Suntech’s 250W ‘BlackPearl’ module offers 10% more power than conventional modules

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Suntech Power will introduce the STP250S-20/Wd+ ‘BlackPearl,’ a new generation high-efficiency module, at Intersolar Europe 2011 (Booth A2.380). Powered by a new generation of crystalline silicon cells, the BlackPearl modules achieve up to 15.2% conversion efficiency. This is approximately 10% more power than conventional polycrystalline products.

Problem

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Unlock unlimited access for 12 whole months of distinctive global analysis

Photovoltaics International is now included.

  • 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

There is a need to offer cost competitive conventional polycrystalline modules but with higher efficiencies to meet residential rooftop rates of return on investment, especially in a period of declining feed-in tariff rates. Advanced cell and module designs give higher performance but are more expensive to produce and increase the up-front purchase cost for consumers.

Solution

The BlackPearl 250W product is a 60-cell module comprised of 6-inch black square cells that delivers one of the highest power-per-weight ratios in the industry. The module features a +0 to +5% positive power tolerance and exceptionally low oxygen content leading to strong resistance to light-induced degradation. All Suntech BlackPearl modules also feature an antireflective surface trapping the sunlight into the cells combined with a hydrophobic self-cleaning surface structure. In addition, the modules are built to withstand all weather conditions including 3.800 N/m² (~270 km/h) wind load and 5.400 N/m² (~55 kg/m²) snow loads, well above IEC standard requirements.

Applications

The product is ideally suited to rooftop installations where weight, power, and aesthetics are key customer considerations.

Platform

Utilizing different technology than Pluto products, the BlackPearl module is comprised of 6-inch square cells that contain minimal oxygen content and achieve 18% conversion efficiency at cell level.

Availability

Suntech will start shipping the new products to Europe starting in June 2011.

Read Next

November 7, 2024
New South Wales, Australia, has secured the highest allocation of energy generation in the upcoming Capacity Investment Scheme (CIS) tender, standing at 7.1GW.
November 7, 2024
Turkey has launched its latest solar tender, seeking 800MW of capacity to be split between six projects in six regions across the country.
November 7, 2024
The Indian states of Rajasthan and Gujarat need a “concerted effort” to maintain their central roles in the country’s energy transition, according to the Institute for Energy Economics and Financial Analysis (IEEFA).
November 7, 2024
The China Energy International Engineering Co. (Energy China) is about to embark on a milestone 1GW solar project in Iraq.
November 7, 2024
Freyr Battery has agreed to acquire a 5GW module manufacturing facility in the US state of Texas from Trina Solar.
Premium
November 7, 2024
PV Talk: Kane Thornton, CEO of Australia’s Clean Energy Council, tells George Heynes about the opportunities for solar PV in Australia's bid to become a renewable energy 'super power'.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
November 12, 2024
San Diego, USA
Solar Media Events, Upcoming Webinars
November 13, 2024
4pm GMT / 8am PST
Solar Media Events
November 19, 2024
Philadelphia, USA
Solar Media Events
November 20, 2024
Zhuhai, China
Solar Media Events
November 21, 2024
London, UK