We’re excited to announce that the next evolution of the Aiko Neostar line — the 3rd-generation Infinite Series 490 W with white backsheet — is arriving soon. Pre-orders are now open. Secure your allocations today to stay ahead in the market.
In this post, we’ll dive into what makes this new panel special, compare it to other technologies, and explain how installing it can benefit both you (the installer) and your homeowner customers. We’ll also unpack the technical innovations behind the design, and the comparison with the same design with the all black look.
What’s New in the 3rd Generation / “Infinite Series” 490 W
Aiko’s Neostar line has already made waves with its N-Type back-contact (ABC) cell architecture and strong performance specs. The third generation — also called “Infinite” technology — builds on that foundation with further refinements. Key highlights include:
- Higher rated power: This 490 W variant pushes closer to the new upper thresholds for residential / rooftop modules, enabling more output per square metre.
- White backsheet option: Many high-efficiency modules nowadays come with black or glass backsheets. The white backsheet offers an aesthetic option that can better blend with lighter roof surfaces, while maintaining thermal and electrical performance.
- Improved efficiency and cell packing: The 3rd-gen modules benefit from improved cell layout, overlap soldering, and gap minimisation techniques (e.g. “Precision Overlap Soldering”) to reduce dead space and increase active area. (We see similar techniques in Aiko’s published dual-glass and monoglass lines. Learn more about Aiko's Cell Optimisation
- Optimised performance and degradation: The Infinity / Gen-3 lineup continues to push low degradation, improved temperature coefficient, and better partial-shading resilience.
- Warranty stance: Aiko’s 3rd-gen lines continue with strong product and performance warranties (e.g. 25 years product, 30 years linear / performance) in many of their other models.
Download the data sheet to know more
What Sets the Aiko Neostar 3rd Gen “Infinite” Apart: Technical Advantages
To help you sell this to homeowners (and to demonstrate your own technical credibility), here’s a breakdown of the innovations and performance advantages built into the new panels.
1. N-Type Back Contact (ABC) Cell Architecture
One of Aiko’s foundational advantages is its All-Back Contact (ABC) design — all electrical contacts are routed to the rear of the cell, eliminating front busbars and gridlines that block light. This yields:
- Higher light capture / optical efficiency
- Cleaner aesthetics (especially in all-black or white-backed formats)
- Reduced shading of front surface
- Lower reflection and improved anti-soiling behavior
Because the contacts are on the back, there's no front metallisation to interrupt photons, giving a raw gain in output potential.
2. Increased Active Area & Precision Soldering
The Gen-3 Infinite module uses Precision Overlap Soldering and eliminated gaps between cells to boost the effective conversion area. This is similar to strategies seen in other Gen-3 Aiko modules (e.g. dual-glass variants) that remove dead zones and maximise active cell coverage.
By reducing “inactive” margins and inter-cell spacing, you gain more watts from the same footprint.
3. Low Degradation & Stable Long-Term Performance
Aiko’s Neostar 3 series advertises:
- ≤ 1 % degradation in the first year
- ≤ 0.35 % annual degradation thereafter
- 25-year product warranty, 30-year performance warranty
- Performance retention of 88.85 % or better at 30 years (for certain models)
These specs put it in line with top-tier modules and offer homeowners confidence.
4. Temperature Coefficient & Hot-Climate Advantage
The published temperature coefficient for many Neostar 3 modules is –0.26 %/°C (power)
In Australian (or tropical/subtropical) settings, that’s a meaningful gain over modules with worse coefficients (e.g. –0.29 % or worse) because higher cell temperature in summer causes less relative power loss.
5. Partial-Shade & Micro-Optimization
One of Aiko’s standout features is cell-level partial shading optimization (i.e. subdividing the module into many smaller zones or strings) rather than coarse 3-bypass-diode zoning. This allows the module to better adapt to:
- Shadows from trees, chimneys, vents
- Bird droppings, dust or debris
- Irregular shading across the module
Because each zone can operate semi-independently, you avoid one shaded section dragging down the entire panel. This also reduces hotspot risk and enhances long-term reliability — especially relevant on roofs with potential shading issues.
6. Structural, Safety & Reliability Specifications
While we await the full official specs of the white-backsheet 490 W variant, we can reasonably expect:
- Mechanical load ratings (e.g. 5,400 Pa front load, ~2,400 Pa rear load) similar to existing models. (The all-black 475 W Aiko module lists 5,400 pa front / 2,400 pa rear.
