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Solar-Fabrik Brand review

S4-DGXXX-96TMax Guard

455 Wp N-type Bifacial
ComparePV verdict

Middle of its segment, heavy for its output

Rank 4,738 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
455
Weak · bottom 22%
Efficiency (%)
22.77
Typical · median 22.52%
Density (Wp/m²)
227.7
Typical · median 225.2
Temp (%/°C)
-0.290
Typical · median -0.290
Weight (kg)
24.5
Weak · bottom 25%
Warranty (yrs)
30
Typical · median 30 yrs

The Mono S4 Halfcut | Trend Guard series is Solar-Fabrik's answer to the growing demand for photovoltaic modules approved for overhead installation above people. What sets this line apart is DIBt overhead approval (Überkopfzulassung), confirming compliance with the elevated safety requirements of Germany's building authority - meaning the panels can be legally and safely installed wherever people may be present directly beneath the module surface. This makes them ideal for carport canopies, terrace roofing, facade elements, or entrance canopies, where standard PV modules fail to meet legal requirements. At the heart of the series are N-type TOPCon half-cut cells, combined into a bifacial glass-glass construction with 2.0 mm anti-reflective glass on both sides - a design that increases panel rigidity, extends service life, and captures reflected light to generate additional energy yield. A black anodized frame and transparent cell gaps enhance the aesthetics, while high-grade components, including Stäubli MC4 EVO2A connectors, reflect German manufacturing quality. It's a solution for investors and installers seeking a module that combines structural safety, aesthetics, and long-term durability in a single product.

Ranking

301 panels in the segment N-type 450-500 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 22.77% 22.52% Typical 3,073
Power density 227.7 225.2 Typical 2,888
Temperature coefficient -0.290 -0.290 Typical 2,165
Weight per kWp 53.8 49.5 Weak · bottom 25% 7,897
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 · 1 caution
Best for

BIPV, shaded-installations, residential and commercial.

Not ideal for

Weight-limited structures.

Watch-outs
53.8 kg per kWp

Bottom 25% of the N-type 450-500 W segment, against a median of 49.5.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 22.8% matches the N-type 450-500W median
  • Power density of 227.7 W/m² matches the N-type 450-500W median
  • At -0.29%/°C, hot weather performance is typical for N-type 450-500W panels
  • #3073 for efficiency, #2165 for temperature performance out of 14005 panels

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 455 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 22.77 % Typical Segment median 22.52%
Vmpp · Impp 30.42 V · 14.96 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 36.09 V · 15.66 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 1762×1134×30 mm · 2.00 m² of roof
Weight 24.5 kg Weak Weak · bottom 25%
Cells 96 · N-type Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.290 %/°C Typical median -0.290 of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.250 · 0.040 %/°C
NOCT 42 °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
End-of-warranty output 87.4 % Equals 398 W guaranteed

Datasheet charts

Open datasheet PDF

Measured curves published by Solar-Fabrik in this model's datasheet. A chart carrying a wattage was measured on that variant alone - only the ones that describe 455 Wp appear here. The rest cover the whole series.

Strom-Spannungs-Kurve (Current-Voltage Curve) Strom-Spannungs-Kurve (Current-Voltage Curve) Whole series

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
-

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
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Solar-Fabrik S4-DGXXX-96TMax Guard 455 W 22.77% -0.290 24.5 kg You are here
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg +40 W, lighter, +2.0 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg +50 W, cooler, +1.9 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg +35 W, lighter, +1.7 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg +45 W, cooler, +1.7 pp
CIPRO-TN9C54M-500W 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg +45 W, lighter, +1.7 pp
GK-3-54HGb-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.260 21.4 kg +45 W, lighter, +1.7 pp
Mono S4 HC V 400 BF-DG 400 W 20.02% -0.290 24.0 kg -55 W, -2.8 pp
Mono S4 Halfcut Chroma Orange 420W 420 W 21.02% -0.290 24.0 kg -35 W, -1.8 pp
Mono S4 Halfcut Trend Full Black 445 W 445 W 22.30% -0.290 24.9 kg -10 W, -0.5 pp
Mono S4 Halfcut Trend Full Black 450 W 450 W 22.50% -0.290 24.9 kg -0.3 pp
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg +55 W, cooler, +2.2 pp

Found 1395 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 1425 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 3614 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 3962 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
What does DIBt overhead installation approval mean for the Mono S4 Halfcut Trend Guard panels and why does it matter?
The DIBt certificate with overhead installation approval (Überkopfzulassung) is a German certification confirming the module meets elevated structural safety requirements and can be installed in locations where people are directly beneath the panel. Standard PV modules lack this approval and cannot legally be used above walkways or occupied areas. This certification lets Trend Guard be legally applied to carport roofs, terrace canopies, and building entrances.
Where can I install Solar-Fabrik Trend Guard panels - are they suitable for a carport?
Yes, that's one of the series' main use cases. Thanks to the DIBt overhead approval, Trend Guard modules can be installed as carport roofing, terrace canopies, facade elements, and entrance canopies - anywhere people may stand directly beneath the module and standard PV panels don't meet local building code requirements.
How do the N-type TOPCon half-cut cells in Trend Guard differ from standard PERC cells?
N-type TOPCon cells offer higher efficiency and lower degradation over time than older P-type PERC cells, while half-cut technology reduces resistive losses and improves the module's resilience to partial shading and microcracks. Combined with the bifacial construction, this allows the panel to reach up to 455 Wp while also extending its service life.
Do the bifacial Trend Guard panels really generate more energy than standard modules?
Yes, the dual-glass construction with anti-reflective 2.0 mm glass on both sides captures light reflected off the ground, walls, or bright surfaces beneath the module. The actual energy gain depends on the albedo of the surface underneath and the mounting method, but in typical canopy installations over light-colored ground, the additional yield is noticeably significant.
What warranty comes with the Solar-Fabrik Mono S4 Halfcut Trend Guard modules?
The series comes with a 30-year product warranty and a 30-year power output warranty, among the longest coverage periods currently offered in the PV market. This level of protection is typical of Solar-Fabrik's German manufacturing standards and reflects the quality of the components used, including Stäubli MC4 EVO2A connectors.
Is Solar-Fabrik Trend Guard suitable for a pitched residential roof, or only for special canopy applications?
While its main advantage is the overhead approval enabling installation above occupied spaces, the panel works just as well on a standard pitched roof as a regular residential PV installation. Its bifacial construction and up to 455 Wp output make it a versatile choice for both conventional roofs and unconventional architectural applications like facades or carports.
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