{"product_id":"aiko-neostar-3s-490w-n-type-abc-all-black-mono-glass-solar-panel-gen-3","title":"Aiko Neostar 3S 490W N-Type ABC All Black Mono Glass Solar Panel Gen 3","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-size:16px;font-family:Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;color:#1a1a1a;max-width:900px;margin:0 auto;line-height:1.6;\"\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ── INTRO ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────── --\u003e\n  \u003cp style=\"margin:0 0 18px;\"\u003e\n    The \u003cstrong\u003eAiko Neostar 3S 490W All Black (AIK-A-MCE54-490-AB-G3 \/ AIKO-A490-MCE54Mb)\u003c\/strong\u003e is the peak-power variant of Aiko's third-generation \u003cstrong\u003eINFINITE N-Type ABC mono-glass module\u003c\/strong\u003e — delivering \u003cstrong\u003e24.5% module efficiency\u003c\/strong\u003e in a sleek, true all-black format with no visible busbars, no cell gaps, and a uniform black polymer backsheet. At 490W from a compact 54-cell 1762 × 1134mm footprint, this panel generates more electricity per square metre than any comparable residential module on the UK market. The all-black aesthetic suits modern roof designs and conservation area installations where panel appearance is a consideration; the N-Type ABC cell architecture delivers the performance that backs up the premium specification. \u003cstrong\u003e30-year product warranty and 30-year linear performance warranty\u003c\/strong\u003e. Temperature coefficient of \u003cstrong\u003e−0.26%\/°C\u003c\/strong\u003e — best in independent CEA PV Tech lab testing. \u003cstrong\u003eMCS certified\u003c\/strong\u003e. Winner of the \u003cstrong\u003eIntersolar Innovation Award 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e, \u003cstrong\u003eRed Dot Design Award 2023\u003c\/strong\u003e, and recognised with \u003cstrong\u003eESG Transparency 2024\u003c\/strong\u003e. BloombergNEF Tier 1 manufacturer.\n  \u003c\/p\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ── TEAL MONO vs DUAL GLASS CALLOUT ──────────────────────────── --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"border-left:4px solid #008377CF;background:#e6f4f3;padding:10px 16px;margin-bottom:22px;border-radius:0 6px 6px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color:#005c54;\"\u003eℹ This Is the Mono-Glass All-Black Variant — How It Differs from Dual Glass\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    The \u003cstrong\u003eNeostar 3S (AIK-A-MCE54-490-\u003cu\u003eAB\u003c\/u\u003e-G3)\u003c\/strong\u003e uses a \u003cstrong\u003esingle 2.0mm tempered glass front\u003c\/strong\u003e and a \u003cstrong\u003eblack polymer backsheet\u003c\/strong\u003e — giving it the lightest weight in the Gen 3 range at \u003cstrong\u003e20.6kg\u003c\/strong\u003e and a fully black rear face with no visible silver busbar lines. It is \u003cstrong\u003emonofacial\u003c\/strong\u003e (front-side illumination only). For installations where rear-side reflected light can be captured, the dual-glass bifacial 3S+ (AIK-A-MCE54-490-AB-\u003cu\u003eDG\u003c\/u\u003e-G3) is available instead. For a standard pitched UK roof with no significant ground or roof reflection, the mono-glass variant produces comparable real-world yield at a lower mounting weight.\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ── STAT STRIP ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display:flex;flex-wrap:wrap;gap:10px;margin-bottom:20px;\"\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"flex:1;min-width:85px;background:#008377CF;color:#fff;border-radius:6px;padding:11px 8px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;\"\u003e490W\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size:12px;margin-top:3px;\"\u003eRated power (STC)\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"flex:1;min-width:85px;background:#008377CF;color:#fff;border-radius:6px;padding:11px 8px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;\"\u003e24.5%\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size:12px;margin-top:3px;\"\u003eModule efficiency\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"flex:1;min-width:85px;background:#008377CF;color:#fff;border-radius:6px;padding:11px 8px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;\"\u003e−0.26%\/°C\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size:12px;margin-top:3px;\"\u003eTemp coefficient\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"flex:1;min-width:85px;background:#008377CF;color:#fff;border-radius:6px;padding:11px 8px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;\"\u003e≥88.85%\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size:12px;margin-top:3px;\"\u003eOutput at year 30\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003cdiv style=\"flex:1;min-width:85px;background:#008377CF;color:#fff;border-radius:6px;padding:11px 8px;text-align:center;\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size:17px;font-weight:700;\"\u003e30 + 30yr\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv style=\"font-size:12px;margin-top:3px;\"\u003eProduct + performance\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ── FEATURES GRID ──────────────────────────────────────────────── --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background:#008377CF;color:#fff;font-weight:600;font-size:15px;padding:10px 16px;border-radius:6px 6px 0 0;\"\u003eFeatures \u0026amp; Benefits\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"display:grid;grid-template-columns:repeat(auto-fill,minmax(255px,1fr));gap:12px;background:#e6f4f3;padding:14px;border-radius:0 0 6px 6px;margin-bottom:22px;\"\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background:#f0faf9;border:1px solid #c8e6e3;border-radius:6px;padding:13px;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-weight:700;color:#008377CF;margin-bottom:5px;\"\u003e✔ ABC Technology — All Contacts on the Rear\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:14px;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAll Back Contact (ABC)\u003c\/strong\u003e relocates every electrical contact — both positive and negative — to the rear face of the cell, leaving the \u003cstrong\u003eentire front surface available for light absorption\u003c\/strong\u003e. Standard solar cells lose 3–5% of their potentially capturable light under the silver busbars printed on the front. Aiko's ABC cells eliminate this loss entirely. Combined with \u003cstrong\u003ePrecision Overlap Soldering\u003c\/strong\u003e — a Gen 3 advancement that eliminates the gaps between cells — the panel's active generating area is maximised to the largest proportion of total panel area achievable in a residential format. The result is a measurably higher yield from the same roof space.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background:#f0faf9;border:1px solid #c8e6e3;border-radius:6px;padding:13px;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-weight:700;color:#008377CF;margin-bottom:5px;\"\u003e✔ True All-Black — No Visible Busbars, No Cell Gaps\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:14px;\"\u003eThe Neostar 3S All Black achieves a \u003cstrong\u003egenuinely uniform black appearance\u003c\/strong\u003e — not just a black frame around a blue or silver-veined panel. The ABC rear-contact design means no silver busbars cross the front face, and Precision Overlap Soldering closes the white gaps between cells that are visible on conventional panels. The result is a \u003cstrong\u003eflat, deeply black surface\u003c\/strong\u003e that reads as a single sheet of colour on the roof rather than a grid of 54 individual cells. The black polymer backsheet completes the aesthetic on the underside. For homeowners, architects, and conservation officers for whom panel appearance is a specification requirement, this is the panel that meets the brief without compromising output.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background:#f0faf9;border:1px solid #c8e6e3;border-radius:6px;padding:13px;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-weight:700;color:#008377CF;margin-bottom:5px;\"\u003e✔ Cell-Level Partial Shade Optimisation — Unique to Aiko\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:14px;\"\u003eAiko's ABC architecture enables \u003cstrong\u003epartial shading optimisation at the individual cell level\u003c\/strong\u003e — a capability that Aiko claims is unique in the industry. On a conventional solar panel, bypass diodes protect the module by shutting off an entire third of the panel (18 cells) when any cell in that section is shaded. On the Neostar 3S, only the \u003cstrong\u003especifically shaded cells\u003c\/strong\u003e are bypassed, while the remaining unshaded cells in the same section continue generating normally. In practice: shading from a chimney, TV aerial, roof vent, or tree affecting one-sixth of the panel results in approximately one-sixth of output loss — not one-third. This requires \u003cstrong\u003eno external optimiser hardware\u003c\/strong\u003e and adds no additional failure points to the system.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background:#f0faf9;border:1px solid #c8e6e3;border-radius:6px;padding:13px;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-weight:700;color:#008377CF;margin-bottom:5px;\"\u003e✔ −0.26%\/°C — Best Temperature Coefficient\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:14px;\"\u003eAll solar panels lose efficiency as cell temperature rises above 25°C — the \u003cstrong\u003etemperature coefficient of Pmax\u003c\/strong\u003e quantifies this loss. At \u003cstrong\u003e−0.26%\/°C\u003c\/strong\u003e, the Neostar 3S loses less power per degree of heating than any other panel type in independent CEA PV Tech laboratory testing. A typical P-type PERC panel has a coefficient of −0.35%\/°C; HJT panels reach −0.26% but at significantly higher cost. In practical UK terms: on a summer day when panels reach 65°C, the Neostar 3S loses 10.4% of its STC rating from temperature — a PERC panel in the same conditions loses 14%. Over a UK year with a realistic range of operating temperatures, \u003cstrong\u003ethe temperature coefficient advantage compounds into a measurable additional annual