SunPower Solar panels may be the most efficient and durable in the industry

SunPower Corp. (NASDAQ: SPWR), the leading commercial solar installer in the US, announced today that it’s begun commercial production of its most efficient solar cell to date.

Its third generation Maxeon solar cell is rated at 24% conversion efficiency of sunlight to electricity.

SunPower is known as a “premium” solar cell manufacturer. Its solar panels cost more but they’re the most efficient and physically attractive on the market.

All the contacts are on the back of SunPower’s solar cells, giving them a sleek, homogeneous black look.

Maxeon, which measures a tiny 160 millimeters, also has the contacts on the back. Solar panels contain about 128 solar cells and produce more energy per square meter compared to conventional crystalline solar cells.

It also has low reverse-bias breakdown voltage to deliver better performance in shady and dusty conditions, and a better temperature coefficient for increased energy harvest in hot environments. The new Maxeon solar cell offers improved aesthetics with a consistent, homogenous, sleek black look.

Last year, SunPower sold a majority stake to French oil giant, Total and then SunPower purchased Tenesol, another solar company owned by Total, to consolidate solar under one division.

And it launched a $105 million fund to finance residential solar leasing projects.

Also last year, SunPower produced the first Sustainability Report in the solar industry, joining 80% of the world’s largest company who annually disclose environmental, social, and corporate governance data.

Just yesterday, the trade group, Solar Energy Industries Association, asked the industry to adopt the document, Solar Industry Commitment to Environmental and Social Responsibility, which promotes standards throughout the industry.

The article is from: http://www.sustainablebusiness.com

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