--- title: "FuturaSun FU 545 M Silk Plus Solar Panel: Specs & Datasheet | ComparePV" description: "FuturaSun FU 545 M Silk Plus solar panel. Specs: 21.09% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-545-m" image: "https://comparepv.com/og/panel/futurasun-fu-545-m.png" updated: 2026-11-06 --- # FuturaSun FU 545 M Silk Plus Middle of its segment, short guarantee 711 panels in the segment PERC 500-550 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** FuturaSun - **Model:** FU 545 M Silk Plus - **Series:** Silk Plus - **Rated power:** 545 W - **Cell technology:** PERC ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 500-550 W (711 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 545 W | 535 W | Strong - top 12% | | | Module efficiency | 21.09% | 20.90% | Typical | 9,688 | | Power density | 210.9 | 209.0 | Typical | 9,568 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,593 | | Weight (kg) | 28.2 kg | 28.3 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 23% | 10,001 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 21.09% | 20.90% | Typical | 9,688 | | Power density | 210.9 | 209.0 | Typical | 9,568 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.350 | -0.350 | Typical | 10,593 | | Weight per kWp | 51.7 | 53.0 | Typical | 5,171 | | Performance warranty | 25 yrs | 30 yrs | Weak - bottom 23% | 10,001 | ### Watch out for - **25 year performance warranty** - Bottom 23% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 30 yrs. - **Not ideal for:** Owners who want a long output guarantee. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 545 W - **Efficiency:** 21.09 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 41.96 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 12.99 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 49.81 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 13.84 A - **Max system voltage:** 1000 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.350 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.270 %/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:** 2279 mm - **Width:** 1134 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 28.2 kg - **Area:** 2.58 m2 - **Power density:** 210.9 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:** 450 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 9688 of 14269 | | Power density | 9568 of 14269 | | Temperature coefficient | 10593 of 14269 | | Weight | 5171 of 14269 | | Warranty | 10001 of 14269 | ## Pros - **PERC half-cut cells with MBB technology** - Half-cut PERC cells with multi-busbar (MBB) design reduce power losses under partial shading and improve microcrack resistance compared to classic full-size modules. This is a real advantage on roofs with chimneys, dormers, or neighboring obstructions. - **Solid 15/25-year warranty** - A 15-year product warranty combined with a 25-year linear power output warranty matches the tier-1 segment standard (e.g. IBC Solar 182M Half Cell), giving investors predictable energy yield over a quarter century. - **European manufacturer since 2008** - FuturaSun has been operating since 2008 with headquarters in Italy, which in practice means easier warranty and claims handling within the EU compared to some manufacturers based entirely outside European structures. - **Aesthetic All Black variant** - The All Black version with a black frame and black backsheet delivers a uniform, elegant appearance, an important factor for commercial projects and residential installations where roof aesthetics matter for building image. - **Tier-1-level efficiency** - Peak efficiency of 21.28% is virtually identical to IBC Solar's 182M Half Cell (21.28%) and close to Jetion's JT SGh (21.3%), confirming this series is technologically on par with direct PERC competitors in this power class. ## Cons - **PERC falling behind TOPCon/HJT** - PERC technology has a natural efficiency ceiling around 23-23.5% and a higher power temperature coefficient (around -0.35%/°C) compared to newer N-type TOPCon or HJT cells, which deliver better output at high temperatures and lower LID degradation. For a 25-year investment horizon this favors newer cell technologies despite their higher cost. - **Lower efficiency than top peers** - Maximum efficiency of 21.28% is noticeably below Gamko New Energy's GKA182N132 (23.16%) - a gap of roughly 1.9 pp at the same 550 Wp power class. On limited roof space this translates into lower energy yield per unit area. - **Monofacial only** - The Silk Plus series is monofacial (is\_bifacial: false) - the lack of a bifacial option means forgoing the additional albedo-driven energy gain available in the manufacturer's own Duetto line and in some competing series. ## About this series The FuturaSun Silk Plus series consists of monocrystalline solar panels designed for anyone who wants to combine the aesthetics of an installation with real energy performance. The panels are built on **half-cut PERC cells** with **multi-busbar (MBB) technology**, which improves current collection, reduces power losses under partial shading, and offers better resistance to microcracks than classic full-size modules. As a result, Silk Plus performs well on roofs with irregular sun exposure or nearby obstructions, where standard panels would lose significantly more energy. The **black frame and black backsheet** version (All Black) gives installations a sleek, uniform look, an important argument for investors who care about a building's appearance, whether on single-family homes or commercial