The Aiko Neostar 3S+ 480W Dual Glass All Black (model AIKO-A480-MCE54Db) is a third-generation N-Type ABC (All Back Contact) bifacial solar panel built on Aiko's Infinite Technology cell platform. Relocating every electrical contact to the rear of the cell removes front-side busbars entirely, lifting module efficiency to 24.0% at STC in a compact 54-cell format. Finished in a discreet all-black design with a black anodised aluminium frame, and built with dual-glass construction for long-term rigidity and moisture resistance, this panel suits residential and light-commercial roofs where a sleek, low-profile appearance matters as much as performance. Backed by an exceptional 30-year product warranty and a 30-year linear performance warranty, it represents Aiko's current top-tier warranty position across the Neostar range.
N-Type ABC Infinite
Cell technology
−0.26 %/°C
Temp. coefficient (Pmax)
30 yrs / 30 yrs
Product / performance warranty
Dual Glass Bifacial
Construction
Bifacial rear-side energy gain
As a dual-glass, glass-on-glass module, this panel can capture reflected light on its rear surface in addition to direct front irradiance, adding extra real-world yield on light-coloured roofing membranes, gravel ballast, or elevated ground-mount frames. Aiko's manufacturer datasheet for this AIKO-A-MCE54Db series does not publish a formal bifaciality coefficient or backside power gain table (unlike some of Aiko's 60-cell 3P+ Gen 3 modules), so no specific rear-gain percentage can be quoted for this model.
Installer requirement
Must be installed by an MCS-accredited installer. UK grid-connected PV requires MCS certification for DNO notification compliance and Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) eligibility.
Key Features
Zero front-grid shading loss
Because every electrical contact sits on the rear of the cell, there are no metal busbars on the sun-facing surface to block incoming light or create hotspots — the entire front face remains active photovoltaic material.
Partial shading optimisation
Aiko's ABC cell design includes built-in shade tolerance, helping the module retain a higher proportion of its output when part of the array is shaded by chimneys, vent pipes, or overhanging branches, compared with conventional busbar cells.
Dual-glass rigidity and longevity
The 2.0 + 2.0mm coated semi-tempered glass sandwich replaces a conventional polymer backsheet, giving superior resistance to moisture ingress, UV degradation, and mechanical flex over a multi-decade service life.
Low temperature coefficient
At −0.26%/°C for Pmax, this panel loses less output per degree above 25°C than many conventional PERC or TOPCon panels, translating into a real-world yield advantage on hot UK summer roof surfaces.
Industry-leading 30-year product warranty
This Gen 3 range carries a 30-year product warranty alongside its 30-year performance warranty — matching product and performance warranty terms, which is a stronger position than many competing panels that split shorter product cover from a longer performance guarantee.
IP68 junction box with triple bypass diodes
The IP68-rated junction box and 3 bypass diodes protect the module against moisture ingress and localised hotspot damage if individual cell strings are shaded or soiled.
Technical Specifications
| Electrical Characteristics (STC) |
| Rated Power (Pmax) |
480W |
| Module Efficiency |
24.0% |
| Voc (Open Circuit Voltage) |
40.90V |
| Vmp (Voltage at Max Power) |
34.50V |
| Isc (Short Circuit Current) |
14.80A |
| Imp (Current at Max Power) |
13.92A |
| Power Tolerance |
0 to +3% |
| Temperature Ratings (STC) |
| Temp. Coefficient of Isc |
+0.05%/°C |
| Temp. Coefficient of Voc |
−0.22%/°C |
| Temp. Coefficient of Pmax |
−0.26%/°C |
| Operating Temperature Range |
−40°C to +85°C |
| Construction |
| Cell Type |
N-Type ABC (Infinite Technology) |
| Glass |
Dual glass, 2.0 + 2.0mm coated semi-tempered |
| Frame |
Black anodised aluminium |
| Number of Cells |
108 (6×18) |
| Junction Box |
IP68, 3 bypass diodes |
| Connector |
Original MC4-EVO2A |
| Cable |
4mm² (IEC) / 12AWG (UL), ±1200mm |
| Physical & Ratings |
| Dimensions |
1762 × 1134 × 30mm |
| Weight |
24.2kg ±3% |
| Maximum System Voltage |
DC 1500V |
| Maximum Series Fuse Rating |
30A |
| Protection Class |
Class II |
| Maximum Static Loading |
Front 5400Pa / Rear 2400Pa |
| Hail Test |
25mm diameter hail at 23m/s |
| Fire Rating |
IEC Class A |
| Warranty & Degradation |
| Product Warranty |
30 years |
| Performance Warranty |
30-year linear |
| First-Year Degradation |
≤1% |
| Annual Degradation (Year 2–30) |
≤0.35%/year |
| Guaranteed Performance at Year 30 |
88.85% |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this panel bifacial and how much extra energy does the rear side generate?
Yes — the dual-glass, glass-on-glass construction allows the rear surface to capture reflected light in addition to front-facing direct irradiance. However, Aiko's manufacturer datasheet for this specific AIKO-A-MCE54Db series does not publish a formal bifaciality coefficient or a backside power gain test table, so no specific rear-gain percentage can be quoted for this model. Real-world gain depends on the mounting surface, tilt, and elevation.
How do I know if I'm looking at the correct 480W product, given similar model numbers exist?
Check the exact wattage suffix on the part number. AIKO-A480-MCE54Db belongs to the current-generation 480–490W range with a 30-year product warranty, described on this page. A separate, older 460–475W range uses the same base model family name (Neostar 3S+54, AIKO-A-MCE54Db) but carries a different, shorter product warranty term — always confirm the wattage figure in the part number before ordering or quoting warranty terms.
Does this panel require an MCS-accredited installer in the UK?
Yes. For UK grid-connected residential and commercial PV installations, the installation must be carried out by an MCS-accredited installer to remain compliant with DNO notification requirements and to qualify for Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) payments.
How does the 30-year linear performance warranty work?
Aiko guarantees output will not degrade below 99% in Year 1, then declines by no more than 0.35% per year from Year 2 onward, guaranteeing a minimum of 88.85% of rated output at Year 30 — with no step-down cliff edges partway through the warranty term.
What connector type does this panel use, and is it compatible with standard MC4?
The panel is fitted with Original MC4-EVO2A connectors, which are mechanically and electrically compatible with the standard MC4 connector ecosystem used across most UK string inverters and extension cabling, while offering an improved sealing and locking mechanism.