yield\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background:#f0faf9;border:1px solid #c8e6e3;border-radius:6px;padding:13px;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-weight:700;color:#008377CF;margin-bottom:5px;\"\u003e✔ ≤0.35%\/year Degradation — 88.85% at Year 30\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:14px;\"\u003eThe Neostar 3S Gen 3 warranty guarantees \u003cstrong\u003e≤1% output loss in year 1\u003c\/strong\u003e (LID\/LeTID stabilisation) and \u003cstrong\u003e≤0.35%\/year degradation from years 2 to 30\u003c\/strong\u003e, with a guaranteed minimum output at year 30 of \u003cstrong\u003e≥88.85% of rated power\u003c\/strong\u003e. For context: a standard P-type PERC panel typically degrades at 0.55%\/year, leaving approximately 80% of rated output at year 30. The Aiko N-Type ABC cell's inherently lower LID (Light-Induced Degradation) and LeTID (Light and elevated Temperature Induced Degradation) characteristics underpin this low degradation rate — N-Type silicon does not suffer the boron-oxygen complex formation that causes LID in P-type cells. Over 30 years, a system built with these panels will generate substantially more total electricity than an equivalent PERC system of the same initial capacity.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n    \u003cdiv style=\"background:#f0faf9;border:1px solid #c8e6e3;border-radius:6px;padding:13px;\"\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-weight:700;color:#008377CF;margin-bottom:5px;\"\u003e✔ Stäubli MC4-EVO2A — DC 1500V — MCS Certified\u003c\/div\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"font-size:14px;\"\u003eThe Neostar 3S is supplied with \u003cstrong\u003eStäubli MC4-EVO2A connectors\u003c\/strong\u003e — the industry's most widely trusted PV connector standard, compatible with all major inverter and string combiner DC input connections. Cables are \u003cstrong\u003e1.2m length, 4mm²\u003c\/strong\u003e cross-section, giving sufficient length for standard framing arrangements without extensions in most residential layouts. Maximum system voltage of \u003cstrong\u003eDC 1,500V\u003c\/strong\u003e enables compatibility with high-voltage commercial string configurations and the latest 1,500V hybrid inverters. \u003cstrong\u003eMCS (Microgeneration Certification Scheme) certified\u003c\/strong\u003e — required for eligibility for UK Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) tariff payments. Clamp position: long side only.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ── SPEC TABLE ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background:#008377CF;color:#fff;font-weight:600;font-size:15px;padding:10px 16px;border-radius:6px 6px 0 0;\"\u003eTechnical Specifications — AIK-A-MCE54-490-AB-G3 (STC)\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003ctable style=\"width:100%;border-collapse:collapse;margin-bottom:22px;font-size:14px;\"\u003e\n    \u003ctbody\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f0faf9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;width:44%;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eManufacturer \/ Part No.\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eAiko Solar (Shanghai AIKO Energy Co., Ltd.) — \u003cstrong\u003eAIK-A-MCE54-490-AB-G3\u003c\/strong\u003e\n\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#fff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eModel Code\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eAIKO-A490-MCE54Mb (Neostar 3S54 Mono-Glass All Black)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f0faf9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eCell Technology\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eN-Type ABC (All Back Contact) — INFINITE Technology Gen 3\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#fff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eNo. of Cells\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003e54 (6 × 9)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f0faf9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eRated Power (Pmax)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e490 W\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#fff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eModule Efficiency\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e24.5%\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f0faf9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003ePower Tolerance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003e0 \/ +5W\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#fff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eTemperature Coefficient (Pmax)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e−0.26%\/°C\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f0faf9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eMax. System Voltage\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eDC 1,500V\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#fff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eConstruction\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eMono-glass — 2.0mm tempered