Skip to main content
FuturaSun Brand review

FU 420 M

420 Wp TOPCon
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, short guarantee

Rank 9,669 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
420
Weak · bottom 16%
Efficiency (%)
21.30
Weak · bottom 13%
Density (Wp/m²)
213.3
Weak · bottom 15%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.290
Typical · median -0.290
Weight (kg)
21.0
Typical · median 22.0 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Weak · bottom 7%

The ZEBRA Pro All Black series is FuturaSun's flagship photovoltaic module line built on back-contact IBC technology, keeping the entire cell surface free of visible grid lines and busbars. Thanks to 132 N-type half-cut cells, the panel maintains a uniform, deep black surface - a black frame, black backsheet, and the absence of metallic ribbons on the front let the installation blend aesthetically with any roof type without giving away the presence of panels. This solution is designed for investors for whom the appearance of a facade or roof matters as much as energy performance - single-family homes in urban settings, premium properties, and commercial projects where aesthetics carry image value. The IBC design eliminates the shading losses typical of conventional cells caused by front-side busbars, and the module stands out for its resistance to LID and LeTID degradation, translating into stable energy output over the entire service life. High-quality tempered glass with low iron content adds further mechanical durability and resistance to harsh weather conditions. ZEBRA Pro All Black is built for those who expect a combination of modern design, high reliability, and long-term profitability from their photovoltaic investment.

Ranking

1,218 panels in the segment TOPCon 400-450 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 21.30% 22.00% Weak · bottom 13% 8,519
Power density 213.3 220.2 Weak · bottom 15% 8,437
Temperature coefficient -0.290 -0.290 Typical 2,165
Weight per kWp 50.0 51.4 Typical 3,317
Performance warranty 25 yrs 30 yrs Weak · bottom 7% 9,798
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

5 positive · 6 caution
Best for

Residential.

Not ideal for

Owners who want a long output guarantee, tight roof space and roofs where every square metre has to count.

Watch-outs
25 year performance warranty

Bottom 7% of the TOPCon 400-450 W segment, against a median of 30 yrs. Ranked 9,798th in the whole database.

21.30% module efficiency

Bottom 13% of the TOPCon 400-450 W segment, against a median of 22.00%.

213.3 watts per square metre

Bottom 15% of the TOPCon 400-450 W segment, against a median of 220.2.

What owners get
Back-contact IBC technology

132 N-type half-cut cells with contacts moved to the rear side eliminate the shading losses caused by front-side busbars typical of PERC/TOPCon modules, translating into higher real-world energy yield at the same 420 Wp nominal power.

25-year product and power warranty

FuturaSun offers 25 years of warranty on both product and power output - matching top-tier segment offers (e.g., GCL, Phono Solar) and far exceeding the standard 12-15 year product warranties of cheaper manufacturers.

LID and LeTID degradation resistance

The N-type IBC cell design limits light-induced degradation (LID) and elevated-temperature induced degradation (LeTID) typical of conventional mono-PERC modules, ensuring more stable energy output over the full 25-year service life.

Premium aesthetics without efficiency trade-off

The black frame, black backsheet, and absence of visible metallic ribbons come with a 21.3% efficiency comparable to peer offerings (20.98-21.51%), making this one of the few full all-black options that pairs pure aesthetics with competitive energy performance.

Established EU manufacturer since 2008, Tier brand

FuturaSun is an Italian manufacturer operating since 2008, with EU-certified products - the ZEBRA Pro All Black series has been on the market since 2022 and remains in active production, providing confidence around warranty and service support.

Trade-offs
Efficiency slightly below segment leaders

At 21.3% efficiency, this module trails comparable 420 Wp competitors - GCL-M10/54H (21.5%) and Solarspace SS8-54HSB All Black (21.51%) - meaning slightly more panel area is needed to reach the same output.

Narrow power range - single 420 Wp variant

The series is offered in a single power rating (420 Wp), while comparable FuturaSun ZEBRA Pro lines (e.g., 415-425 Wp variants in other datasheets) and peer series provide a wider range, limiting flexibility when fitting non-standard roof areas.

