A practical comparison of the Aiko Neostar Gen 3 3P and 3S ranges for UK roof mounted systems. Built around N type ABC cells, high efficiency and long warranties, with trade supply from DECO Group.
Aiko Neostar Gen 3 for premium domestic and C&I roofs
Aiko Neostar Gen 3 panels sit at the top end of the market for efficiency and aesthetics. Both the 3P and 3S ranges use Aiko ABC cell technology, Precision Overlap Soldering and hidden busbars to deliver high output and a clean black finish.
At DECO Group we stock Aiko Neostar panels for UK installers with pallet level pricing and rapid delivery. This guide focuses on the two core models most installers ask about:
- Aiko Neostar 3S 480W N Type ABC, mono glass, all black
- Aiko Neostar 3P 485W N Type ABC, single glass, black frame
This article is a design and selection guide. Always use the official datasheets and Aiko warranty documents before final design sign off.
Quick comparison: Aiko Neostar 3P 485W vs 3S 480W
| Feature | Aiko Neostar 3P 485W | Aiko Neostar 3S 480W |
|---|---|---|
| Model | 3P N type ABC, single glass, black frame | 3S N type ABC, mono glass, full black |
| Rated power | 485 W | 480 W |
| Efficiency | 24.3% | 24.0% |
| Product warranty | 15 years | 25 years |
| Performance warranty | 30 years | 30 years |
| Hail test | 40 mm hail at 23 m/s | 25 mm hail at 23 m/s |
| Panel construction | Single glass, black frame | Mono glass, all black design |
| Module weight | 20.6 kg | 21.0 kg |
| Visual finish | Smart black frame, clean face | True all black premium aesthetic |
| Price position | Sharper price per watt | Premium price for longer warranty and finish |
Both panels share N type ABC cells, cell level partial shading optimisation, micro crack resistance and a temperature coefficient around minus 0.26% per degree Celsius.
Key Aiko Neostar panels for UK installers
For most UK pitched roofs and small commercial projects, these two Gen 3 modules cover the majority of use cases. One leans toward value and hail robustness, the other toward long term premium performance and appearance.
Aiko Neostar 3S 480W N Type ABC, mono glass, all black
Premium mono glass all black module with 25 year product warranty and true full black aesthetic for high end domestic roofs.
Aiko Neostar 3P 485W N Type ABC, single glass, black frame
High efficiency single glass module at 485 W with strong hail testing and a sharper price per watt for cost driven jobs.
Need other wattages or formats in the Aiko Neostar range? Search for Aiko on the DECO site or contact us for live stock and pallet options.
Which Aiko panel suits which type of job?
- Choose Aiko 3S 480W for premium domestic roofs. The all black mono glass construction and 25 year product warranty make it ideal for visible pitched roofs where the client wants a long term, neat looking array.
- Use 3S on architect led and new build sites. Projects that need tidy module alignment, uniform colour and warranty headlines for marketing tend to favour the 3S.
- Good fit for long term ownership models. Owner occupier homes and portfolios that plan to hold assets for decades benefit from the longer product cover.
- Choose Aiko 3P 485W for cost sensitive installs. The higher wattage and sharper price per watt give strong economics on straightforward domestic and small commercial roofs.
- Use 3P where hail robustness is a concern. The 40 mm hail test at 23 m/s is useful to reference on exposed sites and insurance conversations.
- Good fit for installers focused on throughput. If the priority is competitive pricing, quick turnarounds and solid performance rather than maximum aesthetic, 3P usually wins.
Both panels share the same Aiko ABC cell platform, partial shading optimisation and strong temperature performance so the decision is mainly around budget, warranty and appearance.
Technical differences that matter on site
- Output and efficiency. The 3P sits at 485 W and 24.3% efficiency. The 3S sits at 480 W and 24.0%. In practice both deliver very high yield per square metre and reduce wasted roof area.
- Temperature performance. Both panels use a temperature coefficient around minus 0.26% per degree Celsius. This helps retain output on hot days and is one of the best figures in the market.
- String design. With Voc around 41 V and Vmp around 34.5 V the two modules are very close in voltage behaviour. That keeps string design simple if you mix models carefully within manufacturer rules, although most installers standardise on one type per array.
- Mechanical construction. The 3P uses a single glass layout with a black frame at roughly 20.6 kg. The 3S uses mono glass with an all black look at around 21 kg. Clamp zones and rail layouts will feel familiar across both.
- Connectors and cabling. Both use Staubli MC4 EVO2 type connectors and 1.2 m landscape cables which keeps balance of system design simple and standard.
- Fire and shading behaviour. High temperature limits for fire safety and cell level partial shading optimisation are built into both models. This is useful where chimneys, dormers and nearby buildings create shade paths.
Always confirm final electrical values in the live product datasheet for the exact batch you are installing.
Warranty, durability and hail testing
The most important commercial difference between Aiko 3P and 3S is the warranty length and how you position that with clients.
Product warranty: The 3P ships with a 15 year product warranty. The 3S extends this to 25 years. Both carry a 30 year performance warranty, which keeps long term degradation low.
Hail resistance: The 3P is tested with 40 mm hail at 23 m/s, while the 3S is tested with 25 mm hail at 23 m/s. In practice both offer robust impact performance, but installers who work on very exposed sites often prefer referencing the 40 mm figure in design notes.
Client conversations: For a landlord or homeowner comparing quotes, it is useful to explain that 3S carries a longer product warranty and a fully uniform visual finish, while 3P offers a tougher hail test and a sharper price. Which matters more depends on the building and the client.
Pricing, aesthetics and client expectations
Many quotes are won or lost on how clearly you explain the trade off between panel cost, look and coverage.
- The 3P normally offers a lower price per watt so it is ideal if you are competing with other wholesalers on headline system price while still using a recognised premium brand.
- The 3S commands a higher module price but gives you a longer product warranty and an all black appearance that looks more like a single dark surface on the roof.
- On visible front elevations, homeowners often pick the prettier option once the price gap is explained. On rear roofs and light industrial units, the 3P value position usually wins.
DECO can quote both options side by side so you can present a clear premium versus value choice to your client.
Order Aiko Neostar from DECO Group
Trade pricing, UK stock and rapid delivery on Aiko Neostar Gen 3 panels. Send your parts list or project kWp and we can line up a full bill of materials.
For pallet pricing call 03335 777488 or request a trade quote at checkout.