The newly dubbed ‘X-Series’ modules come with SunPower’s latest ‘Maxeon Gen 3’ solar cell technology, which has conversion efficiencies of over 24%. SunPower had previously said that the solar cells had entered production in March 2012.
However, SunPower management said in its most recent quarterly conference call that the ramp of the cell technology enabled the company to significantly reduce costs. The X-Series modules use a new copper-based interconnect between the backside of the wafer and the back sheet, which reduced resistance and improves conductivity to reduce overall module efficiency losses.
The company said that the all-black aesthetic appearance of the modules meant the target market was specifically residential. A 250W, small format module has been designed to enable small- roof optimization and a 345W standard size module will also be available.
SunPower previously held the record high-performance module with its E-Series range that used its Gen 2 solar cells to enable module efficiencies above 20%. The E-Series was first launched in June 2011 at Intersolar Europe. SunPower’s E-Series modules recently placed first, second and third in the 2012 testing conducted by Photon Magazine. The company claims that the new X-Series modules provide approximately 8 to 10% more energy per rated watt when compared with conventional crystalline-based modules. Other new and improved features include improved low-light and spectral response as well as lower temperature coefficient degradation.
Article written by Sumit V Nawathe
For More Details contact: SNawathe@renewindians.com