front glass · black polymer backsheet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f0faf9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eFrame\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eBlack anodised aluminium — all-black appearance\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#fff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eDimensions (L × W × D)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003e1,762 × 1,134 × 30 mm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f0faf9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eWeight\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e20.6 kg\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#fff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eConnector\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eStäubli MC4-EVO2A · 1.2m cable · 4mm²\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f0faf9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eClamp Position\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eLong side only\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#fff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eFire Classification\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eIEC Class A\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f0faf9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eDegradation\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003e≤1% year 1 · ≤0.35%\/year years 2–30 · ≥88.85% at year 30\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#fff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eProduct Warranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e30 years\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f0faf9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003ePerformance Warranty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003e30 years\u003c\/strong\u003e linear\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#fff;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eCertifications\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003eMCS · TÜV · IEC 61215 · IEC 61730\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n      \u003ctr style=\"background:#f0faf9;\"\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;font-weight:600;\"\u003eAwards \/ Recognition\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd style=\"padding:9px 14px;\"\u003eIntersolar Innovation Award 2023 · Red Dot Design Award 2023 · ESG Transparency 2024 · BNEF Tier 1 manufacturer\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n    \u003c\/tbody\u003e\n  \u003c\/table\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ── GEN 2 vs GEN 3 CALLOUT ─────────────────────────────────── --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"border-left:4px solid #008377CF;background:#e6f4f3;padding:10px 16px;margin-bottom:22px;border-radius:0 6px 6px 0;\"\u003e\n    \u003cstrong style=\"color:#005c54;\"\u003eℹ Gen 3 vs Gen 2 — What Changed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\n    Third-generation INFINITE modules introduced in summer 2025 bring three advances over Gen 2: (1) \u003cstrong\u003ePrecision Overlap Soldering\u003c\/strong\u003e eliminates the small gaps between cells, increasing the active generating area by several percentage points; (2) \u003cstrong\u003ehigher nominal power\u003c\/strong\u003e — panels in the same 54-cell format gained 15–20W over the equivalent Gen 2 rating; (3) \u003cstrong\u003eextended product warranty\u003c\/strong\u003e from 25 to 30 years. The 30-year performance warranty and −0.26%\/°C temperature coefficient are carried forward unchanged from Gen 2.\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n  \u003c!-- ── FAQ ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────── --\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"background:#008377CF;color:#fff;font-weight:600;font-size:15px;padding:10px 16px;border-radius:6px 6px 0 0;\"\u003eFrequently Asked Questions\u003c\/div\u003e\n  \u003cdiv style=\"border:1px solid #c8e6e3;border-top:none;border-radius:0 0 6px 6px;margin-bottom:8px;\"\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003e\n      \u003csummary style=\"padding:13px 16px;cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;background:#f0faf9;\"\u003eHow much more electricity does 24.5% efficiency actually generate in a real UK installation?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"padding:11px 16px;font-size:14px;\"\u003eIn a typical south-facing, 35° pitch UK roof location with approximately 1,000–1,100 kWh\/m²\/year of solar irradiance, a 490W panel of 1.998m² active area generates approximately \u003cstrong\u003e460–490 kWh\/year\u003c\/strong\u003e. A standard 400W PERC panel of the same physical dimensions but 20% efficiency would generate approximately 360–380 kWh\/year. The difference — roughly 100 kWh per panel per year — compounds significantly across a 10–16 panel domestic system: a 10-panel PERC system might generate 3,700 kWh\/year; the same 10 Aiko panels at 490W might generate 4,700 kWh\/year. Over a 30-year system life, considering the Aiko's lower degradation rate, the cumulative generation advantage can represent several additional years' worth of electricity production compared to a standard PERC installation.