No bifacial version available

The module is not bifacial, ruling out the additional energy gain from rear-side reflected light (typically 3-10% on high-albedo surfaces) - an option some competing premium series in this power class offer.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 21.3% is 0.7pp below the TOPCon 400-450W median (22.0%)
  • 213.3 W/m² power density is 6.9 W/m² below TOPCon 400-450W median (220.2 W/m²) - requires larger installation area
  • At -0.29%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for TOPCon 400-450W panels
  • At 21.0 kg, weight matches the TOPCon 400-450W median
  • In the top 61% for efficiency among all TOPCon panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 420 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 21.30 % Weak Segment median 22.00%
Vmpp · Impp 38.74 V · 10.85 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 45.91 V · 11.66 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1895×1039×30 mm · 1.97 m² of roof
Weight 21.0 kg Typical Typical · median 22.0 kg
Cells 132 · TOPCon Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.290 %/°C Typical median -0.290 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.246 · 0.046 %/°C
NOCT 42 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 25 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Weak bottom 7% · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 93.0 % Equals 385 W guaranteed
Degradation 1.00 → 0.25 % 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
-0.290 %/°C against a segment median of -0.290
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
FuturaSun FU 420 M 420 W 21.30% -0.290 21.0 kg You are here
JST-EDMH-(445-465)W-TD (465W class) 465 W 23.81% -0.300 20.5 kg +45 W, +2.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
LX-465M/182R-96+ GG 465 W 23.80% -0.260 23.5 kg +45 W, +2.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
SPR-MAX7-470 470 W 23.70% -0.270 21.1 kg +50 W, +2.4 pp, +15 yr warranty
AIKO-A470-MAH54Mb 470 W 23.60% -0.260 21.5 kg +50 W, +2.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A460-MAH54Mb 460 W 23.60% -0.290 20.5 kg +40 W, +2.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
HSM-BD54-LA470 470 W 23.60% -0.260 21.5 kg +50 W, +2.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +90 W, +3.7 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg +140 W, +3.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg +85 W, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg +135 W, +3.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg +80 W, +3.2 pp, +5 yr warranty

Found 12 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 41 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 113 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 2001 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
How does the back-contact IBC technology in FuturaSun ZEBRA Pro All Black panels differ from standard monocrystalline modules?
In IBC technology, all electrical contacts are placed on the rear of the cell, so the front surface is free of visible grid lines and busbars. This eliminates shading losses caused by busbars and allows for higher conversion efficiency than classic PERC or TOPCon cells, while keeping a uniform, deep black appearance across the panel.
What is the maximum power output of the ZEBRA Pro All Black panel, and how many modules are needed for a 5 kWp system?
Models in the ZEBRA Pro All Black series reach up to 420 Wp thanks to 132 N-type half-cut cells. A 5 kWp system requires around 12 modules, allowing a relatively high power output to fit on roofs with limited available space.
What warranty applies to FuturaSun ZEBRA Pro All Black panels?
FuturaSun provides a 25-year product warranty and a 25-year power performance warranty. The manufacturer states stable energy output throughout the panel's lifetime, a result of the IBC cells' resistance to LID and LeTID degradation.
Are ZEBRA Pro All Black panels suitable for single-family homes in urban areas where roof aesthetics matter?
Yes, this is one of the series' main use cases. The black frame, black backsheet, and absence of visible metallic strips let the panels blend visually with dark roof tiles or metal roofing, keeping the solar installation discreet. This makes the series popular for premium projects and urban homes where curb appeal is important.
Are ZEBRA Pro All Black panels bifacial?
No, the ZEBRA Pro All Black series consists of monofacial panels. The black backsheet design prevents the use of reflected light on the rear side of the module, but thanks to IBC technology and high-efficiency N-type cells, the panel still delivers strong energy output from the front side alone.
Where are FuturaSun panels made, and does the company have experience in the European market?
FuturaSun is a manufacturer headquartered in Italy, designing PV modules tailored to the climate conditions and quality standards of the European market. The ZEBRA Pro All Black series uses tempered, low-iron glass for extra mechanical durability against harsh weather conditions such as hail or strong wind.
Add to compare