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Phono Solar PS460L8-16/QMH
Phono Solar Brand review

PS460L8-16/QMH

460 Wp N-type
ComparePV verdict

Light for its output, short guarantee

Rank 7,874 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
460
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
23.02
Strong · top 23%
Density (Wp/m²)
230.2
Typical · median 225.3
Temp (%/°C)
-0.290
Typical · median -0.290
Weight (kg)
13.7
Strong · 10.0 kg below median
Warranty (yrs)
25
Weak · bottom 7%

The Phono Solar Meteor Module Series (N-Type HIGH EFFICIENCY 96-16BB-W-W) was designed to maximize energy yield on a limited rooftop surface and ensure stable operation under variable weather conditions. The use of N-type monocrystalline cells translates to high reliability and a lower risk of performance degradation over time compared to many standard solutions based on P-type technology. Additionally, the 96-cell architecture facilitates compatibility with popular inverter configurations and supports flexible string design, which is practical for both residential and commercial installations.

A key feature of this series is the 16BB technology, which enhances current transport within the cell, reduces losses, and helps mitigate local overheating, which is particularly important during partial shading. In practice, this means more reliable energy yields on cloudy days and with lower sunlight exposure. The modules also offer low temperature coefficient, ensuring easier maintenance of high production levels during hot periods. This makes it an excellent choice for investors seeking long-term stability and predictable savings on energy bills.

Ranking

302 panels in the segment N-type 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 23.02% 22.52% Strong · top 23% 1,847
Power density 230.2 225.3 Typical 1,927
Temperature coefficient -0.290 -0.290 Typical 2,220
Weight per kWp 29.8 49.7 Strong · top 1% 134
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

7 positive · 3 caution
Best for

Residential, commercial and hot-climate.

Not ideal for

Owners who want a long output guarantee.

Strengths
29.8 kg per kWp

Top 1% of the N-type 450-500 W segment, against a median of 49.7. Ranked 134th in the whole database.

23.02% module efficiency

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

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.

What owners get
High N-type efficiency up to 23.02%

The series reaches up to 23.02% efficiency, matching the best offerings in the segment (SunKean SKT440-460M12-96D4 - 23.02%, DMEGC INFINITY RT - 23%) and outperforming Axitec AXIbiperfect GR WB (22.54%) at the same 460 Wp maximum power.

16BB technology reduces current losses

The 16-busbar architecture improves current transport within the cell, reduces resistive losses, and minimizes the risk of local hot-spots under partial shading, resulting in more stable yields under low irradiance conditions.

Tier-1 BNEF status since 2014

Phono Solar has held Bloomberg NEF Tier-1 status continuously since 2014 (nine consecutive years), confirming the manufacturer's financial stability and bankability - a key factor in financing commercial projects.

96-cell layout eases system design

The 96-cell format aligns well with common inverter configurations and string voltages, enabling flexible system design for both residential and commercial installations.

Current-generation technology (2024)

Launched in 2024, the series is built on N-type cells rather than legacy PERC, delivering lower LID/LeTID degradation and better high-temperature performance compared to earlier p-type generations from the same manufacturer.

Trade-offs
Shorter product warranty than segment leaders

The 15-year product and 25-year power warranty lags behind the growing 2026 standard for premium N-type modules, where segment leaders (e.g., Canadian Solar TOPHiKu6) offer 25-year product and 30-year power warranties with 87.4% retained output.

No bifacial variant available

The Meteor series does not offer bifacial technology, while some peer comparables (e.g., Axitec AXIbiperfect GR WB) provide bifacial modules that can boost yield by several percent on ground-mount or high-albedo installations.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 23.0% matches the N-type 450-500W median
  • At 230.2 W/m² power density, this panel generates 4.9 W/m² more per unit area than N-type 450-500W median (225.3 W/m²)
  • At -0.29%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for N-type 450-500W panels
  • At 13.7 kg, this panel is 10.0 kg lighter than N-type 450-500W median (23.7 kg) - easier handling during installation
  • Ranked #1847 out of 14129 panels for efficiency in the database

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 460 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 23.02 % Strong Segment median 22.52%
Vmpp · Impp 30.65 V · 15.01 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 36.35 V · 15.72 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1000 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1762×1134×26 mm · 2.00 m² of roof
Weight 13.7 kg Strong Strong · 10.0 kg below median
Cells 96 · N-type Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.290 %/°C Typical median -0.290 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.250 · 0.040 %/°C
NOCT 42 °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
End-of-warranty output 87.4 % Equals 402 W guaranteed
Degradation 1.00 → 0.40 % First year, then annual

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 460 Wp appear here. The rest cover the whole series.

