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TPL Solar Brand review

TPL160M-36

160 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Strong in heat, no clear weak spot

Rank 13,858 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
160
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
16.14
Typical · median 16.60%
Density (Wp/m²)
161.4
Typical · median 162.7
Temp (%/°C)
-0.360
Strong · top 13%
Weight (kg)
10.8
Typical · median 11.3 kg
Warranty (yrs)
30
Strong · top 18%

The TPL M-36 series is a solution dedicated primarily to smaller installations and off-grid systems, where space optimization while maintaining high energy efficiency plays a key role. These panels utilize advanced high-efficiency silicon cells, allowing for stable power production even in conditions of limited sunlight or diffused light. The module design is based on a reinforced anodized aluminum frame, which guarantees exceptional resistance to extreme mechanical loads, such as strong wind or heavy snow. This series stands out from the competition with its excellent resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID), which significantly extends the lifespan of the components and ensures yield predictability over a very long time horizon. It is an ideal choice for investors looking for reliable panels to power autonomous street lighting, monitoring systems, or recreational vehicles. Thanks to the use of technology that minimizes energy losses at the junctions, TPL M-36 modules offer an excellent temperature coefficient, which directly translates into efficient operation on hot days. By choosing this series, the user receives a product that is fully resistant to harsh environmental conditions, including salt mist and ammonia, making it an extremely versatile and durable solution for demanding technical applications.

Ranking

54 panels in the segment PERC 150-200 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 16.14% 16.60% Typical 13,742
Power density 161.4 162.7 Typical 13,731
Temperature coefficient -0.360 -0.370 Strong · top 13% 12,425
Weight per kWp 67.5 68.5 Typical 13,362
Performance warranty 30 yrs 25 yrs Strong · top 18% 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

2 positive · 0 caution
Best for

Off-grid and hot-climate.

Strengths
-0.360 %/°C temperature coefficient

Top 13% of the PERC 150-200 W segment, against a median of -0.370.

30 year performance warranty

Top 18% of the PERC 150-200 W segment, against a median of 25 yrs.

Notes from the database
  • Module efficiency of 16.1% is 3.3pp below average for PERC 0-400W panels (median: 19.4%)
  • Power density of 161.4 W/m² is 32.8 W/m² below PERC 0-400W median (194.2 W/m²) - needs more roof space
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.36%/°C matches the PERC 0-400W median
  • Weight of 10.8 kg (9.7 kg below PERC 0-400W median of 20.5 kg) allows easier transport and roof mounting
  • In the top 97% for efficiency among all PERC panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 160 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 16.14 % Typical Segment median 16.60%
Vmpp · Impp 21.15 V · 7.57 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 24.72 V · 8.60 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1000 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1480×670×35 mm · 0.99 m² of roof
Weight 10.8 kg Typical Typical · median 11.3 kg
Cells 36 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.360 %/°C Strong top 13% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.360 · 0.060 %/°C
NOCT 45 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Strong top 18% · median 25 yrs
End-of-warranty output 80.7 % Equals 129 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.50 % First year

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
-0.360 %/°C against a segment median of -0.370
-

Alternatives

All TPL Solar panels
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
TPL Solar TPL160M-36 160 W 16.14% -0.360 10.8 kg You are here
GKA182M150W 150 W 23.00% - 9.0 kg -10 W, lighter, +6.9 pp
GKA182M160W 160 W 23.00% - 9.0 kg Lighter, +6.9 pp
GKA182M180W 180 W 23.00% - 9.0 kg +20 W, lighter, +6.9 pp
GKA182M200W 200 W 23.00% - 9.0 kg +40 W, lighter, +6.9 pp
GKA182M120W 120 W 23.00% - 6.1 kg -40 W, lighter, +6.9 pp
GKA182M135W 135 W 23.00% - 6.1 kg -25 W, lighter, +6.9 pp
GKA182M110W 110 W 23.00% - 6.1 kg -50 W, lighter, +6.9 pp
NS-210MH-80 210 W 21.06% -0.290 10.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +4.9 pp
NS-210MH-80 210 W 21.06% -0.290 10.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +4.9 pp
CE-180M60 180 W 20.51% -0.500 8.5 kg Hotter, +4.4 pp, -5 yr warranty
TPL135P-36 135 W 13.61% -0.360 10.8 kg -25 W, -2.5 pp
TPL140M-36 140 W 14.12% -0.360 10.8 kg -20 W, -2.0 pp
TPL145M-36 145 W 14.62% -0.360 10.8 kg -15 W, -1.5 pp
TPL150M-36 150 W 15.13% -0.360 10.8 kg -10 W, -1.0 pp
TPL155M-36 155 W 15.63% -0.360 10.8 kg -0.5 pp
ZEUS 1.2 FullBlack 280W 280 W 23.31% -0.260 14.3 kg +120 W, cooler, +7.2 pp

Found 75 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 97 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 97 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 141 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the TPL M-36 Series series

6 answered

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

Is the TPL M-36 series still available for purchase?
The TPL M-36 series has been discontinued and is no longer offered as a current model in the TPL Solar catalog. Panels may still be found through distributors as remaining stock or on the secondary market. Anyone planning to expand an existing installation should expect limited availability of identical modules and consider compatible alternatives with similar specifications.
What applications is the 165 Wp TPL M-36 panel suited for?
The 165 Wp TPL M-36 panel was designed for small-scale installations and off-grid systems where a compact module footprint matters. It works well for powering street lighting, monitoring systems, RVs, and campers, as well as other mobile applications where stable energy output within limited installation space is the priority.
What warranty comes with TPL M-36 panels, and is it competitive?
The manufacturer offers a 12-year product warranty and a 30-year power performance warranty. This is standard for PERC-based modules on the market, though shorter than the 15-25 year product warranties offered by leading tier 1 manufacturers. It's worth verifying warranty terms with the local distributor, since TPL Solar is a non-tier-1 manufacturer.
How does the PERC technology in TPL M-36 differ from standard cells?
PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) technology adds a passivation layer on the back of the cell that reflects unused light back into the cell, increasing conversion efficiency. This allows TPL M-36 panels to perform better under diffuse light and partial cloud cover compared to modules built on older standard cell technology, which matters under variable sunlight conditions.
Is the TPL M-36 a bifacial panel, and what does that mean in practice?
No, the TPL M-36 series uses monofacial panels rather than bifacial ones. This means they generate power only from irradiance hitting the front surface, unlike bifacial modules that also capture light reflected off the ground. For the small off-grid installations this series targets, monofacial construction is sufficient and keeps module cost lower.
Can TPL M-36 panels withstand harsh conditions like coastal air or strong wind?
Yes, the modules feature a reinforced anodized aluminum frame rated for extreme mechanical loads, including strong wind and snow accumulation. The panels also resist salt mist and ammonia corrosion, making them a suitable choice for coastal installations and sites near agricultural facilities where standard modules would corrode more quickly.
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