SunPower Announces Higher Efficiency Solar Panels

SunPower Announces Higher Efficiency Solar Panels

SunPower Corp., a Silicon Valley-based subsidiary of Cypress Semiconductor Corp., has announced a new line of higher efficiency solar electric panels. The new panels offer customers even higher power density than SunPower’s current solar panels, according to the company.

Several performance-enhancing features have been incorporated into the new product line, including larger-area solar cells that improve power generation within the existing panel dimensions. The new product line includes three new solar panels rated at 100, 215 and 220 watts and named the SPR-100, SPR-215 and SPR-220, respectively.

With panel efficiencies of up to 18.3 percent, the new products produce up to 50 percent more power in a given roof area compared to conventional solar panels and also reduce per-kW installation costs, the company says. The new SPR-215 panel incorporates the company’s all-black design that enhances the appearance of roof-mounted solar systems.

The new panel line will be available starting in late 2005 in North America through SunPower’s dealer network and in Europe through the company’s exclusive channel partner, SunTechnics.

“SunPower solar panels already offered our customers significantly higher performance than conventional solar panels,” said Tom Werner, CEO, SunPower. “We are proud to announce this new product line with even higher power ratings. Our customers tell us that panel efficiency is a critical factor in maximizing power production from their limited roof area and reducing their system cost. These new ultra-high efficiency solar panels give our customers more power and the same uniquely attractive appearance.”

SunPower’s solar panels have no moving parts, creating pollution-free electricity with no noise and virtually no maintenance, according to the company. In addition, due to SunPower’s patented all-back contact solar cell design, its high-performance solar panels perform better than most other solar panels during both cloudy and hot weather, the company adds.

Published 06/17/2005