25-year Linear Performance Warranty 25-year Linear Performance Warranty Whole series Power-Voltage (P-V) Curves Power-Voltage (P-V) Curves Whole series Current-Voltage (I-V) Curves Current-Voltage (I-V) Curves 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 PS460L8-16/QMH 460 W 23.02% -0.290 13.7 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +50 W, heavier, +2.0 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Heavier, +1.8 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Heavier, +1.7 pp, +5 yr warranty
WST-505BKX54-A2 505 W 24.70% -0.260 25.0 kg Heavier, +1.7 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Heavier, +1.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg Heavier, +1.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg Heavier, +1.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
NS-420MH-108 420 W 21.01% -0.290 20.0 kg -40 W, heavier, -2.0 pp
NS-430MH-108 430 W 21.52% -0.290 20.0 kg -30 W, heavier, -1.5 pp
PS440L8H-16/QMH 440 W 22.02% -0.290 13.7 kg -20 W, -1.0 pp
PS445L8-16/QMH 445 W 22.27% -0.290 13.7 kg -15 W, -0.8 pp

Found 1402 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 1432 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 3651 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 3999 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the Meteor Module Series (N-Type HIGH EFFICIENCY 96-16BB-W-W) series

6 answered

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

What is the maximum power output of the Phono Solar Meteor Module (N-Type 96-16BB) and how many panels do I need for a typical home installation?
The Phono Solar Meteor Module (N-Type 96-16BB) series reaches a maximum power of 460 Wp per module. A typical residential system of 6-10 kWp requires between 14 and 22 panels. The high per-module wattage lets you achieve greater total capacity with fewer modules, which is a clear advantage when roof space is limited.
What warranty does the Phono Solar Meteor Module N-Type 96-16BB series carry?
Phono Solar offers a 15-year product warranty (covering material and workmanship defects) and a 25-year linear power output warranty on the Meteor Module N-Type 96-16BB series. Over a full quarter-century the manufacturer guarantees a specified minimum power output. As a Tier 1 manufacturer, Phono Solar provides strong assurance that warranty claims will be honored.
What is 16BB technology in the Phono Solar Meteor series and why does it matter for shading?
16BB stands for 16 busbars per cell instead of the standard 5-9. More, thinner conductive pathways shorten current travel distance, reduce resistive losses, and lower the risk of local hot spots under partial shading from chimneys or dormers. In practice this translates into higher energy yield throughout the day, particularly under variable cloud cover.
Are the Phono Solar Meteor N-Type 96-16BB panels bifacial, and can I benefit from a white rooftop membrane?
No, the Meteor Module N-Type 96-16BB series is monofacial - it generates power from the front side only. Installing these panels on a flat roof with a light-colored membrane will not boost output the way bifacial modules would. If bifacial gain is a priority for your project, consider other Phono Solar lines explicitly labeled bifacial or BIFI.
Do the Phono Solar Meteor N-Type 96-16BB panels perform well in winter and on overcast days?
Yes. The N-type cells used in this series have a lower temperature coefficient and better low-irradiance response than standard P-type cells. This means smaller power losses on hot summer days and comparatively solid output during overcast winter conditions. The 16BB busbar architecture further reduces losses when the module is unevenly illuminated.
How does N-type technology in the Phono Solar Meteor series compare to mainstream P-type PERC panels, and is it worth the higher price?
N-type cells contain no boron, making them far less susceptible to light-induced degradation (LID/LeTID) - a known weakness of P-type PERC. As a result, N-type panels retain higher power output throughout their service life and exhibit lower annual degradation rates. For investors this means more energy generated over 25 years and a better LCOE, despite a somewhat higher upfront cost.
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