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Vikram Solar Brand review

SOMERA VSMH.66.490.05

490 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, needs the roof space

Rank 10,227 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
490
Strong · top 15%
Efficiency (%)
20.62
Typical · median 20.82%
Density (Wp/m²)
206.2
Weak · bottom 25%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.350
Typical · median -0.350
Weight (kg)
25.9
Typical · median 24.5 kg
Warranty (yrs)
27
Typical · median 25 yrs

The SOMERA VSMH.66.AAA.05 series consists of monocrystalline monofacial modules built on M10 half-cut technology, where 66 Mono PERC cells are split into 132 half-cells, reducing resistive losses and improving performance under partial shading. The manufacturer focused on 0% negative power tolerance combined with current binning, giving installers confidence that delivered modules never fall short of rated output while minimizing string mismatch losses. The IP68 potted junction box along with enhanced resistance to corrosion, sand dust, ammonia, and salt mist make this series well suited both for standard rooftop installations and more demanding environmental conditions. A highly automated production line with multi-stage EL inspection results in lower factory defect rates. The whole series is backed by a 27-year linear power warranty, supporting a lower LCOE and improved return on investment. It is a solid choice for investors seeking proven, industrial-grade monofacial modules without compromising on reliability or predictable energy yield over the long-term operation of the installation.

Ranking

452 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 20.62% 20.82% Typical 11,145
Power density 206.2 208.5 Weak · bottom 25% 11,169
Temperature coefficient -0.350 -0.350 Typical 10,489
Weight per kWp 52.9 53.1 Typical 6,629
Performance warranty 27 yrs 25 yrs Typical 9,781
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

0 positive · 1 caution
Best for

Residential, commercial and shaded-installations.

Not ideal for

Roofs where every square metre has to count.

Watch-outs
206.2 watts per square metre

Bottom 25% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 208.5.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 20.6% matches the PERC 450-500W median
  • Power density of 206.2 W/m² matches the PERC 450-500W median
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C matches the PERC 450-500W median
  • At 25.9 kg (1.4 kg above PERC 450-500W median of 24.5 kg), requires checking roof load capacity
  • Ranked #11145 out of 14129 panels for efficiency in the database

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 490 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 20.62 % Typical Segment median 20.82%
Vmpp · Impp 38.10 V · 12.86 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 45.30 V · 13.56 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2096×1134×35 mm · 2.38 m² of roof
Weight 25.9 kg Typical Typical · median 24.5 kg
Cells 132 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.350 %/°C Typical median -0.350 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.270 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 45 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 27 years Typical median 25 yrs · median 25 yrs
End-of-warranty output 83.7 % Equals 402 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 → 0.55 % First year, then annual

Datasheet charts

Open datasheet PDF

Measured curves published by Vikram Solar in this model's datasheet. A chart carrying a wattage was measured on that variant alone - only the ones that describe 490 Wp appear here. The rest cover the whole series.

Current-Voltage (I-V) and Power Curves at Varying Irradiance Levels Current-Voltage (I-V) and Power Curves at Varying Irradiance Levels Whole series Linear Power Performance Warranty (Year 1: 98.00% – Year 27: 83.70%) Linear Power Performance Warranty (Year 1: 98.00% – Year 27: 83.70%) Whole series

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
-0.350 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Vikram Solar SOMERA VSMH.66.490.05 490 W 20.62% -0.350 25.9 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +4.4 pp, +3 yr warranty
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.2 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +4.1 pp, +3 yr warranty
WST-505BKX54-A2 505 W 24.70% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, +4.1 pp, +3 yr warranty
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +3.9 pp, +3 yr warranty
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp
SOMERA VSMH.66.495.05 495 W 20.83% -0.350 25.9 kg +0.2 pp
SOMERA VSMH.66.500.05 500 W 21.04% -0.350 25.9 kg +10 W, +0.4 pp
SOMERA VSMH.66.505.05 505 W 21.25% -0.350 25.9 kg +15 W, +0.6 pp
SOMERA VSMH.66.510.05 510 W 21.46% -0.350 25.9 kg +20 W, +0.8 pp
SOMERA VSMH.66.515.05 515 W 21.67% -0.350 25.9 kg +25 W, +1.1 pp
GKA120N-PRO-590W 590 W 23.82% -0.300 26.7 kg +100 W, cooler, +3.2 pp
GKA120N-PRO-585W 585 W 23.62% -0.300 26.7 kg +95 W, cooler, +3.0 pp
BGO 580 580 W 23.50% -0.290 26.0 kg +90 W, cooler, +2.9 pp
GKA120N-PRO-580W 580 W 23.42% -0.300 26.7 kg +90 W, cooler, +2.8 pp

Found 405 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 416 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 433 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 893 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the SOMERA VSMH.66.AAA.05 series

6 answered

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

What warranty comes with the Vikram Solar SOMERA VSMH.66.AAA.05 panels?
The SOMERA VSMH.66.AAA.05 series comes with a 12-year product warranty and a 27-year linear power warranty. This means the manufacturer commits to repairing or replacing a defective module for 12 years, while guaranteeing a defined power output level for 27 years, declining linearly over time. This warranty structure supports lower LCOE and a more predictable return on investment over the system's operating lifetime.
Is the SOMERA VSMH.66.AAA.05 a bifacial panel?
No, the SOMERA VSMH.66.AAA.05 series consists of monofacial modules that generate power only from the front side. Unlike bifacial panels, they do not capture light reflected off the ground, but they cost less to produce and are simpler to mount on standard roof structures, where rear-side albedo gain would be minimal anyway. This makes them well suited for typical residential and ground-mount installations without elevated racking.
What does the M10 half-cut technology used in this series deliver?
The panels use 66 Mono PERC cells in the M10 format, split into 132 half-cells. This design reduces internal resistive losses and helps the module perform better under partial shading, for example from a chimney, antenna, or an adjacent row of panels. In practice, this translates into higher real-world energy yield under non-ideal irradiance conditions compared to older full-cell modules.
Are the SOMERA VSMH.66.AAA.05 panels suitable for harsh environments, such as agricultural or industrial sites?
Yes, the series offers enhanced resistance to corrosion, dust, ammonia, and salt mist, making it a good choice for installations near livestock farms, coastal areas, or industrial sites. It also features an IP68 potted junction box that protects electrical connections from moisture and contaminants. As a result, the panels maintain stable operation and lower failure risk even in environments more aggressive than a standard residential roof.
What does 0% negative power tolerance mean on a 515 Wp panel?
0% negative power tolerance with current binning means that no delivered module labeled 515 Wp will have an actual output below the rated value, and panels are additionally sorted by current to minimize mismatch within a string. For installers and investors, this provides certainty about the system's real power output and reduces losses caused by mismatch, meaning differences in parameters between modules wired in series.
Is Vikram Solar a reliable manufacturer, and is the SOMERA series worth buying?
Vikram Solar is an India-based Tier 1 manufacturer, a bankability status recognized by banks and insurers underwriting PV projects. A highly automated production line with multi-stage electroluminescence (EL) inspection helps reduce factory defect rates. Combined with the 27-year power warranty and half-cut PERC technology, the SOMERA series is a solid choice for investors seeking predictable, industrial-grade module quality.
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