Hyundai HiE-S485VG vs Hyundai HiE-S420VG
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG wins this comparison by a clear margin. It leads in efficiency (22% vs 21.5%) and matches or exceeds on warranty (25 vs 25 years). For most residential installations, the Hyundai HiE-S485VG is the stronger choice.
Key Differences
- • Hyundai HiE-S485VG is rated at 485W while Hyundai HiE-S420VG is rated at 420W, a 65W difference.
- • Hyundai HiE-S485VG achieves 22% efficiency vs 21.5% for the other, a 0.5 percentage point gap.
- • Both carry matching 25-year product warranties.
Specifications Breakdown
Module Efficiency
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG achieves 22% module efficiency compared to Hyundai HiE-S420VG's 21.5%, meaning Hyundai HiE-S485VG converts 0.5 percentage points more sunlight into electricity per square meter. In practical terms, the Hyundai HiE-S485VG produces 222.9 watts per square meter of panel area while the Hyundai HiE-S420VG produces 215.1 W/m². For rooftop installations where space is limited, this efficiency gap determines how many kilowatts you can fit on your available roof area. Over a 25-year system life, even a small efficiency advantage compounds into meaningful additional energy production.
Power Output
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG delivers 485W per panel versus 420W for the Hyundai HiE-S420VG, a 65W difference per module. To build an 8 kW residential system, you would need 17 Hyundai HiE-S485VG panels or 20 Hyundai HiE-S420VG 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 -0.3%/°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 94.0% of rated power. Neither panel has a thermal performance advantage, which makes this specification a non-factor in the comparison.
Warranty Coverage
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG is backed by a 25-year product warranty and 25-year performance guarantee, while the Hyundai HiE-S420VG offers 25-year product and 25-year performance coverage. Both offer identical product warranty duration. Based on their published degradation rates (1% first year then 0.4%/year for Hyundai HiE-S485VG; 1% first year then 0.4%/year for Hyundai HiE-S420VG), after 25 years the Hyundai HiE-S485VG should retain approximately 89.4% of original output versus 89.4% for the Hyundai HiE-S420VG. The end-of-life output levels are closely matched.
Physical Dimensions & Weight
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG measures 2094×1039×35mm and weighs 24.5 kg, while the Hyundai HiE-S420VG measures 1722×1134×30mm at 21 kg. 2.18 m² of panel area for the Hyundai HiE-S485VG versus 1.95 m² for the Hyundai HiE-S420VG. The Hyundai HiE-S420VG is 3.5 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 70 kg. The more compact Hyundai HiE-S420VG may be easier to fit on irregularly shaped or space-limited rooftops.
Specification Comparison
| Specification | Hyundai HiE-S485VG | Hyundai HiE-S420VG |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 485W | 420W |
| Efficiency | 22% | 21.5% |
| Power Density | 20.7 W/sq ft | 20.0 W/sq ft |
| Cell Type | TOPCon N-type | TOPCon N-type |
| Bifacial | No | No |
| Weight | 24.5 kg | 21 kg |
| Temp Coefficient | -0.3%/°C | -0.3%/°C |
| Snow Load | 5400 Pa | 5400 Pa |
| Wind Load | 2400 Pa | 2400 Pa |
| Product Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Degradation (Year 1) | 1% | 1% |
| Annual Degradation | 0.4% | 0.4% |
| Country | South Korea | South Korea |
5-Dimension Head-to-Head Analysis
1. Efficiency & Power Density
Winner: Hyundai HiE-S485VGThe Hyundai HiE-S485VG achieves 22% efficiency versus 21.5% — a 0.5 percentage point advantage. On a typical 30-panel residential roof, this translates to approximately 1.9 kW more total system capacity, or 9 kWh more annual production in an average US location.
2. Hot Climate Performance
Winner: TieBoth panels share a temperature coefficient of -0.3%/°C — identical heat tolerance.
3. Durability & Warranty
Winner: TieBoth panels offer identical 25-year product warranties and 0.4% annual degradation. Neither has a durability advantage.
4. Power Output
Winner: Hyundai HiE-S485VGThe Hyundai HiE-S485VG delivers 485W versus 420W per panel — 65W more. For an 8 kW system, you need 17 panels with the higher-wattage option versus 20 panels, saving 3 panels and the associated racking and labor costs.
5. Cell Technology
Winner: TieBoth panels use TOPCon N-type cell technology. No technology advantage for either product.
