400W to 500W solar panels: complete comparison

Learning Zone · real product comparison

400W to 500W solar panels: complete comparison

415, 440, 450, 460 or 500 W? Nameplate power is only the beginning: footprint, current, technology, roof and inverter decide.

Watts — Peak power under test conditions.
W/m² — Nominal power packed into module area.
Voc and Isc — Drive electrical compatibility.
Dimensions — 500 W can mean fewer modules, not always less roof complexity.

The highest wattage is not automatically best

A 500 W module may simply be larger than a 450 W model. The roof decides how many rectangles fit around shade, edges and walkways. Existing systems also impose inverter voltage and current limits.

Comparing only price per watt is like choosing a car from horsepower alone: useful, but incomplete.

Five current catalogue examples

The table uses real MR WATT models. W/m² is calculated from rating and outer dimensions to compare footprint; it is not a replacement for certified efficiency.

On a phone, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.

Model Technology Dimensions Weight Area Power/area
EcoDelta 415 W Shingled mono 1,719 × 1,140 × 30 mm 21 kg ≈ 1.960 m² ≈ 212 W/m²
BISOL Duplex 440 W Monocrystalline, EU-made 1,722 × 1,134 × 30 mm 22 kg ≈ 1.953 m² ≈ 225 W/m²
JA Solar 450 W N-type bifacial, dual glass 1,762 × 1,134 × 30 mm 22 kg ≈ 1.998 m² ≈ 225 W/m²
Hyundai 460 W N-type HJT bifacial 1,762 × 1,134 × 30 mm 21.8 kg ≈ 1.998 m² ≈ 230 W/m²
EcoDelta 500 W Bifacial TOPCon full black 1,961 × 1,134 × 30 mm 23.7 kg ≈ 2.224 m² ≈ 225 W/m²

Manufacturer specifications can be revised; check the datasheet for the exact purchased version.

Example: reaching at least 6 kWp

Module count is rounded up. Area is the panel rectangles only, excluding gaps, obstacles and access.

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Module rating Modules Total rating Panel area only
415 W 15 6.225 kWp ≈ 29.39 m²
440 W 14 6.160 kWp ≈ 27.34 m²
450 W 14 6.300 kWp ≈ 27.97 m²
460 W 14 6.440 kWp ≈ 27.97 m²
500 W 12 6.000 kWp ≈ 26.69 m²
The 500 W case uses fewer panels and less rectangle area here, but an irregular roof may fit shorter modules better. Draw the layout.

What the technologies change

On a phone, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.

Technology Potential advantage Consider
Shingled Continuous active area and appearance Performance depends on implementation
N-type TOPCon Low losses and good degradation potential Not all products share warranty/performance
HJT Strong temperature coefficient and bifaciality Cost and availability
Bifacial Rear-side generation Gain depends on albedo, height and shade
Dual glass Mechanical/environmental protection Weight and mounting

Electrical compatibility comes first

Strings must respect cold Voc, MPPT range, minimum voltage, input current and allowed short-circuit current. High-current modern modules may not suit an older inverter.

On a phone, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.

Example Voc Isc Implication
EcoDelta 415 W 46.70 V 11.12 A Higher voltage, lower current
Hyundai 460 W 37.05 V 17.66 A High current: check MPPT limit
EcoDelta 500 W 40.07 V 15.90 A Check current and series count
Never size only from 25 °C values. Voc rises in cold conditions; apply the temperature coefficient and local design minimum.

Seven-step selection

  1. Measure roof planes, obstacles and shade.
  2. Set target power and maximum module count.
  3. Check structural load and mounting for size/weight.
  4. Calculate string Voc at minimum temperature.
  5. Check Imp/Isc per MPPT and parallel strings.
  6. Assess rear irradiance before claiming bifacial gain.
  7. Compare warranty, availability and future replaceability, not watts alone.

Which rating fits which situation?

On a phone, swipe the table horizontally to see every column.

Scenario Often sensible Why
Regular roof, little space 460–500 W high density Fewer modules and connections
Broken-up roof 400–450 W shorter modules More flexible layout
Pergola/bright ground Bifacial Rear can receive useful light
Revamp with old inverter Electrically compatible module Current/voltage before watts
Residential aesthetics Full black Uniform look, with thermal trade-off

Compare datasheets, then price

Filter by dimensions, current, technology and warranty. The watt label does not design the roof.

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Frequently asked questions

How large is a 500 W panel?

The example is about 1.961 × 1.134 m; there is no universal size.

How many for 6 kW?

About 12 at 500 W, 14 at 440–460 W or 15 at 415 W.

Does bifacial always produce more?

No. Without rear irradiance the gain can be small.

Can I replace an old panel with a more powerful one?

Only after checking Voc, Isc, Imp, connectors, dimensions and inverter limits.

450 or 500 W?

It depends on layout and electronics: 500 W reduces count; 450 W is shorter here.

Related guides

Size an MPPT controller · DIY solar and legality

Sources

Technical comparison, not an absolute ranking. Price and availability change.