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FuturaSun Brand review

FU 400 M NEXT

400 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, weak in heat

Rank 12,045 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
400
Weak · bottom 9%
Efficiency (%)
20.17
Weak · bottom 18%
Density (Wp/m²)
201.7
Weak · bottom 19%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.366
Weak · bottom 7%
Weight (kg)
22.6
Typical · median 22.0 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Typical · median 25 yrs

The FuturaSun NEXT series consists of monocrystalline PV modules designed for investors who expect stable energy output even on cloudy days and under low irradiance conditions. Thanks to full square PERC cells and 5 busbar technology, the panels reduce ohmic losses and deliver higher energy yield per unit of surface area compared to older cell designs. This solution works well both for rooftop installations on single-family homes and for larger commercial systems, where every percentage point of efficiency matters. The manufacturer places strong emphasis on durability - each module undergoes electroluminescence (EL) testing during production, allowing hidden cell microcracks to be identified before shipment. The design also provides high resistance to hail, which matters in regions with variable weather conditions. The whole series is backed by a 15-year product warranty along with a power output guarantee extending up to 25 years, giving investors predictability on their return on investment. The NEXT series is a solid choice for those who want proven, European-engineered technology without taking on the risk of lesser-known brands.

Ranking

954 panels in the segment PERC 400-450 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 20.17% 20.60% Weak · bottom 18% 12,061
Power density 201.7 206.2 Weak · bottom 19% 12,016
Temperature coefficient -0.366 -0.350 Weak · bottom 7% 13,076
Weight per kWp 56.5 53.0 Typical 10,688
Performance warranty 25 yrs 25 yrs Typical 9,798
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

5 positive · 6 caution
Best for

Residential and commercial.

Not ideal for

Hot climates, tight roof space and roofs where every square metre has to count.

Watch-outs
-0.366 %/°C temperature coefficient

Bottom 7% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of -0.350. Ranked 13,076th in the whole database.

20.17% module efficiency

Bottom 18% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 20.60%.

201.7 watts per square metre

Bottom 19% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 206.2.

What owners get
Efficiency up to 20.17%, top of peer group

Maximum efficiency of 20.17% places the NEXT series above comparable models MWG Mono (20.12%) and significantly above DMEGC GH400M10T (15.48%), trailing only Heliene 108HC (20.5%).

Full square PERC cells + 5 busbar

The use of full square PERC cells combined with 5 busbar technology reduces ohmic losses and increases energy yield per unit area compared to older 3BB/4BB designs, as confirmed by the manufacturer's documentation.

High hail resistance (83 km/h, 2.5 mm)

Per the manufacturer's official datasheet, the modules passed hail resistance testing at an impact speed of 83 km/h and 2.5 mm diameter, relevant for installations in regions with variable weather conditions.

100% electroluminescence (EL) testing

Every module undergoes EL testing during production, eliminating hidden cell micro-cracks before shipment - a practice not always standard among budget manufacturers.

European manufacturer founded in 2008

FuturaSun is an Italian manufacturer operating since 2008, combined with a 15-year product warranty and 25-year power warranty, offering investors greater predictability than lesser-known Asian brands.

Trade-offs
Production discontinued

The NEXT series launched in 2019 and has since been discontinued, meaning limited availability of warranty service, replacement parts, and no possibility of expanding an installation with identical modules in the future.

Fire class C, not A

The official datasheet lists fire resistance class C under IEC 61730, which may be a limitation for certain roof mounting types requiring class A (e.g., pitched roofs in close proximity to other buildings).

PERC technology trails newer N-type solutions

PERC (P-type) cells exhibit higher LID/LeTID degradation and lower high-temperature performance than newer TOPCon or HJT technologies, which now dominate new tier-1 series.