facilities. The series stands out on the market thanks to **high-quality components from a European manufacturer** and solid warranty terms, including a long product warranty and a linear power output warranty. It is a solution for those looking for a balance between price, durability, and appearance, without reaching for pricier TOPCon or HJT technologies, while still ensuring stable, predictable energy production for years to come. ## Notable figures - At 21.1% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* modules - Power density of 210.9 W/m² matches the \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* median - Temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C matches the \*\*PERC 500-550W\*\* median - #9688 for efficiency, #10593 for temperature performance out of 14269 panels ## Questions ### What is the maximum power output of FuturaSun Silk Plus panels? The highest-rated variants in the Silk Plus series reach up to 550 Wp. This power level comes from half-cut PERC cells combined with multi-busbar (MBB) technology, which increases the module's active surface area and reduces resistive conduction losses. For a residential installation, this means fewer panels are needed to reach the target system capacity. ### How do the half-cut cells in Silk Plus differ from standard full-size cells? Half-cut cells are cut in half, which reduces the current flowing through each cell and limits thermal losses and the risk of microcracks. Combined with multi-busbar technology, this improves current collection even under partial shading, such as from chimneys or antennas. As a result, the panel loses less power under difficult lighting conditions than classic full-size modules. ### What warranty comes with FuturaSun Silk Plus panels? The Silk Plus series is backed by a 15-year product warranty and a 25-year linear power output warranty. This means the manufacturer commits to repairing or replacing the module in case of factory defects for 15 years, while the power degradation over time is guaranteed according to a linear schedule for 25 years. ### Does the All Black Silk Plus version have different specifications than the standard version? The All Black version with a black frame and black backsheet has identical electrical specifications and the same half-cut PERC cell technology as the standard Silk Plus panels. The difference is purely aesthetic - the black finish is chosen mainly for visual reasons, for example on roofs visible from the street or on commercial buildings where a uniform facade appearance matters. ### Are Silk Plus panels suitable for roofs with partial shading? Yes, this is one of the series' main use cases. The half-cut design with multi-busbar technology limits the drop in energy output when part of the module is shaded by chimneys, dormers, or trees, compared to classic full-size panels. This makes Silk Plus better suited to roofs with irregular sun exposure than standard module designs. ### Is the FuturaSun Silk Plus a bifacial panel? No, the Silk Plus series uses a standard monofacial PERC cell design. The panel generates energy only from the front side of the module, unlike bifacial panels, which also capture light reflected from the ground. This is a simpler solution to install and sufficient for typical rooftop installations, without needing special elevated mounting structures. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/FuturaSun_144_540-550W_Silk-Plus_EN-f95c2e1f32bf.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Jinko Solar JKM510T-48HL6M-DB](https://comparepv.com/panel/jinko-solar-jkm510t-48hl6m-db) | 510 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.4 pp | | [Jinko Solar JKM505T-48HL6M-DB](https://comparepv.com/panel/jinko-solar-jkm505t-48hl6m-db) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.2 pp | | [Jinko Solar JKM500T-48HL6M-DB](https://comparepv.com/panel/jinko-solar-jkm500t-48hl6m-db) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, +3.9 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.7 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | Cooler, +3.7 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [Jinko Solar JKM495T-48HL6M-DB](https://comparepv.com/panel/jinko-solar-jkm495t-48hl6m-db) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.7 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, +3.6 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [FuturaSun FU 540 M Silk Plus](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-540-m) | 540 W | Very close match | | [FuturaSun FU 550 M Silk Plus](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-550-m) | 550 W | Very close match | | [FuturaSun FU 565 MV](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-565-mv) | 565 W | Cooler, heavier, +5 yr warranty | | [FuturaSun FU 570 MV](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-570-mv) | 570 W | Cooler, +0.9 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [FuturaSun FU 575 MV](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-575-mv) | 575 W | Cooler, +1.1 pp, +5 yr warranty | | [FuturaSun FU 580 MV Silk Nova EU](https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-580-mv) | 580 W | +35 W, cooler, +1.4 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a650-mae72mw) | 650 W | +105 W, cooler, +4.1 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a645-mae72mw) | 645 W | +100 W, cooler, +3.9 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/futurasun-fu-545-m Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.