SunPower is the well known leader in solar module efficiency. It has raised the bar yet again with the release of some super efficient ” X-Series Solar Panels.”
The new SunPower X-Series Solar Panels for the residential market offer an unprecedented 21.5% efficiency. The SunPower Signature Black design allows the panels to blend seamlessly into the rooftop. Image Credit: PRNewsFoto/SunPower Corp.
Compared to conventional solar panels, SunPower reports that its X-Series panels should generate approximately 75 percent more electricity over the first 25 years of ownership (on a roof of the same size). By anyone’s standards, that’s impressive.
“The X-Series delivers more energy, higher reliability and superior aesthetics than conventional solar panels. The new world-record efficiency of this product line has received third-party validation by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL),” SunPower writes.
“The X-Series is made with SunPower’s third-generation Maxeon® solar cells which are built on a solid copper foundation for high reliability and performance. This foundation makes them virtually impervious to the corrosion and cracking that typically degrade conventional panels. As a result, SunPower solar panels are backed by the industry’s first combined 25-year product and power warranty.”
That sounds good, doesn’t it?
Well, SunPower has always been known for quality. The tradeoff is that SunPower solar panels cost more than competing solar panels. The question is always what you value more, and what is best in specific circumstances. For residential use, I would guess that SunPower’s panels are best in the majority of situations. I think SunPower agrees, but that doesn’t mean it’s resting. In fact, its continued focus on performance is what led to the X-Series — the company already sat at #1.
“Our research and development teams have been working diligently to surpass the high performance standards set by our SunPower E-Series Solar Panels that are built with our second-generation solar cells. Today, we are proud to announce the world-record efficiency X-Series product line,” said SunPower CEO Tom Werner. “SunPower has set the bar once again, as we continue to beat our own efficiency records, while delivering the most reliable solar technology on the market.”
For more details on the X-Series, check out SunPower’s news release.
I don't like paywalls. You don't like paywalls. Who likes paywalls? Here at CleanTechnica, we implemented a limited paywall for a while, but it always felt wrong — and it was always tough to decide what we should put behind there. In theory, your most exclusive and best content goes behind a paywall. But then fewer people read it! We just don't like paywalls, and so we've decided to ditch ours. Unfortunately, the media business is still a tough, cut-throat business with tiny margins. It's a never-ending Olympic challenge to stay above water or even perhaps — gasp — grow. So ...
Sign up for daily news updates from CleanTechnica on email. Or follow us on Google News!
Have a tip for CleanTechnica, want to advertise, or want to suggest a guest for our CleanTech Talk podcast? Contact us here.
