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REC REC400NP3 Black
REC Brand review

REC400NP3 Black

400 Wp N-type Bifacial
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, needs the roof space

Rank 11,523 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
400
Weak · bottom 1%
Efficiency (%)
20.30
Weak · bottom 5%
Density (Wp/m²)
202.5
Weak · bottom 5%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.340
Weak · bottom 7%
Weight (kg)
21.8
Typical · median 22.0 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Weak · bottom 11%

The REC REC N-Peak 3 Black Series is a fully black, premium-class module designed for maximum energy production where every square meter of roof space counts. It features TOPCon n-type cell technology, which stabilizes the module's performance from day one and helps maintain high efficiency over the long term - without the typical power loss experienced by many panels due to sunlight. It also incorporates a split, half-cell design and a distinctive Twin design, which improves the performance of the installation under partial shading and uneven sunlight exposure (e.g., caused by chimneys, skylights, or antennas).

This is a solution for investors who expect predictable returns, a full black aesthetic, and easier installation design in limited spaces - with fewer modules needed to achieve the desired power output. An additional advantage is the reinforced frame structure, which is important in more challenging weather conditions. The series is particularly well-suited for roofs of residential homes, modern buildings, and commercial properties, where appearance and reliability are as important as energy production.

Ranking

322 panels in the segment N-type 400-450 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 20.30% 21.95% Weak · bottom 5% 11,851
Power density 202.5 218.4 Weak · bottom 5% 11,931
Temperature coefficient -0.340 -0.290 Weak · bottom 7% 8,846
Weight per kWp 54.5 51.2 Typical 8,916
Performance warranty 25 yrs 30 yrs Weak · bottom 11% 9,912
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

5 positive · 4 caution
Best for

Residential, commercial and shaded-installations.

Not ideal for

Roofs where every square metre has to count, tight roof space and hot climates.

Watch-outs
202.5 watts per square metre

Bottom 5% of the N-type 400-450 W segment, against a median of 218.4. Ranked 11,931st in the whole database.

20.30% module efficiency

Bottom 5% of the N-type 400-450 W segment, against a median of 21.95%. Ranked 11,851st in the whole database.

-0.340 %/°C temperature coefficient

Bottom 7% of the N-type 400-450 W segment, against a median of -0.290. Ranked 8,846th in the whole database.

What owners get
Third-generation N-type TOPCon cells

N-Peak 3 Black represents REC's third generation of n-type TOPCon technology, a mature and proven platform free from the typical LID/LeTID degradation seen in p-type PERC cells, with better high-temperature stability.

92% power output guaranteed at year 25

The manufacturer warrants annual degradation of just 0.25%, guaranteeing at least 92% of nameplate power in year 25 - a stronger linear warranty than many comparable peers (e.g., DMEGC), which typically guarantee only 84-87% after 25 years.

High efficiency versus lower-cost peers

Efficiency up to 20.3% clearly outperforms comparable 400 Wp modules such as DMEGC GH400M10T-B48HST (15.48%) and MWG Mono (19.32%), meaning fewer modules are needed to reach a target installed capacity.

Tier-1 manufacturer, Norwegian heritage since 1996

REC is a BNEF Tier-1, bankable manufacturer founded in 1996, reducing financial risk for investors and easing bank financing approval for projects using this series.

Optional REC ProTrust warranty package

The standard 20/25-year warranty can be upgraded to REC ProTrust, extending coverage to 25 years across product, performance, and labor combined, adding extra protection against installation-related failures.

Trade-offs
Efficiency slightly below segment leader

Maximum efficiency of 20.3% is marginally lower than the competing Heliene 108HC M10 SL All Black (20.5%) at the same 400 Wp power class - a small 0.2 percentage-point gap, but it can matter on roof-constrained projects.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 20.3% is 1.6pp below the N-type 400-450W median (21.9%)
  • Power density of 202.5 W/m² is 15.9 W/m² below N-type 400-450W median (218.4 W/m²) - needs more roof space
  • At -0.34%/°C, loses 0.05pp more power per degree than N-type 400-450W median (-0.29%/°C)
  • In the top 84% for efficiency among all N-type panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 400 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 20.30 % Weak Segment median 21.95%
Vmpp · Impp 37.60 V · 10.64 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 45.00 V · 11.39 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1000 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1899×1040×30 mm · 1.97 m² of roof
Weight 21.8 kg Typical Typical · median 22.0 kg
Cells 132 · N-type Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.340 %/°C Weak bottom 7% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.260 · 0.040 %/°C
NOCT 44 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 20 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Weak bottom 11% · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 92.0 % Equals 363 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 → 0.25 % First year, then annual

