--- 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" 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-520 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:** Commercial, shaded-installations and hot-climate. - **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 % - **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-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). ## Notable figures - 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 ## Questions ### 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. ## Datasheet [Manufacturer datasheet (PDF)](https://comparepv.com/datasheets/silfab-sil-520-xm-bifacial-data-generic-20240418-final-10c74a5a06c2.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 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.