--- title: "FuturaSun FU 420 M NEXT Pro 420W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "FuturaSun FU 420 M NEXT Pro 420W solar panel. Specs: 20.87% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-420-m-next-pro" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # FuturaSun FU 420 M NEXT Pro Solid all-round for its segment 954 panels in the segment PERC 400-450 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** FuturaSun - **Model:** FU 420 M NEXT Pro - **Series:** NEXT Pro - **Rated power:** 420 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) | 420 W | 410 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 20.87% | 20.60% | Typical | 10,332 | | Power density | 208.7 | 206.2 | Typical | 10,282 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,419 | | Weight (kg) | 22.5 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 | 20.87% | 20.60% | Typical | 10,332 | | Power density | 208.7 | 206.2 | Typical | 10,282 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,419 | | Weight per kWp | 53.6 | 53.0 | Typical | 7,586 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 25 yrs | Typical | 9,798 | - **Best for:** Residential and commercial. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 420 W - **Efficiency:** 20.87 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 41.93 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 10.02 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 50.61 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 10.74 A - **Max system voltage:** 1000 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.350 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.280 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.050 %/degC - **NOCT:** 45 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 144 ### Physical - **Length:** 2008 mm - **Width:** 1002 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 22.5 kg - **Area:** 2.01 m2 - **Power density:** 208.7 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 15 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 87.0 % - **First-year degradation:** 3.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.50 % - **Output after 30 years:** 347 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 10332 of 14005 | | Power density | 10282 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 10419 of 14005 | | Weight | 7586 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **Half-cut cells limit shading impact** - Splitting PERC cells into two electrically independent sections means partial shading (chimney, leaf, neighboring building) disables only a section of the module rather than the whole panel — a real advantage for urban and commercial installations where terrain shading is unavoidable. - **5-busbar design cuts resistive losses** - The 5BB multibusbar technology reduces internal current losses and lowers the risk of microcracks and hot spots compared to older 3BB/4BB layouts, translating into higher real-world output current and longer cell lifespan. - **Low NMOT coefficient** - A relatively low NMOT means a smaller power drop as module temperature rises above STC test conditions, delivering higher real-world yield during hot, sunny days — relevant for summer performance in the Polish climate. - **Strong warranty: 15-year product, 25-year linear power** - A 15-year product warranty combined with a 25-year linear power warranty offers a longer investment-protection horizon than the standard 10-12 year product warranties common among budget manufacturers, supporting predictable investment payback. - **European manufacturer since 2008 with local know-how** - FuturaSun is an Italian manufacturer operating since 2008, designing modules in Italy — a longer market track record than many Asian competitors newly entering the market, which can translate into easier access to service support in Europe. ## Cons - **Efficiency below peer comparables** - The 19.88-20.87% efficiency range is noticeably lower than comparable 420 Wp models — GCL-M10/54H (21.5%), RedSolar P series (21.52%), and Jinko JS-PERC (21.7%). A gap of roughly 0.6-1.8 percentage points means less power from the same roof area. - **PERC technology trails newer N-type cells** - Launched in 2019, the series is built on PERC, while the market has shifted toward TOPCon and HJT since 2023-2024, offering lower LID/LeTID degradation and higher output efficiency. Over a long-term investment horizon this may mean lower cumulative yield versus newer models in the same power class. - **No bifacial variant** - The NEXT Pro series does not offer a bifacial option, while some competing PERC/TOPCon manufacturers provide dual-sided modules generating additional yield (typically 5-15%) from ground albedo — an option unavailable in this series. ## About this series The NEXT Pro series is FuturaSun's answer to installations where consistent energy yield matters regardless of site conditions. Its **half-cut PERC cells** are split into two independently wired sections of the panel, so partial shading, from a chimney or a fallen leaf, does not shut down the whole module but only the affected portion. The **five-busbar multibus technology** lowers internal resistive losses and translates into higher output current, while the smaller, precisely soldered cells reduce the risk of micro-cracks and hot spots, a factor that matters for long-term system reliability. The panels also stand out for a comparatively **low NMOT rating**, which supports better real-world performance once module temperature climbs above standard test conditions. Build quality is backed by a **15-year product warranty** along with a linear power warranty guaranteeing 90% output after 20 years of operation. Engineered in Italy, the