--- title: "Silfab SIL-500 HM 500W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Silfab SIL-500 HM 500W solar panel. Specs: 21.00% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/silfab-sil-500-hm" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Silfab SIL-500 HM Middle of its segment, weak in heat 706 panels in the segment PERC 500-550 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Silfab - **Model:** SIL-500 HM - **Series:** SIL HM - **Rated power:** 500 W - **Cell technology:** PERC ## How it compares Compared against segment PERC 500-550 W (706 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 500 W | 535 W | Weak - bottom 4% | | | 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 (kg) | 26.2 kg | 28.4 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | 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 | ### Watch out for - **-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. - **Best for:** Commercial, shaded-installations and cold-climate. - **Not ideal for:** Hot climates. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 500 W - **Efficiency:** 21.00 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 38.80 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 12.89 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 45.78 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 13.48 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.360 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.280 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.064 %/degC - **NOCT:** 45 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** PERC - **Cell count:** 132 ### Physical - **Length:** 2098 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 26.2 kg - **Area:** 2.38 m2 - **Power density:** 210.3 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 25 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 82.6 % - **First-year degradation:** 2.90 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.50 % - **Output after 30 years:** 413 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 9758 of 14005 | | Power density | 9640 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 12345 of 14005 | | Weight | 5884 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## About this series 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. ## Notable figures - 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 ## Questions ### 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. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/Silfab-SIL-500-HM-Data-Final-b3333b8c2514.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, lighter, +4.0 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.5 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.5 pp | | [Talesun CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W](https://comparepv.com/panel/talesun-cipro-tn9c54m-500w) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.5 pp | | [Silfab SIL-520 XM BIFACIAL](https://comparepv.com/panel/silfab-sil-520-xm-bifacial) | 520 W | +20 W, cooler, +0.9 pp | | [Silfab SIL-530 QM](https://comparepv.com/panel/silfab-sil-530-qm) | 530 W | +30 W, cooler, +1.3 pp | | [Silfab SIL-540-XM-BIFACIAL](https://comparepv.com/panel/silfab-sil-540-xm-bifacial) | 540 W | +40 W, cooler, +1.7 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-590W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-590w) | 590 W | +90 W, cooler, +2.8 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-585W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-585w) | 585 W | +85 W, cooler, +2.6 pp | | [Bisol BGO 580](https://comparepv.com/panel/bisol-bgo-580) | 580 W | +80 W, cooler, +2.5 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-580W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-580w) | 580 W | +80 W, cooler, +2.4 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/silfab-sil-500-hm Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.