--- title: "Silfab SIL-520 XM 520W Solar Panel - Specs & Review | ComparePV" description: "Silfab SIL-520 XM 520W solar panel. Specs: 21.90% efficiency, Monocrystalline cells, dimensions, warranty and temperature coefficient." source: "https://comparepv.com/panel/silfab-sil-520-xm" updated: 2026-09-11 --- # Silfab SIL-520 XM Middle of its segment, needs the roof space 432 panels in the segment TOPCon 500-550 W ## Identity - **Manufacturer:** Silfab - **Model:** SIL-520 XM - **Series:** Silfab Commercial NTC - **Rated power:** 520 W - **Cell technology:** TOPCon - **Bifacial:** yes ## How it compares Compared against segment TOPCon 500-550 W (432 panels). | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Power (Wp) | 520 W | 510 W | Typical | | | Module efficiency | 21.90% | 22.73% | Weak - bottom 13% | 6,783 | | Power density | 218.8 | 227.4 | Weak - bottom 12% | 6,837 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,165 | | Weight (kg) | 26.2 kg | 27.0 kg | Typical | | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Full peer table | Measure | This panel | Segment median | Standing | Rank | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Module efficiency | 21.90% | 22.73% | Weak - bottom 13% | 6,783 | | Power density | 218.8 | 227.4 | Weak - bottom 12% | 6,837 | | Temperature coefficient | -0.290 | -0.290 | Typical | 2,165 | | Weight per kWp | 50.4 | 52.4 | Typical | 3,761 | | Performance warranty | 30 yrs | 30 yrs | Typical | 21 | ### Watch out for - **218.8 watts per square metre** - Bottom 12% of the TOPCon 500-550 W segment, against a median of 227.4. - **21.90% module efficiency** - Bottom 13% of the TOPCon 500-550 W segment, against a median of 22.73%. - **Best for:** Commercial, utility-scale, 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:** TOPCon - **Cell count:** 132 - **Bifacial:** yes - **Bifacial gain:** 30.00 ### 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 Commercial NTC series is an advanced solution based on **N-type TopCon cell technology**, which redefines performance standards in the commercial sector. Thanks to the use of N-type monocrystalline cells, these panels effectively minimize energy losses related to light-induced degradation, which directly translates into stable and predictable electricity production for long decades. The unique design of the modules provides **maximum power density** on a limited roof area, allowing investors to significantly optimize installation costs while maintaining the highest possible energy yields. Products from this line were designed with harsh operating conditions in mind, offering **increased mechanical resistance** to wind and snow loads and excellent performance in diffused light conditions. What distinguishes the Commercial NTC series from the competition is rigorous quality control and precise matching of technical parameters to the specific needs of large industrial and office buildings. This solution effectively solves the problem of declining efficiency over time, offering modern entrepreneurs **energy security and a faster return on investment**. These modules are perfect where uncompromising reliability and aesthetics go hand in hand with innovation, guaranteeing a technological advantage over standard P-type panels. ## Notable figures - Efficiency of 21.9% is 0.8pp below the \*\*TOPCon 500-550W\*\* median (22.7%) - At 218.8 W/m², this panel generates 8.6 W/m² less per unit area than \*\*TOPCon 500-550W\*\* median (227.4 W/m²) - Temperature coefficient of -0.29%/°C matches the \*\*TOPCon 500-550W\*\* median - Bifaciality factor of 80% can add 4-12% extra yield with reflective mounting surface - Ranked #6783 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database ## Questions ### What warranty does the Silfab Commercial NTC series come with and what does it cover? The Silfab Commercial NTC series includes a 25-year product warranty covering material and manufacturing defects, plus a 30-year power warranty guaranteeing more than 89% of nominal power output after three decades. This is among the longest power warranties available in the commercial segment, directly improving project LCOE and providing long-term investment security for large-scale commercial and industrial facilities. ### What is TOPCon technology and why do Silfab Commercial NTC panels outperform older PERC modules? TOPCon (Tunnel Oxide Passivated Contact) is an N-type cell technology featuring a thin tunnel oxide layer that minimizes charge carrier recombination. Compared to P-type PERC cells, Silfab Commercial NTC modules show up to 50% lower light-induced degradation (LID), higher efficiency reaching approximately 22%, and superior performance under high temperatures and low-irradiance conditions, resulting in more consistent annual energy yield. ### Are Silfab Commercial NTC 570W panels suitable for flat rooftop installations on warehouses and industrial buildings? Yes, the Commercial NTC series is specifically designed for such applications. The 570 Wp unit power enables higher capacity on limited roof space, reducing Balance of System (BoS) costs and labor. The modules' enhanced mechanical resistance to wind and snow loads makes them well suited for large, exposed rooftop surfaces subjected to variable weather conditions typical of commercial and logistics properties. ### Is the Silfab Commercial NTC a bifacial panel and what does that mean for an investor? Yes, the Silfab Commercial NTC is a bifacial module, meaning the rear surface also generates electricity from light reflected off the substrate or rooftop membrane. Depending on surface albedo, the rear-side energy gain ranges from a few percent up to 20-30%. For commercial installations this translates into a measurably higher annual energy yield without increasing the number of modules or the roof area used. ### Is Silfab a reliable manufacturer and where are Commercial NTC panels produced? Silfab Solar is a Tier 1 manufacturer headquartered in Canada, operating production facilities in North America (Canada and the United States). The company has over a decade of market presence and is regularly audited by independent financial institutions. Tier 1 status confirms bankability, making it easier to secure project financing for larger commercial and industrial PV installations. ### How many Silfab Commercial NTC 570W modules are needed for a 100 kWp system? At 570 Wp per module, a 100 kWp system requires approximately 176 panels (100,000 W ÷ 570 W ≈ 175.4 units). Compared to older 400-450 Wp panels, the lower module count reduces racking labor, fewer electrical connections are needed, and less Balance of System material is consumed, shortening project timelines and improving overall return on investment for commercial developers. ## 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 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.