--- title: "Recom RCM-485-7RRC6 485W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Recom RCM-485-7RRC6 485W solar panel. Specs: 23.80% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/recom-rcm-485-7rrc6" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Recom RCM-485-7RRC6 Efficiency leader, no clear weak spot 301 panels in the segment N-type 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Recom - **Model:** RCM-485-7RRC6 - **Series:** Black Tiger - **Rated power:** 485 W - **Cell technology:** N-type ## How it compares Compared against segment N-type 450-500 W (301 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 485 W | 470 W | Strong - top 23% | | | Module efficiency | 23.80% | 22.52% | Strong - top 5% | 433 | | Power density | 237.6 | 225.2 | Strong - top 7% | 495 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.260 | -0.290 | Strong - top 6% | 511 | | Weight (kg) | 21.6 kg | 23.7 kg | Strong - top 7% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 23.80% | 22.52% | Strong - top 5% | 433 | | Power density | 237.6 | 225.2 | Strong - top 7% | 495 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.260 | -0.290 | Strong - top 6% | 511 | | Weight per kWp | 44.5 | 49.5 | Strong - top 7% | 465 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Strengths - **23.80% module efficiency** - Top 5% of the N-type 450-500 W segment, against a median of 22.52%. Ranked 433rd in the whole database. - **-0.260 %/°C temperature coefficient** - Top 6% of the N-type 450-500 W segment, against a median of -0.290. Ranked 511th in the whole database. - **237.6 watts per square metre** - Top 7% of the N-type 450-500 W segment, against a median of 225.2. Ranked 495th in the whole database. - **Best for:** Residential, commercial and hot-climate. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 485 W - **Efficiency:** 23.80 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 33.40 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 14.53 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 40.40 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 15.23 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.260 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.200 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.050 %/degC - **NOCT:** 45 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** N-type - **Cell count:** 108 ### Physical - **Length:** 1800 mm - **Width:** 1134 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 21.6 kg - **Area:** 2.04 m2 - **Power density:** 237.6 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 25 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 88.8 % - **First-year degradation:** 1.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.35 % - **Output after 30 years:** 431 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 433 of 14005 | | Power density | 495 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 511 of 14005 | | Weight | 465 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## Pros - **N-type cells with BackContact technology** - All electrical connections are hidden on the rear of the cell, eliminating front-side metallization shading losses and enabling module efficiency up to 24.3% - clearly above comparable peer models (Solarspace 22.87%, Resun Solar 22.94%, Hanersun 23%). - **Efficiency edge over peer comparables** - The series' 23.3-24.3% efficiency range is 0.3-1.4 percentage points higher than three direct competitors of similar peak power (495 Wp), translating into higher real-world energy yield per square meter of roof. - **30-year linear power warranty** - The manufacturer offers a 25-year product warranty plus a 30-year linear power warranty - longer than the standard 25/25-year terms offered by most Tier-1 manufacturers, improving long-term performance predictability. - **Busbar-free aesthetic** - The absence of visible front-side busbars gives a uniform, dark module surface, a strong selling point for premium residential installations where consistent roof appearance matters. - **Stable performance in high temperatures** - N-type cells have a more favorable power temperature coefficient than older P-type/PERC technology, limiting output drops during heat waves - relevant given the growing number of hot days in Poland. ## Cons - **Fire safety class C, not A** - Per IEC 61730 certification, the module only meets fire safety class C (UL 790), not the higher class A. This can be a limitation for installation on pitched roofs close to other buildings, where some regulations or insurers require class A. - **Manufacturer absent from current BNEF Tier-1 list** - Recom does not appear on the current BloombergNEF Tier-1 list (Q3 2026), despite being listed in the past (4Q 2019). Tier-1 status is often a formal bankability requirement for institutional investors and project financiers, so its absence may complicate financing for large-scale installations. ## About this series The Recom Black Tiger series of solar panels is designed to maximize energy production from the same roof or ground area. A key advantage is the combination of N-type cells with **BackContact** technology - all connections are hidden on the back, eliminating the typical "shadowing" caused by metallization on the front. In