Maxeon Solar Technologies has announced achieving what it says is a leading efficiency rating benchmark for its solar panels. Its 24.9% aperture efficiency measurement for Maxeon 7 panel is confirmed with independent testing at the US National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL).
Maxeon does not share any details about the efficiency improvement to 24.9%, but it claims its Maxeon 7 panels come with a patented design to mitigate hotspot risk from cell cracking and heat build-up under shaded conditions. This efficiency is now included by the NREL in its champion module efficiency chart.
It has also secured IEC-certification for its back contact solar panels for impact resistance from hail of up to 45 mm diameter. This is significantly greater than competing solar panels on the market, it claims.
The manufacturer states, "Achieving this exceptional resistance standard provides increased reliability and durability to support a wider range of solar installations globally."
While the 24.9% aperture efficiency seems to be attained at the lab level, the company announced commercial efficiency of 24.1% for the same SunPower Maxeon 7 in February 2024 with a power rating of 445 W (see World's Highest Commercial Solar Module Efficiency).These Maxeon 7 series modules are currently available only to select partners of Maxeon in Europe. It plans to make these commercially available in Q3/2024.
Currently, China's Aiko Solar continues to lead the TaiyangNews Top Solar Modules Listing for commercial solar PV modules with its industry-leading 24% efficiency. In February 2024, the Chinese manufacturer reached up to 25.15% conversion efficiency for its ABC modules, certified by TÜV SÜD (see Aiko Solar Announces New World Record Efficiency).