Maxeon Solar Technologies, the planned spin-off from SunPower, has released a new line of bifacial SunPower Performance 5 panels for utility-scale solar plants. These panels represent the latest chapter in the company’s legacy of shingled cell panel technology leadership that is now protected by more than 144 patents and patent applications. Performance 5 panels will be commercialized and begin delivery in the fourth quarter of 2020.

Utilizing bifacial mono-PERC solar cells made on large format 8-in. G12 wafers, the new Performance 5 panels offer efficiency of over 21% along with enhanced shade tolerance. With power ratings of up to 625 W, these high-power panels are uniquely suited for the needs of power plant developers, maximizing energy production within available space.

“Our release of the new SunPower Performance 5 panels comes along with a renewed commitment to large-scale installations supported by significant manufacturing capacity scale-up of shingled cell panel technology by our Huansheng Photovoltaic (HSPV) joint venture in China,” said Jeff Waters, CEO of Maxeon. “This expansion is highly capital efficient and will reinforce Maxeon’s leadership and reach as a premier supplier of levelized cost of energy-optimized panels into the large, mainstream utility-scale markets.”

Long-time partner and future Maxeon investor Tianjin Zhonghuan Semiconductor Co. (TZS) recently announced an ambitious expansion program for the HSPV joint venture, with the implementation of 3-GW “smart fabs” at sites in both Yixing and Tianjin. HSPV capacity is planned to be increased from 2 GW to 8 GW by 2021, with the first new facility planned for full ramp by the end of 2020.

The new SunPower Performance 5 panel will be publicly introduced and showcased during the TaiyangNews virtual conference, “500 W+ Solar Modules – How to Boost PV Panel Power to the Next Level”, on July 29 and 30.

News item from Maxeon