Hyundai HiE-S485VG
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG is a 485W TOPCon N-type panel manufactured in South Korea by Hyundai Energy Solutions, a division of the Hyundai conglomerate. The N-type TOPCon cell technology delivers 22.0% module efficiency with a -0.30%/°C temperature coefficient — significantly better than PERC alternatives in hot climates. Hyundai's Korean manufacturing offers non-Chinese supply chain diversification for buyers concerned about tariffs or UFLPA compliance. The 25+25 year warranty is backed by the Hyundai corporate group's financial stability.
Pros
- + South Korean manufacturing — non-Chinese supply chain diversification
- + TOPCon N-type with 22.0% efficiency and -0.30%/°C temp coefficient
- + Backed by Hyundai conglomerate's financial strength for warranty assurance
- + 25-year product and performance warranties
- + Lower degradation than PERC — 1.0% first year, 0.4% annual
- + Competitively priced for a non-Chinese Tier-1 panel
Cons
- - Lower brand recognition in US solar market than LONGi or JinkoSolar
- - 132-cell format slightly larger than standard 108/120-cell residential panels
- - US dealer network smaller than mainstream brands
- - 485W is mid-range — competitors offer 500W+ in similar sizes
Hyundai HiE-S420VG
The Hyundai HiE-S420VG is a 420W residential-format TOPCon N-type panel in the popular 108-cell configuration (1722 x 1134mm), matching the most common residential panel size for easy racking and roof fit. Korean manufacturing provides supply chain diversification, and the TOPCon N-type cells deliver better temperature performance (-0.30%/°C) and lower degradation than PERC alternatives. The standard residential form factor ensures compatibility with all major racking systems.
Pros
- + Standard 108-cell residential size — fits any racking system
- + Korean-made TOPCon N-type with 21.5% efficiency
- + -0.30%/°C temperature coefficient for hot climate performance
- + 25+25 year warranty backed by Hyundai corporate
- + Non-Chinese manufacturing for tariff and UFLPA considerations
- + 420W competitive output in standard residential format
Cons
- - 420W is competitive but not class-leading for 108-cell panels
- - Slightly higher per-watt cost than Chinese equivalents
- - Smaller US installer network and distribution
- - Less brand recognition in solar market despite Hyundai name
Choose Hyundai HiE-S485VG If...
- ✓ Your roof space is limited and you need maximum power per panel
- ✓ You want fewer panels to reach your target system size, reducing racking and labor costs
- ✓ You prefer newer cell technology with a longer performance improvement runway
- ✓ Homeowners and commercial buyers seeking Tier-1 Korean-manufactured TOPCon panels with strong corporate warranty backing and non-Chinese supply chain.
Choose Hyundai HiE-S420VG If...
- ✓ You prefer newer cell technology with a longer performance improvement runway
- ✓ Residential homeowners wanting a standard-size Korean-manufactured TOPCon panel that fits any roof and racking system with strong corporate warranty backing.
Our Recommendation
We recommend the Hyundai HiE-S485VG for most buyers in this comparison. It wins 2 of 5 key dimensions and offers a clear advantage in the metrics that matter most for a solar panel purchase. The Hyundai HiE-S420VG remains a good product, but the Hyundai HiE-S485VG delivers better overall value for the majority of installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Hyundai HiE-S485VG or Hyundai HiE-S420VG?
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG wins this comparison by a clear margin. It leads in efficiency (22% vs 21.5%) and matches or exceeds on warranty (25 vs 25 years). For most residential installations, the Hyundai HiE-S485VG is the stronger choice.
Which panel is more efficient, Hyundai HiE-S485VG or Hyundai HiE-S420VG?
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG at 22% module efficiency. Higher efficiency means more watts per square foot of roof space, which is critical for space-constrained installations. The difference of 0.5 percentage points translates to approximately 65W per panel under standard test conditions.
Which has a better warranty, Hyundai HiE-S485VG or Hyundai HiE-S420VG?
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG comes with a 25-year product warranty and 25-year performance guarantee. The Hyundai HiE-S420VG offers 25-year product and 25-year performance warranties. Both offer identical warranty terms.
Which panel performs better in hot weather?
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG has a temperature coefficient of -0.3%/°C and the Hyundai HiE-S420VG is -0.3%/°C. Both handle heat equally. A lower (less negative) temperature coefficient is better.
How many Hyundai HiE-S485VG vs Hyundai HiE-S420VG panels do I need for an 8 kW system?
For an 8 kW system: you need 17 Hyundai HiE-S485VG panels (485W each) or 20 Hyundai HiE-S420VG panels (420W each). The Hyundai HiE-S485VG requires fewer panels, saving on racking hardware and installation labor.
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Last updated: February 2026