--- title: "Sunova RS480~500S8-132GA-480 480W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Sunova RS480~500S8-132GA-480 480W solar panel. Specs: 20.20% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/thornova-rs480-500s8-132ga-480" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Sunova RS480~500S8-132GA-480 Warranty pick, heavy for its output 449 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Sunova - **Model:** RS480~500S8-132GA-480 - **Series:** Aurora Series - **Rated power:** 480 W - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 450-500 W (449 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 480 W | 460 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 20.20% | 20.82% | Weak - bottom 5% | 11,956 | | Power density | 202.1 | 208.5 | Weak - bottom 6% | 11,975 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.353 | -0.350 | Weak - bottom 14% | 12,275 | | Weight (kg) | 29.5 kg | 24.5 kg | Weak - bottom 2% | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 25 yrs | Strong - top 20% | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 20.20% | 20.82% | Weak - bottom 5% | 11,956 | | Power density | 202.1 | 208.5 | Weak - bottom 6% | 11,975 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.353 | -0.350 | Weak - bottom 14% | 12,275 | | Weight per kWp | 61.5 | 53.1 | Weak - bottom 2% | 12,649 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 25 yrs | Strong - top 20% | 21 | ### Strengths - **30 year performance warranty** - Top 20% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 25 yrs. ### Watch out for - **61.5 kg per kWp** - Bottom 2% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 53.1. Ranked 12,649th in the whole database. - **20.20% module efficiency** - Bottom 5% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 20.82%. Ranked 11,956th in the whole database. - **202.1 watts per square metre** - Bottom 6% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 208.5. Ranked 11,975th in the whole database. - **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):** 480 W - **Efficiency:** 20.20 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 37.65 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 12.75 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 45.12 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 13.64 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.353 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.272 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.026 %/degC - **NOCT:** 45 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 132 - **Bifacial:** yes - **Bifacial gain:** 10.00 ### Physical - **Length:** 2094 mm - **Width:** 1134 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 29.5 kg - **Area:** 2.37 m2 - **Power density:** 202.1 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 12 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 11956 of 14005 | | Power density | 11975 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 12275 of 14005 | | Weight | 12649 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## About this series The Sunova Aurora Series has been designed with the goal of maximizing energy yield in real-world conditions, even when the roof is not perfectly aligned and the weather in Poland can be unpredictable. The use of modern monocrystalline and multi-busbar (multi-busbar) solar panels results in better performance under partial shading and lower internal losses. This translates to more predictable energy production and easier adaptation of the installation to the user's profile. A key feature is the **high resistance to microcracks and mechanical stress**, which is important in windy conditions and with heavy snowfall. The different versions also **ensure durability in demanding environments**, helping to minimize the risk of degradation over time. For investors, **stable operating parameters** and **aesthetic appearance** are also important, especially on modern roofs. The Aurora Series is ideal for single-family homes, small businesses, and commercial and industrial (C&I) projects, where reliability is more important than just meeting specifications. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 20.2% is 0.6pp below the \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median (20.8%) - Power density of 202.1 W/m² is 6.4 W/m² below \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median (208.5 W/m²) - needs more roof space - At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* panels - At 29.5 kg (5.0 kg above \*\*PERC 450-500W\*\* median of 24.5 kg), requires checking roof load capacity - 70% bifaciality enables rear-side power generation, boosting yield by 4-10% on reflective surfaces ## Questions ### What is the actual warranty coverage for Sunova Aurora Series panels? Sunova Aurora Series comes with a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, plus a 30-year power warranty ensuring the PERC cells maintain strong performance over their lifespan. This is close to industry-leading standards, though it's worth checking the exact service terms with your local distributor, since Sunova is not classified as a tier-1 manufacturer. ### How do Aurora Series bifacial panels differ from standard mono-facial panels? Aurora Series panels use bifacial technology, meaning they generate power from both the front and rear side, capturing light reflected off the roof, ground, or nearby light-colored surfaces. This can boost total energy yield by several percent to over ten percent, especially when installed on light-colored roofing, flat roofs, or ground-mounted racking with sufficient clearance. ### Will Sunova Aurora Series 555 Wp panels perform well under partial roof shading? Yes, thanks to the half-cut cell architecture and multi-busbar design, these panels handle partial shading better, for example from chimneys, antennas, or trees. Splitting cells in half limits power losses in the shaded section, while additional busbars reduce internal resistance, resulting in more stable output even on less-than-ideal roof orientations. ### How much energy can a single Sunova Aurora Series 555 Wp panel produce? A panel rated at 555 Wp reaches its maximum output of 555 W under Standard Test Conditions (STC). In real-world conditions with good sun exposure in Poland, a single panel can typically generate between 450 and 600 kWh per year, depending on location, tilt angle, and any additional gain from the bifacial effect. ### Is Sunova a tier-1 manufacturer, and does that matter for buyers? Sunova is not listed as a tier-1 manufacturer under BloombergNEF's classification, indicating a smaller production scale or shorter track record than the biggest players like JinkoSolar or Trina Solar. This doesn't necessarily mean lower quality, but it's worth reviewing warranty terms, service availability in Poland, and installer feedback before committing to a larger installation. ### Can Aurora Series panels withstand strong wind and heavy snow loads common in Poland? Yes, the series is built with enhanced resistance to mechanical loads and micro-cracking, which matters under strong wind and accumulated snow during winter. The reinforced frame and laminate construction reduce the risk of damage from sudden temperature swings and mechanical stress typical of the Polish climate, supporting more stable performance year-round. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/s8-132ga-480-500w-2094x1134x30-7e8ab533d884.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.8 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.6 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.5 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.3 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.3 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.3 pp | | [Sunova RS480~500S8-132GA-485](https://comparepv.com/panel/thornova-rs480-500s8-132ga-485) | 485 W | Very close match | | [Sunova TS-BB66(490)](https://comparepv.com/panel/sunova-ts-bb66-490) | 490 W | Cooler, lighter, -5 yr warranty | | [Sunova TS-BB66(495)](https://comparepv.com/panel/sunova-ts-bb66-495) | 495 W | Lighter, +0.7 pp, -5 yr warranty | | [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-590W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-590w) | 590 W | +110 W, cooler, +3.6 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-585W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-585w) | 585 W | +105 W, cooler, +3.4 pp | | [Bisol BGO 580](https://comparepv.com/panel/bisol-bgo-580) | 580 W | +100 W, cooler, +3.3 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-580W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-580w) | 580 W | +100 W, cooler, +3.2 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/thornova-rs480-500s8-132ga-480 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.