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Vikram Solar Brand review

SOMERA VSMH.66.515.05

515 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Efficiency leader, no clear weak spot

Rank 8,468 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
515
Weak · bottom 17%
Efficiency (%)
21.67
Strong · top 1%
Density (Wp/m²)
216.7
Strong · top 1%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.350
Typical · median -0.350
Weight (kg)
25.9
Strong · 2.4 kg below median
Warranty (yrs)
27
Typical · median 30 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

709 panels in the segment PERC 500-550 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 21.67% 20.90% Strong · top 1% 7,652
Power density 216.7 209.0 Strong · top 1% 7,637
Temperature coefficient -0.350 -0.350 Typical 10,489
Weight per kWp 50.3 53.0 Strong · top 18% 3,720
Performance warranty 27 yrs 30 yrs Typical 9,781
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

3 positive · 0 caution
Best for

Residential, commercial and shaded-installations.

Strengths
21.67% module efficiency

Top 1% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 20.90%. Ranked 7,652nd in the whole database.

216.7 watts per square metre

Top 1% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 209.0. Ranked 7,637th in the whole database.

50.3 kg per kWp

Top 18% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 53.0.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 21.7% is 0.8pp above the PERC 500-550W median (20.9%)
  • 216.7 W/m² power density - 7.7 W/m² more than PERC 500-550W median (209.0 W/m²), more power per roof area
  • At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 500-550W panels
  • At 25.9 kg, this panel is 2.4 kg lighter than PERC 500-550W median (28.3 kg) - easier handling during installation
  • #7652 for efficiency, #10489 for temperature performance out of 14129 panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 515 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 21.67 % Strong Segment median 20.90%
Vmpp · Impp 39.10 V · 13.16 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 46.30 V · 13.86 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 Strong Strong · 2.4 kg below median
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 30 yrs · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 83.7 % Equals 423 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 515 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.66.515.05 515 W 21.67% -0.350 25.9 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +3.3 pp, +3 yr warranty
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.1 pp
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg +45 W, cooler, +3.1 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +3.0 pp, +3 yr warranty
WST-505BKX54-A2 505 W 24.70% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, +3.0 pp, +3 yr warranty
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg +40 W, cooler, +2.9 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +2.8 pp
SOMERA VSMH.66.490.05 490 W 20.62% -0.350 25.9 kg -25 W, -1.1 pp
SOMERA VSMH.66.495.05 495 W 20.83% -0.350 25.9 kg -20 W, -0.8 pp
SOMERA VSMH.66.500.05 500 W 21.04% -0.350 25.9 kg -15 W, -0.6 pp
SOMERA VSMH.66.505.05 505 W 21.25% -0.350 25.9 kg -10 W, -0.4 pp
SOMERA VSMH.66.510.05 510 W 21.46% -0.350 25.9 kg -0.2 pp
GKA120N-PRO-590W 590 W 23.82% -0.300 26.7 kg +75 W, cooler, +2.1 pp
GKA120N-PRO-585W 585 W 23.62% -0.300 26.7 kg +70 W, cooler, +1.9 pp
BGO 580 580 W 23.50% -0.290 26.0 kg +65 W, cooler, +1.8 pp
GKA120N-PRO-580W 580 W 23.42% -0.300 26.7 kg +65 W, cooler, +1.8 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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