The assessment
How it scores, by category
Market position
The data
Performance guarantee: 30-year linear output
Wattage figure based on the sourced rated power (515 W) applied to the guaranteed floor; modular/format differences aside, this is the same rated-power spec shown above.
Modelled effective output, year by year
Year 1 to year 25, at 30°C and 1000 W/m². Rated 515 W at STC.
How this is modelled
Compounds this panel’s own published first-year (1%) and annual (0.4%/yr) degradation figures against its 515 W rated (STC) output, then derates for the ambient and irradiance selected. Output is scaled roughly linearly with irradiance (1000W/m² against the 1000 W/m² STC reference). This is the dominant real-world effect at low light, whether from cloud, shading or soiling. Output is then further derated for heat, from this panel’s own NOCT (44°C) and temperature coefficient (-0.29%/°C), giving an estimated cell temperature of 60°C at that ambient and irradiance. A datasheet-derived estimate, not a field measurement or a warranty guarantee: it does not account for this panel’s own low-light efficiency response (a separate, less-consistently-published spec), or for wind and system design. See NOCT and temperature coefficient in the glossary.
Control panel
| Year | 1 | 5 | 10 | 15 | 20 | 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Watts | 458 W | 451 W | 441 W | 432 W | 423 W | 414 W |
| % of rated | 89.0% | 87.5% | 85.7% | 83.9% | 82.1% | 80.3% |
Two things to check
Ask the installer: Will the quote name the exact Vertex S+ NEG18R.25 model and wattage, and who covers labour if the module warranty is used?
Verification & sources
Market context
Global benchmark. This scorecard is benchmarked globally. A global score does not imply local availability, certification, warranty coverage, or installer compatibility.
Benchmark anchor. The score is anchored to the highest published AU rating for this exact series. Scored model: TSM-NEG18R.25 · checked 2026-07-16. Evidence.
Sources & references · checked 2026-07-16
Strong evidence coverage
20 of 29 scored criteria link directly to a published source.
Values marked estimated, derived, or not found remain visible on the audit sheet and do not carry the same evidential weight as a linked source. Coverage measures direct links, not an independent guarantee that a claim is correct.
- Sourced valuesData card →
- Warranty summary25-year product warranty →
Show 5 more
- Verified reliabilityIndependent test ↗
- Independent energy yieldIndependent test ↗
- Financial strength & warranty backingWarranty ↗
- Guarantee assuranceWarranty ↗
- Certified installer networkManufacturer ↗
Help strengthen this record
These are published evidence gaps, not private submissions. A source is reviewed under the same methodology whether it comes from a reader, installer or manufacturer.
- NOCT (C)The current record is estimated. A primary or independent source is requested.Offer a source
- Hail resistanceThe current record is estimated. A primary or independent source is requested.Offer a source
Evidence timeline
Recorded verification events for this scorecard. These are evidence checks, not historical score snapshots.
- Core scorecard evidence checked
- Series benchmark source checked
- AU market evidence checked
- Plain-language warranty summary checked
Scored by Solar Analytica Research
Further reading from Signals
Stay across the benchmark.
New scorecards, score changes and market signals, published as they happen.
Our reading
Vertex S+ NEG18R.25 scores 73, placing 22 of 29 in the Global Tier-1 class against a class average of 73.5. Its strongest scoring dimension is sustainability (91), running 5.5 points above the class average on this dimension. Underlying specifications include a module efficiency of 23.2%, TOPCon cell architecture, 25-year product warranty backed by a 30-year performance term.