practice, this means more efficient light utilization, especially when every square meter of the installation counts. Black Tiger also stands out due to its **aesthetic design with no visible rails**, which will appeal to investors who prioritize a consistent roof appearance. For users, **low light-induced degradation** and stable performance in high temperatures are also important, thanks to **favorable performance at high temperatures** - this provides real support in the face of increasing hot days in Poland. This is a good option for premium homes, businesses, and projects where high energy production, quick return on investment, and predictable performance over the years are a priority. ## Notable figures - At 23.8% efficiency, this panel is 1.3pp above typical \*\*N-type 450-500W\*\* modules (median: 22.5%) - Power density of 237.6 W/m² packs 12.4 W/m² more into the same footprint vs \*\*N-type 450-500W\*\* median (225.2 W/m²) - Temperature coefficient of -0.26%/°C vs median -0.29%/°C means ~1% less power loss at 65°C - Weight of 21.6 kg (2.1 kg below \*\*N-type 450-500W\*\* median of 23.7 kg) allows easier transport and roof mounting - Ranked #433 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database ## Questions ### What is BackContact technology in Recom Black Tiger panels and what does it mean in practice? BackContact technology routes all electrical connections to the rear of the module, leaving the front face completely free of metallic busbars. This eliminates front grid shadow losses, and Recom states it results in approximately 13.4% more energy yield over the full lifecycle compared to conventional P-type modules. As a byproduct, the modules deliver a fully black, busbar-free aesthetic that architects and premium homeowners favor. ### What is the peak power output of the Recom Black Tiger panel, and how many modules are needed for a 10 kWp system? The Recom Black Tiger reaches a maximum power of 495 Wp with a module efficiency of up to 23.6%. A 10 kWp system therefore requires roughly 20-21 modules, occupying less roof space than a comparable P-type PERC system of similar dimensions. This high power density makes the series especially competitive on rooftops where every square meter counts. ### What warranty does the Recom Black Tiger series carry and what exactly does it cover? Recom backs the Black Tiger with a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power output guarantee, with output not dropping below 88.85% of nominal power at year 30. The 30-year power warranty is among the longest currently available in the residential PV market and provides strong, long-term yield predictability for the entire operational life of the system. ### Are Recom Black Tiger panels a good fit for a small roof or installations where space is the main constraint? Yes. With an efficiency of up to 23.6% enabled by N-type BackContact cells, Black Tiger delivers more watts per square meter than mainstream PERC modules. For a small roof, that can translate into several hundred extra watts of total installed capacity without adding more modules, making it an ideal choice whenever available roof area is the primary limiting factor. ### Where is Recom headquartered and do Black Tiger panels carry safety certifications? Recom Technologies is headquartered in Italy. The company is not listed as a Tier 1 manufacturer under the BloombergNEF classification, which is worth considering when assessing project bankability or insurance terms. Black Tiger modules carry IEC 61215, IEC 61730, and CE certifications, and the series is backed by one of the longer product and power warranties currently on the market. ### How does N-type cell technology in Recom Black Tiger affect module degradation over the years? N-type cells used in Black Tiger exhibit inherently low Light Induced Degradation (LID), meaning the module loses less power in the first months of operation compared to typical P-type PERC panels. Combined with a favorable temperature coefficient, this results in more stable and predictable energy production throughout the 30-year power warranty period, which is particularly relevant given the increasing frequency of heat waves across Central Europe. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/rcm-xxx-7rrcg-xxx-475-495-n-m10r-30-bw-15v-059-2025-09-v1-0-ec95b9e0868a.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +25 W, cooler, +1.2 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | +10 W, +1.0 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | +20 W, cooler, +0.9 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | +0.7 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, heavier, +0.7 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | +15 W, +0.7 pp | | [Recom RCM-475-7RRC6](https://comparepv.com/panel/recom-rcm-475-7rrc6) | 475 W | -10 W, -0.5 pp | | [Recom RCM-480-7RRC6](https://comparepv.com/panel/recom-rcm-480-7rrc6) | 480 W | -0.3 pp | | [Recom RCM-490-7RRC6](https://comparepv.com/panel/recom-rcm-490-7rrc6) | 490 W | Very close match | | [Recom RCM-495-7RRC6](https://comparepv.com/panel/recom-rcm-495-7rrc6) | 495 W | +10 W, +0.5 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/recom-rcm-485-7rrc6 Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.