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TCL Zhonghuan HSM-BE54-HD495

495 Wp Monocrystalline
ComparePV verdict

Efficiency leader, no clear weak spot

Rank 2,718 of 14,269
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
495
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
24.30
Strong · top 1%
Density (Wp/m²)
242.5
Strong · top 1%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.260
Strong · top 5%
Weight (kg)
26.0
Typical · median 24.6 kg
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

The C2 Black series from TCL Solar is engineered for single-family homes, where rooftop aesthetics matter just as much as performance. At its core is back-contact cell technology arranged in a gapless layout, meaning there are no visible gaps between cells - this gives the panel a uniform, deep black surface free of visible stripes or grids, while also minimizing resistive losses and boosting power density. This is complemented by a front side free of visible busbars, further enhancing the module's look and making it an appealing choice for homeowners who care about the appearance of their roof or facade. The panel uses tempered double glass (glass-glass) set in a black aluminum frame, delivering greater mechanical resistance and a longer service life in demanding weather conditions. A reinforced circuit layout ensures reduced risk of micro-cracks, while the lower cell operating temperature translates into more stable energy yields on hot days. The whole package is backed by extensive product and power warranties reaching up to 30 years, making the C2 Black series a solid choice for the residential market that combines modern design with long-term reliability.

Ranking

8,613 panels in the 395-595 W band, all technologies
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 24.30% 21.80% Strong · top 1% 168
Power density 242.5 217.7 Strong · top 1% 198
Temperature coefficient -0.260 -0.300 Strong · top 5% 521
Weight per kWp 52.5 52.5 Typical 6,214
Performance warranty 30 yrs 30 yrs Typical 31
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

8 positive · 2 caution
Best for

Small roofs that need every watt, roofs where every square metre counts and hot roofs and southern climates.

Strengths
24.30% module efficiency

Top 1% of the 395-595 W band, against a median of 21.80%. Ranked 168th in the whole database.

242.5 watts per square metre

Top 1% of the 395-595 W band, against a median of 217.7. Ranked 198th in the whole database.

-0.260 %/°C temperature coefficient

Top 5% of the 395-595 W band, against a median of -0.300. Ranked 521st in the whole database.

What owners get
Highest efficiency in its class

At 23.8-24.3% efficiency, the C2 Black series clearly outperforms comparable 495 Wp modules from Hanersun (23%), Solarspace (22.87%), and Resun Solar (22.94%), delivering higher energy yield from the same roof footprint.

Back-contact, busbar-free front design

The gapless cell layout combined with a busbar-free front sheet eliminates visible strips and grid lines, producing a uniform black texture - a meaningful aesthetic advantage for residential installations on visible roofs.

Robust glass-glass construction

A dual tempered-glass laminate in a black aluminum frame improves mechanical resistance to snow and wind loads and reduces laminate degradation compared to conventional glass-backsheet modules.

Extensive 25/30-year warranty

A 25-year product warranty and 30-year linear power warranty sit at the upper end of the market, backed by Tier-1 manufacturer TCL Zhonghuan (BNEF Tier 1, founded 1981), lowering investor risk.

Lower resistive losses and micro-crack risk

The reinforced electrical circuit layout in the back-contact design reduces cell micro-crack risk, while the lower operating temperature translates into more stable yields during hot weather.

Trade-offs
Limited market track record

The C2 Black series only reached the European market in the second half of 2026, so there is no multi-year field degradation data yet, unlike more established PERC/TOPCon technologies that have been on the market for years.

Not bifacial in this variant

Unlike larger C2-family modules (e.g., C2 L at 670 Wp with ~75% bifaciality), the 485-495 Wp C2 Black series is monofacial, limiting potential extra yield from albedo on bright surfaces or facade installations.

Notes from the database
  • 24.3% module efficiency - 2.4pp better than the database median of 21.9%
  • 242.5 W/m² power density - 24.3 W/m² more than database median (218.2 W/m²), more power per roof area
  • -0.26%/°C temperature coefficient (median: -0.30%/°C) - retains ~2% more power at high temperatures
  • Ranked #168 out of 14269 panels for efficiency in the database

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 495 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 24.30 % Strong Segment median 21.80%
Vmpp · Impp 33.86 V · 14.62 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 40.66 V · 15.38 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1800×1134×30 mm · 2.04 m² of roof
Weight 26.0 kg Typical Typical · median 24.6 kg
Cells 108 Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.260 %/°C Strong top 5% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.200 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 42 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 25 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Typical median 30 yrs · median 30 yrs
Degradation 1.00 → 0.35 % 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
-0.260 %/°C against a segment median of -0.300
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
TCL Zhonghuan HSM-BE54-HD495 495 W 24.30% -0.260 26.0 kg You are here
JKM510T-48HL6M-DB 510 W 25.52% -0.240 22.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +1.2 pp
JKM505T-48HL6M-DB 505 W 25.27% -0.240 22.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +1.0 pp
JKM500T-48HL6M-DB 500 W 25.02% -0.240 22.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +0.7 pp
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +0.7 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Lighter, +0.5 pp
JKM495T-48HL6M-DB 495 W 24.77% -0.240 22.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +0.5 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +0.4 pp
WST-505BKX54-A2 505 W 24.70% -0.260 25.0 kg +10 W, lighter, +0.4 pp
SPR-BE54-HD505 505 W 24.70% -0.260 26.0 kg +10 W, +0.4 pp, +10 yr warranty
HSM-BE54-HD485 485 W 23.80% -0.260 26.0 kg -10 W, -0.5 pp
HSM-BE54-HD490 490 W 24.00% -0.260 26.0 kg -0.3 pp

Found 229 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 233 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 1770 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 4123 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the C2 Black series

6 answered

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

What is back-contact gapless cell technology in TCL C2 Black panels?
It is a cell design where the electrical conductors are moved to the back of the cell, and adjacent cells are placed without gaps between them. This gives the panel a uniform, deep black surface with no visible ribbons or grid lines, while reducing resistive losses and increasing power density compared to conventional cell layouts.
What warranty do TCL C2 Black panels come with?
The C2 Black series comes with a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power output warranty. This is one of the longer warranty periods available on the residential market, offering greater investment security and more stable long-term returns from the installation.
Are TCL C2 Black panels bifacial?
No, the C2 Black series consists of mono-facial panels, optimized for aesthetics and maximum front-side power output. Unlike bifacial panels, they do not capture light reflected from the mounting surface, which is typical for rooftop installations on single-family homes.
What is the maximum power output of the TCL C2 Black series?
Modules in the C2 Black series reach a maximum power output of up to 495 Wp. Combined with back-contact technology and denser cell packing, this allows for high power output per single panel, reducing the number of modules needed to cover a household's energy demand.
Why do C2 Black panels have no visible busbars on the front glass?
The busbar-free front panel results from the back-contact design, where wiring is routed on the rear side of the cell. This eliminates visible silver ribbons on the front of the module, giving a uniform black surface without a grid of conductors, which is especially valued for installations visible on facades or prominent roof areas.
Does the glass-glass construction in TCL C2 Black panels improve module durability?
Yes, the dual tempered glass construction in a black aluminum frame increases mechanical resistance to snow, wind, and hail loads compared to glass-backsheet designs. It also reduces the risk of moisture-related degradation, resulting in a longer service life and more stable energy yields throughout the module's operating lifetime.
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