Notes from the database
  • At 20.2% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical PERC 400-450W modules
  • 201.7 W/m² power density is 4.5 W/m² below PERC 400-450W median (206.2 W/m²) - requires larger installation area
  • At -0.37%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 400-450W panels
  • #12061 for efficiency, #13076 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 400 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 20.17 % Weak Segment median 20.60%
Vmpp · Impp 41.81 V · 9.57 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 50.63 V · 9.89 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1000 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1979×1002×40 mm · 1.98 m² of roof
Weight 22.6 kg Typical Typical · median 22.0 kg
Cells 72 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.366 %/°C Weak bottom 7% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.266 · 0.037 %/°C
NOCT 45 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 15 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Typical median 25 yrs · median 25 yrs
End-of-warranty output 87.0 % Equals 330 W guaranteed
Degradation 3.00 → 0.50 % First year, then annual

Simulations

Live - change any input
Lifetime output & value
30 years at 1200 kWh/kWp/year and €0.50 per kWh
Power in year 30
-
Lifetime energy
-
Energy value
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.366 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
FuturaSun FU 400 M NEXT 400 W 20.17% -0.366 22.6 kg You are here
LX-440M/182-108+GG 440 W 23.07% -0.240 23.6 kg Cooler, +2.9 pp, +5 yr warranty
JST-EDMH-(445-465)W-TD (450W class) 450 W 23.05% -0.300 20.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.9 pp
QNN182-HG450-54 450 W 23.04% -0.290 24.0 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.9 pp
HY440-N108BDD 450 W 23.04% -0.300 23.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.9 pp
NLBK-27-450 450 W 23.04% -0.300 22.9 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.9 pp
RS41-450NBG-E3 450 W 23.04% -0.290 24.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.9 pp
FU 360 M NEXT 360 W 18.15% -0.366 22.6 kg -40 W, -2.0 pp
FU 370 M NEXT 370 W 18.66% -0.366 22.6 kg -30 W, -1.5 pp
FU 380 M NEXT 380 W 19.16% -0.366 22.6 kg -20 W, -1.0 pp
FU 390 M NEXT 390 W 19.67% -0.366 22.6 kg -10 W, -0.5 pp
SPR-MAX7-475 475 W 24.00% -0.270 21.1 kg Cooler, +3.8 pp, +15 yr warranty
SPR-MAX7-470 470 W 23.70% -0.270 21.1 kg Cooler, +3.5 pp, +15 yr warranty
SPR-MAX7-465 465 W 23.50% -0.270 21.1 kg Cooler, +3.3 pp, +15 yr warranty
LEPV 132 ULTRA PREMIUM BLACK 440Wp (LEPV 440) 440 W 22.37% -0.290 21.0 kg Cooler, +2.2 pp, +5 yr warranty
NS-420MH-80 420 W 22.28% -0.290 20.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +2.1 pp
NS-420MH-80 420 W 22.28% -0.290 20.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +2.1 pp

Found 86 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 304 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 439 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 566 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
Is the FuturaSun NEXT series still available for purchase?
The FuturaSun NEXT series has been discontinued from current production and replaced by newer manufacturer models. Modules may still be available from distributors as remaining stock, so it's worth checking availability with a local seller beforehand. The manufacturer's warranty remains valid regardless of discontinuation, so panels purchased earlier are still fully covered.
What warranty comes with FuturaSun NEXT panels?
The manufacturer provides a 15-year product warranty and a 25-year power output warranty. This means protection against material and manufacturing defects for a decade and a half, plus a guaranteed minimum performance level over a quarter century of operation, which is standard for modern monocrystalline panels.
What are full square PERC cells and is this better technology?
Full square PERC cells are rectangular silicon wafer cells that fully utilize the wafer surface, with an added rear passivation layer that reflects unused light back into the cell. Combined with 5 busbar technology, this reduces resistive losses and improves energy yield, especially in low-light and cloudy conditions, compared to older full-cell constructions.
What is the maximum power output of a FuturaSun NEXT panel?
NEXT series panels reach a maximum power of up to 400 Wp. This places them in the standard, proven efficiency segment for both residential and commercial installations, though newer technologies on the market now offer higher power ratings at similar dimensions.
Are FuturaSun NEXT panels bifacial and can they generate power from both sides?
No, the NEXT series uses standard monofacial modules rather than bifacial technology. These panels generate energy only from the front side, making them a simpler and more universally mountable solution than bifacial modules, which require specific installation conditions, such as elevated mounting, to capture light reflected off the ground.
Does electroluminescence (EL) testing matter when buying NEXT panels?
Yes, EL testing performed during production detects hidden cell microcracks invisible to the naked eye before the panel leaves the factory. This reduces the risk of premature degradation and post-installation failures. It's an additional quality control step the Italian manufacturer applies alongside hail resistance testing, reinforcing confidence in product durability.
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