--- title: "Silfab SIL-520-XM-BIFACIAL 520W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Silfab SIL-520-XM-BIFACIAL 520W solar panel. Specs: 21.90% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/silfab-sil-520-xm-bifacial-1" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Silfab SIL-520-XM-BIFACIAL Middle of its segment, needs the roof space 140 panels in the segment N-type 500-550 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Silfab - **Model:** SIL-520-XM-BIFACIAL - **Series:** SIL-XM BIFACIAL - **Rated power:** 520 W - **Cell technology:** N-type - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment N-type 500-550 W (140 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 520 W | 520 W | Typical | | | 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 (kg) | 26.2 kg | 26.2 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | 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 | ### Watch out for - **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%. - **Best for:** Residential and commercial. - **Not ideal for:** Roofs where every square metre has to count and tight roof space. ## Specification ### Electrical - **Rated power (Pmax):** 520 W - **Efficiency:** 21.90 % - **Voltage at Pmax (Vmp):** 40.48 V - **Current at Pmax (Imp):** 12.85 A - **Open-circuit voltage (Voc):** 47.52 V - **Short-circuit current (Isc):** 13.65 A - **Max system voltage:** 1500 V ### Temperature - **Temperature coefficient of Pmax:** -0.290 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Voc:** -0.240 %/degC - **Temperature coefficient of Isc:** 0.040 %/degC - **NOCT:** 45 degC ### Cell and construction - **Cell type:** Monocrystalline - **Cell technology:** N-type - **Cell count:** 132 - **Bifacial:** yes ### Physical - **Length:** 2098 mm - **Width:** 1133 mm - **Thickness:** 35 mm - **Weight:** 26.2 kg - **Area:** 2.38 m2 - **Power density:** 218.8 Wp/m2 ### Warranty and degradation - **Product warranty:** 25 years - **Performance warranty:** 30 years - **Output guaranteed at end of warranty:** 89.3 % - **First-year degradation:** 2.00 % - **Annual degradation:** 0.30 % - **Output after 30 years:** 464 W ## Rank in the whole catalogue | Measure | Position | | --- | --- | | Efficiency | 6783 of 14005 | | Power density | 6837 of 14005 | | Temperature coefficient | 2165 of 14005 | | Weight | 3761 of 14005 | | Warranty | 21 of 14005 | ## About this series 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. ## Notable figures - 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 ## Questions ### 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. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/Silfab-SIL-520-XM-Bifacial-Data-Final-532a6a54124f.pdf) ## Alternatives | Panel | Power | How it differs | | --- | --- | --- | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-510M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-510m) | 510 W | Cooler, lighter, +3.1 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a495-mce54mw) | 495 W | Cooler, lighter, +2.9 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-560M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-560m) | 560 W | +40 W, cooler, +2.9 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-505M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-505m) | 505 W | Cooler, lighter, +2.8 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-60HVH-555M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-60hvh-555m) | 555 W | +35 W, cooler, +2.7 pp | | [AIKO AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw](https://comparepv.com/panel/aiko-aiko-a490-mce54mw) | 490 W | -30 W, lighter, +2.6 pp | | [Longi Solar LR7-54HJD-500M](https://comparepv.com/panel/longi-lr7-54hjd-500m) | 500 W | Cooler, lighter, +2.6 pp | | [Silfab SIL-500 HM](https://comparepv.com/panel/silfab-sil-500-hm) | 500 W | -20 W, hotter, -0.9 pp | | [Silfab SIL-530 QM](https://comparepv.com/panel/silfab-sil-530-qm) | 530 W | +10 W, +0.4 pp | | [Silfab SIL-540-XM-BIFACIAL](https://comparepv.com/panel/silfab-sil-540-xm-bifacial) | 540 W | +20 W, +0.8 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-590W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-590w) | 590 W | +70 W, hotter, +1.9 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-585W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-585w) | 585 W | +65 W, hotter, +1.7 pp | | [Bisol BGO 580](https://comparepv.com/panel/bisol-bgo-580) | 580 W | +60 W, +1.6 pp | | [Gamko New Energy GKA120N-PRO-580W](https://comparepv.com/panel/gamko-new-energy-gka120n-pro-580w) | 580 W | +60 W, hotter, +1.5 pp | --- Source: https://comparepv.com/panel/silfab-sil-520-xm-bifacial-1 Not in this file, on the page: a thirty-year output simulator, a bifacial gain calculator and alternatives filtered by how closely they match these dimensions.