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WINAICO Brand review

WST-480BDX54-B2

480 Wp Back Contact Bifacial 70%
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, heavy for its output

Rank 3,031 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
480
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
23.50
Typical · median 23.52%
Density (Wp/m²)
235.2
Typical · median 235.2
Temp (%/°C)
-0.260
Typical · median -0.260
Weight (kg)
25.0
Weak · 1.5 kg above median
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

The WST-BDX54-B2 WBC series is WINAICO's flagship module line built around back contact technology, in which all cell electrical connections are moved to the rear side of the panel. As a result, the front surface stays completely free of visible grid lines and interconnect ribbons, producing a uniform, deep black finish known as Ultra Black aesthetics - a solution particularly valued on pitched residential roofs, where the look of the installation genuinely matters. The panels are built on N-type monocrystalline bifacial cells, which reduce power losses at high operating temperatures and capture additional reflected irradiance on the rear side. The glass-glass construction, combined with a reinforced 35 mm frame, increases resistance to microcracks and mechanical damage, translating into a longer system lifespan. The manufacturer backs the series with a 30-year product and performance warranty, supported by a German guarantor, and the first year of operation is additionally covered by insurance for the entire solar system. The WBC series suits investors looking to combine high energy efficiency with a modern, premium look for their photovoltaic installation.

Ranking

167 panels in the segment Back Contact 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 23.50% 23.52% Typical 749
Power density 235.2 235.2 Typical 752
Temperature coefficient -0.260 -0.260 Typical 515
Weight per kWp 52.1 48.5 Weak · bottom 12% 5,553
Performance warranty 30 yrs 30 yrs Typical 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

0 positive · 1 caution
Best for

Residential and BIPV.

Not ideal for

Weight-limited structures.

Watch-outs
52.1 kg per kWp

Bottom 12% of the Back Contact 450-500 W segment, against a median of 48.5.

Notes from the database
  • At 23.5% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical Back Contact 450-500W modules
  • At 235.2 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for Back Contact 450-500W panels
  • At -0.26%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for Back Contact 450-500W panels
  • At 25.0 kg (1.5 kg above Back Contact 450-500W median of 23.5 kg), requires checking roof load capacity
  • Bifacial design (70% factor) captures reflected light - adds 4-10% yield on ground-mount or white roof

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 480 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 23.50 % Typical Segment median 23.52%
Vmpp · Impp 33.84 V · 14.19 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 40.76 V · 14.96 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1800×1134×35 mm · 2.04 m² of roof
Weight 25.0 kg Weak Weak · 1.5 kg above median
Cells 108 · Back Contact Monocrystalline
Bifaciality 70 % Rear output as a share of front
Coefficient Pmax -0.260 %/°C Typical median -0.260 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.220 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 45 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 30 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Typical median 30 yrs · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 88.8 % Equals 426 W guaranteed
Degradation 1.00 → 0.35 % 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
-
With bifacial gain
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.260 %/°C against a segment median of -0.260
-
Bifacial gain
Rear gain over light concrete: -
-

Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.

Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
WINAICO WST-480BDX54-B2 480 W 23.50% -0.260 25.0 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +30 W, cooler, +1.5 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg +15 W, lighter, +1.3 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg +25 W, cooler, +1.2 pp
WST-505BKX54-A2 505 W 24.70% -0.260 25.0 kg +25 W, +1.2 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg +10 W, lighter, +1.0 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg +20 W, cooler, +1.0 pp
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg +20 W, lighter, +1.0 pp
WST-475BDX54-A2 475 W 23.30% -0.260 25.0 kg Very close match
WST-485BDX54-A2 485 W 23.80% -0.260 25.0 kg +0.3 pp
WST-490BDX54-A2 490 W 24.00% -0.260 25.0 kg +10 W, +0.5 pp
WST-495BKX54-B2 495 W 24.30% -0.260 25.0 kg +15 W, +0.8 pp

Found 213 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 217 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 1735 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 4051 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the WST-BDX54-B2 WBC Series series

6 answered

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

What is back contact technology in WINAICO WST-BDX54-B2 WBC panels and does it improve efficiency?
Back contact means all electrical interconnections between cells are moved to the rear side of the module. This leaves the front surface free of visible busbars and ribbons, reducing shading losses from those elements and improving light capture. Combined with N-type monocrystalline cells, the WBC series reaches up to 485 Wp while maintaining a uniform black appearance.
Are WINAICO WBC panels with Ultra Black aesthetics suitable for sloped roofs on single-family homes?
Yes, the uniform black surface without visible busbars or ribbons is particularly recommended for sloped roofs on residential buildings where the appearance of the installation matters. The reinforced 35 mm frame and glass-glass construction provide added rigidity and mechanical resistance, which is important for typical roof structures and demanding snow loads.
What does bifacial cell technology mean in the WST-BDX54-B2 WBC series, and is it worth the extra cost?
Bifacial cells capture solar radiation on both the front and rear sides of the panel, allowing additional energy gains from light reflected off the ground, roof, or surrounding surfaces. In practice, the gain is variable and depends on mounting type and ground albedo. The effect is more noticeable on light-colored ground or ground-mounted installations than on a standard rooftop installation over dark roofing tiles.
What warranty comes with WINAICO WBC panels, and what is covered during the first year of operation?
The manufacturer provides a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year performance warranty, one of the longer warranty terms available on the market. The warranty is backed by a German guarantor, increasing claim security for the investor. Additionally, the first year of operation of the entire installation is covered by insurance, protecting the investor during commissioning and early use.
Do N-type cells in WINAICO WBC panels handle high temperatures better than standard P-type cells?
N-type monocrystalline cells have a lower power temperature coefficient than typical P-type cells, meaning smaller power losses at high module operating temperatures. This matters in summer, when panel temperature on a roof can far exceed ambient temperature. Thanks to this technology, the WBC series maintains more stable energy production on hot days compared to older P-type designs.
How does the WINAICO WST-BDX54-B2 WBC differ from standard monocrystalline panels without back contact technology?
The main difference is the absence of visible busbars and interconnect ribbons on the front, plus a glass-glass construction instead of a typical glass-with-backsheet design. This delivers better aesthetics, higher resistance to microcracks, and longer service life, but comes at a higher price compared to standard P-type monocrystalline modules without bifacial or back contact technology.
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