JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W
The DeepBlue 3.0 is an affordable 400W PERC panel ideal for budget-conscious residential solar installations.
At a glance
Value comparison (same class)
How the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W stacks up against other panels in the 400W±100W range.
| Model | Score | Efficiency | $/W | Warranty | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ★ THIS — JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W | 75 | 20.9% | — | 12 yr | Solid |
| Panasonic EVPV400H | 89 | 21.2% | — | 25 yr | Good |
| Q CELLS Q.PEAK DUO BLK ML-G10+ 400W | 88 | 20.9% | — | 25 yr | Good |
| Mission Solar MSE400 | 81 | 20.6% | — | 25 yr | Solid |
Where this panel works best
High snow load rating (5400 Pa) makes this panel well-suited for northern states with heavy winter accumulation.
Click a state for the full local solar buying guide (incentives, payback, top installers).
Pricing
Public pricing data is limited for the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W. Request multiple installer quotes to benchmark per-watt cost in your area.
Live historical pricing trends coming in v0.3 (integrating manufacturer MSRP + reseller data).
Recent news about JA Solar
Latest manufacturer announcements, shipment updates, and product roadmap from public sources:
Best for these scenarios
- ✓ Roof area: 273 – 631 ft² (13–30 panels for a 5–12 kW system)
- ✓ Monthly usage: 702 – 1,620 kWh/month (assuming 4.5 peak-sun hrs/day average US)
- ✓ Best for: Budget installations where cost per watt is the primary concern.
- ✗ NOT ideal for: partially shaded roofs without panel-level optimization (microinverters/optimizers recommended)
Full Datasheet — every parameter ▾
Key Specifications
| Brand | JA Solar |
| Model | JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W |
| Power Output | 400W |
| Efficiency | 20.9% |
| Power Density | 19.0 W/sq ft |
| Cell Type | PERC Mono |
| Cell Count | 108 cells |
| Dimensions | 1722 x 1134 x 30 mm |
| Weight | 20.5 kg |
| Open Circuit Voltage (Voc) | 39.8V |
| Max Power Voltage (Vmp) | 33V |
| Short Circuit Current (Isc) | 13.09A |
| Max Power Current (Imp) | 12.12A |
| Temp Coefficient (Pmax) | -0.35%/°C |
| Product Warranty | 12 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years |
| First Year Degradation | 2% |
| Annual Degradation | 0.5% |
| Country of Manufacture | China |
| Certifications | IEC 61215, IEC 61730, UL 1703 |
| Snow Load | 5400 Pa (112.8 psf) — Heavy Snow Rated |
| Wind Load | 2400 Pa (50.1 psf) |
Pros & Cons
Pros
- ✓ Very affordable
- ✓ Lightweight design
- ✓ Easy installation
- ✓ Proven technology
Cons
- ✗ Lower efficiency
- ✗ Higher degradation rate
- ✗ Shorter warranty
Installation & Compatibility
System Voltage & String Sizing
- Open Circuit Voltage (Voc)
- 39.8V
- Max Power Voltage (Vmp)
- 33V
- Short Circuit Current (Isc)
- 13.09A
- Max Power Current (Imp)
- 12.12A
- Max Panels per String (600V)
- 15 panels
Based on NEC 600V residential limit. Actual string sizing should account for cold-temperature Voc rise.
Mounting Requirements
- Dimensions
- 1722 x 1134 x 30 mm
- Weight
- 20.5 kg (45.2 lbs)
- Area per Panel
- 21.0 sq ft
- Weight per sq ft
- 2.2 lbs/sq ft
Recommended Inverter Types
- - Microinverters: Ideal for shaded roofs. Match to panels rated 400W+.
- - String Inverters: Cost-effective for unshaded arrays. MPPT must cover 33V.
- - Hybrid Inverters: Best if adding battery storage. Check Voc of 39.8V.
Is the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W Worth It?
The JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W delivers 400W of power at 20.9% module efficiency, which is near the current industry average of approximately 21%. While not the highest-efficiency option on the market, it may offer compelling value depending on price and your available roof space.
From a warranty perspective, the DeepBlue 3.0 400W comes with a standard 12-year product warranty and a 25-year performance guarantee. The industry standard for product warranties ranges from 12 to 25 years, so you may want to weigh this shorter warranty against the overall system cost. At the end of 25 years, the panel is guaranteed to still produce approximately 86.0% of its rated output, with first-year degradation of 2% and just 0.5% per year after that.
Pricing varies by region and installer, but the DeepBlue 3.0 400W's combination of 20.9% efficiency and 12-year warranty should be weighed against per-watt quotes from your installer. Request at least three quotes to ensure you are getting competitive pricing for this tier of panel.
For hot climates, the temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C is average. This is on the higher end, meaning noticeable power reduction when temperatures climb well above 25°C (77°F). If you live in a consistently hot climate, consider a panel with a lower temperature coefficient. Overall, the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W can be a reasonable choice depending on your budget and performance requirements.
