More power from every square metre of roof: the Aiko Neostar 3S 485W (manufacturer model AIKO-A485-MCE54Mb) pairs N-type ABC (All Back Contact) cell technology with a refined all-black design to reach 24.3% module efficiency in a compact 1,762 × 1,134 mm panel. With 108 cells (6 × 18) and a black anodised aluminium frame, it is built for homes and commercial roofs where output and appearance both count.
All electrical contacts sit on the rear of the cell, so the front has no busbars or grid lines, giving maximum active cell area and a clean, uniform look. Aiko highlights partial shading optimisation, a better temperature coefficient (-0.26 %/°C on Pmax), high temperature restriction and micro-crack resistance as core features of the range, so output stays steady through shade, summer heat and years of thermal cycling.
The front is protected by 3.2 mm tempered glass with a high weather resistant backsheet, and the IP68 junction box with 3 bypass diodes, Class II protection and DC 1500 V rating are built for dependable long-term service. The datasheet shows a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year linear performance warranty, guaranteeing 88.85% of rated power at year 30.
108
N-type ABC cells (6 × 18)
1500 V
Max system voltage DC
30 years
Product warranty
30 years
Linear performance warranty
Model and credentials
Manufacturer model: AIKO-A485-MCE54Mb | Series: Neostar 3S | All black, MC4-EVO2A connectors. The manufacturer datasheet shows IEC 61215 and IEC 61730, 2014/35/EU and ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 management systems, with optional Munich Re coverage available on request.
Safety and compliance
Solar panels produce live DC voltage whenever they are exposed to light. Installation, string design and connection must be carried out by competent persons in line with BS 7671, the manufacturer instructions and the applicable G98/G99 grid connection process. For MCS-certified installations the installer must hold MCS certification.
Mounting and compatibility
Each panel weighs 21.1 kg (±3%) and measures 1,762 mm in length, so plan for safe handling and check roof loading. Follow Aiko’s installation guide for clamping positions. The panel uses MC4-EVO2A connectors on ±1200 mm cable, so match any extension leads and mating connectors accordingly.
Key features
N-type ABC cell technology
All Back Contact cells move every contact to the rear, removing front-side busbars and delivering 24.3% efficiency with a clean, uniform front.
Partial shading optimisation
Aiko lists partial shading optimisation as a core Neostar feature. With 3 bypass diodes in an IP68 junction box, shade on one part of the panel has less impact on the rest.
Better temperature performance
A Pmax temperature coefficient of -0.26 %/°C and high temperature restriction help hold output when the roof heats up. At NOCT it delivers 367 W.
All-black appearance
A black anodised aluminium frame and a front with no visible grid lines give a discreet, premium finish on any roof.
Lightweight and compact
485 W from 1,762 × 1,134 × 30 mm at just 21.1 kg. 37 panels per pallet and 962 per 40 ft HC keep logistics simple.
Tested for tough weather
Rated for 5400 Pa front / 2400 Pa rear static load and 40 mm hail at 23 m/s, with micro-crack resistance as a stated design focus.
Technical specification
Identification
Brand / series
Aiko Neostar 3S
Manufacturer model
AIKO-A485-MCE54Mb
Electrical data at STC (AM1.5, 1000 W/m², 25 °C)
Maximum power (Pmax)
485 W
Open-circuit voltage (Voc)
41.00 V
Voltage at max power (Vmp)
34.60 V
Short-circuit current (Isc)
14.84 A
Current at max power (Imp)
14.02 A
Maximum system voltage
DC 1500 V
Maximum series fuse rating
25 A
Protection class
Class II
Electrical data at NOCT (AM1.5, 800 W/m², 20 °C, 1 m/s)
Voc / Vmp
38.90 V / 32.83 V
Isc / Imp
11.99 A / 11.21 A
Temperature ratings (STC)
Temperature coefficient of Pmax
-0.26 %/°C
Temperature coefficient of Voc
-0.22 %/°C
Temperature coefficient of Isc
+0.05 %/°C
Operation temperature
-40 °C to +70 °C
Mechanical data
Cell type
N-type ABC (All Back Contact), 108 cells (6 × 18)
Dimensions (L × W × H)
1,762 × 1,134 × 30 mm (tolerance ±2 mm)
Glass
3.2 mm tempered glass
Backsheet
High weather resistant backsheet
Frame
Black anodised aluminium
Junction box
IP68, 3 bypass diodes
Cable
4 mm² (IEC) / 12 AWG (UL), ±1200 mm
Maximum static load
Front 5400 Pa / Back 2400 Pa
Hail test
40 mm diameter hail at 23 m/s
Warranty and packaging
Product warranty
30 years
Linear performance warranty
30 years: 99% at year 1, 90.6% at year 25, 88.85% at year 30
Degradation
First year ≤1%; years 2 to 30 ≤0.35% per year
Optional insurance
Munich Re coverage available on request
Packaging
37 pcs per pallet | 222 pcs per 20 ft GP | 962 pcs per 40 ft HC
Frequently asked questions
What makes an ABC panel different from a standard solar panel?
In a standard panel, metal busbars and grid lines on the front of the cell block part of the light. In an All Back Contact cell all contacts are on the rear, so the whole front surface is active. That gives this panel 24.3% module efficiency and a clean front with no visible grid lines.
What does all black mean for this panel?
It refers to the dark appearance: a black anodised aluminium frame combined with a front surface that has no visible busbars or grid lines. The result is a uniform, discreet look that suits domestic and commercial roofs.
How does the panel perform in hot weather and shade?
The Pmax temperature coefficient is -0.26 %/°C and the module is rated for -40 °C to +70 °C operation. At NOCT conditions it produces 367 W. For shade, Aiko lists partial shading optimisation, supported by 3 bypass diodes in the IP68 junction box.
What warranty is included?
The manufacturer datasheet shows a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year linear performance warranty. First-year degradation is no more than 1%, then no more than 0.35% per year, guaranteeing 90.6% of rated power at year 25 and 88.85% at year 30. Optional Munich Re coverage is available on request.
How heavy is it and what size are the panels?
Each panel weighs 21.1 kg (±3%) and measures 1,762 × 1,134 × 30 mm. Panels are packed 37 per pallet, 222 per 20 ft GP and 962 per 40 ft HC. Plan safe handling and check roof loading and rail spacing as part of your design.
Can I use this panel on a 1500 V system?
The module is rated for DC 1500 V maximum system voltage with a 25 A maximum series fuse rating. Use the Voc, Vmp, Isc and Imp values and the temperature coefficients in the specification above, together with your inverter’s input limits, when designing strings. Connectors are MC4-EVO2A.