---
title: "Renesola RS5-520NBG-E2 520W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV"
description: "Renesola RS5-520NBG-E2 520W solar panel. Specs: 21.90% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient."
source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/renesola-rs5-520nbg-e2"
updated: 2026-09-11
---

# Renesola RS5-520NBG-E2

Middle of its segment, heavy for its output

140 panels in the segment N-type 500-550 W


## Identity

- **Manufacturer:** Renesola
- **Model:** RS5-520NBG-E2
- **Series:** RS5-515~535NBG-E2
- **Rated power:** 520 W
- **Cell technology:** N-type
- **Bifacial:** yes


## How it compares

Compared against segment N-type 500-550 W (140 panels).


| Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Power (Wp) | 520 W | 520 W | Typical |  |
| Module efficiency | 21.90% | 22.54% | Weak - bottom 17% | 6,783 |
| Power density | 219.0 | 225.3 | Weak - bottom 19% | 6,770 |
| Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,165 |
| Weight (kg) | 30.5 kg | 26.2 kg | Weak - bottom 4% |  |
| Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 |


### Full peer table


| Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Module efficiency | 21.90% | 22.54% | Weak - bottom 17% | 6,783 |
| Power density | 219.0 | 225.3 | Weak - bottom 19% | 6,770 |
| Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,165 |
| Weight per kWp | 58.7 | 50.0 | Weak - bottom 4% | 11,827 |
| Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 |


### Watch out for

- **58.7 kg per kWp** - Bottom 4% of the N-type 500-550 W segment, against a median of 50.0. Ranked 11,827th in the whole database.
- **21.90% module efficiency** - Bottom 17% of the N-type 500-550 W segment, against a median of 22.54%.
- **219.0 watts per square metre** - Bottom 19% of the N-type 500-550 W segment, against a median of 225.3.

- **Best for:** Residential, commercial and shaded-installations.
- **Not ideal for:** Weight-limited structures, tight roof space and roofs where every square metre has to count.


## Specification


### Electrical

- **Rated power (Pmax):** 520 W
- **Efficiency:** 21.90 %
- **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 39.76 V
- **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 13.08 A
- **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 47.85 V
- **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 13.83 A
- **Max system voltage:** 1500 V


### Temperature

- **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.290 %/degC
- **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.250 %/degC
- **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.045 %/degC
- **NOCT:** 43 degC


### Cell and construction

- **Cell type:** Monocrystalline
- **Cell technology:** N-type
- **Cell count:** 132
- **Bifacial:** yes
- **Bifacial gain:** 10.00


### Physical

- **Length:** 2094 mm
- **Width:** 1134 mm
- **Thickness:** 30 mm
- **Weight:** 30.5 kg
- **Area:** 2.37 m2
- **Power density:** 219.0 Wp/m2


### Warranty and degradation

- **Product warranty:** 15 years
- **Performance warranty:** 30 years
- **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 87.4 %
- **First-year degradation:** 1.00 %
- **Annual degradation:** 0.40 %
- **Output after 30 years:** 454 W


## Rank in the whole catalogue


| Measure | Position |
| --- | --- |
| Efficiency | 6783 of 14005 |
| Power density | 6770 of 14005 |
| Temperature coefficient | 2165 of 14005 |
| Weight | 11827 of 14005 |
| Warranty | 21 of 14005 |


## Pros

- **N-type TOPCon cells** - N-type TOPCon technology delivers lower LID/LeTID degradation and better high-temperature performance than legacy PERC cells, translating into higher annual energy yield, especially during periods of lower irradiance.
- **Bifacial dual-sided design** - The modules capture light reflected from the ground surface, providing an additional yield gain over standard monofacial panels - particularly beneficial on light-colored roofs, ground-mount structures, and utility-scale PV farms.
- **Tier 1 BNEF status for 11 years** - ReneSola has maintained BNEF Tier 1 status for 11 consecutive years (confirmed again in Q1 2026), which streamlines project financing and is a key bankability criterion for institutional investors.
- **30-year linear power warranty** - A 30-year power warranty extends beyond the market-standard 25 years offered by many tier-1 manufacturers, providing greater long-term energy production certainty and stronger project financial modeling.
- **Efficiency up to 22.53%** - The series' top-end efficiency (22.53%) matches the best comparable 535 Wp modules (e.g. Resun Solar RS8H-M-DG/BD) and clearly outperforms the competing Hanersun Hitouch 5 HN18-72H at the same maximum power, which reaches only 20.71%.


## Cons

- **Heavier glass-glass construction** - The double-glass (glass-glass) build, which supports durability and bifacial performance, typically adds weight versus glass-backsheet variants - a factor to account for when sizing mounting structures and roof load calculations in retrofit projects.


## About this series

The Renesola RS5-515~535NBG-E2 series is designed for installations where high energy yield on a limited area and stable performance over many years are crucial. These are **bifacial** modules that can also utilize reflected light from the ground, which significantly increases production compared to traditional monofacial panels, especially on bright roofs, ground-mounted structures, and PV farms.

The use of **N-type cells in TOPCon technology** results in better performance stability and more reliable operation in challenging conditions. In practice, this means more energy in the morning, evening, and on cloudy days, which is important in the Polish climate. Furthermore, the **glass-glass** design supports long-term durability, while solutions such as **multi-busbar and half-cut cells** improve efficiency and reduce losses under partial shading.

