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How do SunPower Performance solar panels differ from Conventional Panels?
There are a variety of key technical differences between SunPower Performance solar panels and Conventional Panels, including the design and layout of the solar cells and the electric architecture—which combine to enhance the reliability, performance and aesthetics of Performance panels.
To go into a bit more technical detail, first, we laser cut each SunPower Performance cell into strips and layer them in a shingled configuration to create a ‘hypercell’. This shingled hypercell allows us to fit more active cell area into each panel, boosting power and efficiency. Second, Performance cells are connected with a flexible joint interconnection to offer multiple and redundant paths for energy flow. This allows us to remove the front contact conductive ribbons and solder bonds found in conventional cells that can block active cell area and deteriorate over time, leading to cell failures and power deficits. Finally, SunPower Performance panels feature a unique parallel circuit architecture that significantly limits power loss in shade and soiling. The result is a superior shingled panel constructed with commodity cells, outperforming conventional panels in efficiency, performance and reliability.
What is the typical performance advantage gained from using SunPower Performance panels?
We built the Performance solar panels for high reliability, high efficiency and low degradation—driving an estimated 8% more energy yield in a fixed space over the first 30 years of operation when compared to Conventional mono PERC Panels1.
Can you schedule the surpluses in any way? For example, to different appliances or an electric car charger?
Some customers have achieved some clever customised DIY solutions for re-directing surplus power using Enphase APIs, however, Enphase does not currently offer products that re-direct surplus power.
How has the system performed in high summer temperatures in Spain?
A simulated PV system performance has been evaluated in Madrid with the following results for roofs with limited space available:
- 30% more power on the roof
- 42% higher performance
- Half the degradation
In a space unconstrained situation also in Madrid:
- 10% higher yield
- Half the degradation
- Similar cash flows
- Lower risk for future maintenance
SunPower systems will also benefit from leading warranty coverage—up to 40 years in the case of SunPower Maxeon AC panels. Enphase microinverters are warranted for 25 years. For assumptions and a personalized simulation, please contact us to be connected to a SunPower installer.
How is a system fault detected?
All AC module installations must be Internet connected for the monitoring to receive the 25-year microinverter warranty. This Internet connection reports data to the Enphase monitoring platform, Enlighten on a per microinverter/module basis. The performance of each microinverter and module is visible to the installer via Enlighten and alerts are provided for any faulty equipment, such as an under-performing PV module or a faulty microinverter.
How do SunPower Performance solar panels differ from SunPower® Maxeon® panel technology?
SunPower® Performance solar panels use high efficiency mono PERC cells, as opposed to SunPower's proprietary back contact technology developed for our Maxeon panels.