FAQ

Where are Solar Fabrik's solar modules manufactured?

Since 2018, Solar Fabrik GmbH’s solar modules have been manufactured by contract manufacturers in China – using the OEM process. We specify the bill of materials in consultation with the manufacturing companies. We ensure that the quality meets our standards through regular inspections, for example by the three major German TÜV institutes. Between 2016 and 2018, some modules were also partially produced in Germany. Modules from before 2016 come from Solar Fabrik AG. From 2025, we will also be producing in Germany again. Our production hall in Hösbach near Aschaffenburg is currently under construction for this purpose.

What is the difference between Solar Fabrik GmbH and Solar Fabrik AG?

Solar Fabrik AG was founded in Freiburg in 1996 It was one of the pioneers of the solar industry at the time and played a key role in driving forward the development of solar modules in Germany. In 2016, Christian Laibacher acquired the trademark rights and one of the production lines. Solar Fabrik GmbH was founded in this context. The GmbH has no legal succession or other connection to the AG. Since 2016, Solar Fabrik GmbH has exclusively manufactured solar modules under the Solar Fabrik brand name.

Are there toxic substances in the solar modules?

No, in no relevant proportions. We have our modules tested in accordance with the RoHS Directive 2011/65/EU on the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment. The same applies to the requirements of the EU REACH Regulation (Registration, Evaluation and Authorization of Chemicals). The substances are either not included or the limit values are complied with.

Where do the components of the solar modules come from and how can it be ensured that no forced labor is used in China?

We check the supply chain and hold our suppliers accountable. Among other things, this is regulated by our Code of Conduct and corresponding purchasing contracts. As a result, we can rule out the possibility of forced or child labor and the raw materials do not originate from the Uyghur regions in China.

What advantages do I have with solar modules from Solar Fabrik compared to suppliers from China?

Our modules are among the best on the market. This is reflected in the extensive protection against hail and other environmental influences as well as in the very high performance values. The extremely low defect rate of less than 0.003 percent is particularly noteworthy. The competition from China generally has significantly higher values. In addition, with Solar Fabrik you benefit from a German guarantor based in Germany. Retailers, installers and end customers all have German contacts. As a family-owned company, 100 percent owner-managed, we assume regional responsibility. We create jobs in the region and pay our taxes in Germany. We employ people of all genders and backgrounds, are a recognized training company and maintain close cooperation with universities. From 2025, we will also be producing in Germany again. Our production hall in Hösbach near Aschaffenburg is currently under construction.

What kind of guarantee do the solar modules from Solar Fabrik have?

Our glass-glass solar modules for the residential/commercial rooftop sector generally come with a 30-year warranty on the product and performance. This is a German guarantee provided by Solar Fabrik GmbH, which we can also back up with a double guarantee from the OEM manufacturer. For glass-foil modules, we give a 15-year guarantee on the product and a 25-year guarantee on the performance. In the project area, individual services are sometimes agreed in deviation from the above guarantees.

Are there any independent reviews for the solar modules or the solar factory?

Numerous certificates from independent testing institutes such as TÜV and Dekra attest to the quality of the solar modules. In addition, the modules have been recognized by market research companies for years. These include the TOP BRAND PV from the independent market research institute EUPD for the years 2021 to 2024, in which installers rate the brand and quality. More than 22,000 product recommendations were evaluated for the SolarProsumer Award – the result for us: recommended purchase in the years 2022 to 2024. We are also particularly pleased about the Energy Transition Award (EWA). The EWA is awarded to manufacturers who are driving forward the energy transition in Germany in the individual aspects of electricity, heating, energy efficiency and mobility in an exemplary manner through their commitment. The awards as a whole underline our claim: “Solar Fabrik helps everyone to become part of the energy transition. Together we are creating a better future.”

Is Solar Fabrik financially independent and healthy?

Yes, Solar Fabrik GmbH is a rock-solid and healthy medium-sized German company. In 2023, we delivered 734.56 MW of solar module output and generated total revenue of EUR 242.177 million. The Group has an EBIT margin of 11.71%. The economic equity ratio was over 65%. All of these figures are well above the solar industry average.

