Efficiency leader, no clear weak spot
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
Signals from the data
Small roofs that need every watt, roofs where every square metre counts and hot roofs and southern climates.
Top 2% of the 385-585 W band, against a median of 21.70%. Ranked 499th in the whole database.
Top 2% of the 385-585 W band, against a median of 216.9. Ranked 562nd in the whole database.
Top 5% of the 385-585 W band, against a median of -0.300. Ranked 521st in the whole database.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
- At 23.8% efficiency, this panel is 1.9pp above typical database modules (median: 21.9%)
- 237.6 W/m² power density - 19.4 W/m² more than database median (218.2 W/m²), more power per roof area
- At -0.26%/°C (vs median -0.30%/°C), loses ~2% less power in hot conditions
- #499 for efficiency, #521 for temperature performance out of 14269 panels
Specifications
Simulations
Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.
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
These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this module's own.