Skip to main content
Silfab Brand review

SIL-520 XM BIFACIAL

520 Wp N-type Bifacial 80%
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, needs the roof space

Rank 4,485 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
520
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
21.90
Weak · bottom 17%
Density (Wp/m²)
218.8
Weak · bottom 15%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.290
Typical · median -0.290
Weight (kg)
26.2
Typical · median 26.2 kg
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

The Silfab SIL-520 XM BIFACIAL series is designed for installations where maximizing real energy yield per meter of the structure is crucial, even when conditions on the roof or ground are not ideal. The use of N-type TOPCon technology helps minimize power losses over time and improves performance at higher temperatures, resulting in more stable annual production. A key advantage is the bifacial design - the module can utilize reflected light from the ground, effectively monetizing roof membranes, gravel, and other surfaces with higher albedo. In practice, the series solves typical problems associated with large-scale projects: improved shading tolerance and more efficient operation in low-light conditions make it possible to maintain yields even under uneven conditions. This is a good choice for developers of PV farms, commercial and industrial rooftops, who want to increase production without adding additional modules. Extended product and performance warranties further support the financial viability and planning of OPEX (Operating Expenses).

Ranking

140 panels in the segment N-type 500-550 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 21.90% 22.54% Weak · bottom 17% 6,783
Power density 218.8 225.3 Weak · bottom 15% 6,837
Temperature coefficient -0.290 -0.290 Typical 2,165
Weight per kWp 50.4 50.0 Typical 3,761
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 · 2 caution
Best for

Commercial, shaded-installations and hot-climate.

Not ideal for

Roofs where every square metre has to count and tight roof space.

Watch-outs
218.8 watts per square metre

Bottom 15% of the N-type 500-550 W segment, against a median of 225.3.

21.90% module efficiency

Bottom 17% of the N-type 500-550 W segment, against a median of 22.54%.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 21.9% is 0.6pp below the N-type 500-550W median (22.5%)
  • 218.8 W/m² power density is 6.5 W/m² below N-type 500-550W median (225.3 W/m²) - requires larger installation area
  • At -0.29%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for N-type 500-550W panels
  • Bifacial design (80% factor) captures reflected light - adds 4-12% yield on ground-mount or white roof
  • Ranked #6783 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 520 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 21.90 % Weak Segment median 22.54%
Vmpp · Impp 40.48 V · 12.85 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 47.52 V · 13.65 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 26.2 kg
Cells 132 · N-type Monocrystalline
Bifaciality 80 % Rear output as a share of front
Coefficient Pmax -0.290 %/°C Typical median -0.290 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.240 · 0.040 %/°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 89.3 % Equals 464 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 % First year

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
-0.290 %/°C against a segment median of -0.290
-
Bifacial gain
Rear gain over light concrete: -
-

Model: bifaciality × albedo × 0.6 view factor. A first-order estimate, not a yield simulation.

Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Silfab SIL-520 XM BIFACIAL 520 W 21.90% -0.290 26.2 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +3.1 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, lighter, +2.9 pp
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg +40 W, cooler, +2.9 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +2.8 pp
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg +35 W, cooler, +2.7 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg -30 W, lighter, +2.6 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +2.6 pp
SIL-500 HM 500 W 21.00% -0.360 26.2 kg -20 W, hotter, -0.9 pp
SIL-530 QM 530 W 22.30% -0.290 26.2 kg +10 W, +0.4 pp
SIL-540-XM-BIFACIAL 540 W 22.70% -0.290 26.2 kg +20 W, +0.8 pp
GKA120N-PRO-590W 590 W 23.82% -0.300 26.7 kg +70 W, hotter, +1.9 pp
GKA120N-PRO-585W 585 W 23.62% -0.300 26.7 kg +65 W, hotter, +1.7 pp
BGO 580 580 W 23.50% -0.290 26.0 kg +60 W, +1.6 pp
GKA120N-PRO-580W 580 W 23.42% -0.300 26.7 kg +60 W, hotter, +1.5 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 warranty comes with the Silfab SIL-520 XM BIFACIAL panels?
The Silfab SIL-520 XM BIFACIAL series includes a 25-year product warranty covering defects and workmanship, plus a 30-year linear power output warranty. This means Silfab guarantees a defined minimum power output for three decades — one of the longest warranty packages available for commercial modules, directly supporting project bankability and financing conditions.
What is N-type TOPCon technology and why choose it over PERC?
TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) is an N-type cell architecture with an additional passivating layer that reduces carrier recombination. For the SIL-520 XM this translates to approximately 21.9% module efficiency, a low temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C, and slower annual degradation compared to standard PERC cells. Over a 25-30 year system lifetime, the cumulative energy yield difference is significant for commercial projects.
When does it make sense to choose the bifacial SIL-520 XM instead of a monofacial module?
Bifacial gains are greatest when the rear side of the module receives reflected irradiance. The SIL-520 XM BIFACIAL performs best on ground-mount systems with light-colored gravel or white geomembranes, commercial rooftops with white PVC or TPO membranes, and single-axis tracker installations. At ground albedo of 20-30%, rear-side contribution can add several percentage points of additional energy yield without increasing land use.
How does the Silfab SIL-520 XM BIFACIAL perform on hot summer days?
The SIL-520 XM has a temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C, meaning power output drops by 0.29% for every degree Celsius above 25°C STC. This is measurably better than typical PERC cells at around -0.35%/°C. The result is less power loss during peak summer hours, improving LCOE for installations in warm climates or on dark rooftops that run hot.
Is Silfab a reputable manufacturer and are the SIL-520 XM panels certified?
Silfab Solar is a Tier 1 manufacturer headquartered in Canada with its own production facilities in North America. The SIL-520 XM BIFACIAL carries certifications required for the US and European markets, and the 1500 V DC system voltage rating ensures compatibility with modern commercial string and central inverters. Tier 1 status confirms the bankability ratings used by project lenders and asset managers.
Are the Silfab SIL-520 XM BIFACIAL panels suitable for large industrial rooftops or warehouse installations?
Yes, the SIL-520 XM BIFACIAL is designed for commercial and industrial applications. At 520 Wp per module, fewer units are needed to reach high system capacities, reducing BoS costs and simplifying wiring. The 132 half-cut cell layout limits the impact of partial shading from HVAC units or skylights common on industrial roofs, and the 1500 V DC maximum system voltage streamlines inverter string design.
Add to compare