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Solar-Fabrik Mono S4 Halfcut BC White 490
Solar-Fabrik Brand review

Mono S4 Halfcut BC White 490

490 Wp Back Contact Bifacial 80%
ComparePV verdict

Efficiency leader, heavy for its output

Rank 2,188 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
490
Strong · top 9%
Efficiency (%)
24.00
Strong · top 22%
Density (Wp/m²)
240.1
Strong · top 23%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.260
Typical · median -0.260
Weight (kg)
25.0
Weak · 1.5 kg above median
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

The Solar-Fabrik Mono S4 Halfcut BC White is a sophisticated half-cut module that combines the technology of back contact with bifacial N-type monocrystalline solar cells in a half-cut configuration. The white grid on the rear glass gives the module an aesthetically pleasing appearance, which is particularly valued in installations on visible roof areas. Thanks to the glass-to-glass construction, the module exhibits exceptional fire resistance (Class A), resistance to ammonia, salt, and hail - qualifying it for Class 4 lightning protection. The back contact technology eliminates front busbars, which increases the active surface area of the cells and improves the overall aesthetics of the installation. The integrated anti-shading technology minimizes losses due to partial shading, making this module an ideal choice for complex roof geometries. The high mechanical load capacity allows for installation in areas with harsh weather conditions. The bifaciality of N-type cells enables additional energy generation from reflected light from the ground, increasing the annual yield of the entire installation. The entire product is completed by an impressive 30-year product warranty and a linear performance warranty, making this series particularly attractive for long-term investments in both residential and commercial sectors.

Ranking

156 panels in the segment Back Contact 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 24.00% 23.50% Strong · top 22% 303
Power density 240.1 235.2 Strong · top 23% 313
Temperature coefficient -0.260 -0.260 Typical 511
Weight per kWp 51.0 48.0 Weak · bottom 19% 4,360
Performance warranty 30 yrs 30 yrs Typical 21
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

2 positive · 1 caution
Best for

Residential, commercial and shaded-installations.

Not ideal for

Weight-limited structures.

Strengths
24.00% module efficiency

Top 22% of the Back Contact 450-500 W segment, against a median of 23.50%.

240.1 watts per square metre

Top 23% of the Back Contact 450-500 W segment, against a median of 235.2.

Watch-outs
51.0 kg per kWp

Bottom 19% of the Back Contact 450-500 W segment, against a median of 48.0.

Notes from the database
  • At 24.0% efficiency, this panel is on par with typical Back Contact 450-500W modules
  • 240.1 W/m² power density - 4.9 W/m² more than Back Contact 450-500W median (235.2 W/m²), more power per roof area
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.26%/°C matches the Back Contact 450-500W median
  • Weight of 25.0 kg is 1.5 kg above Back Contact 450-500W median (23.5 kg) - verify structural support
  • Bifacial design (80% factor) captures reflected light - adds 4-12% yield on ground-mount or white roof

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 490 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 24.00 % Strong Segment median 23.50%
Vmpp · Impp 33.72 V · 14.53 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 40.75 V · 15.18 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1800×1134×30 mm · 2.04 m² of roof
Weight 25.0 kg Weak Weak · 1.5 kg above median
Cells 108 · Back Contact Monocrystalline
Bifaciality 80 % Rear output as a share of front
Coefficient Pmax -0.260 %/°C Typical median -0.260 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.200 · 0.050 %/°C
NOCT 45 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 30 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 30 years Typical median 30 yrs · median 30 yrs

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
-0.260 %/°C against a segment median of -0.260
-
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
Solar-Fabrik Mono S4 Halfcut BC White 490 490 W 24.00% -0.260 25.0 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +20 W, cooler, +1.0 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Lighter, +0.8 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg +15 W, cooler, +0.7 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Lighter, +0.5 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, lighter, +0.5 pp
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg +10 W, lighter, +0.5 pp
Mono S4 Halfcut BC Full Black 475W 475 W 23.30% -0.260 25.0 kg -15 W, -0.7 pp
Mono S4 Halfcut BC Full Black 480W 480 W 23.50% -0.260 25.0 kg -10 W, -0.5 pp
Mono S4 Halfcut BC White 485 485 W 23.75% -0.260 25.0 kg -0.2 pp

Found 197 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 201 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 1712 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 4014 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
How does the back contact technology in the Solar-Fabrik Mono S4 Halfcut BC White differ from conventional solar panels?
In back contact technology, all electrical conductors are routed to the rear of the cell, leaving the front glass completely free of busbars. This allows the entire front surface to absorb light, boosting efficiency and delivering a clean, uniform appearance. Combined with N-type half-cut cells, the module reaches up to 490 Wp while eliminating power losses caused by busbar shading — a key limitation of standard panels.
Is the Solar-Fabrik Mono S4 Halfcut BC White suitable for architecturally prominent rooftop installations?
Yes, the BC White series is specifically designed for installations where aesthetics matter. The white printed mesh on the rear glass creates a neat, modern look visible through the transparent back. Zero front busbars deliver a clean, uninterrupted front surface. This makes the series a popular choice for visible residential rooftops and commercial buildings with glass atriums or curtain-wall facades where panel appearance is part of the architectural concept.
What warranty does the Solar-Fabrik Mono S4 Halfcut BC White carry and what does it cover?
Solar-Fabrik provides a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year linear power output warranty — among the longest standards available on the market. As a German-headquartered manufacturer, the warranty is governed by European law. The linear degradation model means the guaranteed minimum output decreases gradually each year with no sudden drops, giving investors predictable yield protection across the full lifetime of the system.
Will the Solar-Fabrik Mono S4 Halfcut BC White perform well under partial shading from chimneys or dormers?
Yes, the built-in anti-shading technology combined with the half-cut cell layout significantly reduces power losses under partial shading. Splitting each cell in half lowers the operating current per string, so shading one section of the module does not shut down the entire circuit. This is especially valuable on complex roof geometries with chimneys, dormers, or nearby trees, where standard panels lose a disproportionate share of their output.
What advantage does bifacial N-type technology offer in the Solar-Fabrik Mono S4 Halfcut BC White, and when does it pay off most?
Bifacial N-type cells generate power from both direct irradiance and light reflected off the surface beneath the module — such as white gravel, a light-colored roofing membrane, or snow. Real-world rear-side energy gains typically range from 5 to 20 percent annually, depending on the albedo of the surroundings. The technology pays off most on flat roofs with white waterproof coatings or ground-mounted systems with light-colored aggregate beneath the array.
How does the Solar-Fabrik Mono S4 Halfcut BC White handle harsh weather conditions — hail, snow loads, and corrosion?
The BC White series uses a glass-glass construction rated at hail protection class 4, fire class A, and is certified resistant to ammonia and salt-laden coastal air. Its high mechanical load rating supports installation in regions with heavy snowfall or strong winds. The double-glass design also eliminates the long-term laminate degradation risk common in modules with polymer backsheets, improving reliability over the full 30-year service life.
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