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Silfab Brand review

SIL-420-BG

420 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Efficiency leader, weak in heat

Rank 7,986 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
420
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
21.90
Strong · top 1%
Density (Wp/m²)
219.0
Strong · top 1%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.377
Weak · bottom 3%
Weight (kg)
20.8
Strong · 1.2 kg below median
Warranty (yrs)
30
Strong · top 17%

The Silfab Elite series revolutionizes the approach to the aesthetics and performance of residential installations through the use of innovative N-type back-contact cell technology. This solution eliminates traditional busbars from the front of the module, which not only ensures a flawless, deep black appearance, but above all maximizes the light absorption area. As a result, users benefit from higher energy production even in less favorable sunlight, effectively solving the problem of limited roof space. These panels were created for demanding investors for whom uncompromising All-Black aesthetics must go hand-in-hand with the highest reliability. The use of a conductive back layer instead of classic soldered connections significantly reduces mechanical stress and the risk of micro-cracks in the silicon structure. Silfab Elite stands out from the competition with its exceptional resistance to degradation caused by external factors and stable operation at high temperatures, which translates into real profits throughout the system's life cycle. It is the ideal choice for those seeking premium solutions that combine the highest manufacturing precision with an above-average product warranty, ensuring complete peace of mind and a quick return on investment in modern photovoltaics.

Ranking

954 panels in the segment PERC 400-450 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 21.90% 20.60% Strong · top 1% 6,783
Power density 219.0 206.2 Strong · top 1% 6,786
Temperature coefficient -0.377 -0.350 Weak · bottom 3% 13,390
Weight per kWp 49.5 53.0 Strong · top 14% 3,056
Performance warranty 30 yrs 25 yrs Strong · top 17% 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

3 positive · 1 caution
Best for

Residential.

Not ideal for

Hot climates.

Strengths
21.90% module efficiency

Top 1% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 20.60%. Ranked 6,783rd in the whole database.

219.0 watts per square metre

Top 1% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 206.2. Ranked 6,786th in the whole database.

49.5 kg per kWp

Top 14% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 53.0.

Watch-outs
-0.377 %/°C temperature coefficient

Bottom 3% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of -0.350. Ranked 13,390th in the whole database.

Notes from the database
  • At 21.9% efficiency, this panel is 1.3pp above typical PERC 400-450W modules (median: 20.6%)
  • At 219.0 W/m² power density, this panel generates 12.8 W/m² more per unit area than PERC 400-450W median (206.2 W/m²)
  • -0.38%/°C temperature coefficient - 0.03pp worse than PERC 400-450W median (-0.35%/°C), expect higher hot weather losses
  • 20.8 kg weight - 1.2 kg lighter than PERC 400-450W median (22.0 kg), reducing installation effort
  • Ranked #6783 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 420 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 21.90 % Strong Segment median 20.60%
Vmpp · Impp 38.51 V · 10.91 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 46.36 V · 11.40 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1000 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1864×1029×35 mm · 1.92 m² of roof
Weight 20.8 kg Strong Strong · 1.2 kg below median
Cells 66 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.377 %/°C Weak bottom 3% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.279 · 0.046 %/°C
NOCT 44 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 25 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Strong top 17% · median 25 yrs
End-of-warranty output 89.3 % Equals 375 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 → 0.30 % 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
-

