Skip to main content
Waaree WSMD-520
Waaree Brand review

WSMD-520

520 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, needs the roof space

Rank 9,787 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
520
Weak · bottom 18%
Efficiency (%)
20.20
Weak · bottom 4%
Density (Wp/m²)
202.0
Weak · bottom 4%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.350
Typical · median -0.350
Weight (kg)
27.5
Typical · median 28.4 kg
Warranty (yrs)
27
Typical · median 30 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

706 panels in the segment PERC 500-550 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 20.20% 20.90% Weak · bottom 4% 11,956
Power density 202.0 209.0 Weak · bottom 4% 11,999
Temperature coefficient -0.350 -0.350 Typical 10,419
Weight per kWp 52.9 53.0 Typical 6,597
Performance warranty 27 yrs 30 yrs Typical 9,667
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

0 positive · 2 caution
Best for

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

Not ideal for

Roofs where every square metre has to count and tight roof space.

Watch-outs
202.0 watts per square metre

Bottom 4% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 209.0. Ranked 11,999th in the whole database.

20.20% module efficiency

Bottom 4% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 20.90%. Ranked 11,956th in the whole database.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 20.2% is 0.7pp below the PERC 500-550W median (20.9%)
  • Power density of 202.0 W/m² is 7.0 W/m² below PERC 500-550W median (209.0 W/m²) - needs more roof space
  • At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 500-550W panels
  • Ranked #11956 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 520 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 20.20 % Weak Segment median 20.90%
Vmpp · Impp 41.14 V · 12.65 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 49.01 V · 13.55 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2272×1133×35 mm · 2.57 m² of roof
Weight 27.5 kg Typical Typical · median 28.4 kg
Cells 144 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.350 %/°C Typical median -0.350 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.270 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 43 °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 427 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 → 0.55 % 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
-0.350 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Waaree WSMD-520 520 W 20.20% -0.350 27.5 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.8 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.6 pp
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg +40 W, cooler, +4.6 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.5 pp
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg +35 W, cooler, +4.4 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.3 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.3 pp
Bi-55-515 515 W 20.01% -0.350 32.5 kg Heavier, +3 yr warranty
WSMD-525 525 W 20.39% -0.350 27.5 kg Very close match
Bi-55-530 530 W 20.59% -0.350 32.5 kg Heavier, +0.4 pp, +3 yr warranty
AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw 650 W 25.20% -0.260 27.0 kg +130 W, cooler, +5.0 pp
AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw 645 W 25.00% -0.260 27.0 kg +125 W, cooler, +4.8 pp
AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw 640 W 24.80% -0.260 27.0 kg +120 W, cooler, +4.6 pp
AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw 635 W 24.60% -0.260 27.0 kg +115 W, cooler, +4.4 pp
AIKO-A630-MAH72Dw 630 W 24.40% -0.260 32.5 kg +110 W, cooler, +4.2 pp

Found 2337 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 2368 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 2373 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 2558 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.
Add to compare