--- title: "FuturaSun FU 420 M 420W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "FuturaSun FU 420 M 420W solar panel. Specs: 21.30% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-420-m" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # FuturaSun FU 420 M Middle of its segment, short guarantee 1,218 panels in the segment TOPCon 400-450 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** FuturaSun - **Model:** FU 420 M - **Series:** ZEBRA Pro All Black - **Rated power:** 420 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 400-450 W (1218 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 420 W | 435 W | Weak - bottom 16% | | | 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 (kg) | 21.0 kg | 22.0 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 7% | 9,798 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | 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 | ### Watch out for - **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. - **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. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 420 W - **Efficiency:** 21.30 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 38.74 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 10.85 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 45.91 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 11.66 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.290 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.246 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.046 %/degC - **NOCT:** 42 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Cell count:** 132 ### Physical - **Length:** 1895 mm - **Width:** 1039 mm - **Thickness:** 30 mm - **Weight:** 21.0 kg - **Area:** 1.97 m2 - **Power density:** 213.3 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 25 years - **Performance warranty:** 25 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 93.0 % - **First-year degradation:** 1.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.25 % - **Output after 30 years:** 385 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 8519 of 14005 | | Power density | 8437 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 2165 of 14005 | | Weight | 3317 of 14005 | | Warranty | 9798 of 14005 | ## Pros - **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. ## Cons - **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. ## About this series 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. ## Notable figures - 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 ## Questions ### 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. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/FuturaSun_132_420W_ZEBRA-Pro-All-Black_EN-9aae08ae56f8.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 | +45 W, +2.5 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Luxor Solar LX-465M/182R-96+ GG](https://comparepv.com/panel/luxor-lx-465m-182r-96-gg) | 465 W | +45 W, +2.5 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Maxeon SPR-MAX7-470](https://comparepv.com/panel/maxeon-spr-max7-470) | 470 W | +50 W, +2.4 pp, +15 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A470-MAH54Mb](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a470-mah54mb) | 470 W | +50 W, +2.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A460-MAH54Mb](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-shenzhen-aiko-digital-energy-technology-co-ltd-aiko-a460-mah54mb-1) | 460 W | +40 W, +2.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [TCL Zhonghuan HSM-BD54-LA470](https://comparepv.com/panel/tcl-zhonghuan-hsm-bd54-la470) | 470 W | +50 W, +2.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | +90 W, +3.7 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | +140 W, +3.5 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | +85 W, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | +135 W, +3.3 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | +80 W, +3.2 pp, +5 yr warranty | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-420-m Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.