SunPower Commercially Producing
SunPower Corporation, a Silicon Valley-based manufacturer of
high efficiency solar products, has announced that its third generation Maxeon
solar cell is now in commercial production. The world-record efficiency solar
cell delivers sunlight to electricity conversion efficiency of up to 24
percent.
SunPower's new Maxeon all-back contact solar cell measures
160 mm in size and produces more energy per square meter when compared to
conventional crystalline solar cells. The new cell has low reverse-bias
breakdown voltage to deliver better performance in shady and dusty conditions,
and better temperature coefficient for increased energy harvest in hot
environments.
SunPower says the new Maxeon solar cell offers improved
aesthetics with a consistent, homogenous, sleek black look.
"We're pleased to move our world-record breaking
efficiency solar cell from the lab into commercial production," says Tom
Werner, SunPower president and CEO. "With the new Maxeon solar cells,
offering efficiencies of up to 24 percent, SunPower continues to lead the industry
in technology innovation, delivering to its customers the highest efficiency,
most reliable solar panels for guaranteed performance."
The new Maxeon solar cells are currently being integrated
into select SunPower solar panels that deliver efficiencies exceeding 20
percent. These panels contain up to 128 solar cells per panel and will be
availability in limited quantities in 2012.
