -25 W, hotter, -1.2 pp
PS460M6-20/UH 460 W 21.25% -0.330 23.5 kg -20 W, hotter, -0.9 pp
NS-460MH-120 460 W 21.27% -0.290 21.5 kg -20 W, -0.9 pp
NS-470MH-120 470 W 21.73% -0.290 21.5 kg -10 W, -0.5 pp
NS-485MH-120 485 W 22.42% -0.290 21.5 kg +0.2 pp
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg +80 W, +2.6 pp, +5 yr warranty

Found 750 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 760 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 911 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 1494 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the Monocrystalline 120 series

6 answered

These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this module's own.

Is the Phono Solar Monocrystalline 120 series still available for purchase?
The Phono Solar Monocrystalline 120 series has been discontinued. The manufacturer is no longer fulfilling new orders, and availability is limited to existing distributor stock. If you are planning an installation, check with your supplier about current inventory levels or consider a newer Phono Solar series with comparable specifications.
What warranty does the Phono Solar Monocrystalline 120 series carry?
Phono Solar provides a 15-year product warranty covering material and manufacturing defects, along with a 25-year linear power warranty guaranteeing that panels retain a defined output level throughout their operational life. These terms are consistent with Tier 1 manufacturer standards and comparable to leading brands available in European markets.
What does the half-cut 120-cell design in the Phono Solar Monocrystalline 120 series mean in practice?
Half-cut technology splits each cell in two, reducing internal resistance and lowering resistive losses. In practice, the panel delivers better performance under partial shading conditions, because shading one cell string does not shut down the entire module. This is directly relevant in residential installations where chimneys, dormers, antennas, or nearby trees frequently cast shadows on part of the array.
What makes the N-type cell technology in the Phono Solar Monocrystalline 120 series stand out?
N-type cells have significantly lower susceptibility to LID (Light-Induced Degradation) compared to conventional P-type cells, resulting in more stable long-term energy output. They also exhibit a better temperature coefficient, meaning less power loss on hot days. Both advantages contribute to a more predictable energy yield over the 25-year power warranty period.
Are Phono Solar Monocrystalline 120 panels rated at 485 Wp suitable for a typical pitched roof?
Yes, at 485 Wp per panel, you can build a high-output system even on limited roof space. Full-size modules in this class perform well on gable and hip roofs common in single-family homes. The all-black frame and backsheet variant integrates cleanly with modern roofing materials. Verify the exact panel dimensions with your distributor before ordering the racking system.
Is Phono Solar a reliable manufacturer - is it worth investing in their panels?
Phono Solar holds Tier 1 status according to Bloomberg NEF classification, confirming the company's financial stability, production scale, and consistent quality. The manufacturer has been operating since 2004 and runs its own cell production lines. Tier 1 status matters when financing a system through a bank or leasing company, as lenders and insurers typically require panels from globally recognized brands with established warranty service networks.
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