Seraphim solar panels review 2023

Jan 07, 2024

Seraphim, officially known as Jiangsu Seraphim Solar Systems, emerged as a newer player in the solar panel manufacturing sector, having been established in Changzhou, China, in 2011. It offers a range of solar panels designed for residential, commercial and industrial applications. Seraphim’s commitment to innovation and sustainability has positioned them as a notable player in the solar industry.

Our experts have reviewed Seraphim’s solar photovoltaic (PV) panels, including their power output and efficiency, allowing you to make an educated decision regarding your property’s solar system installation.

Established in 2011, Seraphim gained international recognition by passing TÜV SÜD’s rigorous Thresher Test Protocol in 2013 – the first company to do so. In the same year, a collaboration with material supplier Fujifilm enabled Seraphim’s panels to offer extended lifetimes.

Seraphim was listed as a Tier 1 manufacturer by Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) in 2015. The same year saw its solar panels passing DNV GL’s systematic tests and, in both 2017 and 2019, they were recognised as DNV GL Top Performers. The Top Performer accolade has also been awarded by PV Evolution Labs.

As a relatively young contender, Seraphim combines innovation with sustainability, striving to contribute to the global shift towards renewable energy sources. With manufacturing facilities spread internationally, Seraphim is poised to further its impact on the solar industry through reliable and efficient solar energy solutions.

Seraphim offers several solar panel ranges featuring bifacial and monofacial half-cut cells in all-black designs, tailored for residential solar setups.

Our researchers have not determined the costs per panel for Seraphim’s solar panels. JA Solar manufactures similar panels priced between £100 and £200, while Sunpower’s Maxeon range is upwards of £300 per panel.

✓ Excellent low-light performance

✓ High conversion efficiency

✓ Superior load capacity

Seraphim’s sleek, all-black PV panel delivers an output of 435W and being bifacial, generates energy from the front and back surfaces. This leads to increased efficiency and better low light performance.

The N-TOPCon panel has a maximum power output of 435W and an efficiency of 22.2 per cent, putting it above many of the panels we’ve reviewed.

Seraphim doesn’t list its solar panel costs online This is not uncommon, as several other manufacturers’ prices are only available on request, but some, such as JA Solar, Suntech, and REC have published their prices.

This panel is a good choice for most typical UK households, especially if you are concerned about your property’s appearance.

If you don’t need a 435W panel, choosing a panel with a lower output may be a more cost-effective option. However, any surplus energy generated can be sold back to the grid under the Smart Export Guarantee (SEG) scheme, further reducing your household bills.

✓ Ultra thin frame

✓ Lightweight

✓ Optimised for low light conditions

This panel from Seraphim is a bifacial dual-glass module employing PERC technology. PERC achieves a higher energy conversion efficiency by adding a reflective layer on the rear of the cells.

Durability over sand is a valuable feature to possess as sand and dust can be airborne, causing wear and tear over time.

Seraphim’s S4 SRP 400 has an efficiency of 20.4 per cent and a power output of 400W. These figures are thanks to the glass double layer.

As with all of Seraphim’s panels, no prices are published, making it impossible to thoroughly compare its panels with others offering similar performances.

For small households consisting of two or three people, a panel that provides around 400W power output is ideal. As such, Seraphim’s S4 SRP 400 module is one worth considering.

Larger households would do well to look for panels offering a higher power output.

✓ High power output

✓ Reduced hotspot effect

✓ Higher load capacity

The TOPCon technology used in Seraphim’s 630W panel allows for higher energy yields while taking up less roof space. The slim multi-busbar design reduces resistive losses by minimising the current that flows through the busbars, creating an efficient panel.

Thanks to the multi-busbar technology, the TOPCon 630 delivers 630Ws of power and has an efficiency percentage of 22.5 per cent.

There is no cost information available from Seraphim regarding its TOPCon 630 module.

For large energy-hungry families, this high-output panel is a good choice.

For small properties and two- to three-people households, there may be better investments than this panel’s 630W power output. However, if you want to reduce your bills further, you’ll earn income by selling excess energy back to the grid.

✓ Reduced shading impact

✓ Resistant to sand, salt, and hailstones

✓ Allows for installation by rails or clamps

This high-power module has been designed with easy installation in mind – each panel has arm span dimensions. This may have a positive effect on the installation costs.

It also offers rail or clamp installation methods, depending on the requirements.

Monocrystalline, solar panels are created from a single crystal of silicon, grown expressly for solar photovoltaic panels, and this contributes to the panel’s high efficiency.

Seraphim’s S4 mono panel delivers an efficiency of 21.4 per cent and a power output of 555W, thanks to the employment of PERC technology.

There are no prices available for this solar panel.

If you’re seeking a solar panel with a high power output and good efficiency, this panel produces enough energy for a large family.

Although not oversized, this panel could still be too large for smaller properties and products from other manufacturers may be more suitable.

✓ Thin, robust frame

✓ Lightweight panel

✓ Efficient in low light conditions

Seraphim have adopted bifacial technology with the S4 SRP 390 module, optimising its efficiency with a dual-glass design. The glass is 1.6mm thin but with enhanced strength and durability, making this panel lightweight but reliably robust.

The S4 SRP 390 solar panel produces an energy output of 390W and an efficiency of 19.9 per cent, which is lower than we’d expect, considering the efficiency of Seraphim’s other modules.

As is the practice with Seraphim, the cost of this panel is not published online and is only available upon request.

If you live in a terraced home or apartment, this panel, at 390Ws, is worth considering.

Seraphim’s 390W panel doesn’t produce enough power for a larger household.

Seraphim primarily focuses on manufacturing solar panels and solar cells. They are renowned for their expertise in solar energy solutions but don’t manufacture solar batteries.

Seraphim solar panels are available internationally, including in the UK. However, their availability may vary based on distributors, installers, and regional factors.

Katharine Allison

Katharine Allison is an experienced writer and researcher who has been producing content for over 10 years. She has worked with some of the UK’s leading companies including Federation of Master Builders, Architectural Digest, and Cuvva Car Insurance. During her time at Positive Agency, she worked with Gordon Ramsay, Denon Construction, Transport for Wales, and Northern Rail, among others. Katharine was also integral in establishing Inner Allies UK as a national mental health charity. Katharine is particularly passionate about consumer causes and animal welfare, and has degrees in art, philosophy, and psychology. She lives with her sled dogs in East Sussex.