--- title: "FuturaSun FU 400 M 400W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "FuturaSun FU 400 M 400W solar panel. Specs: 20.02% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-400-m" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # FuturaSun FU 400 M Strong in heat, needs the roof space 954 panels in the segment PERC 400-450 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** FuturaSun - **Model:** FU 400 M - **Series:** Silk Nova Orange - **Rated power:** 400 W - **Cell technology:** PERC ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 400-450 W (954 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 400 W | 410 W | Weak - bottom 9% | | | Module efficiency | 20.02% | 20.60% | Weak - bottom 14% | 12,182 | | Power density | 200.2 | 206.2 | Weak - bottom 14% | 12,189 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.350 | Strong - top 2% | 2,165 | | Weight (kg) | 21.3 kg | 22.0 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 25 yrs | Typical | 9,798 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 20.02% | 20.60% | Weak - bottom 14% | 12,182 | | Power density | 200.2 | 206.2 | Weak - bottom 14% | 12,189 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.350 | Strong - top 2% | 2,165 | | Weight per kWp | 53.2 | 53.0 | Typical | 7,089 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 25 yrs | Typical | 9,798 | ### Strengths - **-0.290 %/°C temperature coefficient** - Top 2% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of -0.350. Ranked 2,165th in the whole database. ### Watch out for - **200.2 watts per square metre** - Bottom 14% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 206.2. - **20.02% module efficiency** - Bottom 14% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 20.60%. - **Best for:** Residential and commercial. - **Not ideal for:** Roofs where every square metre has to count and tight roof space. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 400 W - **Efficiency:** 20.02 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 30.70 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 13.03 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 33.55 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 13.38 A - **Max system voltage:** 1000 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.290 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.280 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.045 %/degC - **NOCT:** 45 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 96 ### Physical - **Length:** 1762 mm - **Width:** 1134 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 21.3 kg - **Area:** 2.00 m2 - **Power density:** 200.2 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 15 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 89.0 % - **First-year degradation:** 1.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.40 % - **Output after 30 years:** 350 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 12182 of 14005 | | Power density | 12189 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 2165 of 14005 | | Weight | 7089 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Unique colored ARC coating** - Brick-orange glass (RAL 8007) with anti-reflective coating (ARC) combined with a color-matched frame is a solution none of the peer comparables (Heliene, MWG, DMEGC) offer. It enables installation on heritage-protected roofs without sacrificing power typical for the 400 Wp segment. - **N-type half-cut cells with MBB** - 96 monocrystalline N-type G21R half-cut cells with multi-busbar (MBB) technology offer lower LID/LeTID degradation than older PERC designs and reduced sensitivity to partial shading, translating into more stable energy yield in urban settings. - **20.02% efficiency well above DMEGC** - Module efficiency of 20.02% is significantly higher than DMEGC's GH400M10T-B48HST (15.48%) and close to MWG Mono (19.32%), confirming that the colored coating does not cost significant performance versus most peers in the same 400 Wp power class. - **Slow power degradation over time** - Per manufacturer data, the module retains 99% power after year 1 and 92% after 20 years (0.4%/year decline from year 2), giving a predictable, competitive degradation profile backed by a 25-year power warranty. - **Experienced Italian manufacturer** - FuturaSun has operated since 2008 and specializes in BIPV and aesthetic PV integration solutions, making the Silk Nova Orange series a mature niche product rather than a first-generation experiment. ## Cons - **Lower efficiency than peer group leader** - 20.02% efficiency is slightly below Heliene's 108HC M10 SL All Black (20.5%) at the same 400 Wp power class - the colored aesthetic comes with a minor performance cost versus the best-in-class black panel. - **15-year product warranty below market trend** - A 15-year product warranty is shorter than the 25-30 year standard now offered by many Tier-1 manufacturers on premium modules, which may matter when comparing total cost of ownership over the 25-year power warranty horizon. - **Only one power variant in the series** - The series is available exclusively as 400 Wp (variant\_count = 1), limiting design flexibility compared to manufacturers offering a broader power range to match different roof areas. ## About this series Silk® Nova Orange is a FuturaSun panel series built for roofs where a standard black or blue module simply isn't an option. The orange-terracotta colored glass with an **anti-reflective coating (ARC)** and a color-matched frame let the panels blend into ceramic roof tiles, so the installation stops being a visually intrusive addition to the building. This addresses a real pain point for developers building in heritage-protected zones, historic districts, and municipalities with strict architectural guidelines, where roof aesthetics can matter just as much