Hyundai HiE-S485VG Specifications & Review
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.
What Makes the Hyundai HiE-S485VG Different
Hyundai Energy Solutions brings the manufacturing scale, quality systems, and financial strength of the Hyundai conglomerate to solar panel production. The HiE-S485VG is their commercial/residential crossover panel using TOPCon N-type cell technology manufactured entirely in South Korea — providing a genuine non-Chinese Tier-1 alternative for buyers concerned about supply chain diversification, tariffs, or UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act) compliance. The 485W output from 132 half-cut TOPCon cells delivers 22.0% efficiency with a -0.30%/°C temperature coefficient that significantly outperforms PERC alternatives in hot climates. Hyundai's corporate backing provides exceptional warranty confidence — unlike smaller solar-only companies that may not exist in 25 years, Hyundai's diversified conglomerate structure essentially guarantees warranty fulfillment.
Key Specifications
| Brand | Hyundai |
| Model | Hyundai HiE-S485VG 485W |
| Power Output | 485W |
| Efficiency | 22% |
| Power Density | 20.7 W/sq ft |
| Cell Type | TOPCon N-type |
| Cell Count | 132 cells |
| Dimensions | 2094 x 1039 x 35 mm |
| Weight | 24.5 kg |
| Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) | 51.8V |
| Max Power Voltage (Vmp) | 43.5V |
| Short Circuit Current (Isc) | 12.25A |
| Max Power Current (Imp) | 11.15A |
| Temp Coefficient (Pmax) | -0.3%/°C |
| Product Warranty | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years |
| First Year Degradation | 1% |
| Annual Degradation | 0.4% |
| Country of Manufacture | South Korea |
| Certifications | IEC 61215, IEC 61730, UL 61730 |
| Snow Load | 5400 Pa (112.8 psf) — Heavy Snow Rated |
| Wind Load | 2400 Pa (50.1 psf) |
Pros & Cons
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
Best For
Homeowners and commercial buyers seeking Tier-1 Korean-manufactured TOPCon panels with strong corporate warranty backing and non-Chinese supply chain.
Is the Hyundai HiE-S485VG Worth It?
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG delivers 485W of power at 22% module efficiency, which is above the current industry average of approximately 21%. This higher efficiency means you need fewer panels to reach your target system size, saving roof space and potentially reducing mounting hardware costs.
From a warranty perspective, the HiE-S485VG comes with a industry-leading 25-year product warranty and a 25-year performance guarantee. The industry standard for product warranties ranges from 12 to 25 years, so this panel sits at the top of that range, giving you long-term peace of mind. At the end of 25 years, the panel is guaranteed to still produce approximately 89.4% of its rated output, with first-year degradation of 1% and just 0.4% per year after that.
At around $0.42 per watt before installation, the HiE-S485VG sits in the mid-range price bracket, balancing cost and performance. For a typical 8 kW system using 17 panels, the panel cost alone would be approximately $3,360 before installation and incentives.
For hot climates, the temperature coefficient of -0.3%/°C is good. This falls within the typical range, so you can expect reasonable performance in most climates, though premium panels with coefficients closer to -0.25%/°C will edge ahead in extreme heat. Overall, the Hyundai HiE-S485VG represents a strong value proposition for most residential installations.
Real-World Performance
The HiE-S485VG's TOPCon cells deliver consistent 21.8-22.0% efficiency across production batches — Hyundai's automotive-derived quality control systems maintain tighter manufacturing tolerances than many solar-only manufacturers. The -0.30%/°C temperature coefficient provides approximately 2.5% more annual energy in hot climates compared to PERC panels at -0.35%/°C. In monitored installations across South Korea and Australia, the panels track within 1% of PVsyst modeled output with notably stable performance across seasons. The N-type TOPCon cells show lower LID (Light Induced Degradation) than PERC — first-year degradation of approximately 0.8-1.0% is consistent with the 1.0% warranty specification. The 132-cell format provides higher voltage per panel than 108-cell residential panels, which can be advantageous for string inverter configurations requiring fewer panels per string.
Who Should Buy the Hyundai HiE-S485VG?
System Design Tips
The 132-cell format (2094 x 1039mm) is slightly larger than standard 108-cell residential panels (1722 x 1134mm) — verify fit on your roof, especially for hip roofs or dormers. The higher voltage per panel (51.8V Voc) means shorter strings for string inverters — typically 8-10 panels per string vs 10-13 for 108-cell panels. For Enphase microinverter installations, the IQ8M or IQ8H are appropriate clipping options for the 485W output. The 24.5 kg weight is manageable for residential installation. Racking should accommodate the 2094mm length — some residential rail systems are optimized for the shorter 1722mm format and may need longer rails or additional supports. For commercial installations, the 132-cell format is standard and integrates seamlessly with commercial racking.
Price Estimate
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG typically costs $0.38-$0.48 per watt — positioned between Chinese Tier-1 panels ($0.25-$0.35/W) and premium European/US panels ($0.50-$0.65/W). For a 10 kW system (21 panels), module cost is approximately $3,800-$4,800. Complete installed residential system: $28,000-$38,000, or $19,600-$26,600 after 30% ITC. The Korean-manufacturing premium is modest compared to European alternatives, and the Hyundai brand recognition can ease permitting and financing in some markets. For commercial projects, volume pricing typically brings the per-watt cost within 10-15% of Chinese alternatives.
How the Hyundai HiE-S485VG Compares
| Model | Wattage | Efficiency | W/sq ft | Warranty | Snow Load | Cell Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hyundai HiE-S485VG (this panel) | 485W | 22% | 20.7 | 25 yrs | 5400 Pa | TOPCon N-type |
| JinkoSolar Tiger Neo N-type 480W | 480W | 22.7% | 22.3 | 15 yrs | 5400 Pa | TOPCon N-type |
| Hanwha Q.PEAK DUO XL-G11 480W | 480W | 21.4% | 18.8 | 12 yrs | 5400 Pa | PERC Mono |
| JinkoSolar Tiger Neo 475W | 475W | 22.6% | 22.1 | 15 yrs | 5400 Pa | TOPCon N-type |
Compare This Panel
Installation & Compatibility
System Voltage & String Sizing
- Open Circuit Voltage (Voc)
- 51.8V
- Max Power Voltage (Vmp)
- 43.5V
- Short Circuit Current (Isc)
- 12.25A
- Max Power Current (Imp)
- 11.15A
- Max Panels per String (600V)
- 11 panels
Based on NEC 600V residential limit. Actual string sizing should account for cold-temperature Voc rise. Consult your installer or use a string sizing tool for your specific location.
Mounting Requirements
- Dimensions
- 2094 x 1039 x 35 mm
- Weight
- 24.5 kg (54.0 lbs)
- Area per Panel
- 23.4 sq ft
- Weight per sq ft
- 2.3 lbs/sq ft
Recommended Inverter Types
- - Microinverters: Ideal for shaded roofs or complex layouts. Match to panels rated 485W+.
- - String Inverters: Cost-effective for unshaded arrays. Ensure MPPT range covers 43.5V.
- - Hybrid Inverters: Best if adding battery storage. Check DC input specs match panel Voc of 51.8V.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Hyundai a serious solar panel manufacturer or just a brand-name license?
Hyundai Energy Solutions is a legitimate division of Hyundai Corporation (the trading arm of the Hyundai Group, separate from Hyundai Motor). They operate their own cell and module manufacturing facilities in Chungju, South Korea, with full vertical integration from cell to module. Hyundai has been manufacturing solar panels since 2010 and is ranked among the top-15 global module manufacturers. This is genuine Hyundai manufacturing, not a licensed brand.
How does Hyundai TOPCon compare to JinkoSolar or LONGi TOPCon panels?
In terms of cell technology, they're comparable — all use N-type TOPCon architecture with similar efficiency ranges (21.5-22.5%). JinkoSolar and LONGi offer higher wattage options (up to 615W+) for utility-scale projects. Hyundai's advantage is Korean manufacturing (non-Chinese supply chain), Hyundai corporate warranty backing, and consistent quality control. The per-watt cost is 15-30% higher than JinkoSolar/LONGi. For buyers where price is the primary factor, Chinese TOPCon wins; for supply chain, warranty confidence, and quality assurance, Hyundai is compelling.
Does Hyundai's 25-year warranty really mean more than a Chinese manufacturer's 25-year warranty?
Practically, yes. Hyundai Corporation has annual revenue exceeding $50 billion and has been in continuous operation for 75+ years. The probability that Hyundai will exist and honor warranty claims in 2050 is significantly higher than for many solar-only manufacturers, regardless of country of origin. Several Chinese solar manufacturers have already gone bankrupt or exited the market, leaving customers with unenforceable warranties. Hyundai's diversified conglomerate structure provides financial resilience that solar-only companies cannot match.
What is the efficiency of the Hyundai HiE-S485VG?
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG achieves 22% module efficiency using TOPCon N-type cell technology. This is around the industry average for residential solar panels in 2026.
What warranty does the Hyundai HiE-S485VG include?
It comes with a 25-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty guaranteeing output at approximately 89.4% of rated power at the end of the warranty period.
How does the Hyundai HiE-S485VG perform in hot weather?
With a temperature coefficient of -0.3%/°C, the HiE-S485VG experiences moderate power reduction in high temperatures. Every degree above 25°C reduces output by 0.3%.
What size system can I build with the Hyundai HiE-S485VG?
At 485W per panel, you would need approximately 17 panels for an 8 kW system or 21 panels for a 10 kW system. Each panel measures 2094 x 1039 mm (23.4 sq ft).
What inverter is best with the Hyundai HiE-S485VG?
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG works well with both string inverters and microinverters. For string inverters, choose one with a maximum input voltage above 51.8V and an MPPT voltage range that covers 43.5V. Microinverters rated for 485W+ panels are also an excellent choice, offering panel-level monitoring and shade tolerance. Popular options include Enphase IQ8 series microinverters and SolarEdge string inverters with power optimizers.
How long will the Hyundai HiE-S485VG last?
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG is built to last well beyond its 25-year performance warranty. With first-year degradation of 1% and annual degradation of 0.4% thereafter, the panel will still produce approximately 89.4% of its rated power after 25 years. Most modern solar panels continue generating useful power for 30-40 years, though output gradually decreases over time.
Is the Hyundai HiE-S485VG good for Arizona and other sunny states?
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG can work in hot states like Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, though its temperature coefficient of -0.3%/°C means it will lose some output on the hottest days. Consider panels with a lower (closer to 0) temperature coefficient if you live in an area with extreme heat. Higher sun exposure in these states means more total energy production throughout the year, often offsetting any heat-related losses.
Is the Hyundai HiE-S485VG worth the money?
The Hyundai HiE-S485VG delivers 22% efficiency at approximately $0.42/W, which is above the industry average of ~21%. Combined with a industry-leading 25-year product warranty and 25-year performance guarantee, it offers strong value for homeowners seeking reliable solar generation.
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Last updated: February 2026