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

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email
Source: Suntech.

Suntech claims its new HIPower Max series can outperform standard mono PERC modules on levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) by up to 6%.

That’s compared to existing 375W mono PERC modules with half-cut cells. Suntech’s new high-efficiency mono PERC module features a range of innovations from its industry-leading R&D facilities focussed on ramping up power from the same footprint.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

Not ready to commit yet?
  • Regular insight and analysis of the industry’s biggest developments
  • In-depth interviews with the industry’s leading figures
  • Unlimited digital access to the PV Tech Power journal catalogue
  • Unlimited digital access to the Photovoltaics International journal catalogue
  • Access to more than 1,000 technical papers
  • Discounts on Solar Media’s portfolio of events, in-person and virtual

Or continue reading this article for free

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.

7 October 2025
San Francisco Bay Area, USA
PV Tech has been running an annual PV CellTech Conference since 2016. PV CellTech USA, on 7-8 October 2025 is our third PV CellTech conference dedicated to the U.S. manufacturing sector. The events in 2023 and 2024 were a sell out success and 2025 will once again gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing in the U.S. out to 2030 and beyond.
10 March 2026
Frankfurt, Germany
The conference will gather the key stakeholders from PV manufacturing, equipment/materials, policy-making and strategy, capital equipment investment and all interested downstream channels and third-party entities. The goal is simple: to map out PV manufacturing out to 2030 and beyond.

Read Next

August 29, 2025
Chinese module maker JA Solar has launched DesertBlue, a PV module designed for desert and semi-arid regions. 
August 29, 2025
US grid interconnection agreements grew by 33% in 2024, reaching 75GW, with three-quarters signed for solar PV and battery energy storage system (BESS) projects, according to a new report from energy market analyst Wood Mackenzie.
August 29, 2025
Meridian Energy and Nova Energy have established a JV to build and operate a 400MW solar plant in Rangitaiki near Taupo in New Zealand.
August 28, 2025
Indian solar manufacturing firm INA Solar has broken ground on its fourth 4.5GW cell production plant in Narmadapuram, Madhya Pradesh.
Premium
August 28, 2025
US solar companies could potentially pay “tens of billions” of dollars in retroactive duties on products imported from Southeast Asia between June 2022 and June 2024, following a decision from the US Court of International Trade (CIT).
August 28, 2025
Boviet Solar has completed exterior construction work on its 3GW PV cell manufacturing facility in Greenville, Pitt County, North Carolina. 

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines