With so many solar panel manufacturers, deciding which brand to install with your solar energy system can take time and effort.
If you found this article, you are likely already considering two of the better solar panel brands available on the market: Panasonic and Silfab Solar. Through this guide, you’ll receive an unbiased comparison of these solar panels across six key areas:
- Durability
- Design
- Power Rating
- Efficiency
- Product Certifications and Warranties
Solar Company Comparison: Panasonic vs. Silfab
Before we jump into the product comparison, here’s a rundown of both solar manufacturers.
Started in 2010 by a collaboration of international solar investors, Silfab Solar brings much experience to the North American solar sector. From their corporate headquarters in Canada and two USA locations in Washington, their manufacturing capacity is 800 MW worth of panels each year. Silfab has earned a global reputation for its state-of-the-art monocrystalline and bifacial solar panels. Their fully automated facility utilizes precision engineering to produce superior reliability and performance with the lowest defect rate in the US.
Founded in 1918, Panasonic is one of the largest solar manufacturers, achieving over one billion solar cells. Headquartered in Japan with offices across the United States, the company currently produces some of the highest-quality photovoltaic modules. An industry leader and pioneer, Panasonic’s research and development have achieved the world’s highest solar cell conversion efficiency rating at 25.6% (as of 2014). Their solar panels are recommended as a high-quality solution for residential and commercial systems alike.
Silfab Prime SIL-400 HC+ Panel
The Silfab Prime SIL-400 HC+ is part of Silfab’s Prime panels. It is for homeowners who want a high-quality and strong-performing solar panel solution at a more cost-effective price. Let’s take a closer look at its key features.
Silfab Prime SIL 400 HC+ Panel / Silfab Solar
High Efficiency
The Silfab Prime SIL-400 HC+ boasts a high-efficiency rating, which can convert more sunlight into usable electricity. With its advanced solar cell technology, this panel maximizes energy production, allowing you to harness more power from the sun and ultimately save on your electricity bills.
Solid Durability
Built with durability in mind, the Silfab Prime SIL-400 HC+ panel features a design that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Whether it’s extreme temperatures, heavy snow loads, or strong winds, this panel is engineered to endure and maintain its performance over time.
Sleek Design
In addition to performance, the Silfab Prime SIL-400 HC+ panel offers a sleek and visually appealing design. The slim profile and black frame blend seamlessly with various architectural styles, making it an attractive choice for homeowners and businesses alike.
Panasonic EverVolt® EVPV HK Black 400-Watt solar panel
Panasonic’s EverVolt EVPV HK Black 400-Watt solar panel is another notable option that has gained recognition for its efficiency and cutting-edge features. Let’s explore what sets this panel apart from the competition.
Panasonic EVPV 400HK Panel / via Panasonic
Impressive Efficiency
The Panasonic EverVolt EVPV HK Black 400-Watt solar panel is known for its high efficiency, which ensures optimal energy production even in limited sunlight conditions. With its advanced technology and superior cell design, this panel maximizes power output, enabling you to generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight.
Enhanced Durability
Panasonic prioritized durability in their EverVolt EVPV HK Black 400-Watt solar panel design. This panel is built to withstand various environmental factors, including temperature fluctuations, humidity, and UV exposure. Its robust construction ensures long-term performance and reliability, allowing you to enjoy the benefits of solar energy for years to come.
Superior Design
Beyond its impressive performance, the Panasonic EverVolt EVPV HK panel also stands out with its elegant and aesthetically pleasing design. The slender profile and black frame harmonize effortlessly with various architectural designs. This makes it a desirable option for both residential and commercial properties.
Which Solar Panel is Best for Your Home?
