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Silfab Brand review

SIL-500 HM

500 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, weak in heat

Rank 6,244 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
500
Weak · bottom 4%
Efficiency (%)
21.00
Typical · median 20.90%
Density (Wp/m²)
210.3
Typical · median 209.0
Temp (%/°C)
-0.360
Weak · bottom 9%
Weight (kg)
26.2
Typical · median 28.4 kg
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

The Silfab SIL HM series is a lineup of commercial solar panels engineered for large-scale rooftop and ground-mount installations where maximizing available surface area matters most. The modules feature half-cut cell technology built on monocrystalline PERC cells, delivering higher energy yield and reduced power loss under partial shading conditions. A dual-busbar design combined with careful lamination minimizes the risk of microcracks and cell degradation, extending the real-world lifespan of the installation. The panels stand out for their reinforced frame, engineered to withstand heavy snow and wind loads, making them well suited to both demanding climates and projects requiring certified mechanical durability. The SIL HM series answers the needs of commercial and industrial investors who expect stable long-term energy production and a predictable LCOE for their installation. Robust manufacturer warranties, covering both the product and a linear power performance guarantee, further strengthen the investment's security. With next-generation MC4 connectors and a thoughtfully designed cabling setup, installation and integration with BoS systems proceed smoothly, cutting project timelines and lowering installation costs for contractors.

Ranking

706 panels in the segment PERC 500-550 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 21.00% 20.90% Typical 9,758
Power density 210.3 209.0 Typical 9,640
Temperature coefficient -0.360 -0.350 Weak · bottom 9% 12,345
Weight per kWp 52.4 53.0 Typical 5,884
Performance warranty 30 yrs 30 yrs Typical 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

0 positive · 1 caution
Best for

Commercial, shaded-installations and cold-climate.

Not ideal for

Hot climates.

Watch-outs
-0.360 %/°C temperature coefficient

Bottom 9% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of -0.350. Ranked 12,345th in the whole database.

Notes from the database
  • At 21.0% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical PERC 500-550W modules
  • At 210.3 W/m² power density, roof space requirements are typical for PERC 500-550W panels
  • At -0.36%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for PERC 500-550W panels
  • Weight of 26.2 kg (2.2 kg below PERC 500-550W median of 28.4 kg) allows easier transport and roof mounting
  • #9758 for efficiency, #12345 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 500 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 21.00 % Typical Segment median 20.90%
Vmpp · Impp 38.80 V · 12.89 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 45.78 V · 13.48 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2098×1133×35 mm · 2.38 m² of roof
Weight 26.2 kg Typical Typical · median 28.4 kg
Cells 132 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.360 %/°C Weak bottom 9% 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 Typical median 30 yrs · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 82.6 % Equals 413 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.90 → 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
-

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-500 HM 500 W 21.00% -0.360 26.2 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +4.0 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.8 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.7 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.5 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.5 pp
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.5 pp
SIL-520 XM BIFACIAL 520 W 21.90% -0.290 26.2 kg +20 W, cooler, +0.9 pp
SIL-530 QM 530 W 22.30% -0.290 26.2 kg +30 W, cooler, +1.3 pp
SIL-540-XM-BIFACIAL 540 W 22.70% -0.290 26.2 kg +40 W, cooler, +1.7 pp
GKA120N-PRO-590W 590 W 23.82% -0.300 26.7 kg +90 W, cooler, +2.8 pp
GKA120N-PRO-585W 585 W 23.62% -0.300 26.7 kg +85 W, cooler, +2.6 pp
BGO 580 580 W 23.50% -0.290 26.0 kg +80 W, cooler, +2.5 pp
GKA120N-PRO-580W 580 W 23.42% -0.300 26.7 kg +80 W, cooler, +2.4 pp

Found 397 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 408 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 430 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 884 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
What is half-cut cell technology in Silfab SIL HM panels and does it actually improve performance?
Half-cut cells are monocrystalline PERC cells cut in half, so the module is built from 132 smaller segments instead of the standard 66-72. This design reduces current losses under partial shading, such as from a chimney or antenna, and lowers cell operating temperature. In practice this results in higher energy efficiency and a lower risk of panel degradation under demanding operating conditions.
What warranty comes with Silfab SIL HM 500 Wp panels?
Silfab provides a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power warranty on the SIL HM series. This means the manufacturer covers not only manufacturing defects but also guarantees a gradual, predictable power output decline over time. For commercial investors, this is a key factor when calculating long-term LCOE and planning the return on investment.
Can SIL HM panels withstand heavy snow and wind loads?
Yes, the reinforced 35mm frame of the SIL HM series is certified for a front load rating up to 5400 Pa, well above standard requirements. This makes the panels suitable both for roofs exposed to heavy snowfall and for ground-mount installations facing strong winds, without an increased risk of cell microcracks.
What type of installation are Silfab SIL HM panels best suited for?
The SIL HM series, with modules rated up to 500 Wp, is designed for large commercial and industrial rooftop and ground-mount installations where maximizing power density per available area matters, along with stable long-term energy production. This is not a typical residential panel for small sloped roofs, but rather a solution built for projects requiring high power density.
What connectors do Silfab SIL HM panels use and do they simplify installation?
The modules feature next-generation MC4-EVO2 connectors, compatible with standard BoS equipment used in commercial installations. Well-designed cable lengths and reliable connectors reduce installation time and the risk of wiring errors, which for contractors translates into lower labor costs on large-scale projects.
Is Silfab a reliable manufacturer, and where are SIL HM panels made?
Silfab is headquartered in Canada and classified as Tier 1, meeting the highest financial and technological reliability criteria used by banks and insurers when assessing solar investment risk. SIL HM panels are manufactured in North America, which for many commercial investors means additional supply chain security and easier access to warranty service.
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