Most of the solar panel manufacturers on the following pages say their models have high efficiency and are the best modules yet, and this year there seems to be some truth to those claims. As panel prices have started to level off, attention has turned to efficiency. There are some interesting technologies in our Top Generation Products, like more busbars, dual glass designs and higher accepted voltages. Treat this as a preview of even more innovation in the year to come.
MODULES
AXITEC: AXIplus smart module
Axitec would like to introduce the AXIplus smart module optimized by SolarEdge. The combination of high-quality German engineering and the cutting edge technology from SolarEdge, installers can now benefit with reduced installation time and costs. Please contact your closest distributor about getting your hands on this unique product.
CANADIAN SOLAR: Smart Module
Canadian Solar is proud to introduce the Smart DC module (CS6P-260|265P-SD), featuring an innovative integration of Canadian Solar’s module technology and SolarEdge’s power optimization for grid-tied PV application. By replacing the traditional junction-box with a power optimizer, the Smart module optimizes power output at module-level. This module also eliminates module-level mismatch and decreases shading losses.
CENTROSOLAR AMERICA: B-Series
Centrosolar has, amongst other products, released the much anticipated B-Series modules. It is made in America and designed to deliver superior performance by combining chemical resistance, anti-reflective glass, PID free certification, heavy snow load, extreme temperature capability and a 25-year warranty, on a superior quality black-on-black panel.
CERTAINTEED: Solstice Solar Roofing System
CertainTeed Solstice Solar Roofing System features highly efficient, 60-cell monocrystalline or polycrystalline panels with power ratings from 260-W to 285-W. The rack-mounted modules are attractive, durable and can be installed onto either a low-slope or steep-slope roof. Solstice is backed by a comprehensive electricity output and installation workmanship warranty.
HANWHA Q CELLS: Q.PRO BFR-G4
The Q.PRO BFR-G4 is the result of the continued evolution of Hanwha’s Q.PRO family. Thanks to improved power yield, excellent reliability and high-level operational safety, the Q.PRO BFR-G4 generates electricity at a low cost (LCOE) and is suitable for a wide range of applications.
HULK ENERGY TECHNOLOGY (HULKET): Cigs-3000 Series
The Cigs-3000 Series is the most powerful green CIGS solar module, achieving 324 W, certified by Fraunhofer ISE and generating 20-26% more power (kWh/kWp) than crystalline silicon modules. This zero cadmium and lead module achieved industry-leading temperature coefficient of -0.23 %/°C and the average BOS cost is much lower than conventional thin-film PV modules.
ITEK ENERGY: 280HE Module
The 280HE Solar Module by itek Energy is a high-quality product proudly built in the United States. This 60-cell module features high efficiency monocrystalline PERC cells for exceptional power density. It is manufactured with top-of-the-line components for superior reliability and performance in a variety of conditions.
JA SOLAR: JAM6(L)-72-345/PR
The high efficiency PERCIUM module (JAM6(L)-72-325-345/PR) by JA Solar is uniquely designed to confront and conquer the array of challenges faced by the 21st Century solar professionals. As with all JA Solar cells, the PERCIUM PV cell utilizes the state-of-the-art PERC architecture design to deliver one of the most efficient, mass produced, solar modules in the PV industry.
JINKO SOLAR: JinkoMX
JinkoMX performs maximum power point tracking (MPPT) separately on each cell string, which is equivalent to three optimizers per module. This limits performance loss caused by soiling, shading or unfavorable building orientation. No additional hardware is required and there is no operational or installation labor impact, saving users time and money.
LUMOS SOLAR: LSX Module System
Frameless and transparent, Lumos Solar’s LSX Module System blends functionality, solar power generation and architectural aesthetics. LSX is mounted using a proprietary through-bolt mounting method into pre-positioned LSX Rail, creating unique, visually stunning, low-profile solar arrays that are easy to install and weatherproof.
MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC: Diamond Premium
Mitsubishi Electric’s Diamond Premium is designed to the highest standards of quality, reliability and performance. The innovative half-cut, four busbar cells boost efficiency while dual four-layer junction boxes ensure exceptional safety. Built with 100% lead-free solder and now 1000 VDC rated, the Diamond Premium excels in nearly any environment—even next to saltwater.
REC: TwinPeak Series
The REC TwinPeak solar panel features 120 half-cut multicrystalline cells, four busbars, passivated emitter rear cell (PERC) technology and a split junction box to provide enhanced reliability and performance for residential, commercial and industrial markets. The panel is rated up to 280-Wp, delivering high power output (nearly 10 Wp).
SILFAB SOLAR: SGA 280B
Fully automated, North American manufacturer of high-efficiency modules. Silfab Solar has leveraged decades of experience along with its OEM relationships to create a high-quality, cost-competitive U.S. product.
SOLARIA: High-Density Module
Solaria’s High-Density Modules employ proprietary automation/process technologies to manufacture modules with 15% greater power output than current modules. Solaria ensures lower costs and higher energy yield using standard materials and Solaria’s core technology to cut, interconnect, string and laminate cells. Solaria technology is deployed by leading manufacturers and project developers worldwide.
STRATHCONA ENERGY: ME2 Series
Strathcona Energy International’s domestically manufactured high-efficiency ME2 Series is now available as 325-W monocrystalline modules with 72 cells. Quality tested to perform at 0 to +5 watt tolerances exclusively, SEI modules are ARRA compliant and certified by the most rigorous domestic and international standards, featuring the company’s signature 10-year product and 25-year linear 80% power warranty.
WUXI SUNTECH POWER: HyPro
The average mass production cell efficiency of HyPro can reach 20.5%. The module sustains higher power output at 200-W/m² compared to conventional module in weak lighting conditions. The HyPro has a lower probability of micro-cracks and hotspots, making the modules less susceptible to malfunctions that lead to significant power degradation.
TRINA SOLAR: DUOMAX
Trina Solar DUOMAX is the industry-leading PID resistant, reliable and durable dual-glass, frameless modules. The product comes with a 30-year power warranty, low annual degradation and higher lifetime power. The 1,500-V system voltage allows more modules per string, thus reducing BOS costs. The DUOMAX is engineered for extreme climates.
UPSOLAR AMERICA: Upsolar Performance Solution
Upsolar’s Performance Solution comes complete with Tier-1 Upsolar modules, all equipment required to bring the PV system to life, a long-term loan with fixed monthly payments and interest rates as low as 4.99%. Installers empower their customers with this turn-key solution while growing their business at the same time.
WINAICO: WSP-310M6 PERC
The 310-W module from WINAICO is the highest power 60-cell monocrystalline PERC module in the world. It is especially suitable for U.S. residential rooftops to maximize power output in a small installation area.
YINGLI SOLAR: YGE-U 1500 Series
With a maximum system voltage of 1,500 volts, Yingli Solar’s next generation YGE-U 1500 Series reduces BOS costs and increases system-level energy yield in large-scale solar power plants. It is one of the few 1,500-V modules to feature a sturdy aluminum frame, which simplifies installation and enhances durability.
HOT WATER
NEXT GENERATION ENERGY: Sun Bandit Solar PV Water Heating System
Sun Bandit is a simple, clean and dependable on-site energy storage solution featuring patented micro-grid technology that received certification as the world’s first ICC-SRCC OG-100 solar PV water heating collector. Sun Bandit uses typical solar PV module installation methods that eliminate the need for net metering, grid-tie connection or utility approval for installation and operation.