What Makes the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W Different
The JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W is a residential PERC mono panel from JA Solar, the world's second-largest module manufacturer. At 400W with 20.9% efficiency, it delivers solid performance using 108 half-cut monocrystalline cells. JA Solar's scale — over 100 GW of cumulative shipments — ensures consistent manufacturing quality and competitive pricing. The 1722×1134mm format at 20.5 kg is well-suited for standard residential installations. The 12-year product warranty and 25-year performance guarantee provide standard industry coverage for this proven PERC technology platform.
Real-World Performance
In real-world conditions, the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W delivers consistent energy production shaped by its -0.35%/°C temperature coefficient. On a hot summer day when panel surface temperatures reach 65°C (40°C above STC), the DeepBlue 3.0 400W loses approximately 14.0% of rated output — typical for PERC technology. Over a full year in a typical US location, expect annual specific yield of 1,400-1,700 kWh per kW installed, depending on location, tilt, and shading. The 2% first-year degradation settles into 0.5% annual degradation thereafter; after 25 years the DeepBlue 3.0 400W should still produce approximately 86.0% of its original rating. The 108 half-cut cells provide improved shade tolerance compared to full-cell designs — when one cell is shaded, only one sub-string is affected rather than an entire string, limiting production losses to approximately one-third of the panel rather than one-half.
Who Should Buy the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W?
System Design Tips
For string inverter systems, the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W's Voc of 39.8V allows up to 15 panels per string on a 600V inverter, or 12 panels per string on 480V systems. The Isc of 13.09A is within the input range of all major residential string inverters and microinverters. For microinverter pairing, the Enphase IQ8A (366VA) or IQ8H (384VA) handles the 400W output well with a DC/AC ratio of 1.1-1.0. SolarEdge P505 optimizers pair well for optimizer-based systems. Size your inverter at 75-90% of total DC wattage for optimal clipping management — for a 25-panel array (10.0 kW DC), a 8 W AC inverter is a good match. The panel handles 5400 Pa snow load and 2400 Pa wind load.
Price Estimate
The JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W is sold through residential solar distributors and installers. JA Solar pricing varies by distributor and order volume. For a 25-panel system (10.0 kW DC), total installed cost including panels, inverter, racking, wiring, permitting, and labor typically runs $2.50-3.50/W, or approximately $30,000-$35,000 before the 30% federal ITC. After ITC: approximately $21,000-$24,500.
Frequently Asked Questions
How efficient is the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W compared to other panels?
The DeepBlue 3.0 400W achieves 20.9% module efficiency, which is standard for PERC residential panels. PERC panels typically range from 20.0% to 21.8%, and the DeepBlue 3.0 400W delivers standard performance within that range. Higher efficiency means more watts per square foot of roof space.
What is the warranty on the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W?
JA Solar provides a 12-year product warranty covering manufacturing defects and a 25-year performance warranty guaranteeing output levels. The performance warranty typically starts at 98% after year 1 and degrades by 0.5% per year, guaranteeing approximately 86.0% output at year 25. The product warranty is in line with industry standards.
How many JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W panels do I need for my home?
For a typical US home using 10,000 kWh per year, you need approximately 25 panels (10.0 kW system) assuming 4-5 peak sun hours per day. This varies significantly by location — homes in Arizona may need 22-24 panels while homes in the Pacific Northwest may need 27-29 panels. Your installer will calculate the exact number based on your utility bills, roof orientation, shading, and local solar resource.
What is the efficiency of the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W?
The JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W achieves 20.9% module efficiency using PERC Mono cell technology. This is around the industry average for residential solar panels in 2026.
What warranty does the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W include?
It comes with a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year performance warranty guaranteeing output at approximately 86.0% of rated power at the end of the warranty period.
How does the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W perform in hot weather?
With a temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C, the DeepBlue 3.0 400W experiences moderate power reduction in high temperatures. Every degree above 25°C reduces output by 0.35%.
What size system can I build with the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W?
At 400W per panel, you would need approximately 20 panels for an 8 kW system or 25 panels for a 10 kW system. Each panel measures 1722 x 1134 mm (21.0 sq ft).
What inverter is best with the JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W?
The JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W works well with both string inverters and microinverters. For string inverters, choose one with a maximum input voltage above 39.8V and an MPPT voltage range that covers 33V. Microinverters rated for 400W+ 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 JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W last?
The JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W is built to last well beyond its 25-year performance warranty. With first-year degradation of 2% and annual degradation of 0.5% thereafter, the panel will still produce approximately 86.0% 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 JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W good for Arizona and other sunny states?
The JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W can work in hot states like Arizona, Nevada, and Texas, though its temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°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 JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W worth the money?
The JA Solar DeepBlue 3.0 400W delivers 20.9% efficiency, which is near the industry average of ~21%. Combined with a standard 12-year product warranty and 25-year performance guarantee, it offers reasonable value for homeowners seeking reliable solar generation.
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Last updated: May 2026