Hyundai PV modules

yundai Heavy Industries was founded in 1972 as a division of the Hyundai Group. Since the mid-2000s, this South Korean company has been engaged in producing photovoltaic modules. With a primary focus on other global partners, this renowned manufacturer has recently begun to re-enter the American photovoltaic market. Let’s take a closer look at Hyundai Heavy Industries solar panels.

Hyundai models for photovoltaic application

Known for their high-quality and innovative products, Hyundai offers a wide range of PV modules to suit the needs of any customer. Below, we will walk you through different series of solar panels offered by the manufacturer.

RG Series

The Hyundai RG series encompasses four models of high-quality, 60-cell monocrystalline panels with wattage options of 295w, 300w, 305w, and 310w. The modules are designed to be free from LID (Light Induced Degradation) and PID (Potential Induced Degradation), which are common issues that can affect performance over time. LID occurs when the solar panel is exposed to high levels of light, while PID happens when it is exposed to high voltages. By eliminating these issues, these modules can offer a higher energy production throughout their entire lifespan.

With an efficiency of up to 19.24%, Hyundai RG-series panels are suitable for both residential and commercial systems. They are tough, durable, and resistant to corrosion. Additionally, the advanced PERL technology they utilize provides better performance in low irradiation.

RG Black Series

Who wouldn’t want to have not only an efficient but also an aesthetically pleasing solar option? The all-black design of the Hyundai RG Black series panels gives them a very sleek appearance which customers with a visible rooftop photovoltaic system will definitely enjoy. These 60-cell monocrystalline modules with wattages of 290w, 295w, 300w, and 305w are quite similar to the RG series but slightly less productive, with an efficiency of around 17.7%. They also are LID and PID-free, which results in a higher energy yield. Additionally, they are designed with PERL technology that utilizes a special coating on the front of the cell to protect it from damage and a special diffusion process on the back of the cell to increase its ability to absorb sunlight. This results in more efficient power generation, even in low-light conditions.

RI Series

The Hyundai RI series is mainly designed for commercial and utility photovoltaic systems. These massive PV panels are composed of 72 cells of monocrystalline silicon and exist in six power rating variations: 345w, 350w, 355w, 360w, 365w, and 370w. Just like other Hyundai modules, they are immune to LID or PID, employ PERL technology, and boast an impressive efficiency rating of about 18.9%.

KI Series

Here is another Hyundai series of 72-cells monocrystalline panels. The Hyundai KI series, similar to RI series options, contains eight different models with wattages of 345w, 350w, 355w, 360w, 365w, 370w, 375w, and 380w. These modules were designed specifically for utility companies with a high voltage handling capacity (around 1,500 V) that is able to reduce the balance of system costs. The Hyundai KI series panels can show up to 19.4% efficiency, and, as usual, they are durable and made with advanced PERL cells.

WI AQUAMAX Series

The Hyundai WI AquaMax series panels were designed for floating photovoltaic installations, making them highly resistant to water and corrosion. These panels are also able to handle high voltages (maximum of 1,000 V) and demonstrate up to 18.9% efficiency.

SG - Shingled Photovoltaic Modules

All the series described before belong to the previous generation of Hyundai photovoltaic modules. They use the PERL technology, which is based on the bifacial solar cell concept. However, the most recent Hyundai products are made with Mono PERC cells. These shingled cells are made by cutting a full-size photovoltaic cell into five or six equal strips, which are then assembled and overlaid, like roof shingles, into longer strings of up to 40 cells, depending on the panel size. While the standard half-cut PV modules are split two times, the shingled modules are split into five pieces, meaning that if shading is on 1/5th of both the panels, the standard half-cut module will only operate at 50% capacity, and the shingled modules will still perform at 80%.

Solar-growth-optimism refers to the positive outlook and expectation for continued expansion and advancement within the solar energy industry.

How much do Hyundai PV modules cost?

The average cost for PV panels in the United States is about $3 per watt, totaling $18,000 for a typical 6 kilowatt system. Hyundai panels range in price from $2.48 to $3.56, which positions them toward the low-cost segment. Based on this estimate, the average 6 kilowatt system with Hyundai photovoltaic modules will cost between $14,880 and $21,360. There are also plenty of solar incentives, tax credits, and rebates that can help you reduce upfront expenses even further. The 30% federal investment tax credit alone can bring the price down to a range of $10,416 to $14,952.

Hyundai solar panel warranty

It cannot be stressed enough that a solid warranty should be one of your first priorities when choosing PV modules. Unfortunately, Hyundai's warranty offerings fall short compared to those of premium brands. They only offer a maximum of 12 years on their panels, whereas other companies provide much longer warranties. In 2019, Hyundai solar panel warranty was increased to 25 years, but this warranty only applies in Australia and Europe, so the issue of a short product warranty in the U.S. still needs to be solved.

Pros and cons of Hyundai PV modules

Taking everything into consideration, Hyundai panels can be a reasonable choice for your residential photovoltaic system. If you decide to pick PV modules from this company, you will be able to enjoy their pretty impressive efficiency and high cost-effectiveness. But one thing that might hold some customers back from buying Hyundai photovoltaic modules is their short warranty coverage. Generally, Hyundai may not be as prominent in the U.S. solar energy industry as other producers, but their products are still a viable option to consider.

The IEA 2022 report highlights a decline in U.S. solar growth but shows optimism due to the IRA.

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