Help & Support
Our data sheets, brochures, certificates and warranty conditions at a glance.
We explain the technology of solar modules, give tips and provide information on current solar module developments.
Do you own a solar installation and have defective modules from Solar Fabrik GmbH
(production date from mid-2016)? Then please contact your installer first.
If your installer cannot help you or you purchased the modules directly from us, please write to us at support@solar-fabrik.de. Please describe the problem, send photos that clearly show the problem and make sure that the module serial number can also be seen in the photos. Please also mention when and where the modules were purchased.
Solar module guide
The N-Type technology
P-type and N-type technology differ in the structure of the wafers The underside of the wafer is positively charged and doped with boron, with one electron less than silicon. On the other hand, the top side of the wafer is negatively charged. The wafer is charged with...
The degree of land utilization
PV modules are often compared on the basis of their area utilization factor. But what is behind it all?The reason for the different watt classes of modules is usually the different size of the module and not always, as is often assumed, possible technological...
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FAQ's
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. In future, we want to produce in Germany again and are building a production facility in Hösbach near Aschaffenburg for this purpose.
What is the difference between Solar Fabrik GmbH and Solar Fabrik AG?
Solar Fabrik AG was founded in Freiburg in 1996. At the time, it was one of the pioneers of the solar industry and played a key role in driving the development of solar modules in Germany. In 2016, Christian Laibacher acquired the trademark rights and one of the production lines. In this context, Solar Fabrik GmbH was founded. The GmbH is not the legal successor to the AG and has no other legal connection to it. Since 2016, only Solar Fabrik GmbH has been manufacturing 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 comprehensive protection against hail and other environmental influences, as well as very high performance values. The extremely low defect rate of under 0.003% is particularly worth mentioning. Competitors from China generally have significantly higher figures. In addition, with Solar Fabrik you benefit from a German warranty provider based in Germany. Retailers, installers and end customers all have German contacts. As a family business, 100% owner-managed, we take regional responsibility. We create jobs in the region and pay our taxes in Germany. We employ people of every gender and background, are a recognized training company and maintain close cooperation with universities. In the future, we want to produce in Germany again and are therefore setting up production in Hösbach near Aschaffenburg.
What kind of guarantee do the solar modules from Solar Fabrik have?
Our glass-glass solar modules for the residential/commercial rooftop sector generally have a 30-year warranty on the product and performance. This is a German warranty provided by Solar Fabrik GmbH, which we can also back up with a double warranty 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 Fabrik?
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. This includes the TOP BRAND PV award from the independent market research institute EUPD for the years 2021 to 2024. Installers rate the brand and quality. More than 22,000 product recommendations were evaluated for the SolarProsumer Award – our result: a purchase recommendation in the years 2022 to 2024. We are also particularly pleased about the Energy Transition Award (EWA). The EWA is presented to manufacturers whose commitment sets an exemplary standard in driving forward the energy transition in Germany across the areas of electricity, heat, energy efficiency and mobility. Overall, these awards underline our ambition: “Solar Fabrik helps everyone become part of the energy transition. Together we create a better future.”
Is Solar Fabrik financially independent and healthy?
Yes, Solar Fabrik GmbH is an extremely solid and financially healthy German mid-sized company. In 2023, we delivered 734.56 MW of solar module capacity and generated total revenue of €242.177 million. The group achieved an EBIT margin of 11.71%. The equity ratio was over 65%. Some of these figures are very significantly above the solar industry average.
In 2024, Solar Fabrik was awarded the “CR1 Best Rating” seal by Creditreform and listed with a probability of default of less than 0.34%. The industry benchmark is 1.49%. UniCredit 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 via wholesalers (PV, electrical, plumbing, roofing) to installers, 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?
As an end/commercial customer, please contact an installation company you trust. They will advise you comprehensively and will be happy to install a solar system with our modules. Don’t have an installer? We’ll be happy to put you in touch. Please fill out our contact form (link).
As an installer, please contact wholesalers (PV, electrical, sanitary, roofing). We are now available nationwide in Germany through regional distributors as well as online retailers operating nationwide. Your distributor doesn’t carry our modules? We’ll be happy to connect you with a suitable distributor. Please fill out our contact form (link).
Our sales department is available to dealers and cooperation partners or for other inquiries. Please fill out our contact form (link). We will get back to you as soon as possible.
What 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 allows 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 do they have?
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 loads up to an ice ball size of 50 mm at a speed of up to 32.2 m/s. In Germany, this is referred to as hail resistance class 5. The Trend series modules Mono S4 Halfcut Trend Black, Mono S4 Halfcut Trend White and Mono S4 Halfcut Trend Full Black have hail resistance class 4 for ice balls with a max. diameter of 40 mm and speeds up to 29.2 m/s. Registration in the Swiss hail register is currently being reviewed. Solar Fabrik modules are not yet registered there.