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Philadelphia Solar Brand review

PS-M72(BF)-395W

395 Wp PERC Bifacial 75%
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, weak in heat

Rank 12,595 of 14,129
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
395
Strong · top 12%
Efficiency (%)
19.60
Typical · median 19.90%
Density (Wp/m²)
195.2
Typical · median 199.0
Temp (%/°C)
-0.370
Weak · bottom 16%
Weight (kg)
23.0
Typical · median 21.4 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Typical · median 25 yrs

The PS-M72(BF)-(390-405 W) series consists of bifacial monocrystalline PERC modules engineered to squeeze maximum output from every square meter of an installation. Thanks to a transparent backsheet in place of a conventional rear glass, these panels can capture light reflected off the ground or roof surface, delivering extra energy yield without expanding the footprint of a roof or ground-mount array. This makes the series especially appealing to investors looking to boost the productivity of a commercial or utility-scale solar plant without altering its physical dimensions. Compared to traditional dual-glass modules, the series stands out for its lightweight construction, 25-35% lighter, which considerably simplifies transport and installation while easing the load requirements on mounting structures and roofs. The PERC cell technology ensures strong performance even under low-light conditions, translating into steady energy production on overcast days and during early morning or evening hours. The panels are PID-resistant, and their build has been certified to withstand high wind loads and heavy snow, making them a solid choice for both rooftop residential and industrial systems as well as large-scale solar farms. A positive power tolerance further reduces the risk of underdelivering against rated nameplate output.

Ranking

579 panels in the segment PERC 350-400 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 19.60% 19.90% Typical 12,677
Power density 195.2 199.0 Typical 12,729
Temperature coefficient -0.370 -0.350 Weak · bottom 16% 13,161
Weight per kWp 58.2 55.8 Typical 11,719
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

Commercial and utility-scale.

Not ideal for

Hot climates.

Watch-outs
-0.370 %/°C temperature coefficient

Bottom 16% of the PERC 350-400 W segment, against a median of -0.350.

What owners get
Lightweight bifacial construction

The transparent backsheet instead of a second glass layer makes the series 25-35% lighter than conventional glass-glass modules, reducing transport and installation costs and lowering mounting structure and roof load requirements.

Extra energy yield without a larger footprint

Bifacial technology captures albedo reflected off the ground, boosting the productivity of ground-mount or commercial installations without needing to expand the array footprint - a key advantage where available space is limited.

PID resistance and positive power tolerance

Certified resistance to potential-induced degradation (PID) combined with positive power tolerance reduces the risk of underperformance relative to nameplate ratings - an important factor for accurate ROI planning.

Tier-1, bankable manufacturer with long track record

Philadelphia Solar has operated since 2007 and appears on Tier-1 (BNEF) manufacturer lists, reflecting a documented history of supplying modules to bank-financed projects above 10 MW - a key criterion for debt financing of solar installations.

Certified for high wind and snow loads

The module design is certified for demanding mechanical load conditions, making the series suitable for both rooftop installations and utility-scale solar farms in harsher climates.

Trade-offs
Production discontinued

Released in 2022, the series has since been discontinued by the manufacturer, meaning limited availability of spare parts and continuity of service in case of warranty claims or expansion of an existing installation with matching modules.

Efficiency below comparable models

The maximum 20% efficiency trails direct competitors at the same 405 Wp power class - EGing PV STAR SERIES and VSUN VSUN405-108BMH-DG reach 20.74%, and Goldi Solar GS10-M108-BF reaches 20.66%, roughly 0.66-0.74 percentage points higher, translating into greater output from the same roof or ground area.

Legacy PERC cell technology

The modules are built on PERC cell technology, which by 2026 is being superseded by N-type TOPCon and HJT cells offering lower LID/LeTID degradation and better high-temperature performance - a potential competitiveness gap for new projects against current market offerings.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 19.6% matches the PERC 0-400W median
  • Power density of 195.2 W/m² matches the PERC 0-400W median
  • At -0.37%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 0-400W panels
  • At 23.0 kg (2.5 kg above PERC 0-400W median of 20.5 kg), requires checking roof load capacity
  • Bifaciality factor of 75% can add 4-11% extra yield with reflective mounting surface

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 395 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 19.60 % Typical Segment median 19.90%
Vmpp · Impp 41.50 V · 9.52 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 50.18 V · 9.97 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2007×1008×40 mm · 2.02 m² of roof
Weight 23.0 kg Typical Typical · median 21.4 kg
Cells 72 · PERC Monocrystalline
Bifaciality 75 % Rear output as a share of front
Coefficient Pmax -0.370 %/°C Weak bottom 16% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.280 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 43 °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 85.0 % Equals 326 W guaranteed
Degradation 3.00 → 0.50 % 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
-
With bifacial gain
-

Degradation from this panel's own datasheet figures. No inverter, soiling or shading losses.