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
-0.340 %/°C against a segment median of -0.290
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
REC REC400NP3 Black 400 W 20.30% -0.340 21.8 kg You are here
LX-440M/182-108+GG 440 W 23.07% -0.240 23.6 kg Cooler, +2.8 pp, +5 yr warranty
JST-EDMH-(445-465)W-TD (450W class) 450 W 23.05% -0.300 20.5 kg +50 W, +2.8 pp, +5 yr warranty
QNN182-HG450-54 450 W 23.04% -0.290 24.0 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.7 pp
HY440-N108BDD 450 W 23.04% -0.300 23.5 kg +50 W, +2.7 pp, +5 yr warranty
NLBK-27-450 450 W 23.04% -0.300 22.9 kg +50 W, +2.7 pp, +5 yr warranty
RS41-450NBG-E3 450 W 23.04% -0.290 24.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.7 pp
REC390NP3 Black 390 W 19.50% -0.340 21.8 kg -10 W, -0.8 pp
REC395TP5 Black 395 W 20.10% -0.340 21.6 kg Very close match
REC405TP5 Black 405 W 20.60% -0.340 21.6 kg +0.3 pp
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +110 W, cooler, +4.7 pp
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg +160 W, cooler, +4.5 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg +105 W, cooler, +4.4 pp
WST-505BKX54-A2 505 W 24.70% -0.260 25.0 kg +105 W, cooler, +4.4 pp
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg +155 W, cooler, +4.3 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg +100 W, cooler, +4.2 pp

Found 12 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 55 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 113 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 2040 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the REC N-Peak 3 Black Series series

6 answered

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

What is n-type TOPCon technology in the REC N-Peak 3 Black and what does it mean in practice?
N-type TOPCon cells eliminate Light Induced Degradation (LID), a power loss common in p-type panels during the first weeks of operation. The REC N-Peak 3 Black produces as much power as when it left the factory and guarantees at least 92% of nameplate power after 25 years, with a warranted annual degradation of only 0.25%. This means more predictable energy yields over the entire system lifetime compared to standard PERC modules.
What warranty does the REC N-Peak 3 Black series come with?
The standard package includes a 20-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty. Through the REC ProTrust program, the product warranty can be extended to 25 years and also includes a labor warranty for the same period. After 25 years, the panel must retain at least 92% of its rated power. This is one of the most comprehensive warranty packages available among premium PV modules.
Are REC N-Peak 3 Black panels bifacial and does that matter on a typical pitched roof?
Yes, the REC N-Peak 3 Black is a bifacial module, meaning the rear side also generates power from reflected and diffuse light. On a typical pitched roof the bifacial gain is limited, though it increases yield on reflective surfaces such as white roofing membranes. The primary performance benefits on residential roofs come from the n-type TOPCon technology and the half-cut cell layout, which improves shading tolerance.
How do REC N-Peak 3 Black panels perform in high summer temperatures?
The REC N-Peak 3 Black has a low temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C, meaning smaller power losses on hot days compared to typical PERC modules rated at -0.34 to -0.36%/°C. In practice this difference can translate to several additional kWh of annual production. Combined with the LID-free n-type TOPCon cells, the series maintains stable output across a wide range of real-world operating conditions.
How many REC N-Peak 3 Black panels do I need for a 10 kWp system?
At 400 Wp per module you need 25 panels to reach 10 kWp. The high unit power of the REC N-Peak 3 Black means fewer modules and less roof space compared to lower-tier 370-380 Wp panels, which would require 27-28 units for the same system size. This is especially valuable on roofs with limited usable area or where aesthetic impact needs to be minimized.
Can the REC N-Peak 3 Black withstand heavy snow loads and strong wind?
Yes, the reinforced frame of the REC N-Peak 3 Black is rated for mechanical loads up to 7000 Pa, well above the 5400 Pa required by most industry standards. This translates to solid resistance to heavy snow accumulation and high wind gusts, which is relevant in Central European climates and especially in exposed or mountainous locations. The stronger frame contributes directly to the module's long-term structural reliability.
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