We’ve been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the AIKO Neostar 3 in the UK—and it’s finally here. Now available to order, this panel is already our new standard offering at Spirit Energy. But what makes it so special? Is it really a leap forward from the Neostar 2? And is this the right panel for your roof?
In this post, we’ll take a deep dive into the performance specs, design choices and technology that make the Neostar 3 one of the most advanced residential solar panels currently available in the UK.
Two Versions: Neostar 3P vs Neostar 3S
Like the Neostar 2, the Neostar 3 range comes in two versions: the 3P and the 3S. The key difference is in efficiency and aesthetics:
- Neostar 3P: Higher output and efficiency, black frame with a silver backsheet
- Neostar 3S: Slightly lower efficiency, but a full black design
Both versions use a monoglass construction, with a tempered glass front and polymer backsheet. The full black 3S version carries about a 10% price premium due to its aesthetic appeal. If visual uniformity isn’t a priority, we’d recommend going for the 3P—it’s better value for performance.
Power Output: Up to 500W in a Standard Residential Panel
This generation of AIKO panels sees a notable leap in rated power output. Here’s how the current UK models compare:
- Neostar 3P: 470W to 500W range, with the top UK-available model currently at 485W
- Neostar 3S: 460W to 490W range, with the top UK-available model currently at 475W
This is a huge shift—standard residential panels have now cracked the 500W barrier. Just a few years ago, 350W to 400W was the norm. It’s a strong indicator of how fast solar technology is evolving.
As production ramps up, we expect to see the higher-wattage variants become available in the UK, much like we did with the Neostar 2 range over time.
Module Efficiency
Perhaps the most impressive stat is the Neostar 3’s module efficiency, which goes up to 25% in the top-tier 500W model. For reference:
- 3P 485W: 24.3% efficiency
- 3S 475W: 23.8% efficiency
This puts the Neostar 3 ahead of many competitors. For comparison:
- JA Solar 450W (Octopus Energy standard): 22.5%
- Eurener Nexa 500W: 23%
More efficient panels mean more generation per square metre—and ultimately a better return on investment for your system.
Technology: AIKO Solar Panels Advanced Shade Mitigation
One of AIKO’s biggest innovations is their ABC (All-Back Contact) cell architecture. Instead of placing electrical contacts on the front (which blocks some sunlight), the Neostar 3 routes all electrical connections to the back of the panel. This boosts both efficiency and aesthetics.
In terms of shade mitigation, AIKO has gone well beyond traditional bypass diode configurations. Most panels are split into three vertical sections with bypass diodes. AIKO’s ABC design subdivides the panel into many smaller, independently functioning zones. This means partial shading—say from a tree, bird dropping or chimney—has much less impact on total panel output. It also reduces hotspots and improves long-term reliability.
Temperature Coefficient
The Neostar 3 retains the excellent temperature coefficient seen in the previous generation:
- -0.26% / °C
This means that for every degree over 25°C, the panel’s output drops by just 0.26%—less than most other leading modules:
- Eurener Nexa: -0.29%
- JA Solar: -0.30%
- SunPower P7: -0.29%
- REC Alpha RX: -0.24% (industry best)
Panels installed in full sun inevitably get hot, so a lower temperature coefficient means better real-world performance—especially in summer.
Composition: N-Type Mono Crystalline Cells
The Neostar 3 uses high-grade N-type monocrystalline silicon. This is important for two reasons:
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N-Type vs P-Type: N-type cells suffer less from light-induced degradation and perform better in high temperatures.
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Monocrystalline vs Polycrystalline: Monocrystalline cells have a more uniform structure, enabling electrons to flow more freely—particularly useful in low light conditions.
In short, this is the most advanced cell architecture currently available for residential solar panels, offering efficiency and longevity.
Warranty: 25 Years Product, 30 Years Performance
The Neostar 3 comes with robust warranties:
- 25-year product warranty: Covers manufacturing and material defects
- 30-year performance warranty: Guarantees 88.85% of original output after 25 years
That’s one of the best warranties in the industry—beating brands like JA Solar and Eurener, though slightly behind premium names like REC and SunPower (which carry a premium price tag to match).
Should You Choose the Neostar 3?
In short: Yes. With industry-leading efficiency, sleek design, innovative technology and a strong warranty, the Neostar 3 is one of the best panels currently available for UK homeowners.
If you’re not fussed about having all-black panels, the 3P range gives you better performance at a lower price—an ideal choice for those looking to maximise return on investment.
Get a Quote from Spirit Energy
We are now quoting the AIKO Neostar 3 as our standard residential panel. If you’re within an hours of Reading, contact us today for a bespoke technical quotation. Our experienced team will guide you from design to installation, making sure your system delivers maximum value.
And if you’d like to see how we work, check out our case study video series showing a full Spirit Energy install—from initial enquiry to final handover.
