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Silfab Brand review

SIL-490 HN

490 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Warranty pick, weak in heat

Rank 6,746 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
490
Strong · top 15%
Efficiency (%)
20.90
Typical · median 20.82%
Density (Wp/m²)
208.8
Typical · median 208.5
Temp (%/°C)
-0.360
Weak · bottom 8%
Weight (kg)
25.8
Typical · median 24.5 kg
Warranty (yrs)
30
Strong · top 20%

The Silfab SIL-490 HN series is a solar panel line engineered for commercial and utility-scale projects, where long-term reliability matters just as much as raw output. Built on half-cut mono PERC cells (156 half-cells) with 9-busbar technology, the design reduces resistive losses and improves module behavior under partial shading, a common challenge on large rooftops and ground-mount solar farms. The panels stand out with a reinforced anodized aluminum frame rated for heavy snow and wind loads, making them well suited to demanding climate conditions. A key advantage is their resistance to ammonia corrosion and salt mist, which makes them a solid choice for agricultural sites and coastal installations. The modules feature an IP68-rated junction box and are backed by proven manufacturing quality, having earned a Top Performer rating in PVEL's independent reliability scorecard. The HN series is covered by a 30-year linear power warranty along with an extended product warranty, translating into a predictable and stable LCOE over the system's lifetime. This makes it a strong fit for investors and installers seeking a proven, durable panel for commercial, industrial, and utility-scale PV projects with demanding performance requirements.

Ranking

449 panels in the segment PERC 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 20.90% 20.82% Typical 10,072
Power density 208.8 208.5 Typical 10,277
Temperature coefficient -0.360 -0.350 Weak · bottom 8% 12,345
Weight per kWp 52.7 53.1 Typical 6,283
Performance warranty 30 yrs 25 yrs Strong · top 20% 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

1 positive · 1 caution
Best for

Residential and commercial.

Not ideal for

Hot climates.

Strengths
30 year performance warranty

Top 20% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of 25 yrs.

Watch-outs
-0.360 %/°C temperature coefficient

Bottom 8% of the PERC 450-500 W segment, against a median of -0.350. Ranked 12,345th in the whole database.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 20.9% matches the PERC 450-500W median
  • Power density of 208.8 W/m² matches the PERC 450-500W median
  • At -0.36%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 450-500W panels
  • Weight of 25.8 kg is 1.3 kg above PERC 450-500W median (24.5 kg) - verify structural support
  • #10072 for efficiency, #12345 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 490 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 20.90 % Typical Segment median 20.82%
Vmpp · Impp 45.23 V · 10.83 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 53.96 V · 11.36 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2263×1037×35 mm · 2.35 m² of roof
Weight 25.8 kg Typical Typical · median 24.5 kg
Cells 156 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.360 %/°C Weak bottom 8% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.280 · 0.064 %/°C
NOCT 45 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 25 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Strong top 20% · median 25 yrs
End-of-warranty output 82.6 % Equals 407 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.90 → 0.48 % 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
-0.360 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Silfab SIL-490 HN 490 W 20.90% -0.360 25.8 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.1 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.9 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.8 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.6 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.6 pp
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.6 pp
AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw 650 W 25.20% -0.260 27.0 kg +160 W, cooler, +4.3 pp
AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw 645 W 25.00% -0.260 27.0 kg +155 W, cooler, +4.1 pp
AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw 640 W 24.80% -0.260 27.0 kg +150 W, cooler, +3.9 pp
AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw 635 W 24.60% -0.260 27.0 kg +145 W, cooler, +3.7 pp
AIKO-A630-MAH72Dw 630 W 24.40% -0.260 32.5 kg +140 W, cooler, +3.5 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 Silfab SIL-490 HN series still available for purchase?
The HN series has been discontinued from current production and replaced by newer models in Silfab's Commercial lineup. SIL-490 HN panels may still be available from distributors selling remaining warehouse stock, but for larger utility-scale projects it's worth confirming availability in advance or considering a current equivalent from the manufacturer's active range.
What warranty comes with Silfab SIL-490 HN panels?
The panels carry a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power warranty, guaranteeing at least 97.1% of nominal power after the first year and no less than 82.6% after 30 years of operation. This warranty level is typical for the commercial segment and supports a predictable, stable LCOE throughout the installation's operating life.
Are Silfab HN panels suitable for large utility-scale solar farms?
Yes, the SIL-490 HN series was designed for commercial and utility-scale installations. The reinforced anodized aluminum frame withstands heavy snow and wind loads, while half-cut cell technology reduces losses under partial shading, which matters on the sprawling rooftops and ground-mount arrays typical of large PV farms.
What are the half-cut PERC cells and 9-busbar technology in the Silfab SIL-490 HN?
The panel uses 156 monocrystalline PERC half-cells, which lowers resistive losses and improves module behavior under partial shading compared to full-size cells. The additional 9-busbar design increases the number of current-collection paths, improving connection reliability and slightly boosting module efficiency, which reaches up to 20.9%.
Are Silfab HN panels suitable for agricultural or coastal installations?
Yes, the HN series has certified resistance to ammonia corrosion and salt mist, making it a suitable choice for agricultural buildings exposed to ammonia fumes as well as coastal-zone installations, where standard panels degrade faster due to frame and electrical connector corrosion.
Is Silfab a Tier 1 manufacturer, and where are SIL-490 HN panels made?
Silfab Solar is a Tier 1 manufacturer headquartered in Canada with production facilities in North America. The company has repeatedly confirmed its module quality by earning Top Performer status in the independent PVEL reliability scorecard, which builds investor confidence for commercial projects with demanding operational requirements.
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