as system power. Under the surface sits modern **n-type half-cut cell** technology with multi-busbar (MBB) design, delivering stable energy output and reduced sensitivity to partial shading. The series works equally well on single-family homes with traditional terracotta roofing and in BIPV projects, where the module functions as an architectural element rather than just a power generator. It's a fit for investors and architects who don't want to trade aesthetics for solar power, but instead expect **harmonious integration with the building envelope** alongside high manufacturing quality and solid warranty backing from an Italian manufacturer. ## Notable figures - At 20.0% efficiency, this panel is 0.6pp below the \*\*PERC 400-450W\*\* median of 20.6% - Power density of 200.2 W/m² is 6.0 W/m² below \*\*PERC 400-450W\*\* median (206.2 W/m²) - needs more roof space - At -0.29%/°C (vs median -0.35%/°C), loses ~2% less power in hot conditions - In the top 87% for efficiency among all PERC panels ## Questions ### Are FuturaSun Silk Nova Orange panels suitable for roofs covered with ceramic tiles? Yes, this is the main application for this series. The orange-terracotta glass with an anti-reflective coating (ARC) and matching frame color allow the modules to blend into classic ceramic roof tiles. This means the installation does not stand out visually on the roof, which matters for buildings in heritage-protected zones or municipalities with strict architectural guidelines. ### What is the maximum power output of the Silk Nova Orange panel, and how does it compare to standard black panels? The maximum power in the Silk Nova Orange series is 400 Wp. This is somewhat lower than top-tier black mono panels, which is typical for colored modules since the tinted glass coating slightly reduces light transmission. This is offset by the use of modern n-type half-cut cells with multiple busbars, improving output stability. ### How do the n-type half-cut cells in Silk Nova Orange differ from standard p-type cells? N-type cells feature lower light-induced degradation and higher heat tolerance than traditional p-type cells. Half-cut cell technology, which splits each cell in half, reduces power losses under partial shading, such as from a chimney or antenna, while the multi-busbar (MBB) grid improves current collection and connection reliability within the panel. ### What warranty comes with the Silk Nova Orange panels? FuturaSun provides a 15-year product warranty and a 25-year linear power output warranty. This means the manufacturer guarantees a defined performance level for the module over a quarter century, a standard benchmark for premium modern panels that gives investors confidence in the long-term profitability of the installation. ### Are the Silk Nova Orange panels bifacial? No, the Silk Nova Orange series consists of monofacial panels, not bifacial ones. The colored, non-transparent glass layer that gives the panel its orange-terracotta hue rules out rear-side energy generation. This series prioritizes aesthetic integration with roof tiles over the maximum energy yield typical of bifacial panels. ### Who should choose the more expensive, colored Silk Nova Orange panels instead of standard black panels? This series is designed for developers building in heritage-protected areas, historic districts, or municipalities with strict architectural regulations, where a standard black module might be rejected by local authorities or clash with the building facade. It also suits BIPV projects, where the panel serves as an architectural finishing element rather than just a power generator. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/FuturaSun_96_400W_Silk-Nova-Orange_EN-aff54f6af069.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Luxor Solar LX-440M/182-108+GG](https://comparepv.com/panel/luxor-solar-lx-440m-182-108-gg) | 440 W | Cooler, +3.1 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Just Solar JST-EDMH-(445-465)W-TD (450W class)](https://comparepv.com/panel/just-solar-jst-edmh-445-465-w-td-450w-class) | 450 W | +50 W, +3.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Q-SUN Solar QNN182-HG450-54](https://comparepv.com/panel/qn-solar-pv-limited-qnn182-hg450-54) | 450 W | +50 W, +3.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Huayao HY440-N108BDD](https://comparepv.com/panel/huayao-hy440-n108bdd) | 450 W | +50 W, +3.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [BYD NLBK-27-450](https://comparepv.com/panel/byd-nlbk-27-450) | 450 W | +50 W, +3.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Renesola RS41-450NBG-E3](https://comparepv.com/panel/renesola-rs41-450nbg-e3) | 450 W | +50 W, +3.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [FuturaSun FU440MV Silk Rhino](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu440mv-silk-rhino) | 440 W | +40 W, heavier, +2.0 pp | | [FuturaSun FU445MV Silk Rhino](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu445mv-silk-rhino) | 445 W | +45 W, heavier, +2.2 pp | | [FuturaSun FU450MV Silk Rhino](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu450mv-silk-rhino) | 450 W | +50 W, heavier, +2.5 pp | | [FuturaSun FU455MV Silk Rhino](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu455mv-silk-rhino) | 455 W | +55 W, heavier, +2.8 pp | | [FuturaSun FU 460 M](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-460-m) | 460 W | +60 W, +3.0 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +110 W, +5.0 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | +95 W, +4.8 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | +105 W, +4.7 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | +90 W, +4.5 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | +100 W, +4.5 pp, +5 yr warranty | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-400-m Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.