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Sunman SMF520J-12X12UW
Sunman Brand review

SMF520J-12X12UW

520 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Light for its output, modest efficiency

Rank 9,200 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
520
Weak · bottom 18%
Efficiency (%)
19.30
Weak · bottom 1%
Density (Wp/m²)
193.4
Weak · bottom 1%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.340
Strong · top 23%
Weight (kg)
7.7
Strong · 20.7 kg below median
Warranty (yrs)
25
Weak · bottom 23%

The Sunman eArc series is the first fully transparent crystalline silicon photovoltaic module in the world, which completely redefines the approach to solar panel installation. Instead of traditional glass, it uses a patented composite material, making the panel behave like a flexible "solar skin" - 70% lighter and up to 95% thinner than standard modules. This is a breakthrough for all low-load roofs, where the installation of traditional panels was previously impossible or too risky. Thanks to the frameless, flexible design of eArc, it adapts to curved surfaces, and installation does not require any drilling or traditional sub-structure systems - installation time is reduced by up to 40%. Mono-PERC cells guarantee high performance with extremely low weight - just 3.3 kg/m², making this series unique compared to the competition. The series has undergone the same rigorous safety tests as standard glass modules (IEC 61215, IEC 61730), confirming durability despite its lightweight construction. eArc is the ideal solution for building-integrated photovoltaics (BIPV), corrugated metal industrial roofs, electric vehicles, boats, and mobile camping installations - anywhere where minimal weight and form flexibility are important.

Ranking

706 panels in the segment PERC 500-550 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 19.30% 20.90% Weak · bottom 1% 12,799
Power density 193.4 209.0 Weak · bottom 1% 12,763
Temperature coefficient -0.340 -0.350 Strong · top 23% 8,778
Weight per kWp 14.8 53.0 Strong · top 1% 8
Performance warranty 25 yrs 30 yrs Weak · bottom 23% 9,798
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Price offers

1 from shops we track
Shop Country Price Per kWp Stock Offer updated Link to shop
EsunShop Italy 187 € incl. VAT 359.62 €/kWp In stock 23h ago Visit shop

Signals from the data

2 positive · 3 caution
Best for

BIPV, commercial and off-grid.

Not ideal for

Tight roof space, roofs where every square metre has to count and owners who want a long output guarantee.

Strengths
14.8 kg per kWp

Top 1% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 53.0. Ranked 8th in the whole database.

-0.340 %/°C temperature coefficient

Top 23% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of -0.350.

Watch-outs
19.30% module efficiency

Bottom 1% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 20.90%. Ranked 12,799th in the whole database.

193.4 watts per square metre

Bottom 1% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 209.0. Ranked 12,763rd in the whole database.

25 year performance warranty

Bottom 23% of the PERC 500-550 W segment, against a median of 30 yrs.

Notes from the database
  • At 19.3% efficiency, this panel is 1.6pp below the PERC 500-550W median of 20.9%
  • At 193.4 W/m², this panel generates 15.6 W/m² less per unit area than PERC 500-550W median (209.0 W/m²)
  • Temperature coefficient of -0.34%/°C matches the PERC 500-550W median
  • At 7.7 kg, this panel is 20.7 kg lighter than PERC 500-550W median (28.4 kg) - easier handling during installation
  • Ranked #12799 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 520 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 19.30 % Weak Segment median 20.90%
Vmpp · Impp 42.30 V · 12.31 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 49.50 V · 13.56 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1500 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2246×1197×2 mm · 2.69 m² of roof
Weight 7.7 kg Strong Strong · 20.7 kg below median
Cells 144 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.340 %/°C Strong top 23% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.260 · 0.033 %/°C
NOCT 41 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Weak bottom 23% · median 30 yrs
End-of-warranty output 84.8 % Equals 427 W guaranteed
Degradation 2.00 → 0.55 % First year, then annual

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
-0.340 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Sunman SMF520J-12X12UW 520 W 19.30% -0.340 7.7 kg You are here
LR7-54HJD-510M 510 W 25.00% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, 16 kg heavier, +5.7 pp
AIKO-A495-MCE54Mw 495 W 24.80% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, heavier, +5.5 pp
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, 17 kg heavier, +5.5 pp
LR7-54HJD-505M 505 W 24.70% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, 16 kg heavier, +5.4 pp
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, 17 kg heavier, +5.3 pp
AIKO-A490-MCE54Mw 490 W 24.50% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, heavier, +5.2 pp
LR7-54HJD-500M 500 W 24.50% -0.240 23.5 kg Cooler, 16 kg heavier, +5.2 pp
AIKO-A650-MAE72Mw 650 W 25.20% -0.260 27.0 kg +130 W, 19 kg heavier, +5.9 pp
AIKO-A645-MAE72Mw 645 W 25.00% -0.260 27.0 kg +125 W, 19 kg heavier, +5.7 pp
AIKO-A640-MAE72Mw 640 W 24.80% -0.260 27.0 kg +120 W, 19 kg heavier, +5.5 pp
AIKO-A635-MAE72Mw 635 W 24.60% -0.260 27.0 kg +115 W, 19 kg heavier, +5.3 pp
AIKO-A630-MAH72Dw 630 W 24.40% -0.260 32.5 kg +110 W, 25 kg heavier, +5.1 pp

Found 1 panel of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 9 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 15 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 2550 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±100 mm. See them here

Common questions

6 answered
How is the Sunman eArc panel different from a conventional glass solar panel?
The Sunman eArc has no glass cover or rigid aluminum frame - instead it uses a patented composite laminate, making the module roughly 70% lighter and up to 95% thinner than standard glass panels. At just 2 mm thick and about 3.3 kg/m2, the panel can be curved around gently arched surfaces, something a framed glass module can never do.
Is the Sunman eArc 520 Wp panel suitable for low load-bearing roofs or corrugated metal roofing?
Yes, this is the main use case for this series. At around 3.3 kg/m2, eArc loads the roof structure far less than a framed glass module, making it suitable for industrial roofs with trapezoidal or corrugated sheet metal, warehouses, and older structures where a conventional installation would be too risky or require reinforcement.
How is the eArc panel mounted - do I need a mounting structure or drilling?
No, eArc is installed without a traditional aluminum mounting structure and without drilling mounting holes - the panel is bonded directly to the surface using adhesive or mounting tape recommended by the manufacturer. This system shortens installation time by up to 40% compared to conventional glass modules on rails.
What warranty comes with Sunman eArc panels, and does it cover power output degradation?
The manufacturer provides a 12-year product warranty and a 25-year linear power output warranty. This means that after 25 years of operation the panel should still deliver an appropriately high percentage of its initial rated power, in line with the degradation curve stated in the datasheet.
What is the maximum power of the eArc panel and what cell technology does it use?
The eArc series reaches up to 520 Wp thanks to 144 half-cut mono-PERC cells. This combines the high efficiency of crystalline silicon with significantly lower weight than classic modules, making eArc a unique blend of performance and lightness in the flexible PV market.
Are Sunman eArc panels bifacial, and can they be mounted on a boat or camper van?
No, the eArc series uses monofacial cells only (not bifacial) - the glass-free, frameless construction does not allow rear-side energy generation. However, its flexible, frameless form and minimal weight make it an excellent fit for curved roofs on yachts, boats, camper vans, and caravans, where every kilogram matters.
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