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003e\n      \u003csummary style=\"padding:13px 16px;cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;background:#fff;\"\u003eIs this panel eligible for the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG)?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"padding:11px 16px;font-size:14px;\"\u003eYes — the Aiko Neostar 3S is \u003cstrong\u003eMCS certified\u003c\/strong\u003e, which is a prerequisite for SEG eligibility for domestic solar PV installations under 50kW. MCS certification of the panel must be combined with MCS certification of the complete installation (installer MCS accredited, system design compliant with MCS 012) for the full system to qualify. The installer must also register the installation on the MCS database. Check with your installer that they hold current MCS accreditation before purchase.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003e\n      \u003csummary style=\"padding:13px 16px;cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;background:#f0faf9;\"\u003eIs this suitable for a south-facing roof, or does ABC technology offer an advantage on east\/west orientations?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"padding:11px 16px;font-size:14px;\"\u003eThe Neostar 3S performs excellently on south-facing roofs and delivers its headline efficiency figures under optimal orientation and irradiance. The \u003cstrong\u003ecell-level shade optimisation\u003c\/strong\u003e is where ABC technology has its most visible real-world advantage on sub-optimal orientations — an east\/west split roof where morning or afternoon shading from ridges and valleys affects part of the array will see noticeably less inter-string loss with Aiko panels than with conventional bypass diode protection. The \u003cstrong\u003elow temperature coefficient (−0.26%\/°C)\u003c\/strong\u003e also benefits south-facing arrays most, since south-facing panels reach higher cell temperatures in summer. Neither advantage disappears on east\/west systems — both compound throughout the year.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails style=\"border-bottom:1px solid #c8e6e3;\"\u003e\n      \u003csummary style=\"padding:13px 16px;cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;background:#fff;\"\u003eWhat is the difference between the \"3S\", \"3P\", and \"3P+\" designations in the Aiko range?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"padding:11px 16px;font-size:14px;\"\u003eAll three designations use the same N-Type ABC cell technology in the same 54-cell format. The key difference is glass construction and bifaciality. \u003cstrong\u003eNeostar 3S\u003c\/strong\u003e (this panel — AIK-A-MCE54-490-AB-G3): mono-glass with black backsheet, monofacial, lightest weight (20.6kg). \u003cstrong\u003eNeostar 3P\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003e3P+\u003c\/strong\u003e: dual-glass construction (2.0 + 2.0mm glass), bifacial (captures reflected light from the rear), heavier (approx. 24.2kg), more mechanically robust, better suited to ground mounts and commercial ballasted arrays where rear-side irradiance can be realised. For standard UK pitched roof applications, the 3S mono-glass delivers equivalent front-side performance at lower mounting weight and typically lower cost.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n    \u003cdetails\u003e\n      \u003csummary style=\"padding:13px 16px;cursor:pointer;font-weight:600;background:#f0faf9;\"\u003eHow do I verify this is a genuine Aiko product?\u003c\/summary\u003e\n      \u003cdiv style=\"padding:11px 16px;font-size:14px;\"\u003eAiko provides a \u003cstrong\u003emodule authenticity verification tool\u003c\/strong\u003e at verify.aikosolar.com — scan the QR code on the panel's data label or enter the panel serial number to confirm the module was manufactured by Aiko Solar and is not a counterfeit. Each panel carries a unique serial number and the AIKO branding on the data plate. Genuine modules also have a consistent all-black rear appearance (no silver contacts visible on the rear face), and the MC4-EVO2A connector housings carry the Stäubli branding. If purchasing through a distributor, request the MCS certificate and TÜV test certificates for the specific part number.\u003c\/div\u003e\n    \u003c\/details\u003e\n\n  \u003c\/div\u003e\n\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Aiko Solar","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":64270604435805,"sku":"AIK-A-MCE54-490-AB-G3","price":177.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0958\/2051\/3629\/files\/Aiko-Neostar-2S-460W-N-Type-ABC-All-Black-Monocrystalline-Solar-Panel-Gen-2-1-ezgif-com-webp-to-jpg-converter-500x500.png?v=1752567491","url":"https:\/\/qualityheating.co.uk\/products\/aiko-neostar-3s-490w-n-type-abc-all-black-mono-glass-solar-panel-gen-3","provider":"AIZO Quality Heating","version":"1.0","type":"link"}