Silfab solar panels: The complete review

Silfab is one of the most popular solar panel brands among EnergySage shoppers. It's one of the few companies that exclusively manufactures panels in North America, with facilities in the U.S. (Washington) and Canada.

With Silfab panels, you can expect a sleek black appearance, high power output, and a strong 30-year warranty.

There are four key metrics that you should review as you evaluate solar panel quality: efficiency, performance, warranties, and price. EnergySage has developed Silfab solar panel reviews for each metric to help make your solar decision easier.

Based on EnergySage's analysis, Silfab solar panels are a smart choice for your money. Most Silfab panels are mid to mid-upper tier, as some have higher efficiency ratings and longer warranty offerings that put them a cut above more standard solar panel options. They're also manufactured in the U.S. and Canada, making them a popular choice for shoppers concerned with purchasing North American-made products.

Take a look at how Silfab solar panels compare against other leading panel manufacturers frequently featured in offers to EnergySage shoppers.

Efficiency

"Solar panel efficiency" refers to how well a solar panel captures sunlight and converts it into useful electricity. In the same conditions, a high-efficiency solar panel will produce more electricity than a lower-efficiency panel of the same size. For this reason, a higher efficiency rating is generally preferable.

The efficiency of your Silfab panels will vary depending on the specific model you choose for your system. Silfab's panels have an efficiency rating of 19.2% to 21.4%.

Performance (Temperature Coefficient)

We use Silfab's temperature coefficient to evaluate solar panel performance. The temperature coefficient indicates how well your solar panel can handle less-than-ideal conditions. Solar panels, like other electronic equipment, perform better when kept cool (ideally around 25° C/77° F). The temperature coefficient tells you how much your panel's performance will change during hot sunny summer days.

For every degree above 25° C (77° F), your solar panel's electricity production will decrease by its temperature coefficient. For example, the Silfab SIL-320 NL panel has a temperature coefficient of -0.36%/°C. This means that if the panel's temperature increases by one degree from 25° C (77° F) to 26° C (79° F), its electricity production will decrease by 0.36%. If its temperature increases to 35° C (95° F), electricity production will reduce by 3.6%.

Your solar panels will likely see more than a few hot and sunny days each year, so ideally, they will have the lowest temperature coefficient possible. The best Silfab panels have temperature coefficients of -0.36%/°C.

Warranties

Whether you're buying a TV, a car, or solar panels, the manufacturer should stand behind their product with a strong warranty. A solar panel's materials warranty (sometimes referred to as the product or equipment warranty) is a guarantee from the manufacturer that they will replace your panel if it fails due to manufacturing defects or environmental issues.

Silfab offers a 25-year warranty with a performance guarantee that was increased in mid-2020.

Check out our in-depth review of Silfab's warranty.

For many homeowners, the final decision around solar equipment rests on cost. The total price you pay for a solar energy system with Silfab panels will vary depending on the other equipment (such as inverters and mounts) used in the installation and the characteristics of your roof.

To identify the range of prices for Silfab PV systems, we analyzed quotes, including Silfab solar panels that homeowners received from installers on the EnergySage Marketplace. Most Silfab PV systems are typically priced between $2.45 and $3.09 per watt, which makes them a strong value in the market for home solar.

This means that, for a 6 kW system, your gross cost (before you subtract any tax credits or other incentives) would be anywhere from $14,700 to $18,540. Additionally, most homeowners end up paying much less than the total gross cost, with the 30% federal tax credit for solar, which everyone is eligible for; a 6 kW system with Silfab panels would cost anywhere from $10,290 to $12,978. Plenty of state-level solar incentives and rebates can help you reduce upfront costs even further.

The best way to determine whether Silfab offers the best solar panels for your home is to review multiple quotes with different solar equipment options before deciding. When you compare your options on the EnergySage Marketplace, you'll find the right combination of price and quality that meets your needs.

Many of our qualified, vetted solar installers offer Silfab in their quotes to EnergySage users. When registering, note in your profile that you're interested in receiving quotes that include Silfab panels for your home.