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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-XM Bifacial series is a commercial module lineup built for rooftop and ground-mount installations where maximizing energy yield within a limited footprint is the priority. The panels are built on TOPCon (N-type) cell technology, which slows cell degradation over time and maintains stable output throughout the system's lifespan, unlike older P-type based designs. The use of half-cut cells reduces resistive losses, lowers the risk of microcracks, and minimizes the impact of partial shading on total current output. A defining feature of the series is its bifacial design with a transparent rear backsheet, allowing the module to capture additional reflected light from the ground surface and boost effective energy yield without expanding the installation footprint - a solution especially attractive for light-colored roofs, gravel surfaces, or ground-mount racking. The panels also stand out for their low temperature coefficient, keeping efficiency high even on hot days and translating into more stable annual production revenue. An added advantage for commercial investors is that the modules are made in the USA, helping meet domestic content requirements and shortening the supply chain. The series fits well in EPC projects, industrial installations, and solar farms, where long-term reliability and predictable investment returns matter most.

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

Residential and commercial.

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
  • Module efficiency of 21.9% is 0.6pp below average for N-type 500-550W panels (median: 22.5%)
  • At 218.8 W/m², this panel generates 6.5 W/m² less per unit area than N-type 500-550W median (225.3 W/m²)
  • At -0.29%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for N-type 500-550W panels
  • Bifaciality factor of 80% can add 4-12% extra yield with reflective mounting surface
  • #6783 for efficiency, #2165 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels

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 → 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
-
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
How much power does a panel from the Silfab SIL-XM Bifacial series produce?
Modules in the SIL-XM Bifacial series reach up to 520 Wp, achieved through 132 half-cut N-type TOPCon cells. Module efficiency reaches around 21.9%, placing the series among the more efficient commercial panels currently on the market while keeping standard dimensions suitable for both rooftop and ground-mount installations.
What does bifacial design add to Silfab SIL-XM panels, and is it worth paying extra for?
The dual-sided design with a transparent rear backsheet lets the module capture additional light reflected off the underlying surface - roof, gravel, or light-colored ground - without increasing the installation footprint. In practice this means higher energy yield from the same number of panels, especially cost-effective with ground-mount structures and highly reflective surfaces.
What warranty comes with Silfab SIL-XM Bifacial panels?
The series is backed by a 25-year product warranty and a 30-year power output warranty. This means the manufacturer covers physical defects for a quarter century, while also guaranteeing a defined performance level for 30 years - giving commercial investors a predictable outlook on return on investment.
Do Silfab SIL-XM Bifacial panels perform well during hot weather?
Yes, the series features a low power temperature coefficient, so efficiency losses at high ambient temperatures are smaller than in older P-type based panels. In practice the module maintains higher efficiency during summer months, resulting in a more stable and predictable installation revenue across the annual cycle.
How does the TOPCon technology in Silfab SIL-XM differ from older PERC panels?
TOPCon is an N-type cell technology that, compared to older P-type (PERC) cells, degrades more slowly over time and maintains higher stable efficiency throughout its service life. Combined with the half-cut cell design, it reduces resistive losses and microcrack risk, resulting in higher and more durable energy output than classic P-type modules.
Are Silfab SIL-XM Bifacial panels manufactured in North America?
Yes, modules in the SIL-XM Bifacial series are manufactured in the United States, even though Silfab as a company is headquartered in Canada. Domestic manufacturing helps meet domestic content requirements for commercial projects and shortens the supply chain, which matters especially for large EPC installations and solar farms.
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