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

Heat losses
-0.377 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Silfab SIL-420-BG 420 W 21.90% -0.377 20.8 kg You are here
JST-EDMH-(445-465)W-TD (465W class) 465 W 23.81% -0.300 20.5 kg +45 W, cooler, +1.9 pp
LX-465M/182R-96+ GG 465 W 23.80% -0.260 23.5 kg +45 W, cooler, +1.9 pp
SPR-MAX7-470 470 W 23.70% -0.270 21.1 kg Cooler, +1.8 pp, +10 yr warranty
AIKO-A470-MAH54Mb 470 W 23.60% -0.260 21.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +1.7 pp
AIKO-A460-MAH54Mb 460 W 23.60% -0.290 20.5 kg +40 W, cooler, +1.7 pp
HSM-BD54-LA470 470 W 23.60% -0.260 21.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +1.7 pp
SIL-410-BG 410 W 21.40% -0.377 20.8 kg -10 W, -0.5 pp
SPR-MAX7-475 475 W 24.00% -0.270 21.1 kg Cooler, +2.1 pp, +10 yr warranty
SPR-MAX7-465 465 W 23.50% -0.270 21.1 kg Cooler, +1.6 pp, +10 yr warranty
SPR-MAX6-440 440 W 22.80% -0.290 20.9 kg Cooler, +0.9 pp, +10 yr warranty
SPR-MAX3-430-R 430 W 22.70% -0.270 21.2 kg Cooler, +0.8 pp, +10 yr warranty
SPR-MAX6-435 435 W 22.50% -0.290 20.9 kg Cooler, +0.6 pp, +10 yr warranty
SPR-MAX3-425-R 425 W 22.40% -0.270 21.2 kg Cooler, +0.5 pp, +10 yr warranty
LEPV 132 ULTRA PREMIUM BLACK 440Wp (LEPV 440) 440 W 22.37% -0.290 21.0 kg +20 W, cooler, +0.5 pp
NS-420MH-80 420 W 22.28% -0.290 20.0 kg Cooler, +0.4 pp, -5 yr warranty

Found 19 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 48 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 96 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 460 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
What warranty does the Silfab Elite panel come with?
The Silfab Elite comes with a 25-year product workmanship warranty and a 30-year linear power output warranty — one of the longest coverage periods available in the residential solar market. The linear performance guarantee ensures a predictable, gradual power decline over three decades, giving homeowners reliable protection for the full lifespan of their system and a clear picture of long-term ROI.
What is back-contact cell technology in the Silfab Elite and does it actually improve output?
In back-contact technology, all electrical connections are moved to the rear of the module, eliminating front-side busbars that normally shade the active cell area and reduce light absorption. The Silfab Elite achieves up to 21.4% efficiency, and Silfab reports up to a 6% increase in energy yield on a kWh/kWp basis compared to conventional PERC modules. The result is measurably more electricity from the same roof footprint.
Is the Silfab Elite a true all-black panel and what does it look like on a roof?
Yes, the Silfab Elite is available in an all-black variant (SIL BK) where the absence of front-side busbars creates a seamless, deep-black appearance across the entire module face. This makes it one of the most visually refined panels in the premium residential segment. It is especially popular with homeowners who want the array to blend into dark roof surfaces rather than stand out with contrasting silver grid lines.
How does the Silfab Elite perform in cloudy weather or low-light conditions?
The Silfab Elite delivers above-average low-light performance, a key advantage of back-contact PERC cell architecture. Eliminating front-side shading from busbars allows the module to capture diffuse radiation more efficiently on overcast days. The panel also maintains better output at elevated temperatures compared to standard PERC modules, reducing thermal losses on hot sunny days and increasing overall annual energy yield.
Is Silfab a reputable manufacturer and where are the Elite panels made?
Silfab Solar is a Tier-1 manufacturer headquartered in Canada and is one of the leading solar brands in the North American market. Silfab Elite panels are manufactured exclusively in North America, which is uncommon among premium brands and relevant for incentive programs requiring domestic content eligibility. The Elite series earned a Top Performer rating from PVEL (Kiwa) in 2024, independently confirming long-term reliability and low degradation.
How does the Silfab Elite differ from standard PERC modules without back-contact technology?
Conventional PERC modules have front-side busbars that shade part of the active cell area and introduce mechanical stress during thermal cycling, increasing the risk of microcracks over time. The Silfab Elite relocates all interconnections to the rear, resulting in higher efficiency (up to 21.4% vs. typical 20-21% for standard PERC), improved resistance to microcracks, a clean aesthetic, and better high-temperature performance across the full 30-year rated lifetime.
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