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Waaree WSMD-385
Waaree Brand review

WSMD-385

385 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, weak in heat

Rank 12,824 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
385
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
19.13
Weak · bottom 17%
Density (Wp/m²)
191.3
Weak · bottom 17%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.370
Weak · bottom 16%
Weight (kg)
23.5
Weak · 2.1 kg above median
Warranty (yrs)
25
Typical · median 25 yrs

The Waaree ARKA SERIES was designed for high energy production while maintaining stable performance on real rooftop or farm installations-especially when partial shading, dirt accumulation, or high temperatures occur. The use of monocrystalline Mono PERC cells in a half-cut configuration helps reduce losses and improve yield when the installation does not have ideal sunlight exposure throughout the day. Another distinguishing feature is the multi-busbar structure, optimized for better current conduction and higher resistance to micro-cracking, which is crucial during transportation and long-term operation.

In practice, ARKA SERIES addresses typical challenges faced by investors in Poland: yield drops during hot weather, sensitivity to shading, and the risk of degradation in demanding environments. This is achieved thanks to PID resistance and carefully processed lamination materials as well as housing connection box protection.

This is a good choice for premium residential installations, commercial rooftops, and larger systems where reliable performance and durability matter more than catalog parameters.

Ranking

579 panels in the segment PERC 350-400 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 19.13% 19.90% Weak · bottom 17% 12,900
Power density 191.3 199.0 Weak · bottom 17% 12,884
Temperature coefficient -0.370 -0.350 Weak · bottom 16% 13,081
Weight per kWp 61.0 55.8 Weak · bottom 22% 12,578
Performance warranty 25 yrs 25 yrs Typical 9,798
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

0 positive · 3 caution
Best for

Residential, commercial, utility-scale, shaded-installations and hot-climate.

Not ideal for

Hot climates, tight roof space and roofs where every square metre has to count.

Watch-outs
-0.370 %/°C temperature coefficient

Bottom 16% of the PERC 350-400 W segment, against a median of -0.350.

19.13% module efficiency

Bottom 17% of the PERC 350-400 W segment, against a median of 19.90%.

191.3 watts per square metre

Bottom 17% of the PERC 350-400 W segment, against a median of 199.0.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 19.1% matches the PERC 0-400W median
  • 191.2 W/m² power density is 3.2 W/m² below PERC 0-400W median (194.4 W/m²) - requires larger installation area
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.37%/°C matches the PERC 0-400W median
  • Weight of 23.5 kg is 3.0 kg above PERC 0-400W median (20.5 kg) - verify structural support
  • Ranked #12900 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 385 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 19.13 % Weak Segment median 19.90%
Vmpp · Impp 39.32 V · 9.82 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 48.45 V · 10.22 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2007×1003×40 mm · 2.01 m² of roof
Weight 23.5 kg Weak Weak · 2.1 kg above median
Cells 144 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.370 %/°C Weak bottom 16% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.270 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 43 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 10 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Typical median 25 yrs · median 25 yrs
End-of-warranty output 81.9 % Equals 303 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.50 → 0.65 % First year, then annual

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
-0.370 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Waaree WSMD-385 385 W 19.13% -0.370 23.5 kg You are here
GKA210M340W 340 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg Lighter, +3.9 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M360W 360 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg Lighter, +3.9 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M380W (1/4*4*38) 380 W 23.00% - 17.1 kg Lighter, +3.9 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M400W (1/2*4*20) 400 W 23.00% - 18.0 kg Lighter, +3.9 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M400W (1/4*4*40) 400 W 23.00% - 18.0 kg Lighter, +3.9 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M380W (1/2*4*19) 380 W 23.00% - 17.1 kg Lighter, +3.9 pp, +5 yr warranty
LX-435M/182-108+ GG 435 W 22.81% -0.240 23.6 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.7 pp
JT435SYk(B) 435 W 22.70% -0.240 23.0 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.6 pp
SPR-MAX3-430-R 430 W 22.70% -0.270 21.2 kg Cooler, +3.6 pp, +15 yr warranty
LX-435M/182-108+ 435 W 22.61% -0.300 21.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.5 pp
WSD-325 325 W 16.14% -0.386 23.5 kg -60 W, hotter, -3.0 pp
WSD-330 330 W 16.39% -0.386 23.5 kg -55 W, hotter, -2.7 pp
WSD-335 335 W 16.64% -0.386 23.5 kg -50 W, hotter, -2.5 pp
WSD-340 340 W 16.89% -0.386 23.5 kg -45 W, hotter, -2.2 pp
WSD-345 345 W 17.14% -0.386 23.5 kg -40 W, hotter, -2.0 pp
WSD-350 350 W 17.39% -0.386 23.5 kg -35 W, hotter, -1.7 pp
SPR-MAX7-475 475 W 24.00% -0.270 21.1 kg Cooler, +4.9 pp, +15 yr warranty

Found 107 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 206 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 321 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 738 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
How much power do Waaree ARKA SERIES panels deliver and what installations are they suited for?
ARKA SERIES panels reach up to 665 Wp, meaning fewer modules are needed to reach a given system size compared to conventional 400-450 Wp panels. This reduces the number of mounting components and shortens installation time. They work well for premium residential systems, commercial rooftops, and larger PV farms where maximizing yield from limited roof area matters.
What's the difference between half-cut and multi-busbar technology in ARKA SERIES versus standard monocrystalline panels?
The Mono PERC cells in ARKA SERIES are cut in half, reducing current losses and limiting the impact of partial shading - if only part of the panel is shaded, the rest keeps working more efficiently than in a full-cell panel. The multi-busbar design further improves current conduction between cells and increases resistance to microcracks that can occur during transport or over years of roof exposure.
How do ARKA SERIES panels perform in summer heat on the roof?
High roof temperatures typically reduce output in conventional panels, but the Mono PERC half-cut cell design in ARKA SERIES limits these losses through better heat distribution and lower internal resistance. In practice this means more stable energy production on hot days compared to older-generation, cheaper panels - an important factor when designing systems for both pitched residential roofs and flat commercial roofs.
What warranty comes with Waaree ARKA SERIES panels?
Waaree, a Tier 1 manufacturer, provides a 12-year product warranty and a 27-year power output warranty. This means the module should maintain its guaranteed output level as specified in the datasheet for 27 years, while the manufacturer covers repair or replacement for material or workmanship defects during the first 12 years.
Are ARKA SERIES panels PID-resistant and suitable for demanding conditions like high humidity or dust?
Yes, ARKA SERIES modules carry certified PID (potential-induced degradation) resistance, preventing gradual power loss under high system voltage and humidity. Refined lamination and a sealed junction box further protect the panel from moisture and contamination, which matters both on residential roofs and in farm-scale installations exposed to dust or pollen.
Are Waaree ARKA SERIES panels bifacial, generating power from the rear side?
No, the PERC-cell ARKA SERIES modules are monofacial, not bifacial. All energy is generated solely from the front side facing the sun. If you want extra yield from reflected light off the ground, look at Waaree's separately labeled bifacial variants, which use a transparent rear layer instead of a standard backsheet.
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