Suntech claims new module series outperforms ‘standard’ mono PERC on LCOE by 6%

It uses a 78-cell large sheet design, with output power as high as 440W and efficiency up to 20.1%, according to Suntech.

The firm swapped the specs of the HIPower Max with those installed on a 120MW plant in Australia and estimates that LCOE could be lowered by as much as 6% thanks to greater yield and lower balance of system costs.

“LCOE is the definitive metric for solar power plants as we move into the post-subsidy era. Suntech has focussed its considerable R&D efforts into maximising this for our customers as they look to improve yields,” said Zhang Wei, VP Wuxi Suntech Power Co. Ltd. “This fact is even more pertinent in markets like Western Europe and Southeast Asia where land is either very expensive, scarce or both.”

The cells are 2mm wider and longer than standard monocrystalline cells. The 158.75 square monocrystalline PERC cell is also completely square eliminating wasted space. The effective power generation area is increased by 1.2%, resulting in an average power gain of 8W.

The example in southern Australia found a common monocrystalline PERC half-cell 375W module is delivering an LCOE of 0.03 USD/kWh. Suntech claims the HIPower Max 440W module came in 6% lower than that.

The half-cell structure technology also significantly lowers the module's operating temperature. Compared to common modules, the half-cell module at an ambient temperature of 35℃ can have an operating temperature 2.5℃ lower. That results in a generating capacity per Watt 4.64% higher than that of a common module guaranteeing more power at higher temperatures.

The HIPower Max series will benefit from Suntech’s 25-year linear performance guarantee and a 12-year product warranty.