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Sunman SMF430F-12X12UW
Sunman Brand review

SMF430F-12X12UW

430 Wp PERC
ComparePV verdict

Light for its output, weak in heat

Rank 11,148 of 14,005
Compare panels Datasheet PDF
Power (Wp)
430
Typical for its class
Efficiency (%)
19.40
Weak · bottom 3%
Density (Wp/m²)
193.8
Weak · bottom 4%
Temp (%/°C)
-0.380
Weak · bottom 2%
Weight (kg)
7.3
Strong · 14.7 kg below median
Warranty (yrs)
25
Typical · median 25 yrs

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

954 panels in the segment PERC 400-450 W
Metric This panel Median Position in segment Overall rank
Module efficiency 19.40% 20.60% Weak · bottom 3% 12,735
Power density 193.8 206.2 Weak · bottom 4% 12,737
Temperature coefficient -0.380 -0.350 Weak · bottom 2% 13,397
Weight per kWp 17.0 53.0 Strong · top 2% 52
Performance warranty 25 yrs 25 yrs Typical 9,798
Colour key Strong - top 25% Typical - middle 50% Weak - bottom 25%

Signals from the data

1 positive · 3 caution
Best for

BIPV, commercial and off-grid.

Not ideal for

Hot climates, tight roof space and roofs where every square metre has to count.

Strengths
17.0 kg per kWp

Top 2% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 53.0. Ranked 52nd in the whole database.

Watch-outs
-0.380 %/°C temperature coefficient

Bottom 2% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of -0.350. Ranked 13,397th in the whole database.

19.40% module efficiency

Bottom 3% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 20.60%. Ranked 12,735th in the whole database.

193.8 watts per square metre

Bottom 4% of the PERC 400-450 W segment, against a median of 206.2. Ranked 12,737th in the whole database.

Notes from the database
  • Efficiency of 19.4% is 1.2pp below the PERC 400-450W median (20.6%)
  • 193.8 W/m² power density is 12.4 W/m² below PERC 400-450W median (206.2 W/m²) - requires larger installation area
  • At -0.38%/°C, loses 0.03pp more power per degree than PERC 400-450W median (-0.35%/°C)
  • At 7.3 kg, this panel is 14.7 kg lighter than PERC 400-450W median (22.0 kg) - easier handling during installation
  • Ranked #12735 out of 14005 panels for efficiency in the database

Specifications

Open datasheet PDF
Nominal power (Pmax) 430 Wp Nameplate at 1000 W/m², 25 °C
Module efficiency 19.40 % Weak Segment median 20.60%
Vmpp · Impp 42.00 V · 10.24 A Operating point at max power
Voc · Isc 49.80 V · 10.74 A Sizes the string length
Max system voltage 1000 V Longer strings than 1000 V modules
Dimensions 2054×1080×2 mm · 2.22 m² of roof
Weight 7.3 kg Strong Strong · 14.7 kg below median
Cells 144 · PERC Monocrystalline
Coefficient Pmax -0.380 %/°C Weak bottom 2% of its segment
Coefficient Voc · Isc -0.280 · 0.020 %/°C
NOCT 41 °C At 800 W/m², 20 °C ambient
Product warranty 12 years Hardware defects only
Performance warranty 25 years Typical median 25 yrs · median 25 yrs
End-of-warranty output 84.8 % Equals 353 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
-0.380 %/°C against a segment median of -0.350
-
Filter these
Size
Panel Power Eff. Temp. Weight Difference
Sunman SMF430F-12X12UW 430 W 19.40% -0.380 7.3 kg You are here
AIKO-A480-MAH54Mw 480 W 24.10% -0.260 21.5 kg Cooler, heavier, +4.7 pp
GK-5-54HG-480M 480 W 24.10% -0.260 21.0 kg Cooler, heavier, +4.7 pp
JKM480N-48QL6-DB-F2-EU 480 W 24.02% -0.260 24.4 kg Cooler, 17 kg heavier, +4.6 pp
GKA96N-PRO-480W 480 W 24.02% -0.300 21.0 kg Cooler, heavier, +4.6 pp
SMF425F-12X12UW 425 W 19.20% -0.380 7.3 kg Very close match
LR7-60HVH-560M 560 W 24.80% -0.260 25.0 kg +130 W, 18 kg heavier, +5.4 pp
LR7-60HVH-555M 555 W 24.60% -0.260 25.0 kg +125 W, 18 kg heavier, +5.2 pp
LR7-60HVHL-550M 550 W 24.40% -0.260 16.3 kg +120 W, cooler, +5.0 pp
GK-5-60HG-540M 540 W 24.40% -0.260 23.3 kg Cooler, 16 kg heavier, +5.0 pp
JKM545-54QL6-DV-F1-EU 545 W 24.27% -0.260 27.5 kg Cooler, 20 kg heavier, +4.9 pp
LR7-60HVH-545M 545 W 24.20% -0.260 25.0 kg Cooler, 18 kg heavier, +4.8 pp

Found 2 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±10 mm. See them here Found 2 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±25 mm. See them here Found 244 panels of the same or similar size to this one, within ±50 mm. See them here Found 1740 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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