Heat losses
-0.370 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Bifacial gain
Rear gain over light concrete: -
-

Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.

Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Philadelphia Solar PS-M72(BF)-395W 395 W 19.60% -0.370 23.0 kg You are here
LX-440M/182-108+GG 440 W 23.07% -0.240 23.6 kg Cooler, +3.5 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M360W 360 W 23.00% - 16.2 kg Lighter, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M380W (1/4*4*38) 380 W 23.00% - 17.1 kg Lighter, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M400W (1/2*4*20) 400 W 23.00% - 18.0 kg Lighter, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M400W (1/4*4*40) 400 W 23.00% - 18.0 kg Lighter, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
GKA210M380W (1/2*4*19) 380 W 23.00% - 17.1 kg Lighter, +3.4 pp, +5 yr warranty
JT440SYK(B) 440 W 22.90% -0.240 23.0 kg Cooler, +3.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
LX-440M/182-108+ 440 W 22.86% -0.300 21.5 kg +45 W, cooler, +3.3 pp
PS-M72(BF)-390W 390 W 19.30% -0.370 23.0 kg -0.3 pp
PS-M72(BF)-400W 400 W 19.80% -0.370 23.0 kg Very close match
PS-M72(BF)-405W 405 W 20.00% -0.370 23.0 kg +10 W, +0.4 pp
SPR-MAX7-475 475 W 24.00% -0.270 21.1 kg Cooler, +4.4 pp, +15 yr warranty
SPR-MAX7-470 470 W 23.70% -0.270 21.1 kg Cooler, +4.1 pp, +15 yr warranty
SPR-MAX7-465 465 W 23.50% -0.270 21.1 kg Cooler, +3.9 pp, +15 yr warranty
MS480NC-HJTPBFT 480 W 22.10% -0.260 23.0 kg +85 W, cooler, +2.5 pp
LG440QAC-A6 440 W 22.10% -0.290 20.5 kg +45 W, cooler, +2.5 pp

Found 113 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 212 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 332 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 753 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

About the PS-M72(BF)-(390-405 W) series

6 answered

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

How do the bifacial Philadelphia Solar PS-M72(BF) panels differ from standard monofacial modules?
PS-M72(BF) panels feature a transparent backsheet instead of a standard white one, allowing them to capture additional light reflected from the ground or roof surface. This can yield several percent more energy from the same footprint compared to classic monofacial modules, especially over light-colored surfaces such as gravel or reflective roofing.
How much does the PS-M72(BF) panel weigh, and is it easier to install than dual-glass modules?
The PS-M72(BF) series is 25-35% lighter than typical dual-glass bifacial panels, despite also using bifacial technology. The reduced weight simplifies rooftop transport, speeds up installation, and lowers the load on the mounting structure, which matters particularly when retrofitting older roofs with limited load capacity.
What warranty does Philadelphia Solar offer on the PS-M72(BF) series?
The manufacturer provides a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year power performance warranty. The panels also come with a positive power tolerance, meaning the actual module output is never below the rated nameplate value and may slightly exceed it.
Are PS-M72(BF) panels suitable for large ground-mounted solar farms?
Yes, the module construction is certified for high wind loads and heavy snow loads, making it suitable for both rooftop and large-scale ground-mounted installations. Bifacial technology is particularly cost-effective on ground-mount farms, where reflected light from the ground beneath the modules can be easily optimized.
Is the PS-M72(BF)-(390-405 W) series resistant to PID degradation?
Yes, the modules carry certified resistance to potential induced degradation (PID), preventing power loss caused by leakage currents in large installations with high system voltages. This ensures stable long-term performance throughout the module's operating life.
Are Philadelphia Solar PS-M72(BF)-(390-405 W) panels still available for purchase?
The PS-M72(BF)-(390-405 W) series has been discontinued from active production by Philadelphia Solar. Availability is now limited to remaining warehouse stock through distributors. Customers planning new installations are advised to check the manufacturer's current lineup of newer-generation bifacial modules.
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