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Philadelphia Solar Brand review

PS-M72-385W

385 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, weak in heat

Rank 12,621 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
385
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
19.80
Typical · median 19.90%
Density (Wp/m²)
197.6
Typical · median 199.0
Temp (%/°C)
-0.390
Weak · bottom 3%
Weight (kg)
22.0
Typical · median 21.4 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Typical · median 25 yrs

The PS-M72 series from Philadelphia Solar consists of mono-crystalline PERC solar modules engineered for installations that demand high reliability under harsh environmental conditions. These panels stand out for their resistance to salt mist and ammonia, making them well suited for agricultural rooftops as well as coastal locations, where aggressive atmospheric factors quickly degrade cheaper constructions. The module frame has been reinforced for mechanical load resistance - certified to withstand wind loads up to 2400 Pa and snow loads up to 5400 Pa, making it a solid choice for regions with harsh climates. Grade A PERC cells with anti-PID technology guarantee resistance to potential-induced degradation, translating into stable energy output throughout the module's service life. The manufacturer offers a positive power tolerance of up to 3%, eliminating the risk of underestimating actual system performance, and combined with a 25-year linear power warranty and an annual degradation rate of just 0.65%, it gives investors a predictable return on investment. The PS-M72 series works well both in residential rooftop installations and in larger commercial projects and solar power plants, where long-term durability and a low levelized cost of energy (LCOE) matter most.

Ranking

579 panels in the segment PERC 350-400 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 19.80% 19.90% Typical 12,501
Power density 197.6 199.0 Typical 12,539
Temperature coefficient -0.390 -0.350 Weak · bottom 3% 13,659
Weight per kWp 57.1 55.8 Typical 11,138
Performance warranty 25 yrs 25 yrs Typical 9,912
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

5 positive · 4 caution
Best for

Residential, commercial and agrivoltaic.

Not ideal for

Hot climates.

Watch-outs
-0.390 %/°C temperature coefficient

Bottom 3% of the PERC 350-400 W segment, against a median of -0.350. Ranked 13,659th in the whole database.

What owners get
Certified salt mist and ammonia resistance

PS-M72 modules are certified to IEC 61701 (salt mist) and IEC 62716 (ammonia), making them well suited for coastal installations and agricultural rooftops (livestock buildings), where cheaper constructions corrode within a few years.

High mechanical load rating

Certified wind load resistance up to 2400 Pa and snow load up to 5400 Pa places the series above the typical market baseline (many competitors ship at 1600 Pa wind / 2400 Pa snow), which matters for harsh-climate regions.

25-year linear power warranty with low degradation

The manufacturer declares an annual power degradation of only 0.65% and a positive power tolerance of up to +3%, eliminating the risk of underestimating real-world system yield and supporting predictable ROI over a 25-year horizon.

Tier-1 manufacturer with a long track record

Philadelphia Solar (Jordan, founded 2007) is listed on the BNEF Tier 1 list confirming manufacturer bankability, which eases financing of commercial and utility-scale PV projects.

Grade A anti-PID cells

Grade A PERC cells with anti-PID technology provide resistance to potential-induced degradation, supporting more stable energy output throughout the system's operating life.

Trade-offs
Production discontinued in 2022

The PS-M72 series has been discontinued (released 2017, ended 2022), meaning limited availability of service support, replacement parts, and difficulty sourcing matching modules for future system expansion or repair.

Efficiency below current segment peers

Efficiency of 19-19.8% is noticeably lower than comparable ~385 Wp modules on the market: Suntech Ultra S mini (21.1%), Solarwatt vision GM 3.0 pure (20.7%), and JA Solar JAM60D20 (20.6%) - a gap of roughly 1-1.3 percentage points driven by older-generation PERC technology versus newer N-type/TOPCon designs from competitors.

Monofacial construction (no bifacial gain)

Unlike some newer competing designs, PS-M72 is a monofacial module, ruling out the additional rear-side energy yield achievable with bifacial panels on bright or reflective surfaces.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 19.8% matches the PERC 0-400W median
  • 197.6 W/m² power density - 3.4 W/m² more than PERC 0-400W median (194.2 W/m²), more power per roof area
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.39%/°C is 0.03pp worse than PERC 0-400W median (-0.36%/°C) - higher losses in summer heat
  • Weight of 22.0 kg is 1.5 kg above PERC 0-400W median (20.5 kg) - verify structural support
  • #12501 for efficiency, #13659 for temperature performance out of 14129 panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 385 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 19.80 % Typical Segment median 19.90%
Vmpp · Impp 40.55 V · 9.50 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 49.17 V · 9.98 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1968×990×40 mm · 1.95 m² of roof
Weight 22.0 kg Typical Typical · median 21.4 kg
Cells 72 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.390 %/°C Weak bottom 3% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.300 · 0.060 %/°C
NOCT 45 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Typical median 25 yrs · median 25 yrs
End-of-warranty output 81.4 % Equals 309 W guaranteed
Degradation 0.65 % Per year after the first

