SunPower Sets New Solar Panel Efficiency Record (Nearly 23%)

Originally published on Sustainnovate.
By Henry Lindon

SunPower recently launched the new X22 solar photovoltaic (PV) panel in the US market, giving consumers the option of purchasing a top-of-the-line panel with a 22.8% conversion efficiency.
The National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) recently verified during testing that a SunPower X-Series — the product series that the X22 is a part of — solar panel achieved a conversion efficiency of 22.8%, thus marking the official achievement of a new world record for its class.

“Solar technology differs widely from brand to brand, so it’s important for consumers to consider that not all panels deliver the same amount of energy, look elegant on a roof, or are guaranteed to last as long as promised,” stated Howard Wenger, SunPower president, business units. “SunPower panels are the most efficient that homeowners can buy, and we stand behind them for a quarter century. We’re proud to hold the world-record title for efficiency.”

Going on: “At SunPower, we innovate relentlessly to deliver the most powerful and durable solar energy solutions chosen by residential, commercial and power plant customers demanding the best when investing in their clean energy futures. SunPower’s greatest minds have raised the bar for the industry, and will continue to push the boundaries of quality solar for our customers.”

Relating to the advantages of SunPower high-efficiency solar panels, a new press release provided this: “The high efficiency solar panels generate more energy in the same amount of space as conventional solar panels, which can reduce the number of panels needed to meet consumers’ energy needs. Compared to conventional solar panels with efficiencies that range from 15% to 18%, a SunPower X-Series solar panel produces over 70% more energy in the same space over the first 25 years.”

The company’s high-efficiency E-Series and X-Series panels are currently available to consumers in the US. The earlier E-Series (and also the X21) solar panels are also available in Europe, Japan, and Australia.

Image via SunPower