NEXT Pro series suits both residential rooftop installations and larger commercial systems where partial shading is often unavoidable and investors expect a predictable, long-term return on investment. ## Notable figures - At 20.9% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical \*\*PERC 400-450W\*\* modules - Power density of 208.8 W/m² matches the \*\*PERC 400-450W\*\* median - Temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C matches the \*\*PERC 400-450W\*\* median - #10332 for efficiency, #10419 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels ## Questions ### Are FuturaSun NEXT Pro panels suitable for roofs with partial shading, such as from a chimney or tree? Yes, this is one of the series' main advantages. The half-cut PERC cells are split into two electrically independent sections of the module, so shading part of the panel, for example from a chimney, antenna, or leaves, does not shut down the whole module. Current still flows through the unshaded section, limiting the energy loss compared to panels using full-size cells without sectioning. ### What is the warranty on FuturaSun NEXT Pro panels? The NEXT Pro series comes with a 15-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, plus a 25-year linear power warranty guaranteeing at least 90% of nominal output after 20 years of operation. This is longer than the standard 10-12 year product warranties found on cheaper series, reflecting the manufacturer's confidence in component quality. ### How does the five-busbar multibus technology differ from classic PERC panels? Five busbars instead of the standard three or four shorten the path current must travel inside the cell, reducing internal resistive losses and resulting in higher output current from the module. In addition, the smaller, precisely connected cell segments lower the risk of microcracks and hot spots, which positively affects the long-term reliability of the installation. ### What is the maximum power output of a FuturaSun NEXT Pro panel, and how many are needed for a 5 kW system? NEXT Pro series panels reach a maximum power output of up to 420 Wp. A roughly 5 kW system would therefore need around 12 such modules, though the exact number depends on the specific power variant chosen and the system losses at a given site. ### Do NEXT Pro panels perform well in summer when modules heat up significantly? Yes, the series features a comparatively low NMOT coefficient, meaning a smaller efficiency drop as the panel temperature rises above test conditions. In practice, this translates into better real-world energy yield on hot, sunny days compared to panels with a higher temperature coefficient, despite having the same nominal STC power rating. ### Are FuturaSun NEXT Pro panels suitable for commercial installations, not just residential ones? Yes, the NEXT Pro series was designed with both use cases in mind. It works well for residential rooftop installations, but its resistance to partial shading and high real-world efficiency also make it a solid choice for larger commercial systems, where shading from neighboring buildings is often unavoidable and investors expect a predictable long-term return. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/2020_FuturaSun_144m_400-420W_Next_Pro_de-1-2237f38ef193.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Just Solar JST-EDMH-(445-465)W-TD (465W class)](https://comparepv.com/panel/just-solar-jst-edmh-445-465-w-td-465w-class) | 465 W | Cooler, +2.9 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Luxor Solar LX-465M/182R-96+ GG](https://comparepv.com/panel/luxor-lx-465m-182r-96-gg) | 465 W | Cooler, +2.9 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX7-470](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max7-470) | 470 W | Cooler, +2.8 pp, +15 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A470-MAH54Mb](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a470-mah54mb) | 470 W | +50 W, cooler, +2.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A460-MAH54Mb](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-shenzhen-aiko-digital-energy-technology-co-ltd-aiko-a460-mah54mb-1) | 460 W | Cooler, +2.7 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [TCL Zhonghuan HSM-BD54-LA470](https://comparepv.com/panel/tcl-zhonghuan-hsm-bd54-la470) | 470 W | +50 W, cooler, +2.7 pp | | [FuturaSun FU 400 M NEXT Pro](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-400-m-next-pro) | 400 W | -20 W, -1.0 pp | | [FuturaSun FU 405 M NEXT Pro](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-405-m-next-pro) | 405 W | -15 W, -0.7 pp | | [FuturaSun FU 410 M NEXT Pro](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-410-m-next-pro) | 410 W | -10 W, -0.5 pp | | [FuturaSun FU 415 M NEXT Pro](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-415-m-next-pro) | 415 W | -0.2 pp | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX7-475](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max7-475) | 475 W | Cooler, +3.1 pp, +15 yr warranty | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX7-465](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max7-465) | 465 W | Cooler, +2.6 pp, +15 yr warranty | | [MY Solar MS480NC-HJTPBFT](https://comparepv.com/panel/my-solar-ms480nc-hjtpbft) | 480 W | +60 W, cooler, +1.2 pp | | [LG LG440QAC-A6](https://comparepv.com/panel/lg-lg440qac-a6) | 440 W | +20 W, cooler, +1.2 pp | | [MY Solar MS475NC-HJTPBFT](https://comparepv.com/panel/my-solar-ms475nc-hjtpbft) | 475 W | +55 W, cooler, +1.0 pp | | [LG LG435QAC-A6](https://comparepv.com/panel/lg-lg435qac-a6) | 435 W | Cooler, lighter, +1.0 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-420-m-next-pro Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.