Key takeaways:
PX‑1 was named a finalist for The smarter E AWARD 2025 for its hybrid solar-thermal integration
The module has a maximum power output of 440 W, with 22.5% efficiency and a maximum thermal output of 1,200 W
According to the company, active cooling through a brine-to-water heat pump may improve electrical output by up to 10%
A Photovoltaic-Thermal (PVT) module produces both electricity and heat from a single panel. Heat generated during a solar module’s operation is extracted via a heat exchanger integrated with the module. Such PVT panels are especially designed for residential rooftop applications.
Sunmaxx, a Germany-based PVT manufacturer and developer, showcased its products at Intersolar Europe 2025 in Munich.
At the show, its PVT module, PX‑1, was recognized as a finalist in the Photovoltaics category of The smarter E AWARD 2025. According to Sunmaxx, the product is made using a TOPCon module with an aluminum heat exchanger on the rear side. It utilizes 108 half-cut cells based on an M10-sized wafer. The company specifies an electrical output of 400 W to 440 W with module efficiencies ranging from 21.8% to 22.5%. The product also delivers a maximum thermal output of 1,200 W under standard test conditions: 1,000 W/m² and 25°C. Sunmaxx states that the automated and cost-effective manufacturing of its PVT module is a key element in making the product a finalist.
The module achieves active cooling through a brine-to-water heat pump system, which the company claims can improve electrical output by 5% to 10% compared to passive systems. The captured heat is redirected for domestic use, including water and space heating.
Sunmaxx says that PX-1 PVT module is designed for use on pitched and flat roofs, façades, and open spaces. It can be integrated with standard PV mounting systems and is promoted for new-builds, renovations, and both single-family and multi-family buildings.
“With the PX-1, we offer an affordable and almost self-sufficient energy system and enable fossil-free electricity and heat supply for almost every application: from single-family homes and municipal heat supply up to industrial plants with process heat.”, says Dr. Wilhelm Stein, CEO of Sunmaxx.
According to the company, the module's compact design, a weight of under 30 kg, and compatibility with various heat pumps aim to simplify installation and widen the potential range of applications.
The module comes with a 10-year product warranty. Performance guarantees include 97% power output after the first year, decaying linearly thereafter, reaching 80% output after 25 years, comparable to mainstream monofacial products.