Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W vs Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W
The Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W wins this comparison by a clear margin. It leads in efficiency (20.4% vs 20.28%) and matches or exceeds on warranty (25 vs 25 years). For most residential installations, the Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W is the stronger choice.
Key Differences
- • Both panels are rated at 370W, so the comparison comes down to efficiency, warranty, and technology.
- • Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W achieves 20.4% efficiency vs 20.28% for the other, a 0.1 percentage point gap.
- • Both carry matching 25-year product warranties.
- • Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W has a superior temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C vs -0.36%/°C, retaining more power in hot climates.
Specifications Breakdown
Module Efficiency
The Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W achieves 20.4% module efficiency compared to Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W's 20.28%, meaning Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W converts 0.1 percentage points more sunlight into electricity per square meter. In practical terms, the Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W produces 189.5 watts per square meter of panel area while the Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W produces 200.4 W/m². For rooftop installations where space is limited, this efficiency gap determines how many kilowatts you can fit on your available roof area. Over a 25-year system life, even a small efficiency advantage compounds into meaningful additional energy production.
Power Output
Both panels are rated at 370W under standard test conditions (STC), requiring 22 panels each to build an 8 kW system. With identical wattage ratings, the power output dimension is a draw and does not favor either panel. The real differentiators become efficiency density, temperature behavior, and long-term degradation rates which determine actual field performance beyond the nameplate rating.
Temperature Coefficient
The Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W has a temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C versus -0.36%/°C for the Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W. On a hot summer day when cell temperature reaches 65°C (40°C above the 25°C STC baseline), the Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W retains 93.0% of its rated power while the other retains 92.8%. While the numerical gap is modest, it still accumulates over decades of summer production, especially in southern latitudes with prolonged peak heat hours.
Warranty Coverage
The Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W is backed by a 25-year product warranty and 25-year performance guarantee, while the Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W offers 25-year product and 30-year performance coverage. Both offer identical product warranty duration. Based on their published degradation rates (1% first year then 0.4%/year for Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W; 1% first year then 0.54%/year for Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W), after 25 years the Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W should retain approximately 89.4% of original output versus 86.0% for the Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W. This 3.4 percentage point gap in end-of-life output meaningfully impacts lifetime energy economics.
Physical Dimensions & Weight
The Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W measures 1722×1134×30mm and weighs 19.5 kg, while the Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W measures 1762×1048×35mm at 20.5 kg. 1.95 m² of panel area for the Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W versus 1.85 m² for the Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W. Their weights are closely matched, so neither panel imposes a significantly different structural load on the mounting system. The more compact Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W may be easier to fit on irregularly shaped or space-limited rooftops.
Specification Comparison
| Specification | Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W | Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W |
|---|---|---|
| Power | 370W | 370W |
| Efficiency | 20.4% | 20.28% |
| Power Density | 17.6 W/sq ft | 18.6 W/sq ft |
| Cell Type | PERC Mono | PERC Mono |
| Bifacial | No | No |
| Weight | 19.5 kg | 20.5 kg |
| Temp Coefficient | -0.35%/°C | -0.36%/°C |
| Snow Load | 2400 Pa | 5400 Pa |
| Wind Load | 2400 Pa | 4000 Pa |
| Product Warranty | 25 years | 25 years |
| Performance Warranty | 25 years | 30 years |
| Degradation (Year 1) | 1% | 1% |
| Annual Degradation | 0.4% | 0.54% |
| Country | United States | Vietnam |
5-Dimension Head-to-Head Analysis
1. Efficiency & Power Density
Winner: Silfab SIL-370-BK 370WThe Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W achieves 20.4% efficiency versus 20.28% — a 0.1 percentage point advantage. On a typical 30-panel residential roof, this translates to approximately 0.0 kW more total system capacity, or 0 kWh more annual production in an average US location.
2. Hot Climate Performance
Winner: Silfab SIL-370-BK 370WThe Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W has a better temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C versus -0.36%/°C. On a 45°C summer day (20°C above STC), the winner retains 93.0% of rated power versus 92.8%. The difference is modest but accumulates over 25 years of summer production.
3. Durability & Warranty
Winner: Silfab SIL-370-BK 370WSilfab SIL-370-BK 370W degrades more slowly at 0.4% per year versus 0.54%. After 25 years, expect 89.4% vs 86.0% of original output for Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W and Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W respectively.
4. Power Output
Winner: TieBoth panels deliver 370W — identical power output per panel. System cost per watt will be the deciding factor.
5. Cell Technology
Winner: TieBoth panels use PERC Mono cell technology. No technology advantage for either product.
Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W
The SIL-370-BK is Silfab's entry-level US-made all-black panel delivering 370W for budget-conscious domestic installations.
Pros
- + Made in USA
- + All-black design
- + 25-year warranty
- + ARRA compliant
Cons
- - Lower wattage
- - Basic PERC technology
- - Less competitive efficiency
Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W
Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 is a 370W all-black residential panel with DNA technology, designed for aesthetic rooftop installations with strong value pricing.
Pros
- + All-black design for aesthetic residential rooftops
- + Lightweight at 20.5 kg
- + Budget-friendly price per watt
- + 30-year performance warranty
Cons
- - Lower 370W output requires more panels
- - 20.28% efficiency below premium tier
- - No bifacial option in this model
Choose Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W If...
- ✓ Your roof space is limited and you need maximum power per panel
- ✓ You live in a hot climate (Arizona, Texas, Florida) where heat performance matters
- ✓ You want maximum output retention over the system's 25-30 year lifespan
- ✓ Government or institutional projects requiring ARRA/Buy America compliance.
Choose Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W If...
- ✓ Budget-conscious homeowners who want an attractive all-black panel with reliable performance and long warranty coverage.
Our Recommendation
We recommend the Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W for most buyers in this comparison. It wins 3 of 5 key dimensions and offers a clear advantage in the metrics that matter most for a solar panel purchase. The Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W remains a good product, but the Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W delivers better overall value for the majority of installations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better, Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W or Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W?
The Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W wins this comparison by a clear margin. It leads in efficiency (20.4% vs 20.28%) and matches or exceeds on warranty (25 vs 25 years). For most residential installations, the Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W is the stronger choice.
Which panel is more efficient, Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W or Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W?
The Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W at 20.4% module efficiency. Higher efficiency means more watts per square foot of roof space, which is critical for space-constrained installations. The difference of 0.1 percentage points translates to approximately 0W per panel under standard test conditions.
Which has a better warranty, Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W or Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W?
The Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W comes with a 25-year product warranty and 25-year performance guarantee. The Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W offers 25-year product and 30-year performance warranties. Both offer identical warranty terms.
Which panel performs better in hot weather?
The Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W has a temperature coefficient of -0.35%/°C and the Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W is -0.36%/°C. Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W retains more power in heat — important in states like Arizona, Texas, and Florida. A lower (less negative) temperature coefficient is better.
How many Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W vs Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W panels do I need for an 8 kW system?
For an 8 kW system: you need 22 Silfab SIL-370-BK 370W panels (370W each) or 22 Aptos Solar DNA-120-MF26 370W panels (370W each). Both require the same number of panels.
Related Resources
Last updated: February 2026