Silfab Solar Panels Review: Professional Guide (2024)

Silfab Solar has established itself as a major player in the solar industry, known for producing high-quality panels with advanced automation processes. Their focus on precision manufacturing and premium materials positions Silfab as a trusted brand for residential and commercial solar installations. By combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to reliability, the company has gained a strong foothold in the U.S. market.

One of Silfab’s key advantages is its North American presence, with manufacturing facilities in Canada and Washington State. This regional focus allows Silfab to deliver products tailored to the needs of U.S. consumers while also supporting local economies. Their U.S.-based production has earned them Buy American Act certification, making their panels a preferred choice for government and military projects. These achievements highlight Silfab’s dedication to quality and compliance with American standards.

Looking ahead, Silfab’s plans to establish a solar cell factory in the U.S. further solidify its commitment to local manufacturing. This move will enhance their production capacity and strengthen their competitive position in the growing solar industry. For businesses, contractors, and homeowners seeking reliable solar solutions, Silfab’s combination of innovation, local production, and proven performance makes them a standout choice. If you’re considering solar energy for your project, now is the time to explore Silfab’s offerings—and 8MSolar is ready to guide you every step of the way.

What range of products is available from Silfab Solar? 

Silfab specializes in the production of solar modules for both domestic and commercial use. All of Silfab’s photovoltaic (PV) modules incorporate monocrystalline solar cells. The primary residential panels provided by Silfab encompass:

  • Silfab Elite 
  • Silfab Prime

The Silfab Elite range represents the company’s most efficient line of solar panels, exclusively produced in the United States. These top-performance panels are available in two wattages: 380 W and 410 W.

silfab solar elite panels

Silfab Solar’s innovative use of PERC (Passivated Emitter and Rear Cell) technology sets its panels apart by increasing energy efficiency and optimizing power output. The Elite series utilizes advanced “back contact” cell technology, which eliminates front-side wiring that can cause shading. By minimizing shading and maximizing surface area for sunlight absorption, these panels achieve higher overall energy collection, making them an excellent choice for homeowners and businesses looking to maximize their solar investment.

Silfab’s Prime panels take a different approach to efficiency with a half-cell design that improves performance and durability. By splitting solar cells into smaller sections, these panels reduce electrical resistance, allowing for greater energy output. This design also reduces the risk of micro-cracking, enhancing the panels’ longevity and reliability. With a 370-watt capacity, Silfab Prime panels strike a balance between power and resilience, making them well-suited for a variety of installations.

How do Silfab Solar panels measure up against their market counterparts?

Technical details of Silfab’s Elite and Prime solar panels under Standard Test Conditions (STC) are given below:

silfab solar panels statistics

Power Rating

A solar panel’s power rating indicates its electricity generation capacity. Silfab’s panels align with industry standards for monocrystalline modules, offering outputs between 350 W and 400 W.

Cell Type

While solar panels traditionally used either monocrystalline or polycrystalline cells, modern panels like Silfab’s primarily utilize monocrystalline silicon. Silfab enhances this technology by incorporating advanced features such as half-cut and back contact cells.

Efficiency Rating

Silfab panels demonstrate high efficiency. Both Elite and Prime lines exceed 20% efficiency, placing them in the “premium efficiency” category alongside top-tier manufacturers.

Power Tolerance

Power tolerance reflects potential variations in a panel’s power production from its rated capacity under Standard Test Conditions (STC). Silfab panels have a -0/+10 W power tolerance, guaranteeing at least rated power with the possibility of up to 10 W higher output.

Temperature Coefficient

Solar panel performance decreases as temperature rises. The temperature coefficient quantifies this relationship, measuring output reduction per degree Celsius above 25°C. Silfab’s panels feature industry-standard coefficients: -0.38%/°C for Elite modules and -0.36%/°C for Prime models.

Workmanship warranty

All Silfab’s solar panels come with the same workmanship product warranty. The warranty covers repairs, replacements, and refunds for defective materials.

Initially, the panels come with a 12-year warranty from the delivery date, but this can be extended to 25 years if purchased and installed by a registered Silfab installer like 8MSolar.

Power warranty

The power or performance warranty provides homeowners with an estimate of the solar panels’ power output over time. As solar panels age, they degrade slightly and generate less power.

According to Silfab’s 30-year performance warranty, the panels will operate at 97.1% of their initial power rating after Year 1, with a maximum degradation rate of 0.5% per year thereafter. 

By Year 30, the panels have a performance guarantee of 82.6% of their original rated capacity.

Silfab Solar Panel Pricing

For an accurate, personalized estimate, contacting Silfab directly is advised. On average, Silfab panels cost about $0.70 per watt before installation. For a typical 6kW residential system, the panels alone would cost approximately $4,200.

Total Cost Breakdown

The panel price is just one component of the overall expense. Installation requires partnering with a local distributor who handles setup and provides necessary additional materials.

Including installation and materials, the per-watt cost for Silfab panels increases to $2.85-$3.05. For a 6kW system, this translates to a total installed cost of $17,100-$18,300.

Incentives and Savings

These figures don’t account for potential financial incentives. Many regions offer tax credits or rebates for adopting renewable energy, which can significantly reduce overall costs. Eligible homeowners may pay substantially less than the listed prices. It’s crucial to research current local incentives and consult financial or tax experts to maximize savings.

While initial costs may seem high, long-term savings, environmental benefits, and possible tax advantages make Silfab solar panels a compelling option for many homeowners.

How it Looks

Beyond their high performance, Silfab panels are aesthetically pleasing. Their design and entirely black coloring make them a sleek and harmonious addition to your roof. They can also be installed low profile, meaning they don’t protrude as much as some traditional solar panels.

silfab solar panels on another home

Are Silfab Solar panels the right choice for your home? If you’re considering switching to solar power, Silfab Solar panels are an excellent option. They provide high-quality modules, and the company has a wealth of industry experience.

Looking to Purchase Silfab Solar Panels?

Silfab’s offerings, while meeting industry benchmarks, are far from conventional. The company incorporates cutting-edge solar cell technology into their panels, delivering high-quality products.

A standout feature of Silfab, uncovered during our review process, is its North American foundation. With production facilities in Ontario, Canada, and Bellingham, Washington, Silfab presents a refreshing alternative to the numerous overseas-based solar panel manufacturers, particularly those in China.

Silfab Solar panels are a sound choice for your home’s solar power system. If Silfab is right for you and your are looking for solar installer in NC, give 8MSolar a call today, and check out some of the other equipment we carry and install!

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