Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W vs Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W
The Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W wins this comparison by a clear margin. It delivers more power (550W vs 460W). For most residential installations, the Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W is the stronger choice.
Key Differences
- • Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W is rated at 460W while Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W is rated at 550W, a 90W difference.
- • Both achieve identical 21.3% module efficiency.
- • Both carry matching 12-year product warranties.
Specifications Breakdown
Module Efficiency
Both the Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W and Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W share identical 21.3% module efficiency, producing comparable power per unit area. The Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W generates 230.2 W/m² while the Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W generates 212.9 W/m² based on their respective panel dimensions. With matched efficiency, neither panel holds a density advantage for space-constrained rooftop installations, so other factors like warranty coverage and temperature performance become the deciding metrics.
Power Output
The Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W delivers 550W per panel versus 460W for the Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W, a 90W difference per module. To build an 8 kW residential system, you would need 18 Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W panels or 15 Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W panels. Choosing the higher-wattage option saves 3 panels, reducing total racking hardware, wiring, and installation labor costs. Higher wattage per panel is particularly valuable for commercial-scale installations where panel count directly impacts balance-of-system costs.
Temperature Coefficient
Both panels share an identical temperature coefficient of -0.34%/°C, meaning they lose power at the same rate as cell temperature rises above the 25°C standard test baseline. At 65°C cell temperature, both retain 93.2% of rated power. Neither panel has a thermal performance advantage, which makes this specification a non-factor in the comparison.
Warranty Coverage
The Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W is backed by a 12-year product warranty and 25-year performance guarantee, while the Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W offers 12-year product and 25-year performance coverage. Both offer identical product warranty duration. Based on their published degradation rates (1.5% first year then 0.5%/year for Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W; 1.5% first year then 0.5%/year for Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W), after 25 years the Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W should retain approximately 86.5% of original output versus 86.5% for the Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W. The end-of-life output levels are closely matched.
Physical Dimensions & Weight
The Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W measures 1762×1134×30mm and weighs 23 kg, while the Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W measures 2278×1134×35mm at 28.5 kg. 2.00 m² of panel area for the Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W versus 2.58 m² for the Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W. The Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W is 5.5 kg lighter per panel, which reduces structural load requirements on the roof and makes handling easier during installation. For a 20-panel system, that is a total weight difference of 110 kg. The more compact Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W may be easier to fit on irregularly shaped or space-limited rooftops.
Specification Comparison
| Specification | Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W | Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 460W | 550W |
| Efficiency | 21.3% | 21.3% |
| Power Density | 21.4 W/sq ft | 19.8 W/sq ft |
| Cell Type | PERC Mono | PERC Mono |
| Bifacial | Yes | No |
| Weight | 23 kg | 28.5 kg |
| Temp Coefficient | -0.34%/°C | -0.34%/°C |
| Snow Load | 5400 Pa | 5400 Pa |
| Wind Load | 2400 Pa | 2400 Pa |
| Product Warranty | 12 years | 12 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Degradation (Year 1) | 1.5% | 1.5% |
| Annual Degradation | 0.5% | 0.5% |
| Country | China | China |
5-Dimension Head-to-Head Analysis
1. Efficiency & Power Density
Winner: TieBoth panels achieve 21.3% module efficiency, producing identical power per square meter. Neither has an advantage in space-constrained installations.
2. Hot Climate Performance
Winner: TieBoth panels share a temperature coefficient of -0.34%/°C — identical heat tolerance.
3. Durability & Warranty
Winner: TieBoth panels offer identical 12-year product warranties and 0.5% annual degradation. Neither has a durability advantage.
4. Power Output
Winner: Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550WThe Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W delivers 550W versus 460W per panel — 90W more. For an 8 kW system, you need 15 panels with the higher-wattage option versus 18 panels, saving 3 panels and the associated racking and labor costs.
5. Cell Technology
Winner: TieBoth panels use PERC Mono cell technology. No technology advantage for either product.
Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W
The ASTRO N5 is a mid-range PERC panel delivering 460W for residential and commercial installations at a value price point.
Pros
- + Good value per watt
- + Mid-size format
- + CHINT Group backing
- + Widely available globally
Cons
- - Older PERC technology
- - Standard efficiency
- - Less known in US
Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W
Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell is a high-output PERC module for commercial installations at a competitive price point.
Pros
- + High 550W output
- + Competitive commercial pricing
- + Proven track record
- + Large format
Cons
- - Older PERC technology
- - Heavy panel
- - Brand perception concerns
Choose Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W If...
- ✓ Value-oriented projects seeking competitive PERC pricing from a global manufacturer.
Choose Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W If...
- ✓ You want fewer panels to reach your target system size, reducing racking and labor costs
- ✓ Commercial projects seeking affordable high-output PERC modules.
Our Recommendation
We recommend the Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W for most buyers in this comparison. It wins 1 of 5 key dimensions and offers a clear advantage in the metrics that matter most for a solar panel purchase. The Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W remains a good product, but the Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W delivers better overall value for the majority of installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W or Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W?
The Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W wins this comparison by a clear margin. It delivers more power (550W vs 460W). For most residential installations, the Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W is the stronger choice.
Which panel is more efficient, Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W or Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W?
The both panels share 21.3% module efficiency. Higher efficiency means more watts per square foot of roof space, which is critical for space-constrained installations. The difference of 0.0 percentage points translates to approximately 90W per panel under standard test conditions.
Which has a better warranty, Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W or Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W?
The Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W comes with a 12-year product warranty and 25-year performance guarantee. The Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W offers 12-year product and 25-year performance warranties. Both offer identical warranty terms.
Which panel performs better in hot weather?
The Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W has a temperature coefficient of -0.34%/°C and the Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W is -0.34%/°C. Both handle heat equally. A lower (less negative) temperature coefficient is better.
How many Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W vs Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W panels do I need for an 8 kW system?
For an 8 kW system: you need 18 Astronergy ASTRO N5 460W panels (460W each) or 15 Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W panels (550W each). The Yingli Solar YLM 144 Cell 550W requires fewer panels, saving on racking hardware and installation labor.
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Last updated: February 2026