Guides · Faisalabad, Lahore, Punjab
AIKO Neostar vs Comet: Which AIKO Panel?
Short answer
AIKO Neostar is the smaller, lighter back-contact panel designed for house roofs, while AIKO Comet is the larger, higher-wattage panel designed for commercial and industrial roofs. Both use AIKO's all-back-contact (ABC) N-type cells, so the choice is mostly about panel size, handling, structure and string design, not cell technology. For most homes, Neostar fits better; for open factory sheds and large flat roofs, Comet usually does.
What ABC cells are, and how AIKO compares with other brands, is covered on our AIKO solar panels page. This guide only covers choosing between the two main AIKO ranges.
The short comparison
AIKO updates both ranges by generation, and each generation comes in more than one size. The figures below are from one published generation of each (Neostar 3S54 and Comet 3N72e) to show the difference in scale. Check the datasheet of the exact model in your quote.
| Feature | AIKO Neostar | AIKO Comet |
|---|---|---|
| Designed for | Homes and small commercial roofs | Commercial and industrial roofs |
| Example cell count | 54 cells | 72 cells |
| Example size | About 1,762 × 1,134 mm | About 2,278 × 1,134 mm |
| Example power class | About 460-485 W | About 625-650 W |
| Example efficiency (AIKO claim) | Up to about 24.3% | Up to about 25.2% |
| Look | All-black front, suited to visible roofs | All-black front |
| Rear side | Double-glass in some versions | The example generation is monofacial |
| Price per panel | WhatsApp for today's rate | WhatsApp for today's rate |
| Price per watt | WhatsApp for today's rate | WhatsApp for today's rate |
AIKO's own launch material lists Neostar in a wider range of power ratings than the example above, because larger Neostar formats also exist. So the name alone does not tell you the size. Always ask for the model code and datasheet.
AIKO Neostar vs Comet
Neostar
Home-size panel
Comet
Large-format panel
Same roof area, different panel count
A common assumption is that the bigger Comet panel "makes more power from the roof". In practice, the two ranges have similar efficiency, so they produce similar watts per square metre. The real difference is how many panels you handle.
For example, using the illustrative figures from the table and round numbers: a 10 kW array needs about 10,000 ÷ 480 ≈ 21 Neostar panels, or about 10,000 ÷ 640 ≈ 16 Comet panels.
- 21 Neostar panels × about 2.0 m² each ≈ 42 m² of panel area
- 16 Comet panels × about 2.6 m² each ≈ 41 m² of panel area
The panel area is almost the same. What changes is the number of panels, clamps, connectors and lifting jobs, and how well the panel shape fits the free space on your roof. This is a method for comparing options, not a design. For converting kW into panel count in general, see how many solar panels for 5 kW or 10 kW, and for sizes in feet, see solar panel size in feet.
When Neostar is the better fit
- House roofs with obstacles. Water tanks, stairwells, parapets and AC outdoor units break a roof into small areas. A smaller panel fills those gaps with less waste.
- Narrow stairs and no crane. A smaller, lighter panel is easier and safer to carry up a residential stairwell.
- Visible roofs. Neostar is aimed at homes where an all-black, line-free appearance matters.
- Partial shading. AIKO says its ABC panels lose less output under partial shade. That helps on cluttered house roofs, but layout and string design matter more than the panel. See how shading cuts solar output.
When Comet is the better fit
- Large open roofs. Factory sheds, warehouses and plaza roofs with long clear runs suit large panels.
- Fewer connections per kW. Fewer panels means fewer clamps and MC4 joints, which simplifies installation and inspection on large sites.
- Commercial string design. Comet's electrical figures suit the higher-voltage, three-phase inverters used on commercial projects.
Large panels need more care. They catch more wind, weigh more and need a structure designed for them. Read our 600 to 750 watt panel guide, will my roof hold solar panels? and, for factory sheds, solar on tin and metal sheet roofs.
Bifacial or not?