- Hail impact resistance (e.g. 40 mm at 27.5 m/s)
- System voltage up to 1,500 V DC (common in Aiko modules)
- Standard MC4 or EVO2 connectors, IP-rated junction boxes, 1.2 m cables, etc.
- Enhanced micro-crack resistance, thanks to improved cell bonding, handling resilience, and better internal stress distribution
Why This Matters to Installers — And What You Gain
Market Differentiation & Upsell Ability
Being among the first to offer a 3rd-generation, 490 W white-backsheet Neostar gives you a competitive edge. You can:
- Market a “next-gen” premium panel option
- Upsell to customers seeking the highest performance-per-square-metre
- Provide both black and white aesthetic options to suit different roof finishes
- Demonstrate advanced tech knowledge and build trust
Increased Wattage per Roof Area
More output per module means you can:
- Fit higher system sizes within limited roof area
- Reduce the total number of modules for a given target capacity (thus lowering BOS costs: fewer clamps, fewer rails, less wiring)
- Boost system yield per square metre — a strong selling point in high-density or shade-constrained installations
Long-Term Customer Satisfaction & Warranty Confidence
With 25-year product warranty and 30-year performance assurance, plus low degradation and shade mitigation, your customers are more likely to see consistent energy yields over decades — reducing complaints, callbacks, or performance disputes.
Efficiency in Freight, Handling & Logistics
Because you can deliver higher wattage per unit shipped, you maximise freight efficiency (fewer panels to deliver for equal kW), reduce handling, storage demands, and increase margin on shipping/overheads.
Engineering Credibility
When you present to engineers, local authorities, project clients or savvy customers, being able to articulate the technical merits (ABC design, precision soldering, shading management, temp coefficient, warranties) positions you as a knowledgeable, premium installer.
How It Compares to Other Technologies & Competitors
To give you a comparative perspective:
- Compared to standard P-type PERC modules: Aiko’s N-type ABC architecture avoids light-induced degradation (LID), typically exhibits lower degradation over time, and is less susceptible to performance losses in real-world conditions (temp, shading).
- Compared to bifacial dual-glass modules: Those have their benefits (bifacial gain, rigidity) but often come at higher weight, frame complexity, and potential for glass micro-cracking. The white-backsheet monoglass approach can offer a lighter, easier-to-handle option with aesthetic flexibility.
- Compared to older 2nd-gen Neostar or competitor premium modules: The Infinite / Gen-3 iteration brings efficiency gains, better packing, lower loss, and revised aesthetics — meaning you stay ahead of what’s “state-of-the-art.”
- Against modules with worse temperature coefficients, shading resilience, or weaker warranties — Aiko’s Gen-3 is expected to outperform in harsh climates and long-term reliability.
In short: the new 490 W Infinite Series can outstrip “premium PERC” modules in real-world kilowatt-hours delivered over 10–25 years, especially in Australian conditions of heat, partial shading, and ageing.
Aiko NeoStar Infinite Series Comparison – Black vs White Backsheet
| Feature | NeoStar All Black | NeoStar White Backsheet |
|---|---|---|
| Cell Technology | N-Type ABC (All Back Contact) | N-Type ABC (All Back Contact) |
| Rated Power Output | 480 W | 490 W |
| Efficiency | 23.3% | 23.6% |
| Aesthetics | Full black design for premium look | White backsheet for reflective boost |
| Best Use Case | Design-focused homes | Performance-focused installations |
| Durability | High wind & snow load rating | High wind & snow load rating |
| Warranty | 25-year product & performance | 25-year product & performance |
Partnering with AC Solar Warehouse means getting more than panels—you get a knowledgeable team dedicated to helping you deliver the highest-quality solar installations across Australia.
Learn more about the official launch of the Aiko infinite series here.
Why Buy Aiko Panels from AC Solar Warehouse
AC Solar Warehouse is one of the most trusted distributors of Aiko Solar products in Australia. We work closely with manufacturers and installers to ensure technical accuracy, timely delivery, and the best customer experience possible.
What Installers Get:
- Authorised Aiko distributor – Genuine products backed by full manufacturer warranty
- Technical expertise – Our engineering team supports you with design, configuration, and installation advice
- Strong stock availability – National warehousing for quick, reliable delivery
- Marketing and training support – Product updates, webinars, and promotional resources to grow your business
- End-to-end service – From pre-sale advice to after-sales technical assistance
Explore recommended and optional products for your Aiko installations:
