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S-Energy Brand review

SL45-78BGI-480S

480 Wp PERC Bifacial 500%
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, modest efficiency

Rank 10,760 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
480
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
20.40
Weak · bottom 12%
Density (Wp/m²)
204.3
Weak · bottom 15%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.350
Typical · median -0.350
Weight (kg)
26.5
Typical · median 24.5 kg
Warranty (yrs)
25
Typical · median 25 yrs

The S-Energy SL45-78BGI series are bifacial modules with monocrystalline solar cells, designed to effectively increase energy yield in locations where every extra percentage counts - on industrial rooftops, in commercial installations, and in PV farms. By utilizing both sides, the panel better captures reflected light from the ground, helping to minimize losses under less-than-ideal sunlight conditions and improving daily production.

A key feature of the series is positive power tolerance, which simplifies precise project planning and minimizes the risk of "under-delivering" on parameters in larger investments. The durable design includes tempered glass with an anti-reflective coating, as well as robust construction for long-term outdoor use. For installers, compatibility with 1500 V systems is also important, allowing for optimized string configurations in large installations and reducing cabling costs. This is a proposition for investors seeking predictable yields, stable quality, and an advantage over standard monofacial modules.

Ranking

449 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 20.40% 20.82% Weak · bottom 12% 11,598
Power density 204.3 208.5 Weak · bottom 15% 11,557
Temperature coefficient -0.350 -0.350 Typical 10,419
Weight per kWp 55.2 53.1 Typical 9,653
Performance warranty 25 yrs 25 yrs Typical 9,798
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

0 positive · 2 caution
Best for

Commercial.

Not ideal for

Tight roof space and roofs where every square metre has to count.

Watch-outs
20.40% module efficiency

Bottom 12% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 20.82%.

204.3 watts per square metre

Bottom 15% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 208.5.

Notes from the database
  • At 20.4% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical PERC 450-500W modules
  • Power density of 204.2 W/m² is 4.2 W/m² below PERC 450-500W median (208.5 W/m²) - needs more roof space
  • At -0.35%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 450-500W panels
  • Weight of 26.5 kg is 2.0 kg above PERC 450-500W median (24.5 kg) - verify structural support
  • In the top 83% for efficiency among all PERC panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 480 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 20.40 % Weak Segment median 20.82%
Vmpp · Impp 44.90 V · 10.70 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 53.90 V · 11.31 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2264×1038×40 mm · 2.35 m² of roof
Weight 26.5 kg Typical Typical · median 24.5 kg
Cells 156 · PERC Monocrystalline
Bifaciality 500 % Rear output as a share of front
Coefficient Pmax -0.350 %/°C Typical median -0.350 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.270 · 0.040 %/°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 85.0 % Equals 395 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 → 0.54 % 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
-0.350 %/°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.

Alternatives

All S-Energy panels
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
S-Energy SL45-78BGI-480S 480 W 20.40% -0.350 26.5 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +4.6 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.4 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +4.3 pp, +5 yr warranty
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, +4.1 pp, +5 yr warranty
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp
SL45-78BGI-475S 475 W 20.20% -0.350 26.5 kg Very close match
SL45-78BGI-485S 485 W 20.60% -0.350 26.5 kg +0.2 pp
AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw 650 W 25.20% -0.260 27.0 kg +170 W, cooler, +4.8 pp
AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw 645 W 25.00% -0.260 27.0 kg +165 W, cooler, +4.6 pp
AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw 640 W 24.80% -0.260 27.0 kg +160 W, cooler, +4.4 pp
AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw 635 W 24.60% -0.260 27.0 kg +155 W, cooler, +4.2 pp
AIKO-A630-MAH72Dw 630 W 24.40% -0.260 32.5 kg +150 W, cooler, +4.0 pp

Found 4 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 13 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 14 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 2526 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
Is the S-Energy SL45-78BGI series still available for purchase?
The SL45-78BGI series has been discontinued and is no longer part of S-Energy's active product lineup. Some distributors may still hold remaining inventory, but availability is not guaranteed. Before purchasing, confirm current stock levels with your supplier and verify their ability to support warranty claims going forward.
What warranty does S-Energy offer on the SL45-78BGI modules?
S-Energy provides a 12-year product warranty covering material and workmanship defects, along with a 25-year linear power output warranty guaranteeing a defined minimum performance level. Keep in mind that since the series is discontinued, the manufacturer's long-term capacity to honor warranty claims may be a factor worth evaluating before committing to a large purchase.
What is bifacial PERC technology and what does it mean for the SL45-78BGI?
PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) cells feature a rear passivation layer that improves photon capture. Combined with the bifacial design, the SL45-78BGI generates power from both direct sunlight and albedo light reflected off the ground — such as white gravel or light-colored concrete. Under favorable albedo conditions, energy yield gains of several percentage points over a standard monofacial panel are achievable.
Are S-Energy SL45-78BGI panels suited for large-scale PV farms?
Yes, the SL45-78BGI series is designed for commercial rooftop and utility-scale PV installations. Compatibility with 1500 V systems allows more modules per string, reducing wiring runs and overall balance-of-system (BoS) costs. The 485 Wp peak power rating and positive power tolerance simplify yield planning and financial modeling for larger projects.
How do S-Energy SL45-78BGI modules differ from standard monofacial monocrystalline panels?
The key differences are the bifacial construction and PERC cell technology. A standard monofacial panel captures only direct solar irradiance from the front, while the SL45-78BGI also absorbs reflected light through the rear cell surface. Anti-reflective coated tempered glass further improves light transmission and mechanical durability, resulting in higher overall energy yield at comparable installation cost.
Is S-Energy a reliable manufacturer — what should I know before buying the SL45-78BGI?
S-Energy is a South Korean manufacturer with roots in Samsung's photovoltaic division. The company does not currently appear on Bloomberg NEF Tier 1 lists and has reported financial losses in recent years. Given that the SL45-78BGI is also discontinued, buyers should factor in potential warranty support risk. Always verify IEC 61215 and IEC 61730 certifications when sourcing panels from remaining stock.
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