Choosing your solar panel carefully is essential, and when comparing the Silfab Prime SIL-400 HC+ and the Panasonic EverVolt EVPV HK Black 400-Watt solar panels, the reality is no different. When it comes to power, both solar panels both boast an impressive 400-watt (W) rating, ensuring they generate the same optimal amount of energy.
| MANUFACTURER | PANASONIC | SILFAB SOLAR |
|---|---|---|
| MODEL | PANASONIC EverVolt EVPV HK Black 400W | SILFAB PRIME SIL-400 HC+ BLK / BLK |
| Cell Type | Monocrystalline Silicon Cells | Monocrystalline Silicon Cells |
| Rated Power (Wattage) | 400W | 400W |
| Efficiency (%) |  21.6% |
20.2% |
| Power Output Decline | 0.25% |
0.50% |
| Product Warranty Type | LINEAR | LINEAR |
| Product Warranty Term | 25 YEARS AllGuard |
25 YEARS |
| Output Warranty Term | 25 YEARS | 30 YEARS |
| Dimensions (in) | 71.69 x 41.50 | 75.3 x 40.8 |
| Company Established | 1918 |
1999* |
The Durability of Silfab Solar and Panasonic Panels
When it comes to solar panels, durability is key. The Silfab Prime SIL-400 HC+ panels are designed for extreme weather conditions. On the other hand, Panasonic EverVolt EVPV HK Black 400-Watt is created using solar cells that create minimal Low Induced degradation (LID) and Potential Induced degradation (PID), which supports reliability and longevity.
Design is Important for Both
When it comes to design, solar panels typically have black or blue cells, white, silver, or black back sheets, and silver or black frames. Both Silfab Prime SIL-400 HC+ and the Panasonic EverVolt EVPV HK Black 400-Watt solar panels offer appealing designs that add to the visual appeal of your property. The Silfab panels feature a sleek black frame. Meanwhile, Panasonic panels present a visually captivating design perfect for any home or environment.
A grove of trees in the distance, backed by a clouded yet sunny sky. / via Shutterstock
Is Silfab Solar More Efficient than Panasonic?
A PV module’s efficiency is the amount of sunlight that a solar panel is able to convert into electricity. Efficiency matters, since your home has limited roof space, so it’s important to maximize that space to really make your investment pay off. The efficiency varies between solar panels, and it is an important factor to consider when making choices about which solar panels to purchase.
Silfab Prime SIL-400 HC+ and the Panasonic EverVolt EVPV HK Black 400-Watt solar panels offer impressive efficiency ratings on par with industry standards. There's a clear winner, though.
In situations where sunlight may be limited or shading is a concern, Panasonic EverVolt EVPV HK Black 400-Watt solar panels take the lead with superior overall efficiency. With an efficiency rating of 21.6%, Panasonic's panels outperform Silfab's SIL-400 HC+, which has a lower efficiency rating of 20.2%.
Even on the hottest days in the warmest climates, the Panasonic solar panels outperform due to their industry-leading 0.26%/°C temperature coefficient.
This slight difference may not seem significant at first, but it can make a substantial impact on your energy output over time. Its higher efficiency ensures that you can generate more electricity, maximizing your solar system's performance and enabling you to meet your energy needs effectively.
Certifications & Warranties
Certifications are crucial when choosing solar panels as they demonstrate their quality and safety standards. Both Silfab and Panasonic hold certifications in IEC 61215 and IEC 61701, ensuring their compliance with industry requirements. It's worth noting that the Panasonic EverVolt EVPV HK Black 400-Watt solar panel goes the extra mile with additional certifications.
When it comes to warranties, it's a close call. Panasonic's superior AllGuard and TripleGuard 25-year warranties cover their panels for performance, product, parts, and labor for 25 years. When installed by Panasonic's approved installers (NuWatt ENergy is an Elite Panasonic Installer) this coverage would extend beyond the solar panels to encompass Enphase microinverters and the Unirac/Ironridge mounting system. On the other hand, Silfab solar panels are covered under their 25-year product and 30-year power warranties. Silfab coverage is limited only to the panels.
Which One is Right for You?
Silfab Solar and Panasonic panels are similar in power and efficiency. What sets them apart, though, are the differences in durability, design, and user-friendliness. Getting a headstart on understanding your solar system empowers you to make a choice for your energy future, without having to worry about unknown factors.
The Panasonic EverVolt EVPV HK Black 400-Watt solar panel wins the comparison, hands down, as it has high efficiency, which ensures optimal energy production even in limited sunlight conditions. With its advanced technology and superior cell design, this panel maximizes power output, enabling you to generate more electricity from the same amount of sunlight.
If you need help selecting the best option for your system, let NuWatt Energy help. We'll create a custom estimate of the solar cost and savings for your home, free of charge!
Still not sure about which solar panel to go with? Check out some of our other comprehensive panel guides, and learn about the real cost of going solar.