Solar Fabrik was awarded the “CR1 Best Rating” seal by Creditreform in 2024 and has a probability of default of less than 0.34%. The industry benchmark is 1.49%. Uni-Credit also awards Solar Fabrik GmbH a “1+ Best Rating”.

As an end customer, can I buy solar modules from Solar Fabrik GmbH?

No. We are a manufacturer with a three-tier distribution model. This means that the majority of our solar modules are sold to installers via wholesalers (PV, electrical, plumbing, roofing), who then install the solar modules for end and commercial customers. Some online stores sell our solar modules for end customers in the form of balcony solar systems.

Where can I buy solar modules from Solar Fabrik GmbH?

Als End-/Gewerbekunde wenden Sie sich bitte an ein Installationsunternehmen ihres Vertrauens. Dieses wird sie umfangreich beraten und gerne eine Solaranlage mit unseren Modulen installieren. Sie haben keinen Installateur? Gerne stellen wir einen Kontakt her. Füllen Sie dazu bitte unser Kontaktformular (Link) aus.

Als Installateur wenden Sie sich bitte an den Großhandel (PV, Elektro, Sanitär, Dach). Wir sind mittlerweile deutschlandweit bei regionalen Handelshäusern und auch bei bundesweit auftretenden Online-Händlern verfügbar. Ihr Händler führt unsere Module nicht? Gerne stellen wir einen Kontakt zu einem passenden Händler her. Füllen Sie dazu bitte unser Kontaktformular (Link) aus.

Händlern und Kooperationspartnern bzw. für sonstige Anfragen steht unser Vertrieb zur Verfügung. Füllen Sie dazu bitte unser Kontaktformular (Link) aus. Wir melden uns schnellstmöglich bei Ihnen.

Which solar cell technology does Solar Fabrik use?

We use N-Type TOPCon technology for our double-glazed modules. This technology has largely replaced the previous P-Type PERC technology. N-Type is the current industry standard for high-quality premium modules. It enables us to achieve efficiencies of up to 22.5 % or a surface utilization factor of 225 W/sqm for the 450 watt S4 Trend module.

What is the glass thickness of Solar Fabrik modules?

For our glass-glass modules, we use high-quality solar glass with a thickness of 2 mm for the front and back. This enables us to ensure very good stability at an acceptable weight. Some of our competitors only use a glass thickness of 1.6 mm. In our view, this leads to lower stability and can therefore have a negative impact on quality.

What are the frames of the modules made of and what color and thickness are they?

We use a black anodized frame made of aluminium profiles for our solar modules. These are inserted into each other with saw teeth at the transitions. This type of connection is more stable than a purely glued frame. The frame has a thickness of 30 mm for the standard double-glazed modules. Thicker profile frames can also be used in the project area.

What connector plugs and cable lengths do the Solar Fabrik solar modules have?

We always use an MC4 plug or a compatible plug with 4.0 qmm. The standard cable length for the current modules is approx. 1200 mm.

What fire protection class do Solar Fabrik solar modules have?

We have had our modules extensively tested by TÜV. Our glass-glass modules have a corresponding certificate for fire protection class A in accordance with IEC standard 61730-2 (UL 790, UL 1703).

What hail protection class do Solar Fabrik solar modules have?

Our Mono S5 Halfcut Installer Series and Mono S4 Halfcut Innovation Powerline modules have a Dekra test certificate for hail exposure up to an ice ball size of 50 mm at a speed of up to 32.2 m/s. This is referred to as hail protection class 5 in Germany. This is referred to as hail protection class 5 in Germany. The modules in the Trend series Mono S4 Halfcut Trend Black, Mono S4 Halfcut Trend White and Mono S4 Halfcut Trend Full Black have hail protection class 4 for ice balls with a maximum diameter of 40 mm and a speed of up to 29.2 m/s. Entry in the Swiss hail register is currently being examined. The Solar Fabrik modules are not yet registered there.