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
-0.390 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Philadelphia Solar PS-M72-385W 385 W 19.80% -0.390 22.0 kg You are here
GKA210M340W 340 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg Lighter, +3.2 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M360W 360 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg Lighter, +3.2 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M380W (1/4*4*38) 380 W 23.00% - 17.1 kg Lighter, +3.2 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M400W (1/2*4*20) 400 W 23.00% - 18.0 kg Lighter, +3.2 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M400W (1/4*4*40) 400 W 23.00% - 18.0 kg Lighter, +3.2 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M380W (1/2*4*19) 380 W 23.00% - 17.1 kg Lighter, +3.2 pp, +5 yr warranty
LX-435M/182-108+ GG 435 W 22.81% -0.240 23.6 kg +50 W, cooler, +3.0 pp
JT435SYk(B) 435 W 22.70% -0.240 23.0 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.9 pp
SPR-MAX3-430-R 430 W 22.70% -0.270 21.2 kg Cooler, +2.9 pp, +15 yr warranty
LX-435M/182-108+ 435 W 22.61% -0.300 21.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +2.8 pp
PS-P72-330W 330 W 16.90% -0.400 21.0 kg -55 W, hotter, -2.9 pp
PS-P72-335W 335 W 17.20% -0.400 21.0 kg -50 W, hotter, -2.6 pp
PS-P72-340W 340 W 17.50% -0.400 21.0 kg -45 W, hotter, -2.3 pp
PS-P72-345W 345 W 17.70% -0.400 21.0 kg -40 W, hotter, -2.1 pp
PS-M72-370W 370 W 19.00% -0.390 22.0 kg -15 W, -0.8 pp
PS-M72-375W 375 W 19.20% -0.390 22.0 kg -10 W, -0.6 pp
SPR-MAX7-475 475 W 24.00% -0.270 21.1 kg Cooler, +4.2 pp, +15 yr warranty

Found 27 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 260 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 451 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 557 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the PS-M72 series

6 answered

These answers cover the whole series. Where a figure differs, the specification above is this module's own.

Is the Philadelphia Solar PS-M72 series still available for purchase?
The PS-M72 series has been discontinued from current production by Philadelphia Solar and replaced by newer, higher-power models. Units may still be available through distributors as remaining stock, but buyers should confirm availability and production date with the seller, since the manufacturer no longer guarantees continuous supply or warranty service tied to this specific model.
Are PS-M72 panels suitable for coastal or agricultural installations?
Yes, this is one of the series' main strengths. PS-M72 modules are certified for resistance to salt mist and ammonia, making them well-suited both for installations near the coast, where salty humidity accelerates corrosion, and for roofs on livestock buildings, where ammonia fumes degrade cheaper module constructions.
What warranty does Philadelphia Solar offer on the PS-M72 panels?
The manufacturer provides a 12-year product warranty along with a 25-year linear power warranty. Annual power degradation is only 0.65 percent, meaning the panel should retain a high percentage of its initial power output after 25 years of operation. These are standard terms for a Tier 1 manufacturer like Philadelphia Solar.
What is the maximum power output of the PS-M72 panel, and is it bifacial?
PS-M72 series panels reach a maximum power of up to 385 Wp. These are monofacial modules, not bifacial, meaning they generate energy only from the front surface. For applications requiring extra energy yield from reflected light, other bifacial series from the manufacturer should be considered instead.
How does the PERC technology in the PS-M72 differ from standard monocrystalline cells?
PERC cells feature an additional rear passivation layer that reflects unused light back into the cell, increasing conversion efficiency compared to standard mono cells. The PS-M72 uses Grade A PERC cells with anti-PID technology, further protecting the panel against potential-induced degradation over long-term system operation.
Can PS-M72 panels withstand heavy snow loads and strong wind?
Yes, the module frame is reinforced for mechanical strength and certified to withstand wind loads up to 2400 Pa and snow loads up to 5400 Pa. This makes the PS-M72 series suitable for regions with harsh climates, including areas with heavy winter snowfall and strong summer winds.
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