--- title: "Rarlon PV Tech RL280HM-60 280W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Rarlon PV Tech RL280HM-60 280W solar panel. Specs: 17.21% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/rarlon-pv-tech-rl280hm-60" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Rarlon PV Tech RL280HM-60 Middle of its segment, weak in heat 1,302 panels in the 180-380 W band, all technologies ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Rarlon PV Tech - **Model:** RL280HM-60 - **Series:** Monocrystalline60 / Monocrystalline72 - **Rated power:** 280 W - **Cell technology:** Monocrystalline ## How it compares Compared against 180-380 W band, all technologies (1302 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 280 W | 330 W | Weak - bottom 22% | | | Module efficiency | 17.21% | 18.70% | Typical | 13,396 | | Power density | 172.1 | 186.1 | Typical | 13,389 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.470 | -0.360 | Weak - bottom 1% | 13,879 | | Weight (kg) | 17.0 kg | 19.5 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | - | 25 yrs | | | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 17.21% | 18.70% | Typical | 13,396 | | Power density | 172.1 | 186.1 | Typical | 13,389 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.470 | -0.360 | Weak - bottom 1% | 13,879 | | Weight per kWp | 60.7 | 62.3 | Typical | 12,519 | | Performance warranty | - | 25 yrs | | | ### Watch out for - **-0.470 %/°C temperature coefficient** - Bottom 1% of the 180-380 W band, against a median of -0.360. Ranked 13,879th in the whole database. - **Best for:** Residential and commercial. - **Not ideal for:** Hot climates. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 280 W - **Efficiency:** 17.21 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 31.18 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 8.98 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 37.44 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 9.97 A - **Max system voltage:** 1000 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.470 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.346 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.036 %/degC - **NOCT:** 47 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline ### Physical - **Length:** 1640 mm - **Width:** 992 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 17.0 kg - **Area:** 1.63 m2 - **Power density:** 172.1 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 13396 of 14005 | | Power density | 13389 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 13879 of 14005 | | Weight | 12519 of 14005 | | Warranty | 13880 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Positive power tolerance** - The series features positive power tolerance, eliminating the risk of underdelivered Wp versus the nameplate rating and simplifying accurate system design and yield estimation. - **Competitive efficiency within the PERC segment** - Efficiency up to 17.83% matches the best comparable 60/72-cell modules, e.g. HT-SAAE HIGHWAY HT60-156P (17.83%) and Philadelphia Solar PS-P60 (17.8%), and clearly outperforms Solitek SOLID Solrif Transparent (14.69%). - **60/72-cell format flexibility** - Availability of the Monocrystalline60 variant (residential rooftop mounting, layout flexibility) and Monocrystalline72 (faster capacity buildout on halls and ground-mount systems) lets the module be matched to different project types without switching manufacturer. - **25-year linear power warranty** - The industry-standard 25-year warranty helps investors and installers plan project profitability over a long time horizon. - **Proven design in production since 2014** - The series has been on the market since 2014 and remains in production (not discontinued), indicating technological stability and continued availability of service and spare parts. ## Cons - **Low unit power by current market standards** - The 250-290 Wp range reflects a pre-half-cut, pre-large-wafer (M10/G12) generation of modules, which today deliver 400-450+ Wp from a comparable footprint. Matching installed capacity requires more panels, raising BoS costs (mounting, cabling, labor). - **No confirmed BNEF Tier 1 status** - Available sources (BloombergNEF Tier 1 reports) show no confirmation that Rarlon PV Tech holds Tier 1 status, which can matter for bank financing of larger installations where lenders favor manufacturers with established bankability. - **No bifacial technology** - The series is not bifacial (is\_bifacial: false), so it cannot capture additional rear-side albedo gain, unlike increasingly common bifacial modules used in ground-mount and flat-roof installations. ## About this series The Rarlon PV Tech Monocrystalline 60 / Monocrystalline 72 series are modules with a classic 60 and 72-cell layout, designed for stable operation in Polish conditions and easy integration with popular inverters. The Monocrystalline 60 variant is ideal where flexibility of installation is important - on the roofs of single-family homes, commercial buildings, and in retrofitted systems. Investors choose the Monocrystalline 72 variant when they want to quickly build a larger power output on available space - in warehouses, storage facilities, and in simple ground-mounted systems. A key advantage of the series is **positive power tolerance**, which reduces the risk of underestimating the yield. The PERC versions in this family offer **higher conversion efficiency** without the need to change the installation concept. The construction based on **monocrystalline cells** supports better performance in lower sunlight conditions, and the **25-year warranty** makes long-term cost planning easier. This is a practical choice for installers and customers who prioritize predictability, compatibility, and a proven module format. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 17.2% is 4.6pp below the \*\*database\*\* median (21.8%) - 172.1 W/m² power density is 46.0 W/m² below \*\*database\*\* median (218.1 W/m²) - requires larger installation area - At -0.47%/°C, loses 0.17pp more power per degree than \*\*database\*\* median (-0.30%/°C) - 17.0 kg weight - 9.5 kg lighter than \*\*database\*\* median (26.5 kg), reducing installation effort - #13396 for efficiency, #13879 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels ## Questions ### What is the difference between the Monocrystalline60 and Monocrystalline72 variants, and which one should I choose? The Monocrystalline60 uses a 60-cell layout, making it lighter and easier to install on residential rooftops and commercial buildings. The Monocrystalline72 packs 72 cells, delivering higher power per module and is the preferred choice for flat industrial roofs, warehouses, and ground-mounted systems where you need to build capacity quickly. The right pick depends on available roof area, racking load capacity, and your target system size. ### What warranty does the Rarlon PV Tech Monocrystalline60 / Monocrystalline72 series carry? The series comes with a 25-year linear power output warranty, enabling accurate long-term yield planning and return-on-investment calculations. The manufacturer guarantees that each module will maintain a defined percentage of its rated power throughout that period. Before purchasing, confirm the exact annual degradation thresholds and the separate product warranty covering materials and workmanship with your local distributor. ### What is positive power tolerance and why does it matter for this series? Positive power tolerance means every module in the Rarlon PV Tech Monocrystalline60 / Monocrystalline72 series ships at or above its nameplate wattage, never below. This eliminates the risk of an installation underperforming against the design estimate. It is particularly valuable when yield projections are used for investor reporting or project financing, where conservative assumptions directly affect bankability. ### Do the Rarlon PV Tech Monocrystalline60 / Monocrystalline72 panels perform well on overcast days typical of Poland's climate? Yes. The monocrystalline cells used in this series convert diffuse and low-intensity light more efficiently than polycrystalline cells. The PERC versions available in the family push conversion efficiency even higher without requiring changes to the system layout. In Poland's frequently overcast conditions, this translates into a higher annual energy yield than the STC nameplate power alone would suggest. ### Which inverters are compatible with the Monocrystalline60 / Monocrystalline72 series? The series is designed for straightforward integration with mainstream inverters available on the market. The standard 60- and 72-cell format produces electrical parameters (Voc, Isc) recognized by the MPPT trackers of most string and hybrid inverters. As with any PV design, verify the inverter's maximum DC input voltage and maximum string current against the module datasheet before finalizing the string configuration. ### Does the 290 Wp rating apply to the 60-cell or the 72-cell variant, and what power range can I expect across the series? The 290 Wp figure represents the maximum power available in the series and is typical of the 60-cell modules. The Monocrystalline72 variant delivers proportionally higher output due to its additional cells, generally in the 320–360 Wp range depending on version and production year. Always confirm exact wattages for specific model codes with your distributor, as the manufacturer may offer several power bins within the same series. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/5ee9c1339926f-68e0be899a51.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [JA Solar NS-300MH-72](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-ns-300mh-72) | 300 W | Cooler, lighter, +6.1 pp | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-300MH-72](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-300mh-72) | 300 W | Cooler, lighter, +6.1 pp | | [Heckert Solar ZEUS 1.2 FullBlack 280W](https://comparepv.com/panel/heckert-solar-zeus-1-2-fullblack-280w) | 280 W | Cooler, lighter, +6.1 pp | | [JA Solar NS-330MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/ja-solar-ns-330mh-80) | 330 W | +50 W, cooler, +5.9 pp | | [PolyCrown Solar Tech NS-330MH-80](https://comparepv.com/panel/polycrown-solar-tech-ns-330mh-80) | 330 W | +50 W, cooler, +5.9 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M285W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m285w) | 285 W | Lighter, +5.8 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M240W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m240w) | 240 W | -40 W, lighter, +5.8 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M260W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m260w) | 260 W | -20 W, lighter, +5.8 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA182M270W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka182m270w) | 270 W | -10 W, lighter, +5.8 pp | | [Rarlon PV Tech RL250HM-60](https://comparepv.com/panel/rarlon-pv-tech-rl250hm-60) | 250 W | -30 W, -1.8 pp | | [Rarlon PV Tech RL260HP-60](https://comparepv.com/panel/rarlon-pv-tech-rl260hp-60) | 260 W | -20 W, -1.2 pp | | [Rarlon PV Tech RL270HM-60](https://comparepv.com/panel/rarlon-pv-tech-rl270hm-60) | 270 W | -10 W, -0.6 pp | | [Rarlon PV Tech RL290HM-60](https://comparepv.com/panel/rarlon-pv-tech-rl290hm-60) | 290 W | +10 W, +0.6 pp | | [Rarlon PV Tech RL300HM-60](https://comparepv.com/panel/rarlon-pv-tech-rl300hm-60) | 300 W | +20 W, +1.2 pp | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX3-400-COM](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max3-400-com) | 400 W | +120 W, cooler, +5.4 pp | | [Lina Energy LEPV 400](https://comparepv.com/panel/lina-energy-lepv-400) | 400 W | +120 W, cooler, +5.1 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/rarlon-pv-tech-rl280hm-60 Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.