This is a good choice for premium prosumers, businesses, and commercial projects where profitability depends on maximizing energy yield, rather than compromising on performance.


## Notable figures

- At 21.9% efficiency, this panel is 0.6pp below the \*\*N-type 500-550W\*\* median of 22.5%
- Power density of 219.0 W/m² is 6.3 W/m² below \*\*N-type 500-550W\*\* median (225.3 W/m²) - needs more roof space
- Temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C matches the \*\*N-type 500-550W\*\* median
- At 30.5 kg (4.3 kg above \*\*N-type 500-550W\*\* median of 26.2 kg), requires checking roof load capacity
- Ranked #6783 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database


## Questions


### What warranty does the Renesola RS5-515~535NBG-E2 series carry?

The RS5-515~535NBG-E2 series comes with a 15-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, plus a 30-year linear power warranty guaranteeing at least 87.4% of rated output after 30 years of operation. This extended power warranty is backed by the durability advantages of N-type TOPCon cell technology and glass-glass dual-glass construction, both of which significantly reduce module degradation over time.


### Are Renesola RS5-515~535NBG-E2 modules truly bifacial, and how much extra energy do they produce?

Yes, the RS5-515~535NBG-E2 is a bifacial module that generates electricity from both the front and rear sides. The rear glass-glass panel captures reflected and diffuse light from the ground or rooftop surface, potentially boosting energy yield by several percentage points compared to monofacial panels. The bifacial gain is highest on ground-mounted systems, light-colored flat roofs, and installations with high albedo surfaces such as snow-covered ground in winter.


### Does the N-type TOPCon technology in the Renesola RS5-535NBG-E2 make a real difference in a temperate, often overcast climate?

Absolutely. N-type TOPCon cells feature a lower temperature coefficient and superior performance under diffuse light conditions compared to P-type PERC modules, which is especially valuable in Central Europe where overcast days are frequent. In practice, these panels generate more energy in the morning, evening, and on cloudy days. Minimal LID degradation also ensures the modules maintain high efficiency throughout the full 30-year power warranty period.


### How does the Renesola RS5-515~535NBG-E2 differ from standard P-type PERC panels?

The key distinction is the cell type: the RS5-515~535NBG-E2 uses N-type TOPCon cells rather than P-type PERC. TOPCon technology delivers higher module efficiency and virtually eliminates LID (light-induced degradation), a phenomenon that causes P-type modules to lose output during initial sunlight exposure. As a result, the NBG-E2 series produces more energy over its entire lifespan and retains a greater share of rated power in the later years of operation.


### Who is the Renesola RS5-515~535NBG-E2 series designed for, and does it fit a typical residential installation?

The RS5-515~535NBG-E2 series, with a peak output of up to 535 Wp, is primarily designed for premium residential prosumers seeking maximum yield on limited roof space, as well as commercial and utility-scale PV projects. The high per-module power output reduces the total number of modules needed for a given system size, lowering BoS costs and installation time. A typical 10 kWp residential system would require approximately 19 modules.


### Are Renesola RS5-515~535NBG-E2 modules compatible with standard grid-tied inverters?

Yes, the RS5-515~535NBG-E2 series is compatible with standard grid-tied inverters, provided the module voltage and current fall within the inverter's MPPT input range. At 535 Wp, it is important to verify the maximum MPPT input current and string open-circuit voltage Voc at minimum expected winter temperatures. A qualified PV system designer should calculate the optimal string configuration based on the current module datasheet.


## Datasheet

[Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/rs5-515-535nbg-n-type-182-132-bifacial-module-with-dual-glas-2cdf4d9c1112.pdf)


## Alternatives


| Panel | Power | How it differs |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.1 pp |
| [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +2.9 pp |
| [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | +40 W, lighter, +2.9 pp |
| [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +2.8 pp |
| [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | +35 W, lighter, +2.7 pp |
| [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | -30 W, lighter, +2.6 pp |
| [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +2.6 pp |
| [Renesola RS5-515NBG-E2](https://comparepv.com/panel/renesola-rs5-515nbg-e2) | 515 W | -0.2 pp |
| [Renesola RS5-525NBG-E2](https://comparepv.com/panel/renesola-rs5-525nbg-e2) | 525 W | +0.2 pp |
| [Renesola RS5-530NBG-E2](https://comparepv.com/panel/renesola-rs5-530nbg-e2) | 530 W | +10 W, +0.4 pp |
| [Renesola RS5-535NBG-E2](https://comparepv.com/panel/renesola-rs5-535nbg-e2) | 535 W | +15 W, +0.6 pp |
| [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-590W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-590w) | 590 W | +70 W, lighter, +1.9 pp |
| [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-585W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-585w) | 585 W | +65 W, lighter, +1.7 pp |
| [Bisol BGO 580](https://comparepv.com/panel/bisol-bgo-580) | 580 W | +60 W, lighter, +1.6 pp |
| [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-580W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-580w) | 580 W | +60 W, lighter, +1.5 pp |


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Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/renesola-rs5-520nbg-e2

Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.

