SunPower Offering X-Series Solar Panels In Japan Starting In 2016

Originally published Solar Love.

One of the top solar energy technology companies in the world, SunPower Corporation, will begin offering its X-Series Solar Panels in the Japanese market starting sometime in the early part of 2016, according to a recent press release.

The announcement — which was made originally at PV Japan 2015 — means that the well regarded product line, with a nameplate solar conversion efficiency of 21.2%, will now be available to rooftop installers in yet another new territory. As compared to conventional offerings, the X-Series solar panels provide roughly “8-10% more energy per rated watt and approximately 70% more energy production over the first 25 years.”

“Elegant, all-black solar panels from SunPower Corporation offer superior aesthetics, and the high efficiency of our panels is ideal for customers with limited roof space,” stated Howard Wenger, SunPower Corporation president, business units. “Building owners may achieve faster return on investment by generating more power per square meter on the roof, and they can count on the long-term reliability of solar panels by SunPower Corporation.”

For those with a somewhat skeptical nature, it’s probably worth a reminder here that the X-series panel performance (solar conversion efficiency) has been verified by the US Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), as well as by the Japan Electrical Safety and Environment Technology Laboratories (JET).

The X-Series panels are also made for long-term reliability, being composed of third-generation Maxeon solar cells built on a solid copper foundation. This foundation is intended to greatly reduce corrosion and cracking, thereby extending product life. This expectation of durability is reflected in the company’s (and industry’s) first combined 25-year product + power warranty.

Here are some further qualities:

• Superior low-light and spectral response, generating electricity earlier in the morning and longer in the evening than conventional panels
• Excellent performance at high temperatures, allowing for more electricity generation on hot rooftops
• Enhanced energy production, compared to conventional panels, in conditions of partial or temporary shading or soiling

The first offering in Japan will reportedly be a 345-watt panel. Those looking for more information are directed here.

Image Credit: SunPower