Middle of its segment, weak in heat
The Rarlon PV Tech RL290HP-310HP-120 series is designed for stable operation in real-world installation conditions, even in areas where partial shading, dirt, or uneven sunlight exposure occurs. The use of a 120-cell configuration helps to better manage current flow in the module and reduce losses due to partial shading. This is a practical advantage in rooftop installations for homes, small businesses, and commercial buildings, where shade from chimneys, trees, or skylights is common.
Another noteworthy feature is the positive power tolerance - the module is guaranteed to deliver at least its specified performance, which simplifies installation design and yield predictions. The construction also supports resistance to external conditions thanks to tempered glass and an anodized aluminum frame, which ensures durability in windy and snowy conditions.
This series is for investors who want a good balance: solid quality, predictable performance, and compatibility with popular mounting solutions - without paying extra for features that don't increase yields in Polish conditions.
Ranking
Signals from the data
Residential, commercial and shaded-installations.
Hot climates.
Bottom 15% of the PERC 300-350 W segment, against a median of -0.360.
Splitting the module into 120 cells with corresponding bypass sections manages current flow better under partial shading (chimney, tree, dormer) than classic 60-cell layouts, limiting yield drops in typical residential rooftop installations.
The module is rated with a 0/+W power tolerance, meaning actual output should not fall below the nameplate value - this simplifies precise system design and removes the risk of underestimating energy production, unlike series with symmetric tolerance (e.g. ±3%).
Tempered glass and an anodized aluminum frame provide resistance to snow and wind loads typical of the Polish climate, which is relevant for pitched-roof mounts exposed to heavy winter loading.
Efficiency of 17.45-18.6% places the series above the Selfa SV120M.3.2 module (17% at the same 310 Wp power), meaning a slightly smaller array footprint than this specific competitor at a comparable price point.
The series has been in production since 2019 and remains active (not discontinued), giving it several years of field track record and lower risk of early design flaws typical of newly launched product lines.
Rarlon PV Tech does not appear on BloombergNEF's Tier-1 list, meaning it lacks confirmed bankability (min. 6 projects financed on a non-recourse basis by 6 different banks within 2 years) - unlike Canadian Solar (KuBlack, BiKu), which regularly appears on that list. This can complicate financing for larger commercial installations.
At the identical 310 Wp power rating, Canadian Solar modules reach 18.4-18.7% efficiency, while this series tops out at 18.6% and its lower-power variants drop to just 17.45% - in practice the weaker variants of this series need more roof area than comparable KuBlack or BiKu modules.
The series relies solely on monofacial PERC cells dating to 2019, with no dual-sided variant - Canadian Solar's competing BiKu series offers bifacial technology at the same 310 Wp power, which on light-colored surfaces (e.g. a white membrane roof) can add 5-10% extra yield unavailable in the Rarlon module.
- Module efficiency of 18.3% is 1.1pp below average for PERC 0-400W panels (median: 19.4%)
- 180.8 W/m² power density is 13.7 W/m² below PERC 0-400W median (194.4 W/m²) - requires larger installation area
- -0.39%/°C temperature coefficient - 0.03pp worse than PERC 0-400W median (-0.36%/°C), expect higher hot weather losses
- Weight of 18.5 kg (2.0 kg below PERC 0-400W median of 20.5 kg) allows easier transport and roof mounting
- In the top 94% for efficiency among all PERC panels
Specifications
Simulations
Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.
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