The Comet generation used in our example is monofacial: it produces from the front only. Some Neostar versions are double-glass, and AIKO's utility range is bifacial. A bifacial panel only earns its higher price when it is raised over a light surface. On a panel fixed low over a dark roof, choose on price per watt instead. See bifacial panels on white roofs and elevated structures and L2, L3 and elevated structures.
Matching the inverter
Neostar and Comet have different voltages and currents, so they need different string designs.
- Do not mix them in one string. The weaker panel limits the whole string.
- Check the inverter's input current per MPPT. Large-format panels carry more current. If it exceeds the inverter's limit, some output is clipped.
- Check string voltage on cold mornings. Panel voltage rises in cold weather, and a string that is fine in June can exceed the inverter limit in a January dawn.
Our guide on reading an inverter datasheet explains these limits.
Which to choose: a quick table
| Your project | Usually better | Why |
|---|---|---|
| 6-15 kW house, cluttered roof | Neostar | Fills small areas, easier to carry |
| House where appearance matters | Neostar | Designed for visible residential roofs |
| Shop or office roof, mid-size | Either | Decide on layout and price per watt |
| Factory shed or warehouse | Comet | Fewer panels and joints per kW |
| Elevated structure over a light roof | A bifacial AIKO model | Rear-side gain needs height and light |
If you are still deciding between AIKO and a mainstream TOPCon brand, read TOPCon vs HJT vs back-contact panels and best solar panels in Pakistan.
Buying genuine AIKO stock
Get the full model code on the quote, check it matches the panel label and datasheet, and ask for the serial-number list and importer's packing list. Our genuine solar panel guide covers the checks. Each panel carries a manufacturer's warranty per product.
How Solar Works Pakistan chooses between them
Solar Works Pakistan is an engineering-led solar EPC and trading company founded in 2021, with 300+ customers and 50+ industrial clients across Punjab. After a free site survey, our in-house AutoCAD team draws both layouts where it makes sense, then compares panel count, structure, inverter match and price per watt. The quote names the exact AIKO model. For larger sites, see industrial and commercial solar, and for a starting size, use the solar calculator. For prices across all brands, see the solar panel price in Pakistan page.
Get today's price or a free site survey
- WhatsApp or call: 0336 666 4321
- Email: info@solarworks.pk
- Head office: Main Boulevard, Sargodha Rd, Block F FDA City, Faisalabad
- Lahore branch: 2nd Floor, Jeff Heights, Gulberg, Lahore
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily
We serve homes, businesses and factories throughout Punjab from our Faisalabad head office and Lahore branch. You can also use our contact page.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between AIKO Neostar and Comet?
Neostar is AIKO's residential range, with smaller and lighter panels suited to house roofs. Comet is the commercial and industrial range, with larger, higher-wattage panels. Both use AIKO's all-back-contact N-type cells.
Does Comet produce more power from the same roof?
Not much. Both ranges have similar efficiency, so watts per square metre are close. Comet needs fewer panels for the same kW, which matters more on large open roofs than on small house roofs.
Which AIKO panel is best for a home in Punjab?
For most homes, Neostar, because it fits around tanks and stairwells and is easier to carry up. On a large, clear house roof, a larger panel can also work. We decide after the site survey.
Are AIKO Neostar panels bifacial?
Some Neostar versions are double-glass, but not every version is bifacial. Check the datasheet for the exact model. Bifacial gain only matters on raised structures over a light surface.
Can I mix Neostar and Comet panels in one system?
Not in the same string, because their voltage and current differ. They can sit on separate strings or inverter inputs if the inverter allows it. Our engineers check this before quoting.
What is the AIKO Neostar or Comet price in Pakistan?
Prices change with the dollar rate, import costs and stock. The current rate is WhatsApp for today's rate per watt for each range. WhatsApp 0336 666 4321 with the model and quantity for today's rate.
Sources
- AIKO: unveils ABC modules at ASEAN Sustainable Energy Week 2024 (Neostar, Comet and Stellar segments and power classes)
- TaiyangNews: AIKO's new products for residential and C&I (Neostar 3S54 and Comet 3N72e cell counts, dimensions, power and efficiency)