Chinese solar module manufacturer Risen Energy recently launched a 475-Watt bifacial TOPCon solar panel for the Australian rooftop residential and C&I market. Here’s a look at what’s expected to be a very reasonably priced panel.
Risen Energy RSM96-11-475BNDG Specifications
- Power output (front face): 475 Watts
- Bifacial factor: 80± 5(%)
- Maximum module efficiency (front face): 23.8%
- Cells: 96 N-type TOPCon cells (6×8+6×8)
- Operating temperature: -40°C~+85°C
- Temperature coefficient of Pmax: -0.29%/°C
- Maximum system voltage: 1500VDC
- Panel dimensions: 1762×1134×30mm
- Weight: 21.5 kg
- Glass thickness: 1.6mm back and front.
- Frame: anodized aluminium alloy, black
- Product warranty: 25 years
- Performance warranty: 30 years. Allows for 0.4% annual degradation for a final minimum output of 87.4% of nameplate capacity at year 30.
Risen says the panels offer excellent low-light performance and strong anti-LID (Light-Induced Degradation) and PID (Potential Induced Degradation) resistance.
The RSM96-11-475BNDG’s Clean Energy Council certification was approved in early July, so it’s eligible for Australia’s solar panel rebate and grid-connection. A full datasheet can be found here.
“At this critical juncture of Australia’s energy transition, Risen Energy’s TOPCon modules are perfectly tailored to local needs with their compact size, high power output, and long-term durability,” says the firm.
Although not exactly “compact”, the RSM96-11-475BNDG comes in at a whisker under 2m2, which is what we generally consider the cut-off mark for residential solar panels. The increasing dimensions of solar panels over the years have been a thorn in the side for installers who have to tussle with them on rooftops, a dangerous workplace at the best of times. Add a bit of breeze and solar panels are essentially heavy kites with sharp corners.
While bifaciality — the ability to capture light reflected onto the back of the panel as well as harvesting sunlight from the front — might not add a huge power boost (particular from dark roofs) when mounted so close to a rooftop as solar panels usually are, it’s a bonus.
It’s becoming increasingly common for modules from the better budget brands to have efficiencies around those of premium modules. Given the efficiency of this panel, we’ll need to update our Most Efficient Solar Panels in Australia page, which will take Risen from close to the bottom of the leader rankings to closer towards the top.
We don’t have estimated recommended retail pricing on the RSM96-11-475BNDG and I haven’t seen it pop up as being available on wholesaler websites as yet; but it shouldn’t be long. Risen sits at the budget end of solar panel brands currently recommended by SolarQuotes. You can compare specifications and estimated pricing details of a bunch of modules side-by-side on SolarQuotes’ solar panel comparison page.
As for the warranty, there’s only what’s mentioned on the datasheet — it doesn’t look as though the company has updated its Australian warranty documents yet; so sight those first and read them carefully before committing to a purchase.
Among other firms to have released 475 Watt solar panels suitable for residential rooftop installation this year, and which are available in Australia, are Aiko (480W) and Winaico.
Risen’s Track Record In Australia
Founded in 1986, Risen Energy was among the early entrants to the Australian home, C&I and utility solar market, and has supplied panels to Australian customers since 2008. Its local large-scale investments include Merredin Solar Farm in Western Australia (132 MW) and the Yarranlea Solar Farm in Queensland (103 MW), which it owns and operates.
The company has two offices here offering local support; one in Melbourne and another in Brisbane.
Globally, Risen has over 10,000 employees and claims to be the sixth largest PV module supplier in the world
Australian customer reviews of Risen Energy panels are generally favourable, averaging 4.8 stars from 486 ratings overall at the time of publishing, and 4.9 stars from 